cape town

taken from the runway at ysterplaat airbase. you can see table mountain  from  most angles wherever you are in cape town

one of the best places i got to travel for work was cape town, south africa in september 2008. now i can understand why i've been hearing about retired people traveling to south africa for their holidays. it ain't cheap, that's for sure, yet it is totally worth the value you pay. as for me, how bless to enjoy this place without needing to pay a cent :) i'm not trying to "sai meang" in chinese meaning show off, yet i can't help it. haha

it was a wonderful business trip, starting from the flight from kl, it was almost an empty plane except for our group about 30+ pax and some others but we had most of the rows to ourselves. it is reasonably easy to drive in cape town, we rented our own vehicle for the daily transfer from hotel to the airbase where our work is conducted. transport is not easily available especially where we stayed. it is within a residential community, homes converted into lodge, so there wasn't enough rooms to accomodate all of us. though staying apart, it wasn't a problem to get from 1 place to another. daily breakfast was mostly cereals, oats, bread, milk, juices, upon order, eggs, sausages. 

the weather was chilly, when it became windy, it's literally bone shaking. having a heater in the room is very important. the people are generally friendly and easy to get along with. it's a melting pot of different cultures. in fact, i was informed by our local guide and friend, mr. mansoor that the early settlers were from indo/malay region, so you will expect to see many tanned skin residents, besides the caucasian and afro. it is generally safe to go out, but there are streets and areas which are advisable to not be visited late in the day, if you must, to go in a group. 

it's a good time of year to go cape town, the weather is lovely, the people are relaxed, even the whales are easily spotted. so, i would say, it's one of the more memorable trips i've had. 

no culture shock here

view from on top table mountain

trudge up cape of good hope for the breathtaking view of surrounding oceans. worth every pant :p

showing the direction of home 

great souvenir ideas

very african style souvenirs, but one of the more popular ones, is ostrich egg

penguin in africa?! yes, you are seeing correct. within touch distance too

cape of good hope and table mountain entrance

cosy lodge in a safe residential area

one of the reasons to be here

glorious table mountain

whale can be spotted from this distance

simon's town quayside....richman's playground? being there makes me feel luxurious already

more souvenirs these sort of carvings always gives me the creeps

table mountain from our lodge balcony. ain't it great to travel at no cost, best still, with wonderful colleagues keeping you warm :)

it wasn't all play, ok? you are seeing results of hardwork. Russia.

India.

Brahmos from india

the little township built by early malay settlers

on the move again, bye cape town.