(Horrible Hostess) Day 5 in South Africa

I've been a horrible hostess. I begin you on this trip to South Africa and never complete it. I got so hung up in the details that I abandoned the overall project.

I apologize.

If you are still willing to take the rest of the journey with me, I'll try to be a better hostess.

Day 5: Monday,  20 February, 2012

Our itinerary had a visit to Table Mountain scheduled, but since we took advantage of the beautiful weather on Day 3 to visit; we were able to "laze" about the hotel for breakfast on this particularly foggy morning.

The 'green wall' initiative is a collaboration between the V&A Waterfront, Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Big Boom Media and horticulturist experts. Click photo for more info on green wall.

 
Mid morning we shuffled to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Most of us were familiar with the area as we had dined there earlier in the week. Our guide oriented us to where we were to meet for lunch and then she let us explore the area on our own. The V&A Waterfront are historic docklands around Victoria and Alfred Basins as a mixed-use area with a focus on retail, tourism and residential development, and continued operation of a working harbor.

 

Our group gathered at the Old Clock Tower.
Click photo for more info on clock tower.

An enchanting double decker Venetian Carousel built in the original 1800’s fashion and is completely handmade.

Den Anker Restaurant (on left) and African Trading Port (on left) just across the swing bridge.

Squirrel hanging out with his new lady friend, she doesn't talk much.

Poor Squirrel had to wait for us as I shopped for souvenirs at the African Trading Port. Fortunately for him I only buy postcards. But amidst all they had it took a little while to find them. Looking back i wish I had bought an ostrich egg. Oh well, maybe next trip.

 

Painted & Polished Ostrich Egg

The  vastness of the V&A Waterfront complex.

Boat Parking Here?

Let's go sailing!

Let's go cruising!

Lots of harbor cruises occur around here. Pre-schoolers enjoying their boat ride. What a field trip!

Oscar, the bronze Cape fur seal sculpture by wildlife artist Danie de Jager, in front of the Table Bay Hotel.

Woolworth sells luxury goods?

They do in South Africa, as well as in Bahrain, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Click on the picture to see the flatware they had on display. They also had tea services sets that made me want to quit coffee altogether. Did I mention they have a Trader Joe's-like grocer inside too?

Elliot rocking out!

Elliot, the giant man constructed out of 4200 plastic empty Coca-Cola crates, lives at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. Elliot is nearly 60 feet tall and weighs a whopping 27 tons.

Finally we made it back to Den Anker for lunch, where we had Cheese Croquettes, Kingklip Sauce au Safran, and Créme Brulée.

Cheese Croquettes

Kingklip Sauce au Safran

Tommy the Tugboat; Too cute!!! Click pic to book a cruise.

So here's the reason that it took me so long. Before our meal came, the swing bridge opened to let a ship through. I was so enthralled with the super-fast shutter on my new camera, I didn't even think to take a video. So here's the photo-stiched movie I was working on that delayed the blog. Hope you like.