My introduction to South Africa was "You've missed the train to Cape Town, the next train leaves in 2 days", followed by a 27 hour bus journey which included 6 hours on the side of the road next to our broken down vehicle, in a beautiful spot, but with only a handful of peanuts and a few biscuits to eat in 24 hours. After that rather enjoyable, typically African, journey, I arrived in the very European city of Cape Town.

Cape town has quaint seaside cafes, bakeries, ice cream parlours and stylish restaurants. Little eco Fairtrade shops, chippies and pubs. Children build sand castles, teenagers sunbathe and the elderly sip tea under broad rimmed hats. The beautiful beaches have the strong holiday vibe of leisurely white South Africans. If it wasn't for the native penguins or the big eyed black South African children busking and begging, you would be readily excused for confusing it with Brighton. This city has residents and tourists of all shapes, sizes, ages and colour, and although there is still an evident class and colour divide, it is pleasing to see black police officers firmly, but gently, warning white men or a white employee happily following his senior black manager's commands.

Away from the beaches, the town centre has pubs, clubs, a classy waterfront and a host of interntional cuisine. Everyone is a different shade of human. And right in the middle of this exciting, vibrant, cultural city, is the impressively stunning Table Mountain. A city so alive, but with the crashing sea and strong tall mountains as it's back drop. Breathtaking views are a usual occurance and the sunsets are simply divine! (As they say here). Cape Town is easily one of my favourite cities in the world.

If the city itself wasn't enough to make my cheeks ache from grinning, I spent a wonderful week with dear Chantal, a friend from IYC and my South African guardian angel. She showed me much of what this city has to offer, including her college, where I joined her study Waldorf teaching for a few days. She also introduced me to her Zimbabwean friend Tapiwe, who taught me how to make beaded animals one morning. My favourite moment, however, was climbing Lion's Head mountain and sitting on a rock with Chantal overlooking Cape Town and Robben Island, singing 2 voiced IYC songs into the sunset and the night. And afterwards climbing down in the dark to witness a group of Africans dressed all in white, chanting and singing round a fire, drawing on the ancient magic of Africa.

I won't go ino everything I've done here, as the list is too long, but this city just keeps on giving and I am utterly happy. I recommend Cape Town to anyone!