Cape Town

We were in Cape Town for a few relaxing days. We tried to take things slow and easy. The city lends itself to that laid back life style.

There was the beach 

There was the colorful neighborhoods.

And then there was the food. A surprising mix of African, Asian, and European... representative of the city's cultural and historic background. To be fair we did not eat here (at Wimpy's), but the kids got a kick out of this fast food chain each time they saw it.

We were even able to visit a colony of 'Jack-Ass Penguins',  so named because of the sound they make. 

We took one day to head out to Robben island, to learn about the history and challenges of Apartheid.

Weston enjoyed running around the ruins (this place has been inhabited in some form for hundreds of years!)

But he was also a willing and active member of our tour group. He sat right up front on the bus and had many questions.  Shayne and I sat in the back.

We visited he stone quarry where they were forced to labor each day, and saw they small cave where they took lunch breaks and planned and plotted how to change South Africa some day. This included reading books and earning university degrees during their breaks in the shade of this cave.

Weston took some time to sit in a common jail cell, pondering his next comment or question.

Our guide was great.  All the guides are former inmates, with amazing stories of day to day life, and even how they ended up on the island in the first place. It made the tour so much more meaningful and informative.

This was Mandela's cell for many years. Rebekah and I were both impressed with the deep conversations this tour allowed us to have with our kids on racism, people, kindness and humanity.

The weather was a bit like a San Francisco summer day.

One minute is was hot and sunny, and the next would be cold and windy. 

Rebekah found the Africaan's translation of her name on a street sign, or maybe it is the combination of both our our names... 'Bradgelina style'.

We walked by the old Dutch castle, where leaders of the Dutch East India company ran the place for hundreds of years. Before the English took over!

Weston was ready to enlist.

Shayne had more fun with the old cannons.

And Rebekah, being Rebekah, spent her time talking to the local people... especially those with kids and dogs. She has a real gift for making friends.

One night we went to dinner at the Africa Cafe. It is a bit touristy... but it allowed us to sample food from around Africa in one location - around 13 different dishes to be exact.

The kids (Weston) was nervous at first, but even he found a few things he really enjoyed. He rated this dinner as his 3rd favorite activity of the trip!

So we took a picture with our lovely waitress.

No trip for us is complete with out some time at a park.  Not sure how much longer that will last. 

But the kids enjoyed playing at this sea side park, acting like a dragon and a cat (or some kind of animal) and climbing on the old wagons from the Dutch voortrekker (Pioneer) days. 

Of course on the outskirts of the city are the townships. This is where the people were hidden from view previously. They still exist, giant shanty towns of tin and wood.

Unfortunately, we did not take any time to visit these, or talk to the people to hear their stories.  Perhaps we were too self absorbed, and too busy eating.

We enjoyes sweets...

and fruits!

The condo where we stayed (an RCI timeshare thanks to my Dad) was right on the beach!  What a view.

It was in a great location, and allowed us to explore the city.

The kids seemed to enjoy being with one another, and even created a very complex card game out of the numerous marketing cards printed by organizations advertising their restaurant, tour company, store or what have you. They could not get enough of this game. Each card had a certain power, or strength based on the picture or image on the face. Who knows!

We spent some time exploring the luxury shopping complex in the harbor (the Victoria and Albert)

Complete with a tour of a diamond factory. Here Shayne is holding a replica. They start marketing very young.

One of the highlights of any trip (for our kids) is the shopping. We give them each between $3 to $5 and let them get whatever they want. In return, they do not bother us about wanting this or that. They can choose themselves. We turned them loose on a local market and watched them work. 

Weston assured Shayne he would handle the negations, as he was a master at it. Shayne was glad to let him do it.

They settle on some hand made bead porcupines. They both wanted the same thing.

Weston was able to have the proprietor throw in an extra item or two, and a deal was struck. Everyone was happy!

I just sat and watched from the sidelines, feeling my age and acting like a grumpy old man. Where is a good crossword puzzle when you need it.