Sightseeing and extreme adventure sports in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

I was born in Mombasa in Kenya and lived in  the port city of Mombasa until 1968 finally migrating with my mother  to Mumbai while dad remained employed in Mombasa..Dad,Louis.J.Furtado was employed as a "Cargo Supervisor" for "Smith Mackenzie Co" in Mombasa since 1949  and sailed the coastal ports of East Africa until 1977 during his employment in Mombasa.A total stay of 28 years in Mombasa and occasionally  coasting the Eastern coast of Africa. on "B.I.S.N(British India Steam Navigation)" ships.

"Travel and discovery my passion"

                                                                                                                          The port of Durban in South Africa was one of his familiar port stays on the East African coast and he would always recount his experiences of South Africa and South African origin Indians.Remember that those were the days of the "Apartheid" era in South Africa. South Africa has the largest number of  local Indian origin born South African citizens outside of  India.Hence  a fascination for Africa as the Continent of my birth having visited Mombasa in 1988 during my employment as a "Marine engineer"  on board the S.C.I(Shipping Corporation of India) cargo ship "Vishva Nandini".As a "Adrenalin Junkie" suddenly realized that "Shark Cage diving" and "Tandem Sky Diving" was missing from my resume of extreme adventure civilian sports.Time and tide waits for none and age was not on my side  for prolonging  my experiments with extreme adventure sports.I had to settle down to a normal life of casual touring  some day as everyone has to retire sometime  and someday from either a sport or normal employment.South Africa was the Country to visit for finally completing my entire history of "EXTREME ADVENTURE CIVILIAN SPORTS". In February 2016 booked my economy return air ticket costing Rs 41,000 with  "Kenya Airways"   through the travel portal site   "Makemytrip.com". I would be flying to Johannesburg  on Wednesday(7-9-2016)  and on Sunday (25-9-2016) flying back to  Mumbai from Cape Town via transits at Johannesburg and Nairobi..After the ticket booking  it was a search on the "Internet" for hostel stay accommodation in Johannesburg and Cape Town.Next was the "Visa" procedure which is a  tedious submission of your entire solvency history and for a nominal  fee of Rs 2,820  got it done through my familiar travel agency in Prabhadevi locality, "Farshak Travels".Last was purchase of  South African currency  with the exchange rate of  1 Zar(R) = Rs 5.Packed my luggage and was anxiously awaiting the trip to exotic and sports enthusiastic South Africa.The Rio Olympics 2016 had just finished and South Africa proved to be a  Superpower in the Olympics in comparison to its population and size of the Country.

"Kenya Airways" at Nairobi Airport.

Departure Mumbai and arrival Johannesburg(Wed 7-9-2016) :-  A very odd hour departure from home by taxi at approximately 0200hrs reaching Chattrapati Shivaji Terminal -2 within half an hour due to a traffic-less road. Couldn't believe i was in Mumbai !Was very early as usual and made my way to the "Uniconnect International Simcard Shop" and purchased a simcard of "C-CELL"  for South Africa costing Rs 1400.The "C- CELL Sim Card" would be activated once i arrived in Johannesburg and my allotted "C-Cell" mobile nos was "0742749263" .Faced one of the longest queues for "Immigration Check" and the plane departure was delayed  by an hour.Finally at 0730 hrs we bid Mumbai adieu and it was a pleasant flight to Nairobi on Kenya Airways "KQ 205" with excellent breakfast  and later peanut/cashews/macadamia  for snacks .Listened to African Hip- hop music  on the in-flight video/audio with "Coke Studio" channel being a excellent video concert on African Hip-Hop.A large group of Life Insurance Corporation of India officers were on the flight on a game tour to the "Masai Mara" in Kenya.

Arrival "O.R.Tambo Airport" in Johannesburg.

                  On arrival at Nairobi was surprised by the ordinariness of one of East Africa's prime airports and wild-life tourist destination.The security check in Nairobi was terrible as the scrouge of terrorism has made inroads into this once peaceful wild-life paradise in which i spent 8 years of my childhood.Change for the good or bad in life is permanent and always evolving . It was a pleasant flight on "KQ 762" from Nairobi to Johannesburg with excellent meals and liquor.On reaching Johannesburg got a bit paranoid about reaching my  "G & Guesthouse" situated at 6 Gordon road in  Bertrams  near the historic Ellis Park stadium. Mr Satheesh the passenger seated next to me was a Indian working in Johannesburg since the last 10 years and seeing my hotel address he warned me of the high crime rate  in that locality.

                 Prior to that my own research on various tourist comments  warned me that i would be playing "Russian Roulette" with criminals  to avoid being robbed or conned.South Africa is the 24th most populous Nation on Planet Earth and is the only Country that  borders both the Atlantic and Indian oceans.South Africa is a multi-ethnic society with its constitutional recognition of 11 official languages. Two of the languages are of European origin which is "Afrikaans" developed from Dutch and English a legacy of British colonialism and the common  link language in the Country.The other 9 languages  are Ndebele,Northern Sotho,Sotho,Swazi,Tswana,Tsonga,Venda,Xzhosa and Zulu.Sothe Africa ranks third to Bolivia and India in the number of official recognized languages of the Country. South Africa has 9 different provinces with a Democratic form of Governance and is one of the rare African nations not to have had a "Coup D'etat" in its history with regular elections held for almost a century .The World bank classifies South Africa as a Upper Middle Income Country but poverty and inequality of income is a chronic epidemic that is responsible for the present high crime rate in the "Rainbow Nation" .After the necessary immigration formalities the first thing i did was get my local "C-CELL" sim card authenticated and immediately rang "G & G Guesthouse" for directions and method of  transport to their guesthouse offered to send their car to pick me up  which would cost me a fortune and hence declined the same.  Boarded a taxi after much bargaining   and the driver Mr Muizi drove me in  peak traffic hours across the broad highway from the airport towards my destination

Excellent "Room No 28" in "G & G Guesthouse".

          .Johannesburg and South Africa was definitely a "First World" country in infrastructure and thanks to "G.P.S" he finally did find "G& G Guesthouse" located in a shabby neighbourhood of Johannesburg .He warned me that the locality was a crime hot-spot  and gave me his phone number for private tours across the city.On arriving at the entrance gate of "G&G guesthouse" was surprised by the high tech security which included a electronically operated main entrance gate along with high walls enclosing the entire guesthouse property  topped with  high-voltage power  fencing for electrocuting unauthorized intruders.In India only top  politicians and mega successful celebrities and Industrialists had such security which embarrassed as well as scared me,Payed taxi driver Mr Muizi R 200 as taxi fare and headed to the guesthouse which was neat and tidy and resembled the address of a celebrity rather than one of the numerous guesthouses in Johannesburg.

Breakfast in plush "G & G Guesthouse" restaurant.

                                                                                                                                       The guesthouse pulled a fast con on me by charging me a extra R400 although i had payed the entire guesthouse stay in advance through my credit card in India.Visa for a "Indian Passport" is not issued without prior hotel bookings and hence advance payments through credit card in India.Was this a omen of the future notoriety of the locale or the guesthouse ? The guesthouse employee  a Black African Mr Chike directed me to "Room Nos 28" on the ground floor, excellent accommodation with a large television and internal heating.I now understood the lifestyle living of mega-millionaire actor Shah Rukh.Khan and billionaire Industrialist Mukesh.Ambani as my guesthouse could resemble their personal residence security routine.Akin to actor Shah Rukh.Khan i too suffer from "Knee pain" problems that have plagued me on-off for decades.Life could not get more bizarre ! After a hot shower just relaxed in my room watching the three satellite channels provided by the guesthouse.

Landmark "Ponte City Apartments" 

                                                 This was advertised as a student guesthouse and i did see many young black African youth on the premises but definitely not tourists or budget backpackers.As a professional gambler/speculator I strictly follow the quote "Everyday  do one thing that scares you" and yes i was living my first day in one of the notorious localities of Johannesburg protected like a celebrity.Remember that this was no coloured or White owned guesthouse but a Black owned guesthouse and hence the crime phobia of Blacks against Blacks seemed a puzzle to a tourist."APARTHEID" eradication had been replaced by a distinct "Economic Apartheid" in South Africa with the wealthy irrespective of colour being mortally afraid of the very  poor who used crime as a means of economic equality.At night the view of "Hillbrow  Tower" a landmark  telecommunications tower  and  the "Ponte City Apartments " building  standing 55 storeys in the sky and once the tallest skyscraper in Africa was beautiful viewed from the guesthouse .  Had a good nights sleep after almost 24 hours of a sleep-less travel and jet-lag.

Safe and economical ."HOP On-Hop Off (Red Bus)  Bus Tour" in Johannesburg :- At the "Gold Reef City Stop".

Johannesburg .(Thursday 8-9-2016) :- As usual woke up early and tuned onto the television watching the local news and "C.N.N" channel. Breakfast was at the guesthouse restaurant which had a excellent decor complete with chic African art.

"G& G Guesthouse" Fortified main gate

                                                                            Resembled a 5-star cafe rather than a normal guesthouse restaurant.But then nothing seemed normal in the fortified "G& G Guesthouse" which overcharged me and also treated me excellently akin to a celebrity on a "Film Shoot" star.Breakfast was at 0700hrs costing  R50 and consisted of bread,Russian sausage,fried chips,beans ,egg,salad and coffee.I was the only coloured in the guesthouse the rest being all Black Africans.A gentleman introduced himself to me and was surprised that guesthouse owner Nigerian Mr Billy.Umah  was very modest for his wealth.He was a immigrant who made Johannesburg his home after the collapse of Apartheid and redistribution of wealth in South Africa due to a mass exodus of white's from certain "WHITE ONLY"  localities of Johannesburg  which included Bertrams.

The dangerous neighbourhood of  "G & G Guesthouse" ?

                                                                                                                                                  Later met the lady manager Vee.Maramba, a immigrant from Zimbabwe and she convinced me that their overcharging of R400 was authentic and i had no choice but to agree and pay for  the same. Owner Mr Billy.Umah  offered to give me a lift to "Park Town", the main city centre in his Ford car. It was a short drive through clean broad streets and high-rise buildings  with the most prominent being the tubular  "Ponte City Apartment" skyscraper with the "Vodacom " advertisement at its top, the most prominent sight in the vicinity .The entire high-rise skyscraper  buildings in the now notorious  Hillbrow locality was once plush white  and mostly Jewish property during the Apartheid era with the largest Jewish synagogue in the vicinity.The "Hillbrow telecommunication tower" which is the tallest structure in Johannesburg is the landmark of Johannesburg city and the Hillbrow locality..After the collapse of Apartheid the "White Residents"  from the "White Only" buildings and locality just abandoned their residences or sold them cheaply and fled the Country with the same being occupied by local Black South Africans.The "Ponte City Apartments", designed by 29 year old architect  Rodney.Gosskopff in 1975 at 173 meters(55 storeys) was once the tallest and one of the plushest skyscrapers in Africa .The neon "VODACOM ADVERTISEMENT" sign on its pinnacle  is the largest sign in the Southern Hemisphere.Situated in the Berea neighbourhood just adjacent to Hillbrow neighborhood this building has now become a symbol of all that went wrong post "Apartheid Government" in modern South Africa which was the millennial leap in crime statistics.This was the first cylindrical skyscraper in South Africa located only 35 minutes from "O.R.Tambo International Airport"  in what was once prime  Johannesburg real estate.Since  2015 this building has  approximately 3000 middle and working class people living in it and is guarded round the clock with security guards and has bio-metric fingerprint access to all entry points to the building.This building and its vicinity has been used in shooting  a documentary and a few films including the climax scene of the  recent 2014 movie "Seal team and behind enemy lines".The Guardian newspaper in a article in 2015 named "Ponte City apartments" the tallest and grandest slum in the World !

View of Wolmorans in Park Street from the "Tour Bus".

                                                            Most of these houses were just usurped and controlled by gangs or immigrants and hence Berea and Hillbrow which is  a mere  10   minutes drive by road from Bertrams is well known all over Johannesburg and South Africa as taboo for outsiders or strangers unless asking for a chance to get mugged or scammed.Explore these locales in a group tour but at your own risk if travelling alone.Johannesburg is  a typical First World city with its skyscrapers and well paved broad roads and cleanliness.At 0845 hrs on arriving at "Park Station" which is the heart of Johannesburg city centre. We  had entered through Rissik street which is on the West side of the station and after parking the car   Mr Billy.Umah showed me the bus offices inside the station including "Atlantic Office" which was my bus company for the scheduled road trip on Tuesday(13-9-2016)  to Cape Town.

"Gandhi Square".Statue of young lawyer  Mahatma.Gandhi.

                                Thanked  Mr Billy and made my way through a few department stores inside the station onto the main road on the North side of the station called Wolmorans and into the "Hop-On/Hop-Off (Red Bus)Johannesburg " city sightseeing bus office.Purchased a R190 bus ticket which allowed a entire day's road trip  to the prominent tourist and historical sites of the city.Was handed a set of headphones and proceeded to the first tour bus of the day. This was my only means of sightseeing Johannesburg in a economic way within my stipulated budget as taxi fares  cost a bomb when converted to Indian currency and  walking through the city alone  meant a invitation for a mugging or a homicide ! This is a major disadvantage in Solo travel and i was doing my level best to limit my economic travel damage in South Africa  due to the unavoidable cost expenses arising from   personal safety issues.As a professional speculator gambler i always hedge my bets and here in Johannesburg as a lonely solo traveller the odds were very much against my favour, a total underdog.

Johannesburg CBD"  locality.

At 0900 hrs boarded the first red double decker tour bus parked on the main road next to the Gautrain bus stand of Park Station.It was a bright Sunny cold day and hence made my way to the top of the open end of the bus and plugged in my headphones for the running commentary of the bus route and sites.Most of the tourists on the bus were Caucasians  or coloureds. Having done my tour research at home in Mumbai the commentary sounded familiar with the sights unfolding in a sequence .What shocked me was the "C.B.D(Central Business District)" of Johannesburg with  many of its skyscraper buildings  lying empty and  abandoned or converted into residential buildings.All this prime locality was once office buildings and a "ONLY WHITE" locality prior to the collapse of  the Apartheid regime in South Africa.

Once a landmark hotel :Carlton Hotel

                                                                                                                                          After the Apartheid era  most of the companies occupying these buildings vacated from the locality and the same was usurped by street and professional gangs free of cost or at a pittance. Passed through  "Elloff Street" in "C.B.D|"  which in the 18th century was considered one of the World's prime properties with Johannesburg being the city of Gold prospectors and empire builders.Even till the late 1970's  Elloff street along with its adjacent Pritcjard street was prime property in Johannesburg city.Today this street looked like any other ordinary street in "C.B.D"  locale.The streets in CBD locale had  numerous road-side vendors and observed the numerous hair-dressing shops along the street.The present Government is trying to redevelop some of these buildings as well as converting them into middle-class residential homes.Believe it or not but in 2016 during my visit it was  unsafe for a stranger or a loner to walk alone in broad daylight let alone night in once prime Johannesburg "C.B.D" locality.Today in 2016 the suburbs of Johannesburg have been developed into plush housing accommodation and the business district re-located to Sandton which is considered the costliest prime real estate  in entire Africa let alone South Africa !

Stables of  Turffontein Race course founded in 1887.

                                                        We passed along "Gandhi Square" which has the rare statue of Mahatma.Gandhi as a young man in a lawyer's attire.The World is accustomed to seeing Mahatma.Gandhi  as a old man, the father of the Nation of Independent India.Remember that Mahatma.Gandhi spent 21 years of his life employed as a lawyer in South Africa and this statue did justice to his early accomplishments in distant South Africa,His lawyers office situated approximately 200 meters  away from the statue is  today in 2016 a "Car Park" and  "Gandhi Square" is the biggest local bus depot in Johannesburg.Sadly the statue  as do most statues all over the World seems forgotten in a corner  of the massive bus terminus square.If not for South Africa the World would have not discovered Mahatma.Gandhi, the pacifist revolutionary.

Nelson Mandela Bridge over Johannesburg railway network

   Tourists only gaze at the statue from a distance from the tour bus  photographing the statue as did i and observed some locals idling their time below the statue.A short drive away from "Gandhi Square" is the tallest skyscraper in Africa, the "Carlton Centre".Next to the "Carlton Centre"  is the once historical landmark hotel of Johannesburg , the "Carlton Hotel" which has now been closed since 1998.During its 25 years in operation it was the best hotel in South Africa hosting celebrities like Henry.Kissinger,Francois.Mitterrand,Hillary.Clinton,Margaret.Thatcher,Whitney.Houston and Mick.Jagger .This hotel was also the venue for a few landmark political events of the country during the Apartheid era and post Apartheid on winning the Presidential elections on May 2 1994 Nelson.Mandela  gave his victory speech from the ball-room of the "Carlton Hotel".The severe "CRIME WAVE" and flight of capital from the CBD locality sealed the fate of Carlton hotel and it finally closed in 1998 and is today partly used  as  the office of the "Income tax Department of South Africa".

"Mining District" of Johannesburg.

                  From the "Carlton Centre" our bus took the normal tour route with the next stop being the "James Hall museum of transport".Came across the "Turffontein Race Course" founded in 1887 situated on the main road opposite the museum, one of South Africa's oldest race-courses which holds the annual "South African Derby".Saw a few horses in the stables.Strangely felt no fascination for the races with  my horse-racing passion and addiction being recent history and now more involved in legalizing "SPORTS BETTING" in India. During the "APARTHEID ERA" only horse-racing was permitted as legalized betting and after the collapse of the "Apartheid Government" all sports gambling has been legalized in South Africa. As a diversion from routine sightseeing we were told the story of a infamous South African lady serial killer Daisy De Melker(1886-1932) , a trained nurse  who poisoned her  two husbands and only  son for insurance fraud and only the second woman to be hanged in South Africa.Came across strange  yellow coloured hills which were artificially formed by the waste mud of the gold digging mining companies.In fact some of these hills were artificially built to separate the black Ghetto of Soweto from the main "White City" of Johannesburg during the "Apartheid era" and is today a natural topography of Johannesburg city

Train traffic below "Nelson Mandela Bridge".

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                                                                                                                                                     Most of these hills are barren with scant bushes as the chemical content of  the soil does not support much of plant life akin to a arid desert landscape.The dust-storms across these soft soil hills that are normal in Johannesburg  create a pollution havoc in Soweto. Our next stop was the "Gold Reef  city resort" of the Apartheid era  that has made South Africa and Johannesburg famous as a entertainment and gambling Casino in the continent of Africa. During the Apartheid era numerous rock stars performed at the venue although later condemned by the rest of the World.The bus stops for a few minutes at each of the "TOURIST STOPS" for tourists to alight as well as board the beautiful large comfortable  double Decker bus.Just a short distance away in stark contradiction to the  Apartheid era plush wealthy World of gambling, entertainment  and amusement of "Gold Reef City" is the "Apartheid Museum". 

Entrance to "Apartheid Museum"

                                                         It  is  built on the location just in close proximity to "Gold Reef City" once a "Whites Only" locale with  a political message  of showing the World that the multicultural and multiracial Rainbow Nation of South Africa is today united as one nation despite a  turbulent past of segregated living..From the "Apartheid Museum" our next halt was at the "Mining District" which housed the offices of the World's largest  mining companies operating in  South Africa.Free tour walks along Main street mall are organized for the bus tourists.The next stop was "Newtown Precinct" which is the heart  of Johannesburg art and culture.The  "SAB World of Beer" has its museum in this locales and nearby are the "Workers Museum" and the "Sci-Bono Discovery centre" museums.Next a little further away  was the  "Newton Junction Hall" stop.

Entrance to the exotic "Gold Reef City".

                                                                                The mall has a number of retailers selling different products.A square "Mary Fitzgerald Square" named after the first elected woman Councillor of Johannesburg  is situated in the centre of Newtown and is used for concerts and festivals.Next to this square is the "Museum of Africa" and adjacent to the museum is the "Market theatre" established in 1976 that allowed mixed  racial audiences and participants during the Apartheid era .Our next stop was the "Origins Centre at Wits Campus". which is a museum situated in the Wits university campus that houses the history and origins of humankind in Southern Africa.After this we passed along the famous "Nelson Mandela Bridge" built over the Park station railway lines and not over a river or sea as are normal landmark bridges.

Students  & Clubs Chic and Hep "Bramfontein" locality.

                                           Crossing the bridge we entered our next stop which was  the hip locality of  "The Grove, Braamfontein".It is the locale of young students and trendy hipsters,having the most trendy restaurants and nightlife in Johannesburg.Our last stop was "Constitution Hill" which is the home of  the "Constitutional Court" that is south Africa's highest court and guardian of its Constitution.Prison "No 4" that once housed the young  lawyer Mohandas. K..Gandhi(Mahatma.Gandhi) and later many apartheid era political prisoners including Nelson.Mandela  is adjacent to the Constitution Court and has been converted into a museum.There is also a woman's jail that housed the infamous serial killer Daisy De Melker besides other political women prisoners of the Apartheid era.A  Boer Republic Fort  situated at the peak of the hill gives a good view of Johannesburg.From "Constitutional Hill" at approximately 1100 hrs  was back to stop No 1 which was "Gautrain Park Station". I had got my first "Birds Eye View" of Johannesburg and decided to alight the bus at "Carlton Centre" on the next  circular  bus tour.At approximately 1130 hrs alighted the bus along with a few other bus tourists at "Stop No 2 Carlton Centre".We were met by our bus guide and directed towards  ticket entrance for boarding the lift to the 50th floor of Carlton Centre. On reaching the top of Africa the view of the city was breathtaking.Took a few "Selfies" and at  approximately 1200 hrs came down back to earth and boarded the next "Hop On-Hop Off bus" to the "Apartheid Museum.Stop No 5".South Africa was the 54th Country i have visited to date and i always make it a point to visit museums ,both famous and infamous. 

"APARTHEID MUSEUM :- A History of South Africa under Apartheid rule and the freedom struggle to end Apartheid.

                                                                                                                                        Entrance fee to the museum was R 60 with a discount for "Hop On-Off bus" tourists.

"APARTHEID ERA" :- Definition of the Human Races.

                                                 The "Apartheid Museum" although of a different human  atrocity resembled  the "Holocaust Museum" in Jerusalem  and  the "Tuol Sleung Genocide" museum in Cambodia.South Africa was under "APARTHEID RULE" from 1949 to 1990, a very long time in human history.The museum is designed to resemble the prison conditions of infamous "Robben Island" near Cape Town.In the "Apartheid Museum" there were displays of various South African Apartheid freedom fighters along  with their life story most importantly the life and times of Nelson .Mandela.There was a special exhibition celebrating the life and times of South Africa's post Apartheid leader Nelson.Rolihlahla.Mandela titled " Mandela -Leader,Comrade,Negotiator,Prisoner,Statesman.".

Manipulating "APARTHEID SYSTEM"

                                                                                 A exhibit of "Gallows"  and the cells was sickening .Children below the age of 11 should  not be allowed into the museum as it requires teenage and adult maturity to understand the tumultuous era of south African politics.There was a visual auditorium room where the hearings and trials of  excesses during the Apartheid regime was depicted as also the sentences.Its amazing that the collapse of the Apartheid regime did not result in a civil war in South Africa and the credit for the same goes to Nelson .Mandela.Hence the term "Rainbow Nation" to describe post Apartheid South Africa .Sadly post Apartheid its "CRIME" that is now the plague in South Africa with a huge disparity in living standards within  the Black South African population with Johannesburg having one of the World's highest crime statistics.Outside of India the largest  number of Indian origin people are South African citizens.As usual "RACE CORRUPTION" occurred within the "Apartheid System" and the museum portrayed the same as shown in the photo.
At approximately 1400 hrs finished my tour of the "Apartheid Museum" and  boarded the next tour bus at 1410 hrs.. The tour buses have a fixed time schedule at every "Tourist Stop" with the same printed on the tour brochure and hence personal tours of a tight schedule can be planned in advance akin to a group tour package.

"SAB WORLD OF BEER MUSEUM" :- Authentic vintage car used to transport beer in South Africa.

                                                                                                                Alighted the bus at stop "No 7 Newton Precinct" and walked the short distance to the  "SAB World of Beer" museum.Entrance fee to the museum was R 100 with two complimentary free beer drinks.

Sipping Tribal brewed "Umgomkithi" beer.

                                                I was the only lone tourist and akin to a "V.I.P" received a personal guided tour .At 1500 hrs the young receptionist cum guide  Ms Kuaana.Ishidi whom i mistook for a Indian origin South African actually belonged to the Pedi tribe of South Africa and spoke the Pedi language.She  took me on the tour through various different chambers akin to a theatre set.Began with a introductory video in the first chamber explaining the history of beer in South Africa.We next went to "Hathor's Hall" that explained the first  drinking of beer in the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations that later spread to Europe and Africa.My next chamber was a African village set with tree stumps as stools on which i sat watching a video film explaining tribal culture and tribal beer brewing.  

Guide  Ms Kuaana.Ishidi  at "Hops"

                                         I was given a earthen pot of tribal beer known as "Umgomkithi" that resembled  thick milk in colour  and tasted a bit slimy and different compared to normal beer.The next chamber explained beer brewing in Europe by Czech brew-master  Josef.Groll who created the World's first clear golden beer inspiring other brewers all over the World resulting in the mass production of beer.After this it was time to be introduced to the practical aspects of brewing beer and was taken into the artificial greenhouse which had hop and Barley plants in pots.For the first time in my life felt the plants physically by hand and was explained the process of harvesting and curing of the raw products for beer production.The next chamber explained the introduction of beer in South Africa that  was first locally brewed in the port city of Cape Town by a Antwerp sailor Peter.Visagie.The next set was "Johannesburg city  1886" in the era of gold prospector's flocking into the city of Gold.Breweries followed the gold prospectors and business boomed and i was given a sample of "Lion beer"in  the 1886 "Lion Pub".A set straight out of a Western Cowboy film.The beer glass was given to me as a souvenir.

Film Set! A pub of "Johannesburg city  1886" 

                                                  My next entry was into a illicit Soweto beer-house  set during the apartheid era.An idea of the living conditions of middle-class black Soweto South Africans during the Apartheid era.After this the next chamber had replica's of original brewing vats used in the brewing process of 'SAB" beers.Got to taste the difference between "Pale Malt","Crystal Malt" and "Roasted Malt" used for brewing different beer flavours.The tour came to a end at 1600 hrs and  i felt of having completed a diploma in beer brewing ! A new profession for the future.Thanked Ms Kuaana.Ishidi and headed to the museum bar relishing a glass each of "Castle Black draught beer" and "Castle Milk Stout" complimentary beers.

"SAB WORLD OF BEER "Museum

                                                             Met two Brazilian tourists at the bar of whom one spoke English and we discussed soccer and South Africa.Walked out of the "SAB beer museum, "A bit brewed but not stirred and shaken ", to corrupt a famous quote of my favourite franchisee movie "007 James.Bond". The beer tour was worth the money and a must visit even for teetotalers. who could convert to beer drinkers after the end of the tour.Walked the short distance to "Newtown Precinct" and boarded the last  tour bus of the day alighting at "Park Gautrain station".Now my most important agenda of the day was finding the safest and cheapest way back to "G & G guesthouse" from Park Station.Buses were confusing and hence boarded a taxi and at a princely sum of R80 was safely transported to the high security zone of 6 Gordon road and into "G & G guesthouse".Confined to my room watched T.v and listened to music  while dinner was just a large "Hot Dog" purchased at Park Station.First time in my entire solo touring life i was mortally afraid to step out of the confines of my tour residence. Bizarre but honestly true.

Free Tours guide South African  Mr Mark.Petzer(Free T-Shirt) with us tourists on the "Braamfontein Tour"

Johannesburg(Friday 9-9-2016) :-  Watched  the movie "Legionnaire" on T.v in 5-star comfort and later breakfast was at the plush "G & G Guesthouse"  restaurant.

A few Plush empty  buildings on Rissik Street.

                                                          The same routine R50 breakfast i had yesterday morning.Honestly, the guesthouse along with its plush restaurant and security was a once in a life-time experience for a ordinary backpacker budget tourist. It was later on reaching Mumbai after completion of my entire South African tour that i realized the reason for the pampered treatment and the hidden costs of my stay at "G & G Guesthouse".It was as if i had rented the entire guesthouse ! A car from the guesthouse was going to Park Station with some immigrant Blacks and they offered to give me a lift.Reached the now familiar "Park Station" and made  my way to Wolmarans. Thanks to "Facebook" had got in touch with my school friends and former class-mate and "Christ Church School Headgirl(1975-76)" Ms Arifa.Parker was at present living in Cape Town, the city on my tour itinerary of South Africa. Had contacted her in Mumbai through "FB" and hence got her phone number. We had not seen each other since 1977  and ringing her up and speaking on the phone from Johannesburg finally  broke the ice of 38 long years.Decided to do the "FREE WALKING TOURS" advertised by the  tour bus company as honestly i was afraid to stroll around "Johannesburg CBD" alone akin to a Macho  film hero .Real life bravery and chivalry is quite different than that portrayed in films.The first "Free Walking Tour" of the day was at 1030 hrs and it was a "City Centre Tour".At 1015 hrs noticed a elderly White  man with a green umbrella advertising free tours standing  near the main entrance of the station at Wolmarans

Open air street  market.

                      .Introduced myself to White British South African Mr Mark.Petzer and was surprised to see just another Caucasian couple join me for the walking tour to Johannesburg City centre. It was definitely not the peak tourist season in Johannesburg  with Spring weather in its infancy although bright and sunny with occasional  gusty cold winds.At 1030 hrs we three tourists along with guide Mr Petzer walked back into Park Station and made our exit on Rissik Street, the now notorious area of Johannesburg.As we walked along Mr Petzer explained us the various routes of the walk and with just three tourist it was akin to a private personal walk rather than a guided tour walk that normally has a crowd of tourists.

Historic burnt "Rissik Post Office" being repaired.

                                                                                              The Road along Rissik Street was shabby and was told that at night the entire street would be filled by the homeless, a hot-spot for crime .Stopped at the local street side hawkers market in Joubert Street.Fresh leafy vegetables, fruits and other groceries were sold on the street pavement and the local street delicacy food was "Sheeps head". There were also numerous garment stalls .Large skyscraper buildings surrounded the vicinity of what was once prime Johannesburg real-estate and business district.A few of the buildings looked desolate and empty while some were refurbished and given on rent.

City Hall.

                            None of the abandoned buildings were demolished but  just stood idle while a few were being internally re-developed.Walked past Misanse Park and came across the heritage monument building of  "Rissik Post-office".This building was built in 1897 during the era of Paul.Kruger and was at one time the tallest building in Johannesburg.It became a National monument in 1978 and was in operation till 1996 before being evacuated by the South African Post office.It suffered a massive fire in 2009 and now just the majestic external edifice of the building along with its destroyed clock tower  stood like a ghost.The South African Government didn't demolish the building but in 2016 has begun reconstruction  work on this historical edifice.

"Library Building"

                                                                                                                                          Our next stop was the "City Hall",a four storey Edwardian style building built in 1914.Mr Petzer explained us life and living under the "Apartheid Era" of racial segregation when the "CBD(Central Business District)" that we were now strolling through was a "White's Only" locality.  Blacks,Colored's and others could just work in the palatial offices and locality but had to return back to their respective designated Apartheid communes after work hours and would be imprisoned of fined if  loitering in "White's Only" localities.We passed by the monumental Library building  built in 1935 which is a educational centre having over 1.5 million books in its collection and more than 2,50,000 members.

"Witch Doctor(Shaman) Shop"  on Diagonal Street.

                                                                                           We next walked through "Diagonal street" which is the oldest street in Johannesburg  and has the "Diamond(Diagonal)  Building" as its landmark.This was a Indian locality during the Apartheid era but in 1970 converted into a "Whites Only" locality. Post Apartheid the area  still has a strong Indian presence having  a few Indian grocery shops along with local Blacks shops..Met a Indian origin Muslim butcher shop owner who reminisced about his Indian origin's of Gujarat.Came across a "African Witch Doctor" grocery shop called "Muti" in local Zulu language and selling all types of animal ,plants and other products supposedly used for witchcraft healing.Black South African's and most Black African's are firm believers in "WITCH DOCTORS":although majority are fake  akin to most God-men and God-women in other World cultures and religions.

"Diamond(Diagonal) Building.

                          The most popular "African Witch Doctors" are no  jokers but a respected and feared member of Black African society. Further along Diagonal street we passed by the monolithic "Diamond Building(Diagonal Building)" shaped in the image of a diamond with its glass exteriors designed to reflect different views of the "CBD" locality. From Diagonal street we headed back towards Rissik Street and on the way  we came across a old lady selling "Witch Doctor Advertisements" mostly concerning sex and sexual matters.The paper hand-out advertisement  claimed  that a  Witch Doctor named "Dr Daudi" could cure all sexual diseases and dysfunctions beside's other normal human diseases.At the height of the "A.I.D'S" epidemic South Africa had the highest incidence of  the A.I.D'S epidemic in the World.Bizarrely "Daudi" when translated in Hindi language means "Running".Hilarious but definitely blatantly x-rated for me to scan "Dr Daudi's" advertisement for my blog readers  although "Internet Porn" available to one and sundry   has worse sexual content.

Johannesburg CBD :- Homeless in a First World city

                                                                                                                          I wonder what was Dr Daudi's success rate  and popularity among his clients ? At approximately 1200 hrs our "City Centre Tour" finally came to a end  on reaching Wolmarans. Thanked Mr Mark.Petzer and handed him a R100 tip for his services  while  the young couple gave him R 200.If we were many tourists then the  individual tips would have been less but we three definitely got personal attention and facts.A Tip is  the accepted norm on these "Free City Tours" and honestly i would never have ventured into "Johannesburg (CBD)" alone let  alone collecting  Witch doctor  Daudi's hilarious sexual and sexual dysfunctional healing advertisement. End of a excellent walking tour and told Mr Petzer that i would be joining him again at 1500 hrs for the "Braamfontein Tour".

"Fish & Chips" for lunch at "Park Station Food Mall"

Johannesburg Park Station has a large food mall at the Wolmarans exit and lunch was  "Fish & Chips" costing R28 ,bland food compared to my normal fish/curry rice back home in India.Oh, how i missed my simple "Mangalorean/Goan Fish curry/rice" staple diet.The food mall was crowded with Black young fashionable  South African's and i was the only coloured in a sea of Blacks.After decades got to view various "Afro-Style" hair-cuts and fashion of Black African's.The young Black South African educated Middle-class youth  are computer and "Smart Phone" savvy and spent the time  just rooted to my seat observing the youth busy on their lap-tops and smartphones while having their normal take-away food and snacks.Typical of mall culture .

Classic "Graffiti Art" near a dump site.

                 Later  walked over to the "Rea Vaya" bus terminus at Wolmarans and purchased a "Rea Vaya bus travel card"  costing R30 and topping it up with R50 travel money.I was ashamed of my fear of public transport travel in a First World city just because of crime and decided to finally go for broke and put my fear in the back-burner. In 1988 during my "Shipping Years" i had  walked the streets of Maputo to my ship past mid-night after a pub orgy during the height of Civil war in that  Country .Here in 2016 in  neighbouring Johannesburg i was behaving like a scared chicken. Taxi fare at R 80 one-way from Park Station to my guest-house would bankrupt my tour budget planning and hence bus travel was the only solution to shedding some travel expenditure weight !Travel is the greatest education after a normal formal education.
At 1445 hrs made my way to the normal "Free Walks" rendezvous and was happy that there was a small crowd of 5 tourists .From Wolmarans we walked past the "Rea Vaya "bus terminus road  with guide Mr Mark.Petzer explaining us the surrounding locale .Came across a beautiful building wall graffiti that had a trash dump next to it. Bizarre graffiti statement by the artist.

Johannesburg's hippest young  crowd at the "GROOVE".

                                                                                                 Three of the skyscraper buildings facing Wolmarans was built in 1962 and the Braamfontein locality  situated in the North of the city centre  was considered comparatively safe compared to  the  Rissik Street CBD locality.During the Apartheid era commercial  development was encouraged in the locality which deteriorated post Apartheid akin to "CBD" locality.Finally Urban renewal efforts and investments by business houses resulted in Braamfontein being redeveloped as a business district,educational centre and also the focal point of the arts and entertainment in Johannesburg.None of the skyscraper buildings in the Braamfontein  area seemed abandoned nor derelict.

"Kitchener Pub", 2nd oldest pub  in Johannesburg.

                                                                             Many of the abandoned buildings in Braamfontein locality was redeveloped into "Student Hostel accommodation".Braamfontein was definitely a more polished and lively area compared to Johannesburg  CBD  having cafe's and definitely seemed more safe than  Johannesburg CBD.Came across a Richard Branson company We walked to the most Hip area of Johannesburg , "The Groove"  situated at the corner of Juta and De Beer Streets..This is a small public square that has the landmark Lamanu Hotel overlooking it besides numerous other cafe's.The main eatery is Cafe La Menu  which faces the square and which had a total young student crowd sporting the latest in South African fashion.Saturday's is the most happening day in the "Groove" when the entire Student's community descends on the locale to celebrate  the week-end.

Prominent Graffiti art by "TAPZ".

                                                  Rest is left to imagination!Bizarrely although South Africa has the largest Indian origin population outside of India i didn't see a single poster or graffiti of any Indian film star or a advertisement of Indian movies although Johannesburg FM radio did have one Hindi/Urdu channel that at times broadcast non-filmi Hindi/Urdu music.From the Groove we walked down Juta Street  which had a few galleries and shops and on its opposite side was the Milner Park hotel that has now been transformed into office space.On the ground floor of the once Milner Park  Hotel is the second oldest pub in Johannesburg, "The Kitcheners".We entered the "Kitchener's Bar" which seemed very ordinary barring its historic age and the fact that the floor service of the bar is made of 5 cent coins.This novelty decor alone could be a good reason for putting the Kitchener bar on your bucket lists of sightseeing tours in Johannesburg city. Since we were early  the dance floor was empty and a D.J was playing recorded music.After visiting the Kitchener pub we walked along  towards  Johannesburg and Africa's most famous University "The Witwatersrand University".  

Hair Dressing saloons are all over Johannesburg.

                                                                                                                                                 On the route came across numerous graffiti art painted all along the walls by artists belonging to the student's community and not gang members.Most of the "Graffiti " art had the signature "TAPZ" who is considered the most notorious graffiti artist in Johannesburg.He is the only Graffiti artist to have tagged a Johannesburg train car. The South African stereotype  image  is of Johannesburg(City of Gold) being  a business city and Cape Town being the Creative city.This image  has haunted Joburg and famous artists like "TAPZ" and "Finn"  intend changing that image by their street art along with other local artists.

Cosatu House.

                                                                                                         By 2040 Johannesburg has the aim to be the capital of street art in the World although technically graffiti art is illegal in south Africa."Graffiti Art" seemed a form of protest art all over the Braamfontein area giving the locality a colourful and lively feel although some of the graffiti issued political and social statements pertaining to social living conditions of the Country.Came across a hair dressing saloon  one of the numerous hair-dressers found in Johannesburg CBD and Braamfontein locality.South Africans are very conscious of their hair fashions  and i wonder what my bald head fashion meant to the hipsters ? Finally we reached Jan Smuts Avenue  where one of Africa's most prominent University was located , the Witswatersrand University. It was founded in 1896 as the "School of Mines" and has at least 14 museums within its campus.

Defunct "Roma Revolving Restaurant"

                                                          Its popularly known as "Wits University" and is the top University in South Africa and 176th in World rankings in 2016.This University has produced four Nobel laureates as listed  1) Aaron .Klug(1982 Nobel Prize in Chemistry) 2) Nadine .Gordimer( 1991 Nobel prize in Literature) 3) Nelson .Mandela (1993 Nobel Peace Prize.Had attended University but did not graduate) 4) Sydney.Brenner (2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine). The University has its own theatre called "Wits Theatre" which stages drama and the arts for its faculty as well as rents out its auditorium  to professional companies ,dance troupes and schools.Guide Mr Mark.Pretzer's children graduated from the University and he himself was a highly educated mining professional having retired from active service and now indulging in conducting private "Wild-life tours"  and casual "Free walks".Came across a political statement graffiti which  as a Christian Catholic  found the graffiti " Santa hates poor kids" very disturbing which directly explained the pathological crime wave and crime hysteria in Johannesburg.

Joburg Theatre.

                               From Jan Smuts avenue  we walked towards the Civic Boulevard street and came across a defunct revolving restaurant once called "The Roma" and now converted into a plush roof-top bar called "Randlords". "Hillbrow Tower" the tallest structure in Johannesburg once boasted of having the highest revolving roof-top restaurant which closed in 1981.Both "Revolving Restaurants"  were  a victim of the downturn in business economics  of Johannesburg post apartheid era. Passed along "Cosatu House(Congress of South African Trade Unions)" building which is the largest trade union in South Africa.Our final stop was the uphill road to the Joburg Theare complex  situated at 162 Civic Boulevard.The complex has a group of 4 theatres  and has a audience capacity of 1,069 people. Adjacent to the Joburg theatre is the monolith "Civic Administration building" of Johannesburg.We took a group photograph and headed back to Park Station.

My first travel on the public"REA VAYA" bus. .

                                                                                                                         At approximately 1700 hrs we reached Park station and after tipping Mr Mark.Petzer R 50 rushed towards Park "Rea Vaya " bus terminus hoping to be brave and reach "Ellis Park North" bus station before dark and thus avoiding  a "Hijack( South African slang for robbery or mugging)".The  staff at the bus station were very helpful and gave me directions to reach "Ellis Park North".There was no direct bus to "Ellis Park North" and was told to catch the opposite direction bus and  change at "Library Gardens Stop" in CBD .Boarded a "C4 " bus to "Library Gardens" and the traffic was a nightmare for a short distance of just two stops.A young school girl helped me alight at the right stop and was lucky to get a connecting "T1" bus back in the reverse direction towards (Ellis Park North).Passed along  the bus stops of "Carlton","Fashion Square", "Johannesburg Art Gallery","Old Synagogue", "Doornfontein Campus","Ellis Park North" and finally "Ellis Park East" where i got down little realizing that i had overshot my bus station "Ellis Park North". Realized i was in unfamiliar surroundings and luckily at 1800 hrs it was still daylight .Asking for directions walked past the Johannesburg Cricket club  realizing that Bertrams was the prime sports locality of Johannesburg. Finally with great bravery reached my fortified fortress guesthouse  hoping that i wouldn't be "HIJACKED" before the electronic doors opened as the surroundings were devoid of human presence.Was relieved on entering the guesthouse premises and made myself comfortable in the cosy room.

In Soweto at the former residence of Nelson.Mandela now a Museum.

 Saturday(10-9-2016) Johannesburg :- As a partial insomniac i never sleep for more than 4 to 5 hours and hence would wake up after approximately 0230 hrs and listen to the "FM Radio" of Johannesburg.Excellent diversity of programmes having more than 10 channels in the dead hours of the morning with a live television chat programme on "Radio Metro channel".

 Glamorous and gamblers World of "GOLD REEF CITY".

                                     There was only one Hindi/Urdu channel that broadcast some religious music.Officially got up from bed at 0530 hrs and after a excellent hot shower watched T.v in my  fortress style guesthouse.Today decided to catch the local "Rea Vaya" bus at "Ellis Park North" bus terminus which was just approximately 5 minutes walking distance from the guesthouse .Dressed up early and Martin the guesthouse watchman told me that i could board the shared local mini-cabs just outside the guest-house.He opened the electronic operated main-gate and helped me get a taxi as the taxi drivers only stop on seeing the  customer  "Hand code" for indicating the destination to place of travel.Johannesburg Park station had a particular "Hand Sign" and after a few overloaded taxi's passed  us i finally did get a taxi driver to stop and for the first time travelled in a shared local taxi cab.

Entertainment at "Lyric theatre " of Gold Reef City.

                                              A comfortable drive towards Park Station  and was aghast when told that i had reached my last stop totally failing to recognize my bearings of Park station.Park Station has 4 entrances 1)Wolmarans(North) 2)Rissik (West) 3)Wanderers(East) and 4) De Villiers(South) of which i was only familiar with Rissik and Wolmarans. The cab had stopped in De Villiers and after paying  the cab driver R 10 taxi fare with the help of a lonely couple  managed to safely find my way the short distance to Rissik street and into Park Station.Breakfast was "Kidney Pie(R 21.90)" at the  fast food shop in the food-mall ,definitely cheaper than the R 50 breakfast in plush "G & G Guesthouse".    

Our "Mini Van" for "Soweto Tour" at "Gold Reef City".

                                                                                                After breakfast hopped into  my familiar haunt of the "Red Bus city tour" shop on Wolmarans. and purchased a "2-Day Combo Ticket(Saturday/Sunday)" costing R 570.The 2-day ticket  included a tour to Soweto locality of Johannesburg from where the "Anti-Apartheid Movement" began and also the biggest Black South African township  in South Africa.A tour of South Africa without a visit to Soweto is akin to missing a part of modern 20th century World history.My generation had lived through the "Apartheid Era" history of South Africa besides i was born in Kenya.India welcomed the first Non-Apartheid Cricket team to play on its soil after decades of a sports boycott.

2010 built "Soccer City stadium".

                                            More than one third  of Johannesburg's population lives in Soweto which is mostly Black..Boarded the first "Red Bus Tour" at 0900 hrs and made our way through the now routine  commentary drive finally arriving at "Gold Reef City".Alighted the tour bus at "Gold Reef City" as this was the boarding point for the next connecting tour to Soweto. As a Professional speculator gambler  i had read a lot about the glamorous "Gold Reef City" of South Africa and quickly made my way into the entrance of this Mecca of African gambling.The decor was grand as are all Casino's  and the gambling section had a large number of slot machines and a few gaming tables.

Entering the sprawling "SOWETO TOWNSHIP".

                                                                                                                                        Having visited Macau in 2007 as also a few  gambling casino's in Malaysia  and Europe i personally found the gaming parlour of "Gold reef City" quite ordinary although it was packed to capacity with gamblers.I presume the "Apartheid Era" notoriety of "Gold Reef City" made this entertainment centre of Africa World famous as some of the household names of entertainment performed here for a pure white audience and tons of cash only later to be criticized by the World media.Famous rock band "Queen" performed at "Gold Reef City" during the "Apartheid Era" and were badly maligned by the media  after that tour.Saw a publicity poster of famous Indian Tabla Maestro Zakir .Hussain along with  Flutist Rakesh.Chaurasia at the main reception centre which had a queue for purchasing concert tickets for various shows held at the famous Lyric theatre of "Gold Reef City Casino".

Plush private  locality within "SOWETO TOWNSHIP".

                                                                                                                They were scheduled  to  perform on Sunday 4th December 2016 at the Lyric theatre of the Casino and all the tickets costing R300 were sold out ! Indian entertainment artists are mega-hits in South Africa especially in Durban which has a large Indian origin South African population.The mega hit Hindi film "Race" was filmed in Durban.Entertainment more than gambling was the success of "Gold Reef City" amusement park and casino .After a brief  tour of the small Casino made my way back to the exotic main entrance of the casino and boarded the mini red  van to Soweto.The Van was house-full with tourists from Britain,Italy, Venezuela and India with the red tour van departing to Soweto at the  scheduled time of 1000 hrs.. Mr Namit.Laller from Delhi and employed in Dubai was the other Indian tourist besides me in the van. Our guide was a young Zulu man named Nimoh and after the normal introduction formalities while driving he gave us a brief idea of the tour.He also gave each of us a "Zulu Nickname" and i just couldn't pronounce nor remember my nickname, a real tongue twister.

"Government housing" in Soweto.

"SOWETO"  borders Johannesburg city's mining belt in the South  with the mining belt artificial gold waste hills being its former Apartheid boundary as a "Black Township". The name "SOWETO" is a English language abbreviation and means "SOUTH WESTERN TOWNSHIPS". Our first stop was  on the main road at a distance from the "FNB (First National Bank)" stadium also known as "Soccer City" originally built in 1989. .The stadium is also called "The Calabash" due to its resemblance to the African pot of Gourd and is really a sight to behold. It is the largest stadium in Africa and can seat 94,736 spectators.This stadium was the sight of Nelson.Mandela's first speech when released from prison in 1990.

"Chris Hani Bharagwanath Hospital"

                                                              It  underwent a major expansion  in spectator capacity and design  for the 2010 Football World cup.The 2010 Football world Cup changed the entire city topography of South Africa where the World cup matches were played.The "Rea Vaya Bus Service" was a result of the World Cup in Johannesburg and today connects  "Thokozo Park" in Soweto Township with "Ellis Park East" in the extreme end of the city. We next stopped at the entrance to "Soweto Township" which was a plush locality and definitely  the costliest real estate  within the township.Beautiful neat First World bungalow houses lined the excellent  paved highway street fenced by a boundary.

Orlando Towers.

                                                                                      Soweto Township in 2016 has its rich, middle-class and the poorest of poor living in the same sprawling township distinguished by the style of housing and the vicinity.Came across a Government housing colony that had similar coloured bungalow houses akin to Communist era mass housing in Eastern Europe.Also came across a massive heap of garbage dump with goats foraging in the garbage heap.We drove continuously passing along the "Chris Hani Bharagwanath Hospital" which at one time was the largest hospital in the World.Close to it was the "Bara Taxi Stand", the largest in Johannesburg.

Slum housing in Soweto Township.

          Our next stop was at the landmark "Orlando Towers", the popular tourist symbol of Soweto.These cooling  towers were originally part of coal fired power stations decommissioned in 1998 after 56 years of service..One tower is  painted with a Vodacom advertisement while the other tower has the largest mural painting in South Africa occupying the entire cooling tower surface area space.   It is used for extreme adventure sports like "Bungy Jumping","Base Jumping" and "Abseiling".After a brief photo-shoot at the Orlando towers we proceeded further and came across the common residents of Soweto with the once World wide image of the township as a lower income neighbourhood of First World city Johannesburg.Further across came upon a unbelievable slum sight with common tiny tin sheeting houses that could compete with the poorest slums of my home city of Mumbai made World famous by the film "Slum Dog Millionaire"!

"Selfie" at  memorial of the iconic Hector.Pieterson photo.

        Suddenly from skyscrapers and First world city  roads and cleanliness we were greeted with the sight of the worst residential accommodation of the poor and the homeless in a First World Country .Guide Nimoh told us that new immigrants from the villages of South Africa fist  resided in these  tin huts of Soweto doing  odd jobs like rag-picking, etc until they improved their living standards and got government housing or became victims of the criminal underworld.I have personally nicknamed South Africa as a "First world Country  with Third World crime rates" and any visitor or the locals would definitely not disagree with me in 2016. The future is unpredictable and hope akin to the collapse of  the "Apartheid system" the "Crime Graph" of  South Africa declines to the World normal standards as a total crime-less society is a myth and can never be achieved.  

Memorial to victims of 16th June 1976 Soweto Uprising.

                                                                                                              Otherwise the World police force would be job-less and redundant !           We passed by the Orlando Stadium built in 1959 as a football stadium for Black Africans. .This stadium played a role in the massive "16th June 1976 Soweto" uprising  when black students protesting against studying the "Afrikaans Language" had  proceeded on a demonstration march towards the stadium. when they were tear gassed and shot by the police.Rest was the "Soweto Uprising Apartheid  history". The stadium was renovated in 2008 and did play a role in World Cup-2010 as a training ground for the World cup teams.Our next halt was at the "Hector Pieterson Memorial"  in Orlando West.A large museum has been built about two blocks away from where the young school student Hector .Pieterson was shot dead by the police on 16th June 1976 in what is historically called the "Soweto Uprising".  

African handicrafts and "T-Shirts" for sale.

                                                                                                                                              We didn't enter the museum but visited the spot where the iconic image of a dying 13 year old  Hector .Pieterson being carried by Mbuyisa.Makhubo with his sister Antoinette.Sithole running besides him is installed as a memorial.The photographer Sam.Nzima who clicked this iconic image  was actually responsible for making Hector.Pieterson the symbol of the Soweto uprising although another student Hastings Ndlovu was the first person to die in police firing but the same not photographed for posterity. Both Hector.Pieterson and fellow student Hastings.Ndlovu are buried in the same Avalon Cemetery in Johannesburg.The proverb, "A Photograph is worth a thousand words" proved prophetic  on the 16th June 1976 Soweto uprising. There were a few curio shops next to the museum and the memorial selling African handicrafts and curio's.

Road guide in Vikazi Street of Soweto.

                                                                                                                My house in Mumbai has a large collection of African handicrafts mostly from Kenya.Our next stop was "Vilakazi Street", the only street in the World to have housed two Nobel prize winners.This is the most famous street in entire Soweto Township as it houses the former residences of Nelson .Mandela and Desmond.Tutu.Nelson.Mandela's home is now a museum while Desmond.Tutu's house is still a normal residence owned by the Desmond.Tutu family.There was a large crowd visiting the normal former small  Bungalow house  museum of Nelson.Mandela.There were hawkers on the street selling artifacts and shirts while two young boys demonstrated the signature "Soweto Hip-Hop Song" to us foreigners.Excellent and hilarious talent.From Vilakazi street our last viewing of the tour was the Kliptown Open Air Museum in Walter.Sisulu Square.In 1955  around 3000 people assembled here to adopt the "Freedom Charter". The same has been engraved in Stone and is the ten tenets on which the South African Constitution was built upon.After passing past Walter.Sisulu square we had reached the end of our Soweto tour and began our road journey back to "Gold Reef City".Finally at 1200 hrs our van arrived punctually  at the "Gold Reef City Casino " stop.My next agenda was to visit the adjoining "Gold Reef city amusement park" South Africa's  version of Disneyland.

GOLD MINE TOUR :- Inside "Gold Reef City Mine".The World's deepest gold mine was in Johannesburg city.

I had visited "Hongkong Disneyland" and hence the exotic theme park rides of Gold reef amusement Park was not on my tour agenda.i just wanted to visit the authentic "GOLD MINE" on which this Casino city and amusement park was built  then called the "Crown Mines".which closed in 1971.

In the mine lift with Guide Mr Michael.Tshivule.

                               In fact "Gold Reef City Theme Park" is based around the gold rush that started in the Witwatersrand in 1886 and gave the city its nickname as the city of gold.It was a short walk across a artificial lake from  "Gold Reef Casino"  to the adjacent "Gold reef theme Park".As it was a Saturday there was a huge holiday crowd and the queue for entrance tickets into the park was monumental. As i had a "Red bus tour ticket" a guide assisted me towards the ticket counter for the "Gold Reef Mine Tour".Purchased the tour ticket costing R100 and made my way into the huge amusement park packed with holiday tourists and locals.The guide directed me to the "Gold Mine lift" where i was introduced to my tour guide Mr Michael.Tshivule, a local black South African.I was the only tourist and although expensive at R100/ gold mine tour  it was definitely a very private tour compared to the average large  'Group tours".He explained me the brief history of the mines and gave me a 'Hard Hat" something i had last worn while working in the ship's engine room.

Transporting blasted rocks inside the mine.

                                                    Along with the "Hard Hat" he gave me a "Miners Lamp" to be utilized once we entered the mine tunnel akin to using  a torch in a ship's engine room.The credit of first discovering gold in Johannesburg goes to prospectors George.Harrison and George .Walker  who accidentally in 1886  struck gold on their farm.thus discovering the "MAIN GOLD REEF".In 1916 this mine held the record of being the deepest   mine shaft  in the World and was finally closed in 1977. The "Crown Mines"  on which "Gold Reef City amusement " park is built was one of the oldest and most important part of the "Main Gold reef " .

Holding a 12.5 Kg  gold ingot worth only US$ 460,000

           We descended only 75 meters underground although the total depth of the entire working mine shaft was 47 levels or 3,293 meters  below the earth !If you suffer from "Tunnel Phobia" then imagine the psychological impact of descending approximately 3.2 kms below the surface of Planet Earth as these miners did daily on a common working day.  Once we reached the first tunnel  we alighted from the lift into a solid rock concrete tunnel that was large and spacious and definitely modified for tourist comfort.There were a few other mine staff inside the spacious tunnel.It was cold deep down and the rock felt like crystal, smooth and rock hard.Michael showed me the place in the rock which normally had gold deposits.He next showed me the method of blasting the underground rocks in order to extract the gold deposits.A hole is drilled into the hard granite rock and dynamite inserted into the drilled hole with a long fuse attached to it.

Tribal South African Dances .

                                                                                                                              The fuse is lit and the miners evacuate the shaft with the delayed time lag allowing for a margin of safety although mining accidents were not uncommon and definitely one of the most dangerous professions.Vintage films depict dynamite blasting which is almost extinct in the usage of 21st century explosives.A "Alfred Nobel" original explosive box was kept in the mine shaft along with dynamite sticks which are totally redundant in modern explosives technology.Some of the tunnel shaft openings were supported by wood logs to prevent collapse of the same.There was also a small underground stream as a result of the mining although the water was corrosive.The tour got over at 1300 hrs and we both came back to earth  by the other lift. The Tunnel has two lifts, one for ascent and the other for descent.

The Grand entrance decor of "Gold Reef Casino".

                                                                                         Visited the gold souvenir shop where crystal gold akin to sand was for sale,Visited the antique shop where vintage mining memorabilia was for sale.Akin to "Goldfinger" of "007 James Bond" fame i have no fascination for gold and wear the gold inherited from my mother which authentically must have originated from the gold mines of Johannesburg as it was purchased in Kenya. That's my personal story of family gold as we all Indians love to inherit, buy or hoard our gold, rich or poor.The "Gold Mine Tour" also included a practical show of  viewing the molding of gold in a furnace and the privilege of holding a pure gold bar weighing 12.5 kg in your hands.This show was scheduled for 14000 hrs and hence i strolled around the packed amusement park.A local South African tribal dance was being performed at the amphitheater.Lunch was a massive "Hot dog" at the cafeteria near the amphitheater reminding me very much of the large "Hot Dogs" of Vienna city.

"Stilt Walker" in Amusement Park.

                                   I remember dad telling me that South Africa(Durban) was  akin to Europe although he himself never ever visited Europe or U.S.A during his lifetime  must have heard comments from his bosses who were Britishers or White  Europeans.Now i personally understood his definition of  "Apartheid South Africa" having visited all the continents including  England, Holland  and U.S.A.South Africa is a  replica of England and Holland or better in infrastructure but tragically post Apartheid era has become notorious for its high rate of crime. Later made my way to the  "Gold Foundry" where for the first time in my life viewed the method of producing pure gold in a furnace.For demonstration a copper ingot was used instead of gold  but got. to feel and handle a 80% pure gold ingot bar weighing only 12.5 Kg and worth only U.S $ 460,000 ! After the gold manufacturing demonstration made my way out of the amusement park and into "Gold Reef City casino" foyer.At 1430 hrs boarded the "Red Tour Bus"  and completed the familiar circular tour route finally alighting at "Park Town Station". Made my way to the "Rea Vaya" bus terminus and at 1545 hrs boarded the bus to "Library Gardens" overshooting the stop and alighting at the next stop "Chancellory".

A typical plush "REA VAYA BUS STOP"

                                                                                                                             The bus terminus was almost empty and spotted  two definitely  Asian  origin passengers  and asked them for directions to "Ellis Park North ". Both the passengers were of Pakistan origin settled in Johannesburg and were also heading to Ellis Park.Boarded the  "C3 bus"along with them and realized that in a neutral Country its difficult to differentiate between Indian and Pakistani's as there was no war mongering ,beside's ,we spoke normal Hindi as i would to any Indian in India ! They were shop owners and must have been first generation Pakistani immigrants to South Africa as they were not savvy in the English language reminding me of the Bangladeshi first generation immigrants of the 1980's  of South Shields in U.K.

Bizarre"Shah.Rukh.Khan" lifestyle"G & G  Guesthouse".

                                                                                                                  We had a decent conversation as would normal civilians devoid of "Pakistan-India war politics" which was at its zenith due to the "Kashmir Independence issue". I suddenly realized that i was in the wrong bus and told my Pakistani commuters the same as Ellis  Park was a large locality and this bus terminated at "Ellis Park East " and did not pass through "Ellis Park North ".Alighted at the next stop and luckily got the connecting "C4 Bus" and realized that i myself had become half a South African local ! Was relieved on arriving at "Ellis Park North" and suddenly realized i was hungry  and purchased boiled eggs from a hawker at the petrol pump situated  on the main road of Bertrams neat to the guesthouse and my landmark for not losing my way and being "Hijacked".Walked the short distance to my fortress guest-house getting accustomed to enacting  the lifestyle of  one of the World's richest film star Mr Shah Rukh.Khan of Mumbai.Watched the "Arsenal V/S Southhampton"  football march  on the large "Omega T.V" fitted in my plush heated room.Once inside my guesthouse fortress i never stepped out into the night as its better being safe rather than sorry .Isn't Mega millionaire superstar  Shah Rukh .Khan mortally afraid of  stepping out of his fortress "Mannat"  fearing a crazy fan attack as i a commoner  was afraid of a criminal attack? Ha Ha Ha Hee hee hee, real life can be more bizarre and true than fiction.

Historic "Prison No 4" at Constitutional hill that was hosting a "MANDELA-GANDHI " exhibition.

Sunday(11-9-2016) Johannesburg :- As usual was awake after 0300 hrs listening to classic F.M radio and later at daybreak switched on the television.

"Origins Centre Museum" at Wits.

                                                                          Watched the movie  "Pizzamania" and after a hot shower bathe made my way out of the fortress and onto the empty road devoid of humans as well as stray cats or dogs.During my stay in Johannesburg i didn't spot a single stray cat or dog akin to my tour in Europe.With a bold face and a brisk walk walked the short distance to "Ellis Park North" bus stop.As it was a Sunday the street was totally deserted and i was the only passenger in the bus terminus.Boarded the "T1 Bus" to "Johannesburg art gallery" and from there the "C3" to "Park Station".In Mumbai i can count the number of times i have traveled by the city public transport always using my motorcycle or cycle and here in distant  Johannesburg out of sheer necessity i seemed artificially bolder than the average Joburg citizen where crime was a phobia and a fact of daily life and living.

Replica's of the oldest evolution of  skulls.

                                                                                                      On alighting at  Park Station made my way to the Food mall and had a large  kidney pie for breakfast.Simple "Rice/Fish curry" was making me homesick but then in life its all about adjustments.Boarded the first  0900 hrs  "Red Tour bus" and began my now routine circular tour of Johannesburg city.I had almost memorized the city tour commentary and marveled at the accuracy of the commentary in keeping with the slow average speed of the bus including the casual traffic.All the landmarks tallied with the commentary rarely mistiming a tourist site.I was now very familiar with the tourist sites of Joburg having done walking tours as well as having  traveled by public transport and  the "Tourist Red bus".The commentary was in 16 different languages and the simple "Ear-phone Plug-in" and language channel selection button made the tourists day comfortable with the last tour of the day ending at 1800 hrs at  Wolmarans exit of "Park Train Station".

Replica skull of "LUCY".

                                                                                                  There was a connecting bus service every half an hour from each of the main tourist drop sites and hence the term "Hop-On/Hop Off".The "Red Tour Bus" scheme has been very successful in  First World city's  having less vehicle traffic jams  but not in most parts of Asia with its huge traffic problems where a taped recorded commentary would have been ridiculous and chaotic. I had planned to visit the "Origin Centre at Wits(Stop No 9) " and finally at approximately 1045 hrs reached the locale stop.On alighting the bus was conscious of being one of the few people on the road on a Sunday morning.Walked uphill towards "Witswatersrand(Wits) University" campus which was heavily fortified with students using a electronic entry card to open the main campus gate .The guard questioned me and personally came and opened the gate for me.On entering the Campus asked a student for directions and was shown the main entrance to the "Origin Centre Museum".

Undergoing "TRANCE" during "THE GREAT DANCE".

                                                                                                                                        Entered a small building and was again confused as not a single human was in sight let alone a tourist .Was i in the right place. Scary and depressing. Suddenly saw a shop with its door open and on entering the same was relieved to find a young lady at the counter of this souvenir shop.Yes i was in the right place and purchased a entry ticket costing R 40 and made my way towards the main exhibition building a few meters away from the shop.The "Origin Centre" museum is dedicated to the exploration and celebration of human life and modern humankind with a emphasis on origin of humans in Southern Africa.It is the only museum in the World exploring and celebrating the history of humankind.I was the only tourist in the entire museum on this Sunday morning.On entry a wire sculpture by Walter.Oltmann explains the migration of mankind from Africa to other parts of the World.

Art Work.

                                                                                                   A cupboard containing replica skeleton heads explains the evolution of man through the various skulls.Stone age tools were on display The museum seeks to restore Africa  in its rightful place as the cradle of the origin of humans on Planet Earth. There was a replica of the oldest human skull "Lucy" in the exhibit drawer  and i began to feel like a Doctorate professor of Archaeology .There was a exhibit and three dimensional documentary on the World's oldest rock  stone art.A huge stuffed exhibit of a dying Eland was on display .The most interesting exhibit was the small auditorium room which projected a movie on the screen on entering  the chamber that explained the "GREAT DANCE" of the Sans People (Bushmen),Sans formerly called Bushmen are indigenous people of  Botswana and Namibia.Sans healers or Shamans practice all types of  medicinal healing experimenting with  oral remedies containing animal and plant material.

Wits University Campus.

                                                                                                         They also make cuts on their body and rub some potions on the cuts.They  wear certain animal parts to make them as strong as that animal.The Western World would call this "Witchcraft" and its practitioners as "African Witch doctors" popularly called "Shamans". Most important ritual of the Sans people  is the "Great Dance" when they heal with the Shaman  going into a trance. Animals and their association with men especially during the hunt is a significant aspect in the "Great Dance".The animal most hunted and portrayed by the Sans people (Bushmen) is the Eland which is the largest antelope in Africa.

"Constitutional Court" at Constitution Hill.

                                                                                                                                                 They hunt the Eland with poison arrows and the same was shown in the documentary film.After the Eland hunt women and children sit around a fire  singing and clapping in a rhythm  while the men encircle the fire in front of the singers. They thump the ground with their feet while the resident Shaman(Spiritual healer)  runs around the fire in circles while he communicates with the spirit world.At a certain time during the dance the Shaman goes into a trance and communicates with the spirits of departed ancestors and also spirits causing sickness. If his trance meeting with the spirits is successful then the sick survive  and if not they die.The exhibit of fossils was something i didn't understand but was curious enough to browse through at a quick glance.

Notorious "PRISON NO 4"  on Constitution Hill.

                                                 Next exhibit was "Rock Art Carvings" which akin to normal canvass and paper art has a huge collectors market and pilfered from rock sites .There was also a explanation on the importance of tribal beer drinking in traditional beer pots that are now collectors items.The last exhibit was a large room depicting tapestry art .At approximately 1230 hrs was back at the "Red Tour bus" stop  and awaiting the bus, the only tourist  when a young white girl approached the bus stop and i struck a conversation with her .Juliana was a German citizen from Stuttgart studying medicine at "Wits University" and hence living on the campus.She had a holiday and hence on a sightseeing tour of Johannesburg.

Model of  the  prisoners cell in "Prison No 4".

                                          The Red bus was punctual at 1236 as the roads were totally empty and devoid off traffic and humans.At approximately 1245 we  alighted the bus at "Constitution hill".There were quite a few tourists at Constitutional Hill and we got a guided tour on a entrance fee of R 42.At the entrance  the Constitutional Court and situated in the plaza built into the stairwell of the old prison is the "Eternal Flame".This flame was lit in 2012 when South Africa celebrated the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. Our guide was a young Black South African  named Lorraine  who first directed us into the notorious "PRISON NO 4" which has the distinction of having Mahatma.Gandhi as well as Nelson.Mandela  in its prison cells during different era's of the "APARTHEID  SYSTEM" in South Africa.A exhibition titled "MANDELA  GANDHI"  was on display on the premises of "Prison No 4". The original  "Prison No 4" was built in 1892 to house White male prisoners.The Old Fort was later built around this prison between 1896 to  1899 by Paul.Kruger  to protect the South African Republic from British invasion.Boer Military leaders of the "Anglo-Boer" war were later imprisoned here by the British .

Infamous "ISOLATION PRISON CELL"

                                                          This prison was then later extended to include "Cell N0 4" and "Cell N0 5" for the "Natives" and in 1907 a "Women's Cell" was added to the main prison complex.A "Awaiting Trial Block" within the prison complex  was constructed in the 1920's and both political activists opposed to "Apartheid system" as well as "Common Criminals" were held in this prison. A young Mohandas.K.Gandhi(Mahatma.Gandhi) was imprisoned in "Prison N0 4" in 1906 and much later other famous prisoners Nelson.Mandela, Joe.Slovo, Bram.Fischer, Albert.Lutuli and Robert.Subukwe were also imprisoned  in this prison.Students of the "Soweto Uprising of 1976" were also held in this prison.Hence "Prison No 4" got the nickname as "The Robben island of Johannesburg". We were shown the common prison cell where the prisoners were lodged and slept on the floor.A photograph of a group of common prisoners was displayed of which every Indian tourist could recognize the face vof a young Mohandas.K.Gandhi as a young imprisoned lawyer.Various informative cut-outs were on display explaining the views of some of the prisoners and the "Apartheid" between various  types of prisoners.

"Mandela -Gandhi" exhibition.

                                                              The daily "Food Calorie  Diet" chart  of the prisoners was displayed where "White Prisoners"  received the highest food calories followed by "Coloureds and Asians" and last of all "The Africans".Sex" was another big deal in "Prison 4" with "Homosexuality" being the order of the day among the "Cell Bosses". We were next shown the "Prison Toilets" which were the normal "Indian style  squatting toilets" and the open air baths  where prisoners bathed after months or days .The White wardens would watch the Black prisoners defecating .Wardens keeping a watch on prisoners is normal in every prison  but during the Apartheid era it was mostly only the "Black Population" that received humiliating treatment compared to other fellow prisoners.Worst was the "Isolation Cells" as a extreme form of punishment  where a single prisoner was kept in a small cell locked for 23 hours of a day with a food ration of only rice water.The prisoner could be officially held in this  deep dark hole isolated cell for 30 days  but some prisoners spent over a year in these cells. Unbelievable but true. One of the extreme end isolated  cells was reputed to be haunted and i have depicted a photo of this cell. This prison was finally closed permanently in 1983.From the prison cell we visited the "Nelson Mandela -Mahatma Gandhi" exhibition .The exhibition consisted of  four spaces featuring Mahatma.Gandhi and Nelson.Madela throughout their lives.

Interior of "CONSTITUTIONAL COURT".

                                                                                                                                            The Exhibition intends to highlight the similarities between Mahatma.Gandhi and Nelson .Mandela although they lived in two different era's.Quotes of Gandhi and Mandela are depicted  as also Gandhi acknowledging that he became what he  was because of South Africa.The influence of Gandhi in the South African freedom struggle from Apartheid rule is also acknowledged by Nelson.Mandela.From the "Mandela-Gandhi Exhibition" we entered the "Constitutional Court" and were told to take our seats in the public viewing gallery.In  1955 the Constitutional Court justices were looking for a permanent location for a Constitutional Court and decided on the Old Fort hill. The new Court building was built using demolished bricks from the "Awaiting Trial Wing" of  the now closed "Prison No 4".

 Guide Lorraine in |Constitutional Court lobby.

                                                                                       Most of the prison was demolished to make way for the new "Constitutional Court" but the original prison staircase has been maintained as a reminder of South Africa having overcome the dark days of oppression.The first Court session in this new building was held in February 2004.Guide Lorraine explained us the working of the court which has 11 judges appointed by the President of South Africa.from a list drawn by the  Judicial Service Commission of south Africa.The Judge  serves for a term of 12 years and the Court is headed by the Chief Justice of South Africa and the Deputy Chief Justice.The Court building is open to the public wanting to attend hearings or view the art gallery in the atrium. After visiting the main Constitutional court  i later strolled around the art-work and finally we  headed to the exit.At 1445 hrs we boarded the "Red tour Bus" and began our normal detour of the city along with the routine commentary that i had memorized and  was now explaining important  Johannesburg City tour sites to young medical student Juliana !

"ETERNAL FLAME" outside  Constitutional Court.

                            Did not alight the bus at "Park Station" but instead did another detour of the city busy talking with Juliana and discussing Wits University,Medical study's and normal living.Juliana finally alighted at the "Origin Centre at Wits" and me a little later at the now too familiar "Park Station". Headed to the station  food mall and purchased a "Combo meal hamper(R57)" and walked the short distance to the familiar "Rea Vaya" bus stop. The terminus was almost empty of commuters and boarded the right sequence of  buses. On the "T1 " bus to Ellis Park East met a  young Indian professor from Chennai  Mr Barani  who had a fellowship at the Johannesburg University  situated  at Doornfontein, a bus stop before mine.He was definitely homesick and Sunday  being a holiday had ventured into Johannesburg CBD  for purchasing  his personal food ration which was a heavy luggage of Indian rice and groceries along with a Indian broom . Life in most First World Country's is tough although comfortable  where a person has to do all the menial jobs including cooking as domestic help's unlike India can only be afforded by the very wealthy. Finally  on reaching "Ellis Park North" the phobia of walking the short  5 minutes distance from the  bus station to fortified "G & G Guesthouse" was akin to the first and last time  i experienced  "Bungy jumping" ! Ha ha ha hee hee hee , Real life is really bizarre at times.Dinner was  a lavish "Combo meal hamper (R  57)", typical British/American food that is a rage in India  and akin to Dr Barani i was dreaming of "Fish curry/rice".As usual once inside the fortified "G & G Guesthouse"  it meant a end of the days tour schedule and back to bed watching t.v or listening to music. Solo "Nightlife" partying in Johannesburg meant a invitation for a probable mugging from one of my criminal fans the same way actor Shahrukh.Khan fears venturing alone on a Mumbai street !

The rare "Male WHITE LION" in Johannesburg Zoo.

Monday(12-9-2016) Johannesburg :- As usual was listening to "FM radio" until daybreak  later switching on the T.V. My agenda for the day was a visit to "Johannesburg Zoo".

Drive through Plush Houghton suburb of Johannesburg.

                               A tour to South Africa  is incomplete without visiting a National Park most importantly  "Kruger National Park". I had budgeted my tour for the extreme sport of "Tandem sky diving" and the aquatic wild-life tour of "Great White Shark Cage diving" in Cape Town  which cost a fortune. Over the decades have visited numerous National Parks in India in search of the elusive tigers and leopards and  experience made me realize that a minimum of 2 days stay with  four jeep  drives into the "Kruger National Park"was required to  be lucky to sight the "Big 5 "animals of Africa.Till date i have not spotted a wild leopard in the jungles of India .The next best ,cheaper and convenient wild-life  touring to  see Africa's "Big 5" if unable to visit  Kruger  or Pilansberg  National parks  was the "Johannesburg Zoo" that  also housed the elusive and rare "Timbavati White Lion".

"Selfie" at  the "African Elephant" Enclosure.

                                                                                 I had got into correspondence with the "Timbavati White Lion" conservation  society and it was my ambition to personally see a white lion in a zoo and now here i was in Johannesburg with its zoo having these rare lions.A Mercedes  taxi was parked inside the guesthouse compound and on inquiries with Mr Chike at the reception was introduced to taxi owner/driver Mr Jabu who offered to drive me to the zoo at a very exorbitant price.He drove off and later i told  Mr Chike to ring him up and see if he agreed at a price of R100 for the drive to the zoo. Mr Jabu agreed and he returned to the guesthouse and collected me and for breakfast purchased a "Kidney Pie" from the "24/7 Store" at the Petrol pump next door to the guest house.

Pair of beautiful "White Rhino's"

                                                                                                                                               It was a pleasant drive in his old Mercedes car and got to see the plusher greener side of  the wealthy Johannesburg city of Houghton with its indescribable Mansions and state of the art Mansion anti-burglary protection devices similar to "G & G Guesthouse". Nelson.Mandela lived in Houghton during his last final years and died at his residence in Houghton.Johannesburg is credited of being the World's greenest city having the maximum number of gardens and trees and the same can be seen while passing through Houghton which has trees lining the road.It was peak office hours and although there was a queue of cars driving along the road there was no "Traffic Jams".

"War Memorial" on  boundary of "Johannesburg  Zoo..

     Finally at approx 0845 hrs reached the entrance of Johannesburg zoo, one of the earliest visitors at the zoo. Told Mr Jabu to collect me at a designated time as Johannesburg was a city of  private cars and private transport  with  public transport  existing  only within the prime city commuter localities.Entrance to the zoo was R 80 and i was the only visitor this early in the morning .Johannesburg zoo  has a total area of 55 hectares(140 Acres) and was established in 1904.My main aim was to first visit the "WHITE LION" enclosure as the Johannesburg zoo is one of the few zoo's in the World to have successfully bred the "White Lions" over the years.Spotting wild animals in a zoo enclosure also requires some luck akin to spotting them in the wild National parks. At times the animal or animals  remain inside the enclosed  feeding enclosure not visible to the zoo visitors and worse is when they refuse to  leave their enclosed residence and venture out into the open  visible out-door enclosure.

Sable Antelope.

                                   This is especially true with predators who are mostly nocturnal animals and i was hoping that the "White Lions" would be prowling the open grounds of their enclosure. There were a few direction indicators in the zoo and with experience of  decades of zoo visits all over the World began my hunt for the enclosure of the elusive "White lion".The first enclosure i came across was of the Flamingo's and further ahead the rare "Arabian Oryx" enclosure.Next was the "Gibbon's" enclosure and further ahead  the "African Elephant" enclosure .A  pair of tuskers roamed freely within a enclosed moat. with a "Boma(African thatched bush forest hut)"" as their shaded home.Pleased  to see the elephants unchained and roaming free .Also managed to take a "Selfie" with one of the elephants that was curious of my presence next to its enclosure, definitely the first human it saw that day beside's its zoo-keeper.

"Zoo Marathons" within  the zoo.

                                                              Next was the "White Rhino" enclosure with a pair of well fed and healthy rhino's busy eating their morning meal. The "White Rhino" is the World's second largest land mammal and are actually not "White" as their name indicates.Early English colonialists mistook the Dutch word "Wijd" which means "Thick Lipped" in Dutch  for "White" and hence the name "White Rhinoceros" stuck to this species of rhino.I had so far seen 2 of the "Big 5" of Africa's animals and yet the elusive "White Lion"  enclosure was nowhere in sight. The zoo had a lot of free roaming peacocks  definitely imported from India as peacocks are not native to Africa.A beautiful male peacock was perched on the White rhino enclosure barricade least disturbed by my presence.A little away from the White Rhino enclosure was the "Hippopotamus  Moat" with a majestic Hippopotamus submerged in the water just refusing to show itself on land.Next was the yellow baboon enclosure. and was witness to the zoo-keepers method of  feeding the baboons. From outside he just shouted in his local language and all the baboons literally scrambled  from the open air enclosure into their enclosed feeding enclosure through the 'Trap door".

Critically endangered "Wattled Crane".

                                                                                                   The trap-door closed after the last baboon entered and a zoo visitor would have wondered if any baboons existed in this particular enclosure.I was lucky to view this sight of Baboon response to its habitual human care-taker.Baboons are very intelligent and their resistance to "H.I.V" has made them the subject of  medical research for a cure to "A.I.D's" that was once the plague of South Africa.The Johannesburg Zoo was a excellent educational zoo with all the display  boards in each enclosure  describing the particular animal/bird/reptile/fish etc , its vulnerability in the wild  and its relationship with humans in scientific research.

Highly Poisonous "Green & Black Dart Frog".

                                                                                                                                      Came across the enclosure of the leopard and the Siberian tiger. Johannesburg zoo is one of the few zoo's to be successful in breeding the Siberian tiger.walked  across the aviary of "Spoonbills" and a vulture.Finally completed my straight walk from the zoo entrance and reached the "South African National Anglo-Boer War Monument". The zoo was gradually getting filled with visitors and inquired with a zoo employee about the location of the "White  Lion Enclosure". After meandering my way back towards the entrance route  through another path finally spotted the  enclosure of a beautiful pair of normal tawny colored lions.

Walk Through Aquarium.

                                                Bizarrely opposite the lions enclosure was the "Zebra Enclosure" with the zebra's trotting across the huge spacious grounds assured that their common predator the African lion was properly secured in their enclosure.I had still not spotted the elusive "White Lion" although was told that their enclosure was in this vicinity. Walking further from the tawny coloured lions enclosure i suddenly came across the unforgettable sight of seeing the first White lion in my life.He was a majestic male deep in slumber in the open air enclosure with his mate a normal tawny coloured lioness next to him.A handsome specimen beyond description  and i spent the rest of the morning just sitting in the viewing enclosure of the lions and studying the "White Lion" with my binoculars.

One of the "Big 5" of Africa ."The Cape Buffalo".

                                                                                Finally at approximately 1200 hrs bid good-bye to the lions enclosure and strolled through the enclosures of the other zoo exhibits.The Sable antelopes looked beautiful with their long pointed horns which are respected by its predator the lions.Came across a advertisement board exhibiting the dates for the "Zoo Trot" a 5 and 10 Km run within the zoo held on the second Sunday of every month with the scheduled dates for the next two months.I next came across the "Wattled Crane" enclosure , a bird that is critically endangered and South Africa's second rarest bird.There was a small garden space that had "Medicinal Plants" and the same were labelled for identification.I next visited the reptile and amphibian section of the zoo and came across the tiny and beautifully coloured poisonous frogs of the Amazon as also the common "Green Iguana" which is a popular pet.

"ELAND" largest of the African Antelope's.

                                                                                         The Python and Anaconda were on display. Next was the "Walk-Through Aquarium" which had a decent collection of exotic and large fish species.The Raptors section of the zoo had a good collection of various species of owls most importantly the rare "Cape Eagle Owl" of which i got a beautiful close-up photo.The large "Southern Ground Hornbill" with its beautiful plumage is a very attractive and bold bird used to tourists and hence offering beautiful photograph postures.Saw a wild swan hunting in the zoo pond  standing vertically feet up in the water while probing the water for food.Came across the Giraffe enclosure and later one of  Africa's "Big 5" which is  the  "Cape Buffalo".The enclosure had a small herd all grouped together as they would in the natural wild of African Savannah and scrub bush forests.

"Mokoko" the Westlowland Gorilla.

                                                                                         Observed numerous large wild Cape ground squirrels in the zoo premises. These squirrels are similar to normal tree squirrels but are larger in size and live in underground burrows akin to Bandicoot rats.In the crocodile enclosure spotted numerous weaver bird nests on a tree inside the enclosure.After decades saw the "Black & white" African crow, a dark black crow with a large white patch on its neck.The pair of Eland's in the zoo were majestic healthy specimens offering beautiful poster card photographs.The Eland is the prized animal hunted by the Sans people(Bushmen) who later perform their "Great Dance" after killing the beast. I had suddenly realized of missing the gorilla  exhibit of the zoo after coming across the life size bronze statue of Johannesburg zoo's most famous former  animal resident  ,the  West lowland  Gorilla "Max(1971-2004)". In 1997 "Max" became famous overnight when he was shot and severely wounded by a criminal Issac.Mufokeng who had entered his enclosure while trying to escape the police."Max" was with his mate"Lisa" when the criminal entered his enclosure and hence he attacked Issac.Mufokeng injuring him severely before being shot with a 0.38 revolver in the chest and neck.

Kori Bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the World.

                                                                                                                 Three policemen who entered the enclosure were also wounded by "Max".Things returned to normal with the criminal arrested and max sent to the hospital for extraction of the two bullets."Max" recovered and criminal Isaac.Mufokeng received a 40 year sentence.Johannesburg high crime rate is no exaggeration as even a zoo was not  immune to a criminal  trespassing its premises ..After the death of "Max" of natural causes in 2004 he was replaced by "Mokoko" from the Munster zoo in Germany.Visited the viewing platform of "Mokoko" and was lucky to see him sitting angrily against the zoo bar enclosure wall. A group of young children were busy yelling at him from a distance while he seemed lost in his own World.Suddenly akin to a human he got up and walked on all fours towards his enclosed house and disappeared past the gate and out of human sight. "Mokoko" is the only gorilla in the zoo and a prime exhibit in the prime of his life standing 1.8 meters in height and a thick patch of silver back hair.

"Sitatunga" antelope that lives in swamps.

                                                                                                               Visitors who made a late entry after 1500 hrs that day  were disappointed on not seeing "Mokoko" in his out-door enclosure. Even in simple "Zoo Viewing" a tourist requires luck as was depicted by the unusual behaviour of "Mokoko" the west-lowland gorilla.Among the bird exhibits saw the rare "Kori Bustard" which is the World's heaviest flying bird. My last visit was the snake and reptiles section where for the first time in my life got to view the "African Mamba" as also the "Boomslang". Saw a "giant bull frog  and the dwarf crocodile.Educational and scientific explanation debunking various superstition myths about snakes was displayed. Rang up Mr Jabu and told him to arrive at the exit at 1700 hrs.

The Boomslang.

                                                                                                   The Johannesburg zoo has a "Wetland Purification system" that it initiated in 2002  where the river water is purified from pollutants through stages.The zoo was the only place where as a solo traveller i felt safe and in familiar surrounding with nature. I had spent a entire day just strolling around the zoo's various wild-life exhibits .Made my way out of the zoo past the Flamingo enclosure and into peak Johannesburg office traffic.As it was peak traffic hours the driver Mr Jabu found it difficult to park and he directed me by phone to meet him near the traffic signal(Robot) .In South African slang language the traffic signal lights are called "Robots" !

At "24/7 Petrol Pump shop". Last dinner in Joburg.

                                                                                                                         At approximately 1705 hrs got into my chauffeured "Mercedes Benz" and surprised that Mr Jabu had purchased this second hand car for a mere  R 20,000. Cars are a necessity in South Africa and almost every middle-class family has a car or cars.Vehicle theft is also common  and one of South Africa's most famous Reggae star  Lucky Dube was shot dead in Johannesburg during a car-jacking attempted robbery.Finally reached my own fortified guesthouse at approximately 1720 hrs and payed R 100 to driver Jabu thanking him for his services as personal safety is of prime importance in Johannesburg.My total taxi bill for the day was only R200 and i now realized the importance and convenience of owning a vehicle as i did in my home city of Mumbai.Went to the petrol pump "24/7 Shop" and purchased  two maggi noddles packet and a small tin fish of "Pilchards" costing a total of R 28.Once inside "G & G Guesthouse" it was T.V and music along with maggi noodles and the tin fish. I was fed up of patties and "Fish & Chips" and hence this simple meal was a good diversion from the daily norm.Today was my last day in "G & G Guesthouse" and my last impersonation of living in a la "Shah Rukh.Khan style bungalow" as i would be leaving by bus tomorrow   to distant Cape Town.

Boarding the  "Atlantic Bus"  to Cape Town  at Park Station..

Tuesday(13-9-2016) Departure Johannesburg :- The last morning of my daily routines in  Fortress "Grace & Gift (G & G) Guesthouse" and as usual after the normal "FM Radio" it was one of the most extreme "X-Rated murder" movie on T.v. In the film a  psychopath goes on a murder spree beyond human imagination that even the most negative  'Shah Rukh Khan' film never portrayed.Something i never saw on screen before and since i saw the movie halfway couldn't note the name.

First and last lavish South African lunch at "G & G ".

       The next movie was a normal Western movie  "Jonathan and the Bears" based on the typical colonization of America by the Western Europeans.The Checkout time was 1000 hrs but the receptionist Ms Vee .Maramba  told me that i could check out at any time of the day.Asked  her if i could get some rice based food and she  told guard Martin to escort me to the local food shop.Honestly, i now realize that being  a mega star a la "Shah Rukh Khan" is not  a easy life and its no fun always being under the scrutiny of body guards and having a house more of a self made prison than a average living home.Mr Martin opened the electronic operated main gate and after closing the same we both walked  towards the opposite end of Gordon street away from the main highway of Bertrams road.

"G & G Guesthouse" neighbourhood in Bertrams.

                                                                  The neighborhood was definitely shabby with some small Bungalow houses in disrepair , a once total "White Locality" during the "Apartheid Era".Post Apartheid this locality was now a stronghold of mostly African immigrants with Somali's and Nigerians dominating the local locality population.I was surprised at the number of  road side hawker stalls selling fruits and vegetables besides a few other general stores.Mr Martin took me to a small "Take-Away Restaurant" and i purchased a hamper of rice and beef curry.On the way back purchased a large "Castle beer bottle(750 ml)" costing only R14 at "Ellis Liquor Store"  realizing that beer is very cheap in South Africa.

"6 Gordon Road"  neighbourhood of "G & G Guesthouse".

                                                                                       I was sad that with the best of local South African cuisine and a booze shop just walking distance from the guesthouse i was ignorant of the same due to the "Crime Phobia" in the locality and the guesthouse.Thanked Martin for escort  services and on entering my room  literally drank and ate the food with the relish of a hungry man who has been starving for days. Excellent food and this was my first taste of authentic local Black South African cuisine although it could actually be Somali or Nigerian style black cuisine.Finally at 1130 hrs  said goodbye to the staff and walked with my luggage to "Ellis Park East" bus station.Boarded the empty bus and alighted at Johannesburg Art  gallery  bus station. Met a young local Black South African student  Mr Mangweni.Clinton.Mazibuko at the bus stop with whom i picked up a conversation.

"Downtown Joburg CBD" with its tall buildings.

                                                                                                          He was a scholar doing "B.Tech Logistics" at the  Johannesburg University while also working part-time to supplement his income.Noticed the run-down buildings along the main road of Johannesburg Art  gallery  and he told me that some of these buildings were being redeveloped internally without demolition as all the buildings were in excellent condition .Johannesburg could be the only peace time  city in the World where once prime and expensive downtown real estate had no buyers and hence deteriorated in value and importance.Imagine  Prime Central London business district totally relocating to its distant suburbs and you have a Johannesburg in England!Boarded the bus to "Park Station" and  on alighting made my way to the "Luggage room" inside the massive station.Deposited my trolley bag at a fee of R20 and relieved of my heavy luggage  made my way to the Internet Kiosk" inside the station.

INTERNET ADDICTION :- At "Park Station Cybercafe.

                                                                                                                                                   Browsed through the Internet  and "F.B" for half an hour and later decided to shop for a "African Katanga" shirt. The same was available just walking distance from Park station  across Rissik street  and into the "CBD " locality of Johannesburg.I  didn't want to take a chance  of getting mugged  since being a loner tourist meant  definitely being on the radar of free-lancing criminals in notorious "Joburg CBD".Boarded a bus at "Park Station" and alighted at the "Library Gardens" bus stop. Didn't spot any road side hawkers as in the "CBD" locality near Rissik Street but came across a store selling fruits.Purchased one of the largest Pear fruit for R 6  also asking the Black sales lady for directions to any shop selling local clothes.She realized my fear and agreed to accompany me and in the process showing me some of the costliest designer shops in Johannesburg.Thanked her for the favour and boarded the bus back to "Park Station".  

Johannesburg Park Station main lobby.

                                                                                                                                                Whiled away my time at the "Food Mall" of the station and later at approximately 1600 hrs had my dinner at the McDonalds restaurant which was a "Kids Meal" as my lunch was still in the process of digestion. After dinner made my way to the "Atlantic bus office" situated on the lower floor of the massive Park Station complex.Got my bus  ticket re-confirmed and after collecting my bag from the locker room sat on a seat facing the main "Park Station Bus Departure Terminal".At approximately 1830 hrs i was allowed to enter the main bus departure terminus along with other passengers and akin to Mega Star "Shah Rukh Khan" two giggly young Black women wanted to take their photograph with me ! Was i hallucinating about impersonating a film star  ? Observed that the entire bus had only Black South African passengers with a lone  Mandarin backpacker and myself being the only Non-Blacks.Noticed a few mothers carrying their babies wrapped in cloth on their back akin to a backpack.a rare sight that i saw after decades.There are numerous bus companies for the journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town. with "Greyhound" being the most expensive and "Atlantic" the cheapest. I had purchased my ticket costing R500 through "Internet booking" from Mumbai.The bus seats of "Atlantic bus Nos  CA 244- 811" were horrible akin to a local transport bus in Mumbai and luckily there was no passenger next to me and hence i could stretch my legs and be a little comfortable.Finally at 1915 hrs we left Johannesburg Park station  on the long 1,398 Km  journey via the N1 highway to Cape Town.Bizarrely felt i was leaving behind a very familiar city although had resided for only seven days in Johannesburg, the City of Gold.A reason could be that  it was the first time in my life that  i experienced the house security life-style of the celebrity class.  Henceforth mega-millionaire and Hindi cinema superstar Shah Rukh.Khan will be just another Mumbaikar at home back in India .

The long bus route from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

Wednesday(14-9-2016) Arrival Cape Town :- A sleepless night although the journey was smooth as South Africa has one of the best road highways in the World. Didn't feel any bumps along the highway although this bus seating was one of the worst i have travelled anywhere in the World.

Cape Town :Local Train to "PINELANDS".

                   At daybreak got a view of the countryside which was mostly scrub bushes  and flat land without mountains  and realized that we were in the Great  Karoo Desert region.of the Western Cape travelling on the N1 highway towards Cape Town..At 0745 hrs passed through the town of Laingsburg situated in the Great Karoo desert originally inhabited by the Khoikhoi herders and San(Bushmen) hunter gatherer's.We stopped for toilet  breakfast  at Laigsburg Town .Our  bus journey was great on the smooth as billiard table South African "N1 Highway" to Cape Town  and  along the barren bush scrub land passed along  the small railway town of Touws where Afrikaans is the dominant language.We were now just approximately 160 Kms from Cape Town and at 0930 hrs reached the large  town of Worcester.Huge mountains could be seen in the distance which get snow in winter from which  the main Breede river got its water as a catchment  river.From Worcester passed though the long Huguenot tunnel to enter the grape producing region of Paarl in Western Cape.I was on the alert hoping to spot some wild-life but didn't even get a glimpse of a deer or a Ostrich let alone giraffe's or zebra's.

My residence in Cape Town in  "Oude Molen Village".

                                                                                                  Came across plantations of grapes on either side of the highway and finally at 1100 hrs reached our end destination of Cape Town railway terminus.Inquired about directions to the railway station and was surprised to know that i was inside the railway station complex akin to Johannesburg Park station bus terminus.Walked to the train station ticket office and purchased a "Metro Plus(First Class) Ticket" to Pinelands costing R10.5. Inquired with the railway staff   about the train platform for the "Cape Flats" train route and was told the platform number.Accustomed to crowded train stations in Mumbai and also sparse crowds in European train stations  i was scared when i saw just a few people in a almost empty large railway station.

"Oude Molen Horse Ranch".

                                                                                      Walked to the compartment marked "Metro Plus(First Class)" and saw a well dressed  white lady comfortably seated in the compartment and confirmed with her  if i was on the right train to the right destination.Was relieved when the train finally started and it was a short 15 minutes train ride on a nearly empty train  to Pinelands train station.On alighting at the station i was baffled as to on which side of the station was "Oude Molen Village" and inquired the same with the station ticket inspector.He directed me to the West side of the railway station  and it was a short walk to the main gate of "Oude Molen Village" where i inquired about the location of "Light House Farm Backpackers Lodge". The weather was excellent, bright and Sunny with a absolute clear blue sky.It was a short walk from the main gate  to the lodge situated  in one corner of the boundary of this beautiful fenced eco-village.The lodge resembled a classic palatial  T- shaped single storey mansion painted white in colour and having a  tiled roof.

"Horse Riding classes" in "Oude Molen Village".

                                                                                                 On entering the narrow long lobby came across fellow lodgers and at the end of the lobby at the reception counter  met the White South African owner Mrs Helen.Harper.She had already prepared my  pre-paid bill receipt and was relieved  at not having to pay extra charges as i did at 'G & G Guesthouse" in Johannesburg.I always do all my tour bookings through "www.booking.com" and they have always provided authentic service without controversy or extra charges except at  my stay at "G & G guesthouse".Mrs Helen directed me to "Room No 13" , a large spacious room without a t.v or a heater .Always the nomad traveller i immediately got comfortable in my new lodging, spacious and comfortable but a bit too cold compared to Johannesburg.

"Organic Vegetable garden"  in "Oude Molen Village"

                                                                                                                 Later had a hot bathe in the clean  common toilets situated at one end of the spacious Bungalow estate. After the bathe made inquiries with Mrs Helen.Harper  regarding bookings for "Tandem Skydiving" and "White Shark cage diving" providing  her the addresses of the tour companies conducting the same in Cape Town..I told her to pay the same through her "Credit /Debit card  " while i reimbursed her in cash as all tour  bookings are done through the "Internet/Smartphone "  in South Africa.Dressed and decided to explore this beautiful self contained village complex.At the opposite end of the village road  facing the lighthouse lodge  and a short walking distance of five minutes was the "Oude Molen Stables". Young South African White girls were either being assigned a riding horse or were returning from a horse ride.A few were accompanied by their parents and brought back memories of the amateur riders club of the Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai where i once regularly jogged every morning and  later watched  the riders on their daily trots.

Beautiful flowering shrubs(Fynbos) in the village complex.

                                                     A young White  lady was coaching the young girls and i introduced myself to South African Cyndal.Bosch who was also a accomplished artist.Got to understand the functioning of this riding ranch that charged R150/hr for normal horse rides and R 200/hr for learners requiring coaching.The stable boys were young coloured men  and Adrian the syce explained me the feeding and nutrition of these horses. In South Africa slaughter of horses is legal akin to cattle in India and that's where most laggard race horses and even winners  finally meet their end. Some of the horses on the ranch were rescued from the slaughter houses.There were a total of 43 horses on the ranch and they were free roaming in the open fenced paddock and not stabled.Some of these horses were also privately owned.

Raapenberg Wetlands Bird National Park.

                                                                        Beyond the stables was a part of the marshy  10 hectare(25 acre)   Raapenberg  bird national park located on either side of the  Black and Liesbeek river flowing through Cape Town with the highway passing alongside this protected natural marshland park. Got to see a pair of large flamingo's taking  flight while ducks, teals and guinea fowls were quite common in the marshland.A few horse of the "Oude Molen ranch" grazed freely near the marshes with the narrow river forming a natural boundary. Exotic is the word for description of "Oude Molen Eco-Village" complex.This entire village was formed in 1997 and was previously a mental institution hospital.In fact "Lighthouse Farm Lodging" was the "Nurses Quarters" of this massive mental Institution complex that was partly vandalized and destroyed.The village is a entrepreneur association formed by the tenants living on the property and has a community of diverse professions in the village complex. A children's school , metal, wood and craft small scale Industries , a food garden, a swimming pool, a frail care centre, horse-riding, artists, musicians and the film industry  besides "Lighthouse backpackers" functioned  in "Oude  Molen Village" complex. Mega-millionaire  Hindi film star Shah Rukh Khan could have his next "Film Shoot" in  "Oude Moulen Eco-Village" in absolute public comfort as do most Hollywood stars  of whom some have plush houses in Cape Town.

Beautiful "Lighthouse Farm Lodge" recreation room.

                                                                                                              A lady explained me the two mountains that faced the eco-village  with  "Devil Mountain" on the left and "Lion's  Head" on the right as seen while  facing the mountains from the village side of the mountains..The village also had its own organic  vegetable garden.It was just the beginning of Spring season in Cape Town and the Eco-village was blooming with flowers.I was feeling hungry and realized that there was  not a single restaurant within the village complex barring a small  shop that sold the usual patties/snacks and commodities. Searching around i suddenly came across a private fenced  house situated  within the village  complex with a board advertising "Nana's Kitchen".  A large dog was lazying inside the compound and  i inquired about dinner with the young man who came out of the house.

"Devil's Peak" and "Lion's Head" mountains. 

                                                      Yes they did serve dinner  and so i entered the  private black South African home  that was "Nana's Kitchen".It was a normal Black South African house where the entire family lived which included the working office of the head of the household. Seems the family made some side income through house catering. Dinner was rice/beef curry /cold drink costing a total of R50 .Got a taste of authentic Black South African food  as i had on my last day in "G & G guesthouse" and observed that  Black African food was not pungent(hot) akin to most of local  Indian food.After a early dinner walked the short distance to "Lighthouse lodge" and was surprised to find the lodge filled with lodgers with some of them cooking in the palatial kitchen cum dining table lounge.Majority of the lodgers were Blacks with a few White's and there were  also a few young lady's among the lodgers.The television was out of order and the lodge was aesthetically decorated with South African art  and a row of  book shelves having literature as well as  tour books .Authentic "Old World " charm  decor resembling the private residence of a billionaire rather than one of the cheapest lodges in Cape Town.The place resembled the dormitory of a boarding school and i quickly felt at home among the multiracial  crowd although i was definitely the oldest.Finally went to my chill cold room realizing that the heater in "G & G guesthouse" did make me feel comfortably warm in Johannesburg.For the first time i used my woolen sweater and after covering myself with a blanket tried to get some sleep after a almost sleepless bus journey.Did get sleep and found it irritating to go to the common bathroom/toilet during the night having being accustomed to a self contained room in Johannesburg.Another strange eerie aspect of this vintage lodge was that all the lobby lights were kept onn throughout the night and it was packed with  lodgers but strangely resembled a private residence.Was it haunted having formerly been a "Insane Asylum" facility ? Memories of the movie "One flew over the Cuckoo's nest" immediately came to memory.Life and living is all about adjustments.

Historic and iconic. "Robinson Dry-dock(1882)" in Victoria & Albert Waterfront(V & A) in Cape Town.

Thursday(15-9-2016) Cape Town :- A partial insomniac and as usual was awake in the cold early morning at approximately 0300 hrs listening to local "Cape Town FM radio".Excellent akin to Cape Town with numerous channels including a live "Telephone talk show" on "Metro FM"  in the darkness of morning.

Pinelands railway with "Oude Molen Village " behind.

                                                                                                                                Had a very early bath at 0530 hrs as i realized that there would be a queue for the toilets once the young  lodgers woke up .Noticed a classic racer cycle parked in the palatial lobby of my wing of the bungalow hostel. The single storey hostel bungalow was designed in a "T-shape"  with hostel rooms in all the three wings of the lobby.At  0700 hrs dressed up with a little warmer clothing compared to Johannesburg.The hostel kitchen was packed  with a large group of Black  immigrant workers from Mozambique busy preparing their early morning breakfast before departure to their work-site.A middle aged white man was busy preparing coffee and "Lighthouse Farm Lodge" resembled the kitchen of a luxury hotel having all the latest First World  cooking gadgets including a large vintage  "G & E" fridge whose freezer and shelves was choked with thick frozen ice akin to miniature ice-bergs !

"Red,Blue and Yellow Tour buses" of Cape Town .

   A young White South African Mr Lloyd.Alexander and a Indian origin South African Mr Mohammed.Shaikh introduced themselves and realized the cycle  and that cycling was a passion of Mr Lloyd.Alexander.Mr Mohammed.Shaikh was a fashion designer while Lloyd also did part-time work in the local Film Industry of "Oude Molen Village".I was the only lodger who was a tourist and  not preparing my own breakfast. After greeting my fellow lodge companions headed out into the cold Cape Town morning. The weather was cloudy and its visible  indication was the disappearance of  the mountain peaks into a mist of cloud. Headed to "Nana's Kitchen" and was greeted at the gate entrance by their massive Pit Bull/Mongrel mix dog named "Stacy".  Emmanuel the young man  of the house greeted me into the house sitting cum dining room. Felt i was in a private house rather than a normal part-time hotel as i was their only customer.

On the "Red Tour Bus" sightseeing route.

                                                                The young kid of the household  befriended me and was showing off his skills  on computer games as also dancing to hip-hop music on his tiny cell-phone ! As for me i was still a illiterate in handling a "smart phone" and here was this tiny tot using the phone akin to a slate !Reminded me of famous child stars Jackie.Coogan and Macaulay.Culkin  although this child was a  Black.He definitely mimicked the child star  Late Michael.Jackson. A cute kid still not in K.G school and definitely a child prodigy if he continued and expanded  his talent as he grew up in life.Many child geniuses lose their way in life either due to bad upbringing or become a victim of their own intelligence superiority among their peers..Breakfast was  two toasts/fried chips/one egg and a 'Russian Sausage" After breakfast   headed towards "Pinelands Railway station" just a few minutes  from "Oude Molen Village" main security gate.

Cape Town seen from  cable car base of Table Mountain.

                                                                Walked over the foot board rail bridge and  purchased a Metro Plus(First Class" return ticket costing R 21.I observed all  rail commuters standing on the footbridge rather than the platform and on inquiry was told that the train to Cape Town station could arrive on any platform and hence on seeing the train approaching from a distance the commuters rushed down the staircase to board the train.The first time in my life i came across a First World Country local metro train with no fixed arrival or departure platforms ! On seeing the train from a distance i joined the few commuters in a race towards reaching the platform and most importantly the "Metro Plus" compartment of the train.

Plush restaurants on Victoria road of Camps Bay.

                                                                                                                     Was relieved on entering the train which was filled with working class commuters.On alighting at Cape Town station my destination was "81 Long Street", the main stop for the "Red/Blue/Yellow tour buses" for sightseeing Cape Town city on a minimum backpackers budget.Adderley street is the main street facing Cape Town train station and inquired for directions to "81 Long Street".A young Black  lady guided me personally towards a road  advising me the direction to reach my destination.At the landmark  "Kentucky Fried Chicken" shop i turned left and after a short walk  came across the signature advertisement of the "Big Red/Blue/Yellow Tour bus" station on 81 Long Street.

Somerset Hospital(1864) in Green Point area .

                                                                                                                                               Cape Town is the big tourist attraction in South Africa having numerous tour sites and hence there were three different sightseeing tour buses designated by colour codes for different tour routes of the city.In Johannesburg it was just one single "Big Red Tour bus" with a extension mini tour bus route  to Soweto.Purchased a 2-day "Combo ticket"  costing  R 261 with a added complimentary of a free boat cruise in "V& A  Harbour".The ticket allowed the tourist to travel on any of the three colour coded buses throughout the day with a option of also interchanging  to a different colour code bus  at certain "Tourist Stops" in the city."81 Long Street(Stop N0 5)"  and "V & A Waterfront (Stop N0 1)" were  the main tour bus offices where all the three colour coded buses stopped.

Scenic seaside mountain drive.

                    In the queue noticed a Indian looking couple with two young kids and introduced myself to Mr Arun.Pai a tourist from Kerala on a family holiday in South Africa. They were the first Indian tourists i met in South Africa.Boarded the first 0900hrs "Red Tour Bus" and made my way to the open deck on the top of the bus. It was a partially cloudy day with a strong chill wind blowing occasionally and hence cold..The circumnavigation of the "Tour Stops" began along with the running tour commentary akin to Johannesburg.We  first  travelled uphill on the slopes of Signal hill  through the "Bo-Kaap" locality also known as the "Malay Quarters" with its picturesque  painted houses and cobbled streets.Its more of  a Muslim locality in Cape Town with the Nurul Islam Mosque established in 1844 located  in the area.

Olympic size"Sea Point Swimming Pool" facing the sea.

                                                                                                Our first stop was "Jewel Africa (Stop N0 6)" which  has the Jewel museum that offers a free Diamond and Tanzanite precious stones tour. After this stop it  was next a straight drive past Kloof Nek road  and then a steep meandering uphill climb to "Table Mountain cable car shuttle base.( Stop N0 7)".Although the weather was cloudy the "Shuttle Cable Cars" to Table Mountain and back to base were in operation and i was hoping the weather would be sunny tomorrow and the "Cable Cars" in operation.After a brief halt we proceeded onward along the mountains Camp Bay drive finally descending from the mountain to the coastal  tourist beach of "Camps Bay(Stop N0 8)".From a distance sitting in the bus  i could see the pure white sand of "Camps Bay" beach  which has been the locale for many a Hollywood film shooting.

Pine trees growing crooked due to wind deflection 

                                                                                                                   Plush restaurants lined the street facing the beach and since it was chill cold  the beach was devoid of swimmers or  Sun bathers.From "Camps Bay" it was  one of the most scenic drives across hill facing "Clifton Beaches " which has 4  pure white sand beaches along its coastline with the most expensive private residential apartments in South Africa  sloping from the hill down towards the beach facing the Atlantic Ocean.Clifton was rated as one of the top 10 beaches in 2003.From Clifton  it was a drive along the  suburban coast of Bantry Bay situated on the slopes of "Lion Head" mountain. Naturalist Charles.Darwin had visited Bantry Bay seashore and there is a plaque to commemorate his visit. Bantry Bay is also the most "Wind Free" locality in Cape Town having about 290 wind fee days in a calendar year in a city that has erratic windy  weather throughout the year..

Historic "Greenpoint Lighthouse"

                                                                                                                                                        Our next stop was at "President Hotel(Stop N0 9)"   in Bantry Bay, a plush luxury hotel .We next drove along the coast line of  Sea point  and  passed along the beautiful "Sea Point Swimming pool" facing the sea    which has a Olympic sized 50 meters length and a diving board besides two splash pools for children.Very identical to "M.G.M.O(Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Olympic)" pool in my home city of Mumbai where i swim a Km daily as a fitness regime.We drove along the Cape Town city coastline with the next stop being the "Winchester Mansion Hotel( Stop N0 11) at Sea point .We next passed the coastline of "Three Anchors Bay" and drove through "Green Point" causeway which has the oldest Lighthouse in South Africa and stopped at the "Green Point Urban Park(Stop N0 12)". The "Green Point Lighthouse" was first lit on 12th April 1824 and is still in operation, the oldest light house in South Africa.

Impersonating "007 James Bond" at "V & A Waterfront".

                                                                                                                            The Lighthouse was expanded to its present height in 1865.From Greenpoint  we were  now on our way to the first bus stop and the most visited tourist site in South Africa which was the "Victoria and Albert(V & A)" waterfront.From Green point the bus  drove along Beach road finally turning inland from the coastline into the city. The most significant landmark is the "Cape Town Stadium" built for the 2010 Football World cup hosted in South Africa.It was previously known as the "Greenpoint Stadium" which was the original stadium on the site that was demolished to make way for the 64,100 capacity "Cape Town Stadium". The "Cape Town Stadium" is now home to the local soccer squad "Ajax Cape Town".

"LIFT DRY-DOCK" for Small ships.

                                                                                                    Another landmark on approaching the waterfront was "Somerset Hospital" which played a important role during the "H.I.V epidemic" in South Africa.At approximately 1150 was at "V & A Waterfront (Stop N0 1)" and alighted the bus deciding to make my first tourist exploration in Cape Town at this historic working harbour. With a lineage of shipping employment  running in my family bloodline how could i begin my sightseeing in Cape Town without first seeing the harbour and its locale."The Red tour  bus" stops next to the "Two Oceans aquarium" and the area  was bustling with tourists and locals.Shipping was and still is crucial to Cape Town and hence on 17th September 1860 Prince Alfred the second son of Queen Victoria inaugurated the construction of a harbour and the rest is Cape Town maritime history.

Clock Tower  at "V & A Waterfront.

                                                                                                 The "Victoria & Alfred Waterfront" has various museums and numerous eateries "The Chavonnes Battery" museum,"Old Port Captains building","Iziko SA Maritime museum","Time Ball tower" and the "Breakwater Prison(1860)" are some of the historical museums and sites in the harbour vicinity.I made my way to the gigantic "Robinson Drydock(1882)" which is one of the World's oldest working Dry dock.Measuring  161.2 m x 20 .7 m in size with a depth of  7.9 m it was the largest Dry Dock in the Southern hemisphere for many years.During World War -2 almost 300 ships were repaired in this  Dry Dock.I was surprised that ordinary civilians and tourists could walk and sight-see a functional operating shipping  harbour and ship-building shipyard.There was a barricade beyond which tourists couldn't venture but that barricade meant walking across into the ship or dry-dock.Simple !

"NOBEL SQUARE" at "V & A Waterfront".

                                             The "Robinson Drydock" was empty and resembled a small stadium ! There was another drydock that serviced smaller vessels and is one of the few dry-docks in the World that completely lifts the vessels from water onto dry wooden blocks on land using the "LIFT Method".Three medium size fishing vessels were sitting on wooden blocks and although i have grown old visiting and working on ships the sight of seeing these 3 snall ships parked on land akin to cars  was amazing shipping technology.The "Nelson Mandela Gateway" which has the historical "Clock Tower" in its complex is a recent construction on the "V & A Waterfront" and is accessible from the harbour by the drawbridge.Later walked  through "Nobel Square" where the larger than life bronze statues of  four of South Africa's Nobel Peace laureates are installed  by artist Claudette .Schreuders."Nobel Square" was officially inaugurated on 17th December 2005.

"St George's Cathedral".

             The Statues of  Late Nkosi Albert.Luthuli,Archbishop Emeritus Desmond.Tutu,Former State President  F.W.De'Klerk and former President Nelson.Mandela stand side by side in  "Nobel Square". From Nobel Square headed to the tour bus stop at "V& A(Stop N0 1)" and boarded the "Blue Tour Bus(Blue Mini Peninsula tour)".  My first stop on this new sightseeing tour route was "Foreshore( Stop N0 4) which is in the heart of Cape Town city close to the train station.  The "Cape Town International Convention Centre( CTICC)" is a landmark in this plush downtown locality of Cape Town.The "Diamond Works"  factory situated opposite the "CTICC" is worth a visit if in love with precious and semi precious stones or just inquisitive about the history of diamonds "81 Long Street(Stop N0 5)" was the next stop which is known for its nightlife and Bohemian lifestyle.

"Hout Bay".

                                              As a veteran of "Nightlife" in Mumbai and various other city's across the World didn't want to risk a "Mugging/Scam" in a restaurant bar/Nightclub as a solo tourist in Cape Town.As a professional gambler/Investor i  always check the odds !From chic "81 Long Street" we  then travelled along the familiar "Bo Kaap" street that i had earlier done on the "Red Tour bus" and took a diversion towards  "St George's Cathedral". "St George's Cathedral" is the oldest Cathedral in Africa and a Anglican cathedral.St George's Church opened for  divine services on 21st December 1834.The Church kept its doors open to people of all races during the "Apartheid Era"  and it was Archbishop Desmond Tutu of St George's Church  who coined the phrase "Rainbow Nation" for South Africa when he led a demonstration of 30,000 people to Grand Parade in 1989.
The oldest garden in South Africa "The Company's Garden" is situated walking distance from St George's Cathedral.

"Groote Schur Hospital":- World''s First Heart Transplant.

.Our next stop was"Mount Nelson Hotel(Stop N015)"This is Cape Town's most famous luxury hotel set at the foot of Table Mountain.Some of its celebrity guests  include H.G.Well's,Lady Jenny.Churchill,Rudyard.Kipling,Agatha.Christie and Edward, Prince of Wales.From "Mount Nelson Hotel" it was a long drive where we passed the "Groote Schur Hospital" known as the hospital where Dr Christian.Barnard performed the World's first heart transplant surgery.The bus drove  through "District Six" of the "Apartheid era" and  through beautiful forested slopes of table Mountain to "Kirstenbosch Gardens(Stop N0 20)".The World famous Kirstenbosch gardens are situated here and accessible only by the "Blue Tour bus route" as a common mode of transport. Our next stop was "Constantia Nek(Stop No 21)" which is meant as a 'Change-Over Stop" for tourists wanting to board the "Purple Wine Tour " bus for touring the World famous vineyards of Cape Town.From "Constantia Nek" our next stop was the "World of Birds(Stop N0 22). 
       

Dusk at "Oude Molen Village" .

                                                                      This is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. From "World of Birds" our next stop was "Imizamo Yathu Township(Stop N0 23)" . A mini tour bus conducts tours from this bus stop to  the township situated near the seaside suburb of Hout Bay. Imizamo Yethu was established in the early 1990's where mostly black people were allowed to build tiny homes known as shacks or temporary shelters without proper sanitary facilities.Most of the shanty's were 9ft X 9 ft in area and made of corrugated tin roofs.In recent years a few houses have been built of permanent bricks. Imizamo Yethu means  "Our combined effort" in the Xhosa language. From "Imizamo Yathu Township stop" it was a short drive to picturesque "Mariner's Wharf( Stop No 24)" at Hout Bay fishing harbour. Hout bay town  is situated in the valley of the Atlantic Seaboard of the Cape Peninsula and is about 20 Kilometers from Cape Town CBD locality.  "Mariner's Wharf" is Africa's first harbour front emporium and also famous for its sea food.If interested in "Deep Sea fishing" then hiring a fishing boat with a skipper is a matter of choice but definitely not the "JAWS" type of fishing.

Classic Village lifestyle living  in Cape Town.

                         From "Mariner's Wharf stop" our bus  finally came onto the common road route of the "Red Tour Bus" and  my  "Blue bus" journey came to a end at approximately 1500 hrs at  "V & A Waterfront bus stop(Stop N01). Boarded the connecting "Red bus" to my final "81 Long Street Stop(N0 5)" .Thanks to the "Red,Blue,Yellow city tour " buses that i could sight-see Cape Town on a normal economical budget .Walked the short 10 minutes distance from Long Street to Adderley Street and on entering the train station inquired the "Cape Flats train" platform with the ticket inspector .He was obliging and i was happy on seeing a crowd of office goers  at the station and in the "Metro Plus" compartment.

Cyclist entrepreneur and lodger Lloyd.Alexander.

                                                      The "Metro Plus" compartment is very comfortable and within 15 minutes was at familiar Pinelands station..On arriving at "Lighthouse Farm Lodge" changed into normal clothing and visited the horse ranch. Spent the evening at the ranch observing the young kids riding and also speaking to a few parents about the horses.Did some bird-watching and made my way to "Nana's Kitchen" for dinner.Requested Manuel to deliver dinner at the lodge  and he obliged.Dinner was "rice/beef curry/peas" with a cold drink.Got more acquainted with my fellow lodgers, the Black lodgers being a group of immigrant workers from Maputo who spent the night busy preparing dinner in the "5-Star " style lodge kitchen.

Lighthouse Lodge :-With Derek.Chima of Mozambique.

                                                        White Zambian born and now South African resident Mr Stephen.J.Trombas  was a wealth of information on Southern Africa, a  "Jehovah's Witness" follower and a master preacher.He was in the free lancing business of selling various types of coffee to Cape Town  coffee dealers.As a  cyclist myself  was fascinated by the expensive modified bike LLoyd had designed and rode to work.In Mumbai it would be worth over a lakh of rupees. White South African Mr Lloyd.Alexander lived and talked about cycling , earning his living through modifying  and repairing cycles in his rented workshop. He also occasionally modeled for advertisements  and taught me a few South African slangs and greetings. In South Africa you lightly  punch your right fist to the right fist of a friend as a greeting and Lloyd always punched me on meeting each other.In his lifetime to date he has  lost two expensive cycles to "Hijackers(Robbers)" at gunpoint  with Lloyd sprinting for his life leaving behind his expensive cycle to the "Hijackers" . He was hilarious cycling 15Kms daily  to his workshop and back in his "Tour De France" cycling kit.Yes i did make acquaintances in the former "One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" styled "Lighthouse Lodge" whom i will remember for a life-time.Not since my  1985/86 "Marine Engineering" exam study at "South Tyneside College"  in South Shields in England   have i stayed  in the midst of such  a diverse  multiracial group.Travel educates and is the best teacher.

GROOT CONSTANTIA (Est 1685) :- Factory of the oldest wine manufacturing company in South Africa and Africa.

Friday(16-9-2016) Cape Town :- As usual was listening to "Cape Town FM " radio before officially leaving my bed at 0530 hrs  for toilet routines.

Downtown Cape Town.

                                                                                         At daybreak walked  to the "Oude Molen Ranch"  and found the horses grazing in the meadow  bordering the "Black River" and the "Rapenberg Wetlands" bird national park.A beautiful morning amidst a very dark cloudy sky with "Devil Mountain" and "Lion's Head " totally hidden by the rain clouds.Realized that it would be a day of unpredictable weather with rain as the forecast on radio had claimed very it normal  in Cape Town during the transition from winter to spring.For the first time in my life i was in the midst of free running horses and not cattle as are the normal farms in India.A beauty i can't describe and will also always be etched in memory.

Cape Town University of Technology.

                                                                               It was safe in the "Oude Molen Village"  complex with its village security although unsafe  outside the village precincts.In Cape Town i was at least confined within a beautiful countryside village complex unlike Johannesburg where it was akin to a palatial prison residence once inside my guesthouse room.Spotted the normal water birds with the Guinea fowls being as numerous as chickens.Suddenly it started raining and i took shelter in the nearby  children's nursery building.The weather got chill cold with the rain and hoped my day's sightseeing tour would not be ruined by Cape Town's erratic weather fluctuations.

Historic undeveloped real estate of  "DISTRICT SIX".

                                                                                                                                A group of young children arrived at the school building for their classes and realized that this once large  "Mental Institution complex" had transformed itself into a total new Avatar of traditional South African living in a Modern 21st century rainbow nation.On decrease of the rain walked the short distance to "Lighthouse Lodge" and after changing into my day's formal clothing  began the journey for my day's discovery of Cape Town.The rain had stopped but the entire skyline had dark clouds .Breakfast was at "Nana's Kitchen" and as usual the young kid of the house was hilarious as a  child star "Michael Jackson" impersonator.

 Refuge from Cape Town rains in the "Red Bus  Tours"

                                                                                            After breakfast walked the short distance to "Pineland Station" and as usual purchased a return "Metro Plus" ticket costing R21. Pinelands  didn't have any bus service but there was a local mini- van shared taxi service used by the locals.The train was a bit crowded with office goers but comfortable and definitely safe for travelling.On alighting at Cape Town station  on Adderley  road headed towards "81 Long Street".Thanks to the "Red Bus Tour Service" that  the sightseeing of Johannesburg and now Cape Town was within my stipulated "South Africa Tour budget". Renting a vehicle and driving around South Africa is the most popular mode of transport and sightseeing for families or group tourists.

Grape vineyard of " GROOT CONSTANTIA"

    Hopped on to the  "Yellow Route Tour bus"  as i had done a complete tour of the "Red and Blue Tour bus" circuits yesterday, besides, today was a wet day with a continuous thin drizzle of rain.The "Yellow Tour bus" gave the tourist a insight into downtown Cape Town city.As soon as i boarded the "Yellow Tour bus at 0905 hrs the sky over Cape Town opened and there was a burst of heavy rainfall akin to Mumbai's peak monsoon season.I made my way to the top deck and sat inside the covered portion of the bus.Our first stop  in the pouring rain was "St George's Cathedral(Stop N0 13)" on Queen Victoria street.Some of the initial tour routes  off all the three different buses were common  and our next stop was "South African Museum(Stop N0 14)".The rain was now poring and the top deck was partially flooded with rain water !

Inside "Groot Constantia" Wine estate factory .

                       The "South African Museum" is set in the "Company's Garden" next to the Planetarium  and is  the oldest museum in Sub-Saharan Africa having been founded by Lord Charles.Somerset in 1824.From here our next stop was Cape Town's most famous hotel, "Nelson Hotel(Stop N0 15) and further down came to the "South Africa Jewish Museum( Stop N0 16)" at Hatfield street.The museum gives a account of South Africa's Jewish history.Nelson.Mandela officially opened the "Jewish Museum" in December 2000.The award winning documentary titled "Nelson Mandela a righteous man" is screened daily at the museum.The museum regularly  holds notable exhibitions by various World renowned  artists.The rain was continuously pouring as the "Yellow Tour bus" meandered its way on the designated tour route.

Guided Wine  tour of "Groot Constantia"

                                                       I was thankful of having made it to the tour bus and hence at least not wasted a day of sightseeing in Cape Town.The next stop was the "District Six Museum( Stop N0 17) situated at the corner of  Buitenkant  & Albertus streets. District Six was so named as it was the Sixth Municipal district of Cape Town in 1967 and consisted of a vibrant community of freed slaves,merchants, artisans, labourers and immigrants.Later  in 1966  the "Apartheid  Eta  and the "Group Communities Act" destroyed District  six and its multiracial Non-White  community. with the area being designated as a "White's Only" locality of Cape Town.The "District Six Museum" was established in 1994 and has a artifacts collection of the history of "District Six" and the community that formed this district.Since South Africa's "Apartheid History" is of the recent  20th century  a few local South Africans  formerly residents of "District Six" give tourists a personal tour of the locality.From "District Six"  it was a long almost circular bus drive through the former "District Six" locality that was now just barren land kept as homage to the original multi-racial people who were forcibly evacuated from this once thriving locality.

Wine processing tanks in "Groot Constantia".

                                                                               Passed along the "Cape Peninsula University of Technology" a recent 21st century  university formed in 2005 and also the largest university in the Cape Western Province of South Africa. The last tour stop of the "Yellow tour bus"  was the "Castle of Good Hope(Stop No 18)". The "Castle of Good Hope" was built between 1666 and 1679 by Jan.Van.Riebeeck of the "Dutch East India Company" and is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa.From here it was back to starting point "81 Long Street" where i alighted the yellow  bus and at 1030 hrs boarded the "Red Tour Bus" with the intention of spending a entire day's  sightseeing on these different tour bus routes.

"Wine Storage wooden  casks"

                                                   The only sensible way to make the most use of a drab rainy day with the "Table Mountain Cable car" closed due to bad weather was just  being on a touring bus.The "Red Tour bus" took the same familiar route  and the heavy rain tricked to a constant drizzle.A brain wave struck me and akin to a tour manager  decided that on a rainy day it was best to be snug and cosy in the palatial vineyards of Cape Town.At 1145 hrs alighted the "Red Tour Bus" at "V& A Waterfront(Stop N0 1)" and immediately boarded the "Blue tour bus" . At  1245 hrs alighted the bus at "Constantia Nek( Stop N0 21)" and boarded the mini "Purple Wine Tour " bus.The "Purple Wine Tour bus"  takes the tourists through three different 'Wine Stops" in Constantia valley.The three wine stops in serial order are "Groot Constantia wine estate(Stop N0 25), "Eagle's Nest wine farm( Stop N0 26)" and finally "Beau Constantia Wine estate(Stop N0 27) before returning back to the starting point Constantia Nek.

"Wine Tasting/Sniffing" Demonstration.

                 "Constantia Nek" is a low pass over the Table Mountain linking Constatia to Hout Bay in the West.and i had to be good at "Time management" in order not to miss the connecting tour buses back to "81 Long Street" and home to Pinelands by the "Cape Flats train".Constantia valley in which the vineyards are  situated  also had some of the wealthiest mansions in South Africa with Mark.Thatcher son of former British Prime Minister Margaret.Thatcher and  Charles.Spencer, brother of late Princess Diana  being some of its former elite residents.There was no public transport and even getting a taxi in this plush wealthiest locality of Cape Town was difficult and hence i decided to just visit the oldest  vineyard on the tour circuit which was "Groot Constantia( Stop N0 25)". You visit one vineyard and you have seen them all as they are all similar unless you are a connoisseur of wine tasting or personally involved in the Wine Industry.The beauty of Contantia valley was akin to being in a rain forest as the rains had just stopped and the surrounding greenery was a pleasure to the eyes. Came across acres of vineyards and its difficult to believe that the city of Cape Town was just a hours drive away from these vineyards.

Tasting and sniffing 5 different wines !

                          Finally after a short drive we were at "Groot Constantia (Stop N0 25)" where a group of tourists including me alighted the small bus for a tour of this oldest historic wine estate,"GROOT" in Dutch and Afrikaans translates as "Great" in the English language.The origins of the naming of this farm is a historic debate to date.Simon Van Der Stel is the original founder of the "Groot Constantia wine estate".He was a "Slave owner" owning about 60 slaves in 1709 who worked in the vineyards, wheat and barley fields.He died in 1712 at the age of 73 and in 1714 Constantia was sub-divided into three parts  and sold in auction as "Groot Constantia", "Klein Constantia" and "Bergvleit". In  1885 'Groot Constantia" was purchased by the Government of the Cape of Good Hope and used as a experimental wine and agricultural estate. A devastating fire in 1925 destroyed the "Manor House" which was later rebuilt.In 1969 the Manor house became part of the South African history cultural museum and finally in 1993 the estate became the property of the "Groot Constantia Trust".

Museum exhibit of original wine manufacturing process.

It was a long walk from the bus stop along the beautiful vine estate to the main factory building.Entry fee for the "Wine Cellar tour" was R 60 and we were taken on a guided tour through the factory  which was almost devoid off factory shop workers as in a normal factory.We were taken through the giant storage jars where the wines were fermented and processed and shown the American imported wooden casks  that cost R 20,000 each.The wood of the casks played a important role in the wine processing sequence and hence the unbelievable cost of a empty wooden barrel.Seems only the plucking of grapes from the vineyards is human labour intensive with automation forming the backbone of a wine factory.Last of all we were taken into a palatial hall and given a demonstration on sniffing different  wine's and also the method of wine tasting.

"Nicholas" the semi-tame Cape fur seal.

                      We were given a total of 5 different wines along with cracker biscuits and the wet rainy day proved excellent for the heady pleasure of wine tasting. At 1415 hrs after the wine tasting walked my way back to the bus-stop and on arrival of the shuttle "Purple Bus" boarded the same on its journey to the two other wine estates and finally "Constanta Nek(Stop N0 21)".Was lucky to immediately get the connecting "Blue Tour bus" and alighted at  the next stop "Mariners Wharf". The drizzling had stopped with the sky being dark and cloudy. The majestic "Table Mountain that looms over Cape Town was covered in mist with  the top part of the mountain being invisible.Walked towards the fishing harbour and came across my first sighting of a giant Cape fur seal.Two dock workers had befriended this seal as a cub and akin to a circus seal had trained it to come out of the harbour for morsels of fish.

Scenic private garden of "Lighthouse Lodge".

                                                                       They had named this giant male seal "Nicholas" and made a little side income collecting money from tourists wanting to take photographs with a authentic wild living seal.Remember that although accustomed to human handling "Nicholas" was a wild living seal  whose home was the harbour waters of Hout Bay.He was the seal equivalent of "Born Free". A young Black South African couple who were with me at the "Groot Constantia wine tour" also happened to be at Hout Bay with this beautiful seal .Took some photographs of them with their camera as they did with me and later decided to have a grand late lunch at the famous fish take-away restaurant "Bistro Wharfette" situated  at the entrance to Haut Bay harbour. Ordered a "Hake with chips" costing R 70 which was fried Hake fish along with potato chips, typical English food.

With Stephen.Trombas:"Lighthouse dining room/Kitchen"

                 As a Indian with a taste bud for fish curry the 'Hake fish & Chips" was bland .After my lunch boarded the "Blue Tour bus" and at 1630 hrs reached "V & A Waterfront". Was in the nick of time to catch the "Red Tour Bus" and finally reached my end tour destination of "81 Long Street".Walked the distance to "Cape Town Station" and after inquiry boarded the "Cape Flats" train on platform N0 14 and finally at 1730 hrs reached Pinelands station.Relaxed in my lodge room.Lodge owner Helen had messaged me regarding the payment for "Tandem Skydiving" and "Shark Cage Diving" with the dates being flexible due to the erratic weather of Cape Town.Dinner was some fruits purchased at the village shop.As usual the lodge dining hall/kitchen was busy in the evening with  almost all the lodgers engrossed in their own recipe's.Lighthouse Lodge had   a beautiful large  garden  in its backyard  fenced by a boundary wire meshing and in the evening the big group of Black African's  were in the process of having their Friday week-end beer party.Also observed two White resident ladies of the lodge always together with one of the lady's being a heavy chain smoker.Spent the rest of the evening conversing with Mr Stephen.J.Trombas while he prepared his dinner .He advised me on the tour sites of Cape Town and South Africa as  he had seen it all and was  travelling by public transport in Cape Town.On all my Solo tours i have never ever been really alone or felt bored and in "Lighthouse Lodge" it felt like a "Big Rainbow family".

At  a "V & A Waterfront" restaurant  with School  classmate  Ms Arifa.Parker. We met after 38 years !

Saturday(17-9-2016) Cape Town :- As usual was listening to "Cape Town FM Live Radio" from 0300 hrs onward until my official toilet/bath time of 0530 hrs. ,I was surprised at the topics discussed on the radio via telephone as in normal talk shows

"Cable Way Peak" of Table Mountain.

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                                                                                 After my normal toilet routines dressed up and made a early exit from  the lodge at 0730 hrs hoping to visit Table Mountain today although the sky was cloudy.I was now travelling on the local Metro train like a local  Cape Town resident and found it bizarre as in my native Mumbai i rarely travelled by public transport let alone the local Mumbai train.The train was empty   as it was too early for office-goers beside's it was the Saturday week-end with most offices closed. Both ladies and gents travel  in the same compartment with  the majority being either coloureds or Asians. As for me a foreigner i just couldn't tell the difference between Colored and Asian South Africans and many a times a person whom i presumed was of Indian origin turned out to be a Colored South African .

 Cape Town  hobby Cyclists at Camps Bay.

                                                          On reaching Cape Town station  quickly made my way to Adderley Bus station situated across the road and purchased a "MyCiti Card" bus pass costing R30 and topped  the card with R50 for the normal bus fares.Same card system as the "Rea Vaya" bus service c in Johannesburg.Inquired about the bus to Table Mountain and was told to board bus "N0 107".Observed a long queue at the plush bus station and managed to board the 107 bus where the card ticket has to be swiped on entry and later on exit from the bus.It   took the same "Red tour bus" route to Table Mountain  but stopped much below the cable car  ticket  office.Alighted the bus   and later caught  the  free 'Shuttle bus" to the Cable car ticket office.and was aghast to know that the "Cable Car" service was closed due to high wind speeds although there was bright Sunshine.

At Sparkling white clean "Camps Bay" beach.

                                                                                                                                      I was hoping that i wouldn't be returning back to Mumbai without seeing the symbol of  Cape Town which is Table Mountain.In mid-September the Cape Town weather fluctuates as the season gradually changes from Winter to Spring and a few more rain days or just  gusty winds meant that the "Cable Cars" would be closed on grounds of  passenger safety. Its not a difficult trek to the top of Table mountain which is only  1,084.6 Meters(3,558 Feet) in height with many  trekking trails to the top.A favourite adventure trail for young tourists and locals.Takes about 1 to 3 hours depending on the route  and on the age and fitness of the trekker. Would i have to join a trekking group if the Cable cars remained closed throughout my short holiday stay in Cape Town ?

"Twelve Apostles" mountains facing "Camps Bay".

                                                Boarded the "Shuttle bus" back to the "MyCiti Bus" stop and later caught  the bus to Camps Bay.Having done all the 3 different  tourist routes on "Hop-On Hop-Off Bus's" i was now familiar to the major tourist locales of Cape Town city and was travelling like a local Reached "Camps Bay" at approximately 0905 hrs and  on alighting from the bus came across a group of hobby cyclists.As a hobby cyclist myself Introduced myself to them and seems they rode long Peloton cycling rides across Cape Town.Cape Town is World famous among cyclists for hosting the   109 Kms( 68 Miles) annual  "Cape Town Cycle Tour"  on the second Sunday of March.

Ultra-Luxury Apartments facing "Clifton Beach".

                                                                                                                       As many as 35,000 cyclists participate in this event and is the World's largest individually timed cycle race.It is the first cycling event outside Europe to be included in the Union Cycliste Internationale's Golden Bike series.Famous Cycling celebrities who have participated in this race over the years include Miguel.Indurain, Jan.Ulrich and Lance.Armstrong.Walked  into Camps Bay beach that was deserted  due to the cold weather and marveled at the quality and cleanliness of this World famous beach.From "Camps Bay" the view of  the 'Twelve Apostles" mountains  to the left  of Table Mountain is awe-inspiring.The Twelve Apostles Mountain range faces the Atlantic Coast of the Cape Peninsula.The name 12 Apostles is actually a misnomer as there are actually 17 buttresses and only "JUDAS PEAK"  near Hout Bay is named after a Apostle .These Mountains are beautifully  visible along the drive on Victoria road in Cape Town towering over Camps Bay..Hiking  along 12 Apostle Mountain range is one of the most hectic activities for adventurers in Cape Town.If it was not chill cold i would have definitely had a sea dip in Camps Bay.

"Time-Ball Tower(1894)"  facing "V & A waterfront".

There was a bold warning sign board for swimmers  about the "Rip Currents" prevalent in the bay and also a schematic diagram indicating the method to swim past a "Rip Current".Red flags were installed in the Bay with swimmers advised to swim in between the Red flags.Came across the pair of "Golden Thrones" sculpture  by Greg.Benatar and sat on one of the throne chairs for a been here, seen that and done that photo shoot.Boarded the next "My Citi bus " and alighted at Clifton bus stop for a view of  some of the plushest luxury mansions in Cape Town and South Africa.A plush building was under construction at the hill-side facing the road and had a talk with the Foreman of the under-construction super luxury building.

"Toy Train" ride along "V & A Waterfront.

                                               The buildings built into the hill-side below the main road highway were penthouses having their own  private swimming pools with the beautiful Clifton beach just a few meters away from the foundation of the buildings.The price of a elevated car park in Clifton  could be worth the price of a bungalow house in the suburbs of Cape Town.There have been at least 12 reported shark attacks in Clifton sea in the past with the last reported attack being in 1976.Had to wait for a long time at Clifton road for the "MyCiti" bus  admiring wealth and nature's  beauty when i got a call from Christ Church School(Mumbai) class-mate  Ms Arifa.Parker inquiring about my day's schedule.I told her that i intended going to "V & A Waterfront" to try my luck in getting a tour booking to "Robben Island" since my day's Table Mountain excursion had been cancelled due to bad weather.

Handicraft shop in "V & A Waterfront".

                                                                                                               She told me to inform her in case i couldn't get the "Robben Island" tour booking and that she could drive down to "V& A" waterfront to meet me.After almost a hour did get a bus heading in the direction of "V& A Waterfront" and on boarding it realized that it was  but just passing within the vicinity of "V & A Waterfront".Thanks to inquiries with a fellow passenger managed to alight near the "Cape City Stadium".and on alighting  the bus inquired with a White lady passenger who alighted along with me. Luck was in my favour as she was also walking the same  distance to the waterfront.Had a engrossing conversation with her especially regarding South Africa's crime wave and crime hysteria and she was in agreement to my opinion.She was a teacher by profession  and spoke  Afrikaans.

 view  of "V & A Waterfront"from  harbour  cruise boat.

                         She told me that the crime wave in Durban was the worst with Cape Town being one of the safest city's in South Africa.At 1045 hrs we finally reached 'V& A Waterfront" and after  thanking  her for the guidance made my way straight towards "Nelson Mandela  Gateway", The Waterfront was crowded with tourists as it was a Saturday  and most of all not a rainy day.On arriving at the "Nelson Mandela Gateway" made my way to the ticket counter and was disappointed on being told that the 1500 hrs tour for the day was house-full.Booked the 1100 hrs tour for 21st Monday costing R320 and headed out of the building.I was familiar with the general layout of "V& A Waterfront" having visited it previously and decided to utilize my free harbour boat ride ticket worth R 60 although it was akin to a jockey riding joy ride pony's.

Earning money through public singing.

                                  Boarded the small "Red harbour tour boat" at 1115 hrs and akin to the ""Bus Tours" was given a headphone for a running commentary of the harbour sightseeing.It was a wonderful harbour cruise with the tour commentary explaining all the important landmarks in the harbour. For the first time spotted a few seals swimming in the harbour with their heads submerged and just their paddles showing above the water akin to Olympics synchronized swimming.A cute sight was of a full grown seal sitting inside one of the protective  tyre fenders tied alongside the wharf.The local common fishing boats  of Cape Town had a unique design which was of Portuguese origin. Finally at 1200 hrs we returned back to the pier and i decided to have some lunch having skipped breakfast.

"Marimba Vibrations" at"V&A Amphitheater".

                                                                                                                                       Lunch was at the "Fat  Fish Cafe" situated near the Nelson Mandela Gateway and was a "Fish/Rice curry" costing R 42.After ages i was having "Fish curry/Rice" although it was just morsels of fish along with ordinary rice advertised as "Basmati rice".Rang up Arifa informing her that we could meet  and she informed me that she would be at the Amphitheater of the  "V & A Waterfront" in a hours time.At 1245 hrs after finishing my meal strolled through the mall on my way to the amphitheater and came across a musician   playing one of the weirdest instruments i have seen while a little further  away was another musician  singing .They were also trying to sell their own music "C.D's"  and collected money in their instrument box  kept at the side of their music gear..This is  a very common sight in European city's.

Juggling footballs for a living.

                                                                        The "V& A Waterfront"  was bustling with tourists and locals and along the short distance to the Amphitheater situated behind the giant Ferris wheel came across a few pantomime artists displaying their talent to earn some money.A local  South African Black group calling themselves the "Marimba Vibration" were playing live traditional  South African music .They were also selling their "C.D's" and normally played live music every Monday's and Thursday's  at the hip "Mama Africa" nightclub situated on Long street. Listened to their music and finally Arifa almost a hour late rang me up stating that she was near the Amphitheater.Looked around but couldn't spot her in the crowd until she suddenly came forward greeting me in Hindi after a gap of 38 years. Arifa.Parker was the "Head-Girl" of Christ Church School in 1975 and 1976, a record and the source of envy among us back-bench students.A role model student for her achievements and talent in debating on any issue and subject of the day.In 2016 "Christ Church School(Byculla)" has evolved  with the educational up-gradation of the 21st century International  schools and today is one of the most elite schools in Mumbai offering the "I.B (International  Baccalaureate)" along with  "I.C.S.E" and "I.S.C" syllabus and exams.A students parents have to be multimillionaires to afford education in Christ Church School as the fees are astronomical as with all "I.B" schools.Sheer destiny  and luck got a average middle-class immigrant boy  from Mombasa admission into this school in 1968.We walked towards the "Nobel Square" and sat down on the side-walk  before finally getting to discuss our individual history after passing out from school .It was chill cold and we later entered a coffee shop further discussing our lives as if we had known each other very closely.

"Mini Train ride" on "V & A Waterfront".

  Thanks to "FB(Facebook)" that i got to know our Christ Church  students circle which included Arifa.Parker and the rest was now Cape Town history. Arifa and myself have one similarity in the fact that we both were born in the Continent of Africa and later  migrated to India. Just google "Arifa.Parker" to understand her present achievements in South Africa otherwise i would read like a sycophant.I doubt Arifa ever thought that one day a "Back-Bench Student" would be the first classmate from "C.C.S" to visit her in a distant foreign city. Life is bizarre.After a coffee and endless talking we finally decided to call it a day and head home. At 1715 hrs we headed towards "V&A Car park" and drove off in her Volkswagen car.She lived a little further away from Pinelands in Ryanlands and hence decided to give me a lift rather than drop me at Cape Town station.

Plush Countryside Housing in "Pinewood East".

             She was not familiar with the road route and with a little help from her "Smart Phone G.P.S" and a little inquiries reached Pinelands East.Was surprised at the difference in housing between Pineland West where i lived and Pinelands East on the other side of the station. Pinelands East had large plush mansions with state of the art electronic security and the garden street near the station  was totally devoid off any humans.Most of the young horse riding students at "Oude Molen Ranch" were definitely from this locality of Pinelands.It was getting dark and  I was nervous  of alighting from the safety of the car and walking the short distance across the station foot bridge to "Oude Molen Village" . Put on a brave face and after thanking Arifa walked boldly to "Oude Molen Village" and realized that  i myself was no weakling ! As usual "Lighthouse Farm lodge" was bustling with cooking activity and spent the rest of the evening discussing Africa with "Jehovah's Witness" preacher Mr Stephen.Trombas, a jack of all African trades. One of my favourite Rock singers Late Prince was also a "Jehovah's Witness" follower Stephen.Trombas was presently involved in selling various coffee products to dealers in Cape Town and also offered me a taste of one of his coffee products.First time heard exotic coffee brand names like ,"Mocha Java""Costa Rica","Colombian", "Gautemala","Blue Mountain Blend","Continental French roast","Marilyn Monroe Special Blend","Kenya" and various other brands.Prices ranged from R 200 to R 150/Kg.If in Africa and wanting "Coffee" then you can contact Mr Stephen.Trombas  (Mob 0767042359).As a tea drinker received a wonderful crash course on "Coffee".

On the  "ZS- NSH Cessna 206" plane   with instructor Blake.McMillan and the pilot high above Cape Town.

Sunday(18-9-2016) Cape Town :- Today was one of the biggest day's in my life as i would be "Tandem Skydiving" and hence had butterflies in my stomache..Lodge owner Mrs Helen had booked a slot for me with "Skydive Cape Town" costing R 2500 for the "Tandem skydive" with R250 as additional taxi transport charges.

"Cape Town Marathon"  in progress on Sunday Morning.

""Skydive Cape Town" hangar and office.

                                                                                                   Another additional charge of R 670 was for the video and camera stills photograph.The  grand total amounted to R3420( Rs 17,100 @ Rs 5=R1)  which was much cheaper than doing it in "Amby valley",the closest destination from Mumbai  in   India .Besides, "Skydiving" in Cape Town is considered one of the most scenic experiences. .A very expensive "Extreme adventure sport" and occasionally   its also difficult to get bookings.At times  a few cancellations due to Cape Town's erratic weather  creates a backlog for "Tandem Skydiving" flight bookings and hence a queue for getting a booking.After my normal  early morning routines   got ready for the taxi pick-up scheduled for 0630 hrs.

Major Pratik.Johri and self. on the same Cessna  plane.

                                                                       Driver Hamid was punctual and after picking me up it was a long drive back to Downtown Cape Town  where he picked up the next tourist, a young Black American lady tourist from Texas.She was to leave for America  the same day and was lucky to get the booking.The third tourist ,a young Russian gentleman was picked up from a hotel and  we came across a partial road block due to the running of the "Cape Town Marathon".The street was lined with runners reminding me of the Mumbai Marathon and the weather was cool and excellent for the setting of a Marathon record. After a little delay  it finally it was a long  drive along the West Coast road(Highway R 27) to the "Skydive Cape Town Airfield".On the way we stopped at  a  petrol pump as the Russian tourist wanted to use his "A.T.M Card".There was a fast food shop at the petrol pump from which I  purchased a  large "Kidney Pie"  having skipped breakfast and  relished the same during the car journey.

Earlier batch of "Tandem Skydivers" landing on the sand.

                                             It was a scenic drive  and finally at 0900 hrs reached our destination "Delta Zero Airfield".I was surprised at the ordinariness of the "Skydive Cape Town" Hangar / office and airfield which resembled the backyard of a large playground ."Skydive Cape Town" was established on 1st January 2002 after taking over the defunct "Cape Parachute Club" which existed on the same location.The new management made a success of the new enterprise but was immediately  struck by tragedy in April 2002    when its Hangar containing  2 Cessna aircraft's and  parachutes worth R 6 million was  destroyed in a fire suspected to be a arson attack.

All geared and walking towards the plane.

                                                                                                                                                    The company recovered from the setback and is today the leading flying club in Cape Town.On arrival at the Hangar/office we were greeted by the staff  and after the normal formal introductions were told to sign the indemnity bonds taking responsibility for our own extreme adventure sport. There was a small canteen  attached to the Hangar  and also  two beautiful "Staffordshire Terriers" owned by the Skydive  that roamed playfully all over the  estate. Spent my time playing with the dogs and later came across a Indian tourist also on the "Tandem Skydiving" queue.Introduced myself to Major Pratik.Johri from the Indian army who was on a peace keeping mission in the Congo region of Africa.

Entering the small "Cessna 206" plane 

                                                                                                                                               He was on a normal off-duty tour of Cape Town and also intended doing "Bungy jumping" in Cape Town.We were then called for a weigh-in as the maximum permissible weight for "Tandem skydiving" is 100 Kgs and i weighed 80 Kgs. We were finally assigned to our individual Instructors with whom each of us would "Tandem Jump". My instructor was a young White South African Mr Blake.McMillan .The Russian tourist and the young Texan lady who arrived with me were the first set to be assigned a Cessna plane  for their "Tandem Jumps" .After they took off in their planes three of us , a Italian tourist, Mr P.Johri and myself  were assigned the next "Tandem Jump".

7 of us including pilot cramped in the "Cessna" plane.

                                                                                                                                                   We were dressed in the formal skydiving gear and later relaxed on the bench outside the hangar facing the drop zone.It was beautiful watching the "Tandem Skydivers" drop from the sky and gradually descend onto the sand in the "Drop-Zone".My cab companions the  young tourist from Texas and the Russian were thrilled and said the ride was fantastic thus boosting my own morale and confidence.Finally we 3 skydivers along with our Instructors walked towards the  "Cessna-206 (Zs-NSH)" plane and individually entered the plane which got cramped to capacity.First time in my life i was travelling in such a small plane and that too cramped like a stowaway.I was  sitting on the floor with my instructor Blake behind me and the same applied to the other two skydivers.The plane finally took off and we were at last sky-borne on a bright sunny day.

"For the Camera's" :- Just before the 10,000 feet leap.

                                                                    The view from the Cessna was exhilarating although honestly i was nervous about the jump from 10,000 feet above Planet Earth.A  veteran  paratrooper once told me that a few  people "Blackout" during skydives out of sheer fright or because their metabolism could not cope with the sudden gravitational drop.Was i to be one of those statistics ? Thankfully in "Tandem Paragliding" you are attached to your instructor and hence chances of crashing to earth after a "Blackout" was almost zero unless the instructor himself suffered a "Blackout".As a professional speculator gambler i was aware of the risks and in fact skydiving is safer than the chances of getting mugged in South Africa !

Finally we are in a "FREE-FALL" from the Plane.

It was a absolute clear bright Sunny warm  day in total contrast to yesterday's windy weather .The view of  "Cape Town City" in the South sandwiched between towering Table Mountain and the Table Bay V&A harbour was breathtaking.To the West the infamous Alcatraz of South Africa "Robben Island" was clearly visible.The Atlantic ocean waves breaking against the Cape coast was another fascinating sight.To the North the Kite and Wind surfing Langebaan Lagoon was clearly visible.Finally it was time to jump off the plane and the door was opened with a strong gust of wind blowing into the tiny cramped Cessna aircraft.Fellow Indian tourist Major Johri and his instructor were the first to jump out in tandem followed by the Italian tourist and his instructor.

Finally a smooth descent with parachute.

     Last was the turn of Mr Rudolph.A.Furtado and instructor Blake.McMillan .As a childhood  fan of the now almost defunct "Circus clown" act of ending the circus show by jumping with extreme fright  from the trapeze into the net below  i similarly copied their mannerisms while jumping from 10,000 feet onto Planet Earth. Akin to  a routine paratrooper i play acted for Blake McMillan's camera and just enjoyed the free fall and later the gradual parachute descent to Earth.  Blake let  me handle  the parachute controls for a few seconds of  maneuvering akin to "Paragliding".I am sure Blake himself must have been stunned by my confidence and play acting. Thanks to the initial "FREE FALL" i got to know and understand as to how a human falls to the ground from a great height.

End of a successful "TANDEM SKYDIVE".

                                                                                                                              During the "Free Fall" the body spins on its axis akin to the Earth rotating on its axis and both Blake and myself were just somersaulting during the "Free-Fall" .Now i understand the veteran Paratrooper telling me that a few skydivers do "Black-Out" at times and hence a strict medical check-up for active airline employees and the armed forces.At approximately 1030 hrs we finally landed on the soft sand and after thanking Blake for the lifelong experience headed into the Hangar.Major Johri admitted that as a army-man he felt helpless during the "Tandem Diving" and his next agenda was Bungy jumping.As a civilian i found it bizarre that a armed force personal was enthusiastic about 'Extreme Adventure Sports" since the profession itself was the equivalent of a daily experience of extreme adventure where at times your life is at stake.

"Kwik Spar" in Pinewood East.Popular Franchisee stores

                                                                     While actively employed in the "Merchant Navy" i loathed small harbour boat rides or cruises since my life revolved around ships and the sea.After retiring  from  sea sailing and  actively pursuing adventure sports and travel  "White water rafting"  was never on my bucket list of "Extreme adventure sports".  My former employment on "Bombay High offshore  vessels" during monsoon season  offered me a paid sea rafting adventure ! Why pay for the same again ? .My two co- taxi mates had to wait for me and hence  i quickly untangled my para-dive gear and we three finally boarded our taxi and at approximately 1215 hrs was in the comfort of "Lighthouse Farm Lodge".Was hungry and went over to "Nana's Kitchen" for lunch but the same was not available.

Indescribable pleasure living on a "Horse Ranch " village.

                                                            The house resident Emmanuel directed me to Pinewoods East  and it was a long lonely walk  across the railway over-bridge crossing and into the beautiful isolated garden locality of Pinewood East.From the station it was a long walk across beautiful mansion houses to the main shopping centre of the locality.Entered "Pinelands Spar" grocery and purchased "Pork spare ribs/Rice" costing R 31.50 and made the long walk back to the lodge.After lunch relaxed in the room and later in the evening went for some bird watching near the horse ranch.On the way to the ranch  noticed that the small village swimming pool was crowded with Black  South Africans while at the ranch it was young White South African  girls on their horses.There was definitely a big monetary divide in the new "Rainbow Nation" of South Africa as all equestrian events are expensive and mostly a leisure of the upper income groups of society.Besides the Black and Coloured employed Syces i didn't see a single Black or Coloured girl or boy doing the riding classes on the ranch. Didn't spot any new bird species besides the usual common suspects. A White  Afrikaans senior citizen  lady picked up a conversation with me at the ranch and realized that insecurity from Crime and criminals was a part of their daily living and life-style. Her house was once burgled although she lived in the security zone of "Oude Molen Village". Finally at dusk made my way back to the lodge and enjoyed the bonhomie of the lodgers cooking  with a few partying in the expansive lodge garden.

TABLE MOUNTAIN, the symbol of Cape Town :- Lower "Cable Car" station on Tafelberg Road.

Monday(19-9-2016) Cape Town:- The usual early morning routine of listening to "FMRadio". "Lotus " is the only channel in Cape Town broadcasting a mix of Hindi/Urdu music although not Bollywood songs."Metro Radio" was paying tributes to South African musician "Mandoza" .Formally got up from my bed at 0530 hrs  and after normal toilet routines and later formal dressing headed to the railway station akin to a normal Cape Town local heading to work.

"Metro Plus(First Class)"  train compartment.

                                                 Boarded the "Metro Plus" compartment  of the 0745 train crowded to capacity  with office goers and for the first time had to stand in the compartment.   Felt i was in India as the majority were "Coloreds" and resembled Indians.Akin to India's multi-religious harmony including a internal caste system so also South Africa   has a very complicated racial divide system under a common "Rainbow nation" umbrella post the Apartheid era of racial segregation.Confusing to a tourist.On reaching Cape Town headed to the "McDonalds Restaurant" situated at the entrance/exit of the station to Adderley street and breakfast was a Hamburger/Coffee costing R38.

Abseiling Table Mountain. A popular sport.

                                                                                                               After breakfast crossed Adderley street and entered "ABSA" bank where i  changed some currency into local currency.Was aghast at the bank commission on the meager exchange as well as the complicated paperwork involved for a simple monetary transaction.South Africa is one of the rare Country's in the World that is free from any sort of terrorism but is definitely among the top Country's having the worst crime statistics. Bizarre but true.From the bank walked across the road to "Adderley Bus terminus" and after a few minutes boarded the "MyCiti N0 107 " bus to Table Mountain. The weather was excellent, a bright and Sunny morning.At approximately 0915 hrs was at the base of table Mountain Cable car entrance. Was not surprised on seeing the long serpentine queue for booking tickets for the Cable car as the same was closed for the past two days.The queue was well managed and moved along systematically without any gate-crashing.Finally at 1015 hrs after purchasing the normal R240 cable car return ticket boarded the "Cable Car" and began the steep inclined ride to the peak of Table Mountain.

Finally on "TABLE MOUNTAIN".

                                             The Cable car whisks more than 800 people up the 1200 meter cable way rope every hour and rotates 360* on its axis during every climb and descent giving viewers a rotational view of the surroundings.The Cable cars are closed on a average of 60 to 90 days in a year due to bad weather, Astounding statistics for "Bad Weather days" in Cape Town.This cable way was first installed on 4th October 1929 and is in use till today with various modifications.Observed a few trekkers walking their way up the mountain peak on a parallel route to the cable rope-way which is definitely a easy healthy trek besides saving the  R240 fare of the Cable Car.Table Mountain the geographical  definition of Cape Town is one of the most recognizable mountains in the World on par with Mt Everest, Mt Fiji, The Matterhorn and the Sugar loaf mountain of Rio De Janeiro. Table Mountain rises directly from the foot of the Mother city Cape Town flanked by "Devil's Peak(1000M or 3,281 feet)"  to its left and "Lion's Head(670 M or 2,195 feet)" to its right.In 2011 Table Mountain was voted as one of the new  7 wonder's of nature.The other 7  wonder's of nature are 1)Amazon(South America 2)Iguazu Falls (Argentina). 3) Komodo(Indonesia 4) Halong Bay (Vietnam) 5) Jeju Island (South Korea and 6 ) Puerto Princesa Underground river(Philippines).It  also has the richest "Floral Kingdom" in the World  situated at the end of the Continent of Africa.

View of the top of "TABLE MOUNTAIN".

                                                    The actual Table(Plateau) is 2 Km long with a average width of 300 meters.The highest point on the plateau is the "Maclear's Beacon( 1084 Meters)".This section of the Mountain is divided into the Western Table,Central Table and Eastern Table.The weather of Cape Town is also very erratic as i experienced on Friday when the entire mountain is covered with white clouds caused by the South Easterly winds blowing over the mountain.This wind is called the "Cape Doctor"as it cleanses the city from pollution and smog.The clouds dissipate as rain.There is also a legend regarding the formation of the white cloud over Table Land linked to a legendary Dutch pirate named Van Hunks.

Part of a View of Cape Town from Table Mountain.

                                                                                            On reaching the peak walked out of the crowded "Cable Car" and into the open plateau of Table Land.There was a large tourist crowd and the view of cape Town was marvelous.Saw a group of rock climbers in the process of abseiling down Cable mountain , a unbelievable sheer drop down the plateau cliff.It is the longest abseil in Africa from a height of 112 meters. As for me had decided to take a normal free guided tour or explore the few marked bush treks on my own by just following the direction markers and the tourists.A tourist could definitely not get lost on Table Mountain plateau but could be dangerous if the entire plateau got enveloped in a mass of white clouds with visibility reduced to almost zero.

FYNBOS(Fine Bush)" Floral kingdom of Table Mountain.

                                                                                                                                   Observed that the plateau cliffs were not barricaded and slipping or falling off from the mountain top in zero visibility was a possibility in bad weather which is  common during this time of the year. With the help of the tourist guided map walked towards  the main restaurant  and curio shop on Table Mountain situated at the edge of the mountain. As there was no "Free Guided Tours" decided to be my own guide and first did the "Dassie Walk" on the mountain.This walk is named after the small Rock Hyrax that's a common rodent on this mountain plateau.Spotted a "Dassie(Rock Hyrax)"  which is the closest living relative of the elephant near a viewing point.Absolutely accustomed to humans it was chewing on the shrubs while tourists including myself were busy photographing it from handshake distance

Dassi(Rock Hyrax) on Table Mountain.

                                                                                                                      The "Dassie walk took me along a well laid out marked route with numerous tourists also loitering on the mountain trek.The plateau was covered with beautiful flowering shrubs of various colours. Table Mountain has approximately 1400 species of the "Cape Floral Kingdom" total of 8000 flowering species. Fynbos( Fine Bush) is the common vegetation that covers the plateau and which itself has many sub-species.Later came across sign board indicators of the "Agama Walk" named after a lizard of the same name that is common in the vicinity.

"Upper Cable Way Station" on  Table Mountain.

                                                                      Also spotted the lizard during the walk along the criss-crossing pathways.Wandered across the vast Table Mountain plateau finally meandering my way through the "Klipspringer Walk" named after a small resident local buck renowned for its mountain climbing skills.The "Klipspringer Walk" is a combination of the "Dassie" and "Agama" walking trails  and much longer touching the geographical boundaries of the plateau.Came across a big group of Indian tourists from Delhi  who had flown in to Cape Town via the Emirates flight from Dubai.They were on a short tour of the city and in a big hurry for completing the sightseeing spots as are all group tours.It was a beautiful bright sunny day with a breath taking view of entire Cape Town as also the distant South Western tip of Africa which is the legendary Cape of Good Hope.

Colourful "Greenmarket Square".

                           I was only hoping that the erratic Cape Town weather didn't change suddenly with thick mist enveloping the entire mountain and also disabling the Cable Cars.How would i descend  down the mountain if the cable car transport stopped abruptly due to bad weather ? I was alone and not in a group for moral support in times of a crisis. Finally at 1230 hrs i boarded the Cable Car and headed down the mountain back to the  Lower Cable station on Tafelberg road.Boarded the shuttle bus and alighted at at "MyCiti Bus Stop".Boarded the routine "N0 107" bus and alighted at "Greenmarket  Square".Visited the open air  Square flea market where artists from all over Africa have small stalls selling African handicrafts,shirts,sculptors  and art-work.It is situated in Cape Town's Central business district a stone's  throw away from the "Red bus tours office" on 8 Long Street.

"Bo Kaap" street.

                                                                                                                   Strolled along the shops and purchased a local African design T-shirt similar to "Katanga" shirts  of Kenya.Later walked over to Long street and entered the "Red Bus tour office" and made inquiries regarding the "Baz Bus Peninsula day tours". Was relieved to know that the booking for "Baz bus tours" was done in the same office and hence booked a day tour scheduled for Thursday(21-9-2016) costing a total of R690. After booking the ticket just decided to browse through the local newspapers kept in the coffee shop in the next hall adjoining the tour office.Browsing through the news was the headlines of the death of one of Africa's most popular musician Mduduzi.Edmund..Tshabalala popularly known as Mandoza who had succumbed to cancer at the young age of only 38 years.

"Company Gardens".

                                                                                                                       I had heard his obituaries pouring all over the "FM radio channels" and reading the news realized his popularity although unknown outside South Africa.Next was the news of the "Sanlam Cape Town Marathon" that i was lucky to witness on Sunday(18-9-2016) while on our way to the skydiving  airfield.8000 competitors had participated in the marathon race .The winner in the men's section was 28 year old Ethopian Asefa.Negewo  who ran the fastest Marathon in Sub-Saharan Africa breaking the 26 year old record set earlier .In the Women's section it was Tish.Jones from Great Britain.  Decided to walk to the Cape of Good Hope castle, the oldest building in Cape Town.

Cape Town City Town Hall.

                           Turning the pages came to a small column with the news that 17 Indian soldiers and four militants were killed in Uri in Kashmir which is now known as  the infamous "Uri Terrorist attack" which was the worst in the two decades of the Kashmir civil war."Lighthouse Lodge" didn't have T.v and my only access to news was through the "DM Radio" which mostly broadcast local news and the infamous cape Town weather for the day..Later walked along Long Street and had lunch in a Bangladesh owned store.Lunch was Beef Curry /Rice with a cold drink.After Lunch walked along Long Street towards the colourful "Bo Kaap" vicinity.marveled at the numerous bars and eateries lining Bo Kaap street  which also has some of the best night life of Cape Town.I was familiar with the Central business district of Cape Town having done the "Red,Blue and Yellow" bus tours through the entire city.

Entrance to "Cape of Good Hope Castle".

                                                                                         The "Yellow bus route" gave me a good insight in the "CBD" locality of Cape Town and decided to explore the same on foot. Walked to the "Company Gardens" which was deserted and had a few ducks wading in the decorative fish  pond.This garden also has the unique Botanical distinction of  having the oldest cultivated Pear tree in South Africa planted in 1652 !  In the garden there is a monument of Cecil Rhodes  the great British colonizer of Africa.Its unbelievable that Cecil .Rhodes originally a businessman  achieved his imperialism during his life-time of only 49 years having a country  Rhodesia now Zimbabwe named after him .The Delville wood memorial in the garden commemorates South African's who died in World War-1 and World War-2.Visited the "Rose Garden" of the Company Gardens  built in 1929 and from here next walked along  Victoria road and came across the large National Library of South Africa.Further down the road was the "St George's Cathedral" and a little further ahead the "Houses of  Parliament"of South Africa.From the Parliament building walked across to Town Hall square with the majestic Edwardian Town hall building built in 1905 looming over the Grand Parade square.My last visit was to the "Cape of  Good Hope" castle and after viewing the castle building complex from the exterior walked back to Cape Town train station.

Training for "Pit Bull Sledge Pulling" contest.

                                                                                        Boarded the 1645 hrs train that was packed with commuters and after fifteen minutes was at Pinelands station.Walked the short distance to the now home away from home "Lighthouse Farm Lodge " and relaxed in my cold room.While relaxing in my room observed a young man exercising his pit bull terrier by making it pull a rubber tyre  containing a heavy rock stone akin to a  Husky dog pulling a sledge. I was confused as to the reason for the same and walked out of the lodge and introduced myself to the young gentleman. He told me that in Cape Town every year a popular "Dog Sledge Pulling " contest was organized with the dog pulling the heaviest load winning a prize.The record was a Pit-Bull pulling a 2 ton weight !I also inquired if  illegal dog-fights were conducted in Cape Town as i observed that "Pit Bull" puppies and pets were a common sight among young   dog walkers in the village.He agreed with me that there was a illegal betting industry on "Dog Fights" in Cape Town but he didn't indulge in the same and his massive Pit-bull bitch took part only in "Sledge Pulling" contests.Cape Town was the first city that i came across which did have the extremely brutal blood-sport of "Dog-Fighting".As usual the evening at the lodge was akin to a massive "Kitchen cooking contest", a very lively healthy atmosphere of communal living

SPOTTING A GREAT WHITE SHARK AT GANSBAAI :- Shark cage diving with "www.supremesharks.com".

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Tuesday(20-9-2016) Cape Town :-  Today it was going to be one of my greatest "Wild Life Tours" although it was a "Ocean Wild life tour" and not the normal jungle tour.

"www.supremesharks.com" office in Kleinbai

                                          Was hoping that i would get to spot at least a single "Great White Shark" in the waters of Gansbaai having travelled all the way to Cape Town specifically for this purpose besides "Tandem Skydiving" which was a great success.The movie and the novel "JAWS" is one of my favourites although the movie did give "The Great white shark" the image of  a ruthless bloodthirsty sea predator akin to a man eater tiger or lion on land.Have lost counts of the number of times i have seen "Jaws" and hence on reading about "Shark Cage Diving" in South Africa decided to undergo a expedition of actually encountering the Great White shark in its natural wild  territory Great White sharks can never be bred in aquariums and hence unlike other rare fish species or wild-life can never ever be viewed alive in even the World's best maintained aquarium.

"Yamaha Outboard Engine" Boat  :- GREAT WHITE".

                                                                                                                                          Hence the craze and also evolution of the multi-million Dollar business of "Shark Cage Diving" in Country's where they are frequently sighted along the coast .Gansbaai in South Africa is one such "Shark Cage Diving" resort ..Lodge owner Mrs Helen had booked the tour slot for me costing a total of R 1370 which included transport to Gansbaai and back to the lodge. "Shark Cage Diving' in South Africa is a very popular tourist .attraction and Gansbaai off the coast  of the Southern tip of South Africa is considered one of the World's best sites to spot the "Great White Shark".At 0545 hrs walked the short distance from my lodge  to the main gate of "Oude Molen Village" to board the tour bus.

Boarding the "GREAT WHITE" boat.

                                                                                                                              The Mini van  taxi was punctual at 0600 hrs and was packed to capacity with 8 tourists and the driver, a total of 9 passengers including myself."Shark Cage Diving" tours go fully booked although there are numerous different companies conducting this diving tours.Weather plays a important role in "Shark Cage Diving" and boat trips are cancelled if the sea is extremely rough or a forecast of bad weather for the day. Gansbaai is 163 Kms by road from Cape Town city via the N1 and R43 highways.It was a pleasant long drive in the cold early morning and at approximately 0745 hrs we passed the famous Whale watching coastal town of Hermanus situated approximately 121 Kms from Cape Town.Finally at 0815 hrs we reached  the seaside bungalow office of  "www.supremesharks.com".

Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner :- Arctic Skewer on  trail

     A few tourists had already arrived before us and it was a large  house-full tourist crowd  anxiously assembled at the tour office.We were a total of 18 tourists.After a brief introduction  of the format of the tour by our main tour guide official Mr Jurie.Smal we were given a document to sign  absolving the tour company from any responsibility in case of death or a accident while "Shark cage diving".As a seafarer of approximately 23 years on/off sea-service i understand the unpredictability of the sea and sailing  even in very calm weather let alone the erratic unpredictable weather around the Cape of Good hope coastal region of South Africa.There have also been rare  instances of a shark crashing and breaking the wire mesh of the cage during "Shark Cage Diving". 

 In  "REEF DIVE SUIT" for "SHARK CAGE DIVING".

                   After signing the indemnity bond we were given a lavish breakfast.Most of the tourists  were Americans and one American tourist travelling in our taxi van was a prolific deep sea diver having dived at various dive sites across the World.He had formerly served in the American armed forces and now lived a civilian life in South Africa.After breakfast we all posed for a group photo and walked   our final destination to the port to board our boat.Before our journey to board the boat Guide Mr Jurie.Smal informed us that it was not guaranteed that we would spot a "Great White Shark" although chances were bright today as a Great White was spotted in the dive vicinity just today morning. This elevated our enthusiasm as there have been numerous instances where tourists have returned home without spotting a single Great white shark.Remember that we were in the open ocean and not "Shark Cage Diving" in a aquarium ! Luck would play a crucial role in the sighting of Great White sharks off the coast of Gansbaai.At approximately 0900 hrs we were at Kleinbaai Jetty and was amazed on viewing our vessel "Great White". It resembled a poster card photo of the ideal sports motor boat having twin "YAMAHA ENGINES". It had a capacity for 32 passengers and 5 crew members.It was kept on land a few meters from the slipway on  a large trolley.We boarded the boat  by means of a ladder while it was on land and once all were on board it  was gradually towed to the slipway and allowed to slide slowly into the water.

Inside "SHARK CAGE" attached to the boat.

  I have done up-teen ship dry-docks during my shipping career but this was the first time in my life where i was a  tourist passenger on a boat that was launched from dry land and not the usual floating wet  dry-dock.Once in the water the boats powerful Yamaha engines were started and we were away into the deep sea at a tremendous speed. There were lots of different types of sea gulls in the vicinity and one large bird followed us continuously for quite a distance being constantly fed bread slices. by a member of the boats crew.On inquiry  was told that this bird was the "Arctic Skewer".The speed of the boat was excellent and although the sea was calm the speed of the boat created a swell that caused gentle rolling and pitching. A few tourists unaccustomed to sea travel do get sea-sick and hence tourists are advised to carry along sea sickness tablets

A fleet of "Shark Cage Diving" tour boats.

                                           Finally we arrived at our "SHARK DIVING" location with a few other company tourist boats also in the vicinity akin to a grouping of safari jeeps on spotting a tiger in the  National Parks of India.There were 6 boats  around the vicinity of the dive site and i was just hoping of seeing at least one Great White since the competition between various tour boats  to lure the sharks would definitely create some winners and a few losers.We were told to go into the "Cage" in batches  and hence the first batch entered the cage after which it was shut from the top.I went on the top deck to photograph and film a Great White if we came across one as did the other tourists.Special rotting fish products along with blood churned in a large bucket known as "Chum" is thrown into the sea to lure the Great white onto the respective boat.All 6 boats in the vicinity were doing the same and i was just hoping that the Great White would favour our boats "Chum" and "Fish Bait" .

"GREAT WHITE SHARK" lured to the Tuna Head" bait.

                                                                                                                                         The shark is lured  towards the shark cage by bait in the form of a "Tuna head" thrown on a long rope in front of the cage.Finally the unexpected happened and at approximately 1010 hrs sighted my first "Great White Shark".It didn't grab the bait but swam casually under-water below the Tuna head bait.At least i could go back to India bragging that i had finally seen the "Great white Shark" in its natural environment. After this first sighting it was a unbelievable sight of seeing a Great white charge towards the lure  and almost bang the shark cage before diving below the water surface.Yes i was experiencing my youth fantasy of seeing "JAWS" personally although this shark was a juvenile approximately 2.5 meters in length.

Jurie.Smal. Guide & Videographer

                                                                              The sea gulls were busy flying all over the vicinity with their shrill sounds while smaller fish were busy feasting on the 'Chum" regularly thrown into the water to attract the Great White sharks.The "GREAT WHITE SHARK" tourist Industry was feeding a lot of mouths besides being the backbone of the tourist Industry in Gansbaai. Only hope that this majestic aquatic predator doesn't become extinct due to over-fishing for "Shark Jaws trophy's" besides getting entangled in shark nets fitted around some of the World's beaches.After the first batch finished their allotted time slot of being in the cage it was next my turn to enter the cage.Was handed a snorkel which i attached to my face and after  our batch entered the cage it was shut.Thanks to the diving suit that i did not feel the chill 13*c water temperature.After just standing submerged in the cage upto our chins for some minutes  we were told to put our heads below the water to view the shark that had just arrived in our boat vicinity.A wonderful indescribable sight straight out of a National geographic photo shoot and the Belgium tourist in the next door cage  had a "Underwater Camera" and should have photographed some stunning Great White Shark photo's.

"SHARK CAGE" back on boat  after the "Dive Tour".

     Saw a few more sharks swimming close to our cage and the grand finale was when a Great White shark almost kissed me by  banging its nose on the cage barrier in front of my face.The look on its face and its jaws will be etched in my memory for life.Absolutely beautiful in a grotesque way. A memory i will forget in my grave once dead ! Finally we came out of our cage and the next batch of tourists took our place for their turn  and luck of sighting a Great white Shark.At last  all the shark  tourists on the house-full "GREAT WHITE" boat had spotted a Great White shark from the cage ad it was time to ride the waves back to the port.The Cage was unharnessed from  the Starboard side of the boat and hauled onto the boat reminding me of the rigging jobs done by the deck crew on board Merchant Navy ships.I hoped that all the boats were as lucky as ours in spotting the "Great White Sharks".

Back to Kleinsbaai pier after "Shark Cage Diving".

                                                                                                                                    The boat ride back to the pier was in high spirits as everyone was happy on spotting  the rare Great White Shark in its natural environment and not as a dead specimen seen in fishing magazines or rarely  in a fish market.On approaching the coast observed a immense growth of Kelp along the entire coastline.Finally at approximately 1145 hrs we were back on the Kleinbaai port Jetty.Walked the short distance back to the Bungalow office of "www.supremesharks.com" where we were given a soup and a sweet  snack as a light lunch. Guide/Videographer Mr Jurie.Smal showed us the video he had produced on the giant television screen and we all purchased the same at a cost of R 300/video. Yes i had the authentic real "JAWS" film on the conservation of  "Great White Sharks" and not as ruthless wanton killers of the Ocean.

Coastal walk along the coast of Hermanus.

                                          We finally boarded our mini van and drove back towards Cape Town.Drove along the R43 highway heading towards Hermanus, the Whale Capital of South Africa. Hermanus is just only 43 Kms by road from Gansbaai and on the South African  highways we were in Hermanus within half an hour.Stopped along the coastal beach  which had a view of the Atlantic Ocean but could not spot a single Whale. Hermanus comes within the Cape floristic region and hence has one of the highest plant densities in the World.The entire coastal beach where our van had parked was a Floristic National park with the Fynbos being the major shrub.Walked along the pathway with Fynbos bushes on either side with some in beautiful flowering bloom of spring .        My main interest was in spotting the "Southern Right Whale"  but was just not lucky as with the "Great White Shark" sightings in Gansbaai.

"Floristic National Park" in Hermanus.

                                                                                           In fact September and October are supposed to be peak whale sighting season at Hermanus and if lucky also along the Cape Town coast.Finally after approximately 15 minutes decided to call it a day at Hermanus and headed back to Cape Town. Reached "Lighthouse  Farm Lodge" at approximately 1445 hrs thrilled at having  seen  the "Great White Shark" in its natural environment.As for the Whale sightings i could always see them some day in some other country besides i have  seen a whale in the high seas during my sailing years at sea.Spent the rest of the evening just relaxing in the garden of palatial "Lighthouse Farm Lodge" .Later went to the local cybercafe situated  next to the village store and at a cost of R5 browsed for half an hour .In the evening dinner was at "Nana's Kitchen" and for the first time got a taste of the typical standard   South African staple diet of "Pape". I was served a piece of fried beef meat along with beans and "Pape". "Pape" is maize flour cooked akin to rice and takes the place of rice in the common South African meal.After dinner walked back the lonely short distance to the Lodge which was bustling with cooking activity.

ROBBEN ISLAND:- Ex Prisoner Mr Lulamile Zozo Madolo explaining  the PRISON SYSTEM" to tourists.

Wednesday(21-9-2016) Cape Town :- During my normal early morning "FM Radio" listening got to know during the news broadcast  of social disturbances  regarding housing resettlement in one of the townships in Cape Town as well as a mass students demonstration at the "Wits university in Johannesburg" due to a students fee dispute.

Wild-life products on sale at "V & A Waterfront" shops.

                                                                                       A few Metro trains in Cape Town had been cancelled on Tuesday due to the township protests.Destruction of public vehicles and trains during disturbances has occured before in South Africa. I was hoping that the morning train service would be normal as the "Cape Flats" train service was unaffected according to the news broadcast.After my normal personal toilet duties at 0530  got dressed and decided to catch the earliest train hoping that the train service was functional.At 0745 hrs managed to board a crowded train thankful that the "Cape Flats" services were not affected due the the social unrest in the City Township.

A Pirate ship and Yachts in "V & A Harbour".

                 On reaching Cape Town station entered the "McDonalds Restaurant" and breakfast was a lavish "South African breakfast" which at R50  was the costliest menu on the board.In any city or new country that i visit its always a tradition  with me to experiment with the local as well as Franchisee menu of the Country or city.After the sumptuous breakfast crossed over the road to Adderley bus station and boarded the bus to "Civic Convention centre". From "Civic Convention Centre" boarded the next  bus to "V & A Waterfront".Decided to explore the shopping in V& A waterfront before finally boarding the Ferry to Robben Island.

Queue for the Ferry to "Robben Island".

       Entered the "Alfred Mall" and was surprised at the shops selling "Zebra" and "Springbok" pelts.I was under the impression that in the 21st century the pelts of wild-life  animals was banned in South Africa but on inquiry was told that commercial harvesting of a certain zebra species and the Springbok deer was legal in South Africa.Ladies handbags made from Crocodile, Ostrich and Zebra skins were also a common sight.I presumed fashion display of "WILDLIFE HANDICRAFTS" was taboo in the 21st Century with the worry over dwindling wild-life and uncontrollable poaching . The tusks of "Wild Boars" was a common sight in all shops with its utilization ranging from  fancy neck pendants to common bottle openers and key chains.Most common and popular souvenirs are the "Ostrich Eggs". 

"Table Mountain" and Cape Town City  as seen from Ferry.

                                                                                       Akin to poultry chickens Ostriches are harvested in South Africa for their meat and various other ancillary products akin to cattle .Strolled along the harbour impressed by the Yachts parked in the sheltered  Bay. A Pirate ship model used for tourist joy rides was the pick of the flotilla in the harbour parking lot.As usual "V & A Waterfront" was crowded with tourists .Later crossed the Water front swing bridge  and entered  the 'Clock Tower" precinct looming over this part of the harbour. Strolled in the vicinity and entered the "Clock Tower shopping  Centre".A jewelry shop displaying "Tanzanite stones" in its showcase caught my eyes and spent a few minutes studying the precious jewels along with their millionaire status price tags and description.

Arrival by Ferry on  "Robben Island".

                                                                                                              A large raw "Tanzanite Stone" of 1399.50 Carats( 279.9 grams) from the mines in Tanzania was the prime exhibit in the showroom.Could say i did a crash diploma course in "Tanzanite stones" at the showroom's showcase.Next entered the "Gavin Collins Gallery" situated opposite the Tanzanite gemstones shop and was greeted by a young South African White lady.The gallery had a impressive collection of paintings with a few on the "Big 5" wild-life of South Africa. The paintings were for sale and the canvases could be rolled and packed for export.I realized the reason for "Art Thefts" being a common occurence as it was simple and didn't require much concealing once stolen although difficult to sell if the painting or painter was a International well known artist.

"Moturu Kramat" Muslim shrine on Robben Island.

                                                             The lady handed me a brochure of the exhibition and realized she was the young beautiful wife of the renowned South African painter  Gavin.Collins.Thanked her for the special invitation brochure and headed over to the "Nelson Mandela Gateway" to board the 1100 hrs ferry to Robben Island. There was a long queue as the tour was "House-full" as are most of  the tours to "Robben Island".Hence advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment if on a short visit to Cape Town.After entering the large Ferry made myself comfortable on the Starboard  upper deck bench with the Ferry being prompt on departure timings.It was a smooth sailing on a picture perfect calm Sunny day.

"Leper Colony" graveyard on Robben Island.

                                The view of Table Mountain and Cape Town city from the sea was marvelous and realized the reasons for "Table Mountain" being voted as  one of the Modern wonders of the World.Finally  we reached Robben Island at 1140 hrs and our Ferry the "Jester" docked at the pier.After alighting at the pier we were allotted 3  buses for the entire group of Ferry tourists.Each bus had two guides and our bus guide were two young men who introduced themselves as Tabu and Andre. As the bus began its journey we were given a commentary about  Robben island and the various sites on the island that the bus passed through on its way to the main Central prison.Robben Island was discovered in 1488 by the Potuguese explorer Bartholomeu.Dias when he first anchored his ship in Table Bay. The  Island is oval shaped and    approximately 6.9 Kms West of the coast of Cape Town in Table Bay. It   is 3.9 Kms long  from north to South and 1.9 Kms wide with a total area of 5.7Sq Km.The name is Dutch for "Seal Island".A population of approximately 3000 African penguins live on the island while  132 different bird species exist on the Island.. To date three former inmates of Robben Island have become President of South Africa.

"Lime Stone Quarry" for Prisoner labour.

   They are Nelson,Mandela,Kgalema.Motlanthe and the present President Jacob.Zuma. In 1999 Robben Island was proclaimed a "World Heritage site".The vicinity of the island is hazardous for navigation and there are a total of 31 identified ship wrecks around Robben Island.We first passed alongside the Muslim "Moturu Kramat" shrine.We next came across the "Leper Colony Graveyard".The island was a "Leper Colony" between 1846 to 1931.Lepers from Caledon were moved to the island and some arrived voluntarily. Later all lepers were forcibly deported to Robben Island.Prisoners have been housed on Robben Island since centuries with the local Khoekhoe leader Autshumato being one of the first famous prisoners imprisoned 350 years ago for clashing with the first Dutch settler Jan.Van.Riebeeck who  started the era of Dutch Colonization in Cape Town. Autshumato was later untraceable and presumed to have escaped from the island  in 1659.

"Church of Good  Shepherd(Lepers Church)".

                                                     It was only in 1960 that a maximum security prison was built on the island.From the Leper Colony graveyard we  stopped at the "Lime Quarry".Prisoners worked daily in the Lime Quarries.It was in this very Quarry that Political prisoner Nelson.Mandela toiled for 13 years digging the rock that paved the roads around the island.They also used this "Working Hours" time in the Limestone Quarry to teach each other literature,philosophy, politics as also other general knowledge.This "Limestone Quarry" is recognized bt South Africans as one of the great Universities of the World as it was in this quarry that anti-Apartheid political ideas were exchanged and discussed. .Next was the "Church of the Good Shepherd" also called the "Lepers Church" built by the lepers themselves in 1895.

Prison garden.

                                                                  We came across the "Mental Hospital" which was initially started in 1812 and finally closed in 1931.In those days the "Mentally ill" were also people who were homeless,alcoholics,prostitutes with sexually transmitted diseases  as well as old and unfit workers.We next passed along the Military hospital and the Anglican "Garrison Church" built in 1841 for the armed force personal.At 1230 hrs our bus stopped at the handicraft shop situated near the coastline which also had a small canteen for tourists.The view of Table Mountain from this part of the island was amazing.There was a "Photo frame Square" installed at a location facing  Table Mountain for "Tourist Photography".

Inside Nelson .Mandela's " 7 X 9 Ft Cell".

                                         A tourist or group of tourists  could either sit or stand on the large "Photo-Frame" while their picture was clicked with the beautiful Table Mountain in the background.Authentic "Picture Card Photo" for the album and memorabilia of the Robben Island tour. Our last stop at 1300 hrs was  the complex of the "Maximum Security Prison".Here we all got off the bus which drove away and it was now a walking tour.We were met at the entrance of the prison by Ex-Prisoner Mr Lulamile.Zozo.Madolo who was imprisoned in 1976 for participating in the Soweto uprising of 1976.He took us around the large prison complex and explained various parts of the Prison which even had a playground for convicts.

Christo. Brand, former guard of Nelson.Mandela.

                                                            The main part of the walking tour was the "7 X 9 Feet" Nelson Mandela Cell".Nelson Mandela first entered this cell in 1964 and for 18 years a bulb burned continuously in his tiny cell.He has written about the same in his autobiography " Long Walk to Freedom". Our guide Zozo later took us to the common prison where he himself was imprisoned in 1977.We all sat along the hall of the Prison wall while Zozo standing in the centre re-enacted the prison history  and later  his personal prison experience.A common double bed was placed at the end of the large prison hall .Zozo explained us that prisoners initially slept on the floor with just a covering  and only much later the double beds akin to hostel living was introduced for the prisoners.He underwent severe beatings,solitary confinement and hunger before being finally released in 1982.It was a real large prison complex which also had a small garden in one corner of the recreation Courtyard.

Exotic seafood at "V & A " restaurants.

                                                                   After the Prison tour i thanked Zozo and took down his name and also the details of his confinement.Another tourist who resembled a Indian also approached him and on a self-introduction discovered that Mr Nanda.Gopal was from Chennai employed in Singapore.We both   walked back to the Ferry pier and at 1415 hrs boarded the ferry back to Cape Town.On the Ferry had a brief discussion with Mr Nanda.Gopal, a young married gentleman on a short few days tour of Cape Town while his family was in Singapore.He was hoping to visit Table mountain and if lucky he could make it by taxi from the "V&A Waterfront " . Observed a White man standing at the front of the boat deck surrounded by a few tourists. Mr Gopal told me that this gentleman was Mr Nelson.Mandela's personal guard and has written a book on the same.

Local musicians at the "V & A Amphitheater".

   
                                                                                                                                                    I immediately approached the White Gentleman as the Ferry was approaching the jetty and inquired about his credentials to which he replied in the affirmative also giving me his visiting card.South African Mr Christo.Brand was only 18 years of age when he was assigned the job of guarding prisoner Nelson.Mandela. They later became close friends over the decades and he wrote a book titled "Nelson Mandela.My Prisoner,My Friend." Finally at 1500 hrs the Ferry docked at "Nelson Mandela Gateway" and Mr Nanda.Gopal quickly headed towards the main road to board a taxi to Table Mountain.I inquired about the "Cape Town diamond" museum and was surprised to know that it was on the first floor of the  "Clock Tower Centre". 

Have the money buy "TANZANITE"

                                                     On inquiring at the reception was told that tours for the "Diamond museum" was booked by a tour group and so headed out of the building into the expanse of "V & A Waterfront".It was the now usual sight of musicians and foot ball jugglers performing on the side-walk while tourists passed along donating money.A  local music group was performing at the Amphitheater.Boarded the local  MyCiti bus as usual and alighted at Addeley street. Suddenly saw the board of "Betting World" on a building just adjacent to the train station. Entered the first floor of the building and was transferred into the World of "Sports Gambling" where the entire first floor was owned by the gambling company. Television screens beamed horse races, football, etc and i was amazes at the scale of the various sports offered by the betting company.                                                                                                           Under the "APARTHEID RULE" only "Horse Racing" was legal and the "Gold Reef Casino" was  strictly "WHITES ONLY". Its only after the abolition of Apartheid and the newly elected Democratic Government in 1994 that "Sports Gambling" has been legalized in South Africa.

Massive "LEGALIZED SPORTS BETTING SHOP".

                                                                                                                I wanted to bet on the "English Football results" but found it confusing to place a bet as i was unaccustomed to the betting format.Walked out of the sports betting floor happy that i had finally seen the massive scale of operations of legalized sports betting in South Africa.When will India legalize "SPORTS BETTING" ? The year 2000 "Hansie Cronjie" Cricket betting scandal that rocked South African and World cricket   ruining  many sporting careers was a result of the unbelievable "ILLEGAL ASIAN BETTING SYNDICATE".I have personally been actively involved in legalizing "Sports betting" in India and hope to witness the same during my life-time.From the massive sports betting floor walked down the building and entered the "Taxies Seafood" restaurant in the next building. Had a very late lunch cum dinner of "Calamari(Squid)/Rice" along with a drink costing a total of R 61."Calamari" is the South African name for "Squid" fish.After the sumptuous lunch/dinner walked over to the train station and after inquiries boarded the "Cape Flats" train.Relaxed in my temporary home of "Lighthouse Farm Lodge" authentically experiencing South African village life and  large communal cosmopolitan family living.I was never ever alone although on a "Solo" tour.

Cycling in the "CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE" with "Baz Bus" tour group.

Thursday(22-9-2016) Cape Town :- Normal morning routine of listening to "FM radio"  which also had news of the students agitation at the "Wits University" in Johannesburg  and other parts of South Africa.

"SAILING YACHTS" parked  in Hout Bay.

                                                                                                                                                  Was dressed and ready at 0630 hrs to board the "Baz Tour Bus" for the "Cape Peninsula Day Tour".After the speculated  arrival time i got worried about the tour being cancelled when i got a phone call from the tour company advising me to wait at the lodge while they sent a taxi to pick me up.Was relieved and strolled around the scenic complex of "Oude Molen Village". Spotted fellow lodger Mr Stephen.Trombas feeding the waste food of the lodge to two gigantic German shepherd dogs fenced in a open air kennel near the main gate entrance.The kitchen of "Lighthouse Farm lodge" was a study in "Waste Management" with 3 different dustbins allotted for different types of waste.There is also "Big Money" involved in "Waste Management"  and recycling of waste.

Cape Fur seals on "DUIKER ISLAND".

                                                                                                                                              Watched a pair of Egyptian geese squawk  from  a chimney top.Finally my taxi arrived a hour late at 0730 hrs and we drove to Camps Bay.On arrival at Camps Bay realized that the entire tour group was awaiting my arrival as the small mini bus was filled to capacity with a young tourist crowd.The bus was connected to a small trailer van which contained the Mountain cycles to be used later in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Tour Guide Mr Mike.Quillinan  introduced himself and i took my seat in the bus.As the bus drove we were given a brief lecture on the days itinerary with our fist stop being "Hout Bay".The harbour is home to the "Hout Bay Yacht Club" and numerous yachts are parked  in the harbour. Hout Bay is one of the busiest fishing harnours in the Western Cape of South Africa.At approximately 0845 hrs we reached "Mariners Wharf" in Hout Bay and  were given a option of touring "Duiker Island(Seal Island)" by a ferry boat or just sightseeing Hout Bay .Most of us opted for the ferry boat tour to Duiker Island while a few stayed back ashore in Hout Bay.Hout Bay is famous for its catch of Crayfish,Snoek and Tuna.

"Sentinel Hill" with "Duiker Island" at its foot.

       Purchased the ferry ticket costing R 80 for the 40 minutes boat tour .As there was some time to spare for the arrival of the ferry boat viewed and inquired the prices of various souvenirs along the wharf sold by  hawkers.Finally the Ferry arrived alongside the jetty and at 0910 hrs we boarded the large ferry of "Drumbeat Charters"..The ferry was packed to capacity with tourists and it was a smooth sailing from Hout Bay to Duiker Island with mild splashing of waves."Duiker island is a small plot of rock "77 X 95 Meters(0.4 Hectares)" in size jutting out of the sea.It is obscured from sight while approaching by boat as it is situated at the turn of the gigantic Sentinel hill that looms over  Hout Bay. The first sight of the "Seal Colony" was unbelievable akin to viewing seals in a open air zoo with a moat as a boundary fence.

Crooning to Engelbert Humperdinck.

                                                  The entire rock face was covered with seals including seal pup's.A few seals were basking in the sea next to the island. There are 35 different seal species in the World and Duiker Island is a "CAPE FUR SEAL" and "BIRD SANCTUARY".The Ferry boat doesn't stop but just maneuvers in close proximity to the tiny Duiker Island.The majority of seals on this tiny islet are males  waiting for their time until they reach the right breeding age of  8 to 12 years.During the moulting season  months of January and March this tiny islet is most populated by seals as they remain permanently ashore feeding off their fat blubber rather than diving into the sea in search of fish. The islet is not a breeding colony as the sea gets rough and hence the tiny pups can get swept into the sea.Breeding is a continuous cycle that takes place  in November/December in breeding colonies situated around the coastline of South Africa and neighbouring Namibia.Cape fur seals can dive upto depths of 36 meters on a average and tagged seals are known to have swum distances of  1600 Kms between Cape Town to Cape Cross in Namibia.Observed that the sea was very rough in this vicinity with waves crashing against the seal rock island.A slight misjudgment and the ferry could crash on the rocks and once on 13th October 2012 a small tourist vessel capsized resulting in the death of 2 people.After the ferry navigated across the small seal colony we began our journey back to the wharf.It was a total of approximately 45 minutes boat tour.On arriving at the Jetty we were greeted by a local band of  musicians  with Mexican hats and was nostalgic on hearing them sing the Engelbert.Humperdinck song "Quando, Quando, Quando". I had personally seen and attended a concert of Engelbert .Humperdinck in Mumbai and realized that age doesn't diminish the aura or  voice of a singer.Strolled around the docks and later after all of us got into the bus it was back to the road journey. Hout Bay is surrounded by Chapmans Peak and  the looming 331meters tall Sentinel mountain.At approximately 1000 hrs we left  Hout Bay and began our drive along  "Chapman's Peak Drive". The "Chapman's Peak Drive" hugs the vertical face mountain from Hout Bay to Noordhoek.

Appreciating beauty and sports prowess of South Africa.

              Its a 9 Kms winding route from Hout Bay and is considered as one of the most scenic drives in the World.This World famous mountain road was hacked from the face of the mountain between 1915 and 1922 which at that time was considered a engineering marvel."Chapman's Peak Drive" is the route for two of South Africa's largest mass participation races which is the "Cape Argus cycle race" and the "Two Oceans Marathon". This road was intermittently closed in the 1990's due to safety precautions and because of a lawsuit due to a death caused by rocks falling onto the road.  In 2009 a massive redevelopment of the road was undertaken and since then it has been open throughout the year and only closed in times of high velocity winds or rain.

African Penguins of Boulders Beach.

                                                                                                                            We stopped at a vantage viewing point at the edge of a cliff on Chapman's  Peak drive road.It was breakfast time and we were given a snack along with yogurt and tea. The sight of Hout Bay and Sentinel hill from the top of the cliff was beautiful .A group photo with the South African flag was taken at this picturesque spot.I later took a personal took a photo of mine against the backdrop of Hout Bay waving the South African flag as appreciation of the Country's wealth in natural beauty and sports.Although not a very big fan of  South African Cricket ,Jonty.Rhodes is one of my sporting heroes for his unbelievable fielding prowess on the Cricket field. Didn't spot any Whales in the Ocean below the cliff and the sea was as calm as a lake.After our brief halt we proceeded onward towards Boulders Beach passing through the South African Naval base of  Simon's Town.

Public walkway and viewing gallery for Penguins.

                All along the drive guide Mr  Mike.Quillinan gave us a description and importance of various sights.Simon's Town is located on the coast of False Bay  on the Eastern side of the Cape Peninsula and for over two centuries has been a important Naval base and harbour. Simon's  Town railway station  station is the terminus for the "Southern Line" that begins at Cape Town Station and considered a very scenic coastal train route. Lodge friend  Stephen was always advising me to take the train route from Cape Town to Simon's town  but i hesitated for personal safety reasons . From Simon's Town it was a short drive of a few kilometers to Boulders Beach.

Penguins rushing to the beach for a swim.

                                                                                                                                                 After parking we alighted our mini-bis and walked through a barricaded path along the beach coast to the ticket booth of "Boulders Beach Penguin National Park".Boulders beach consists of large Cape granite's interspersed between a  white sandy beach  and stunted bushes.The coastal water is calm and sheltered offering the resident penguins a ideal natural home.This colony of Penguins at Boulders beach has been in existence since 1985 and prior to this there was no evidence of penguins existing  in boulders Beach. Its a amazing sight since this large penguin population resides in the midst of a human village.It was fun watching the comical penguins march towards the beach and dive into the water.

Getting the "Mountain Cycles" unloaded for riding.

                                                                                              A few penguins were resting in the bushes lining the coast. For the first time in my life saw Penguins in the natural wild and not in a normal zoo enclosure. While returning back to the bus i suddenly saw a  familiar elderly couple walking towards the Penguin viewing deck and realized that i was  face to face with   Dr Placidius.A.Mascarenhas and his wife Mrs Pamela.Mascarenhas .Stopped them in their tracks and confirmed their identity as we had all travelled together  on the "Holy Land Tour(Egypt,Israel,Jordan)" in 2008 with "Mosiac Tours". Its ultimately a small World and they were again on a pilgrimage tour in Africa having already visited Rwanda and Kenya.

Riding in "Cape Point Nature Reserve" amidst Fynbos .

                                                                                                                                            Bid them a happy tour and  made my way to our bus.Finally at 1200 hrs we began our next leg of the journey which was the "Cape Point Nature reserve". At approximately 1215 hrs we passed along the last village in the Cape Point Peninsula and finally entered the national Park.There was a signboard warning tourists about Baboons and requesting  not to feed them.The entire land mass was covered in bush with a few large trees scattered among the bush.The Cape Point nature reserve has a area of 7750 hectares of varying flora along its short 40 Km shoreline which extends from Schuster's Bay in the West to Smitswinkle Bay in the East.Cape Points headland consists of three landmarks which is the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Maclear and Cape Point itself.Since 2004 the Cape Point Nature Reserve has been part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is a U.N.E.S.C.O World heritage site.Bird Watchers(Twitchers) have spotted approximately 250 species of birds in this National reserve.

"Pegrams Point" :-  on way to "Cape of Good Hope".

     Mammal species found in the reserve are various antelopes such as Klipspringer,Steenbok and Eland besides the common Chackma Baboons.Finally at approximately 1230 hrs we stopped in the middle of the Nature reserve and  our Mountain cycles were unloaded from the attached trailer van.Each of us wanting to cycle were handed over a Mountain bike by the driver Freddy who also adjusted the seat heights for each individual rider. Tour Guide Mr Mike.Quillinan told us that it was a simple straight ride of approximately 5 to 6 kms and that we had to stop near a sign post that had the South African flag.We all rode in a single file through the beautiful Fynbos(bush) on either sides of the two way highway having some excellent flowers.

Finally at the "CAPE OF GOOD HOPE".

                                                                                                                                              There was a lot of vehicle traffic on the National reserve highway as it was a tourist hotspot. Our group were the only cyclists on the road that day. Didn't spot a single mammal nor a bird and as we gradually rode i increased my speed.At approximately 1315 hrs reached a road diversion with the sign post reading  "Buffels Bay".A little ahead was another signpost reading "Platboom" with a direction indicator towards a road diversion saying "Dias Beacon"Came across  a road repair which slowed down the tourist traffic due to a one-lane direction alternating between incoming and outgoing vehicles.  

Ostrich pair with chicks in Cape Point Reserve".

                                                                                                          I looked around and didn't spot a single cyclist which made me panicky. Had i lost my way although i was on the straight road as directed. Where were my co-cyclists mostly young ladies ? I decided to drive ahead rather than turn back. At 1330 hrs reached a road diversion  with a large signboard stating two different directions. One direction pointed to the "Cape Point Lighthouse " which was up the hill  and another to the "Cape of Good Hope" which was a downhill road leading to the coast.. A lady ranger was on duty and i inquired if she had seen any cyclists go downhill towards the Cape of Good hope to which she replied in the affirmative.Rode like a madman downhill and later along the coast stopping at "Pegrams Point" and inquiring with some tourists in a car. I was the only cyclists till the horizon but they consoled me in .saying i was on the right path to the "Cape of Good Hope".

At "CAPE POINT".

                                                                                                               Finally at approximately 1345 reached the "Cape of Good Hope" end point with tourists in a queue to take turns in getting themselves photographed against the signboard.Now i really panicked of being lost as there was no sign of any cyclist in the vicinity. Rang up "Baz bus" office and told them to inform guide Mike.Quillinan that i was lost and to pick me up also giving them  my location.They later told me to wait at the "Cape of Good Hope" and that the bus would come to collect me. There was a large hill at the Cape of Good hope which a few tourists trekked to get a view from the top.I took a photograph in front of the signboard and just hoped that i was not lost with a mountain cycle in the Cape Nature reserve.Finally to my relief at approximately 1415 hrs sighted the "Baz bus" heading towards us at the "Cape of Good Hope".

Trek path to the peak of "CAPE POINT".

                                                                                                            Seems i had overshot the final post and hence was riding all alone finally reaching the "Cape of Good Hope" on a Mountain cycle and not a bus or car ! They had eaten their picnic  lunch and while they queued for the "Cape of Good Hope" photo shoot i ate my share of the lunch. I was really hungry having cycled for over a hour and a distance of approximately 15 kms. The Cape of Good Hope was first discovered by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu.Dias on 12th March 1488 who named it the "Cape of Storms" because of the optimism of discovering a sea route to India and the East.Tragically Bartholomeu.Dias never made it past South Africa and a decade later another Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama followed his route and also finally made the sea route to India.

At "Cape Point Lighthouse(Old)".

                                   A large statue of Bartholomeu.Dias is installed in Cape Town  city.The City of Cape Town is approximately 50 Kms to the North of the Cape of Good Hope..In South African mythology the "Cape of Good Hope"  is the legendary home of the ship "The Flying Dutchman", a ship that authentically existed and got lost in these waters and ever since  supposedly crewed by haunted Ghost sailors.This ship is now  forever sailing its waters unable to navigate round the headland.Do you believe in Ghosts and haunted ships ? There is a common misconception that the "Cape of Good Hope" is the Southern most tip of Africa and the dividing line between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans which it is not as that place is Cape Agulhas about 150 Kms South-East to the Cape. Finally after every one of us had their photo shoot we boarded the bus and headed towards Cape Point.It was the same route backwards which i had cycled and i realized the distance i had pedaled was no ordinary cycling.Suddenly we spotted a pair of Ostriches with their chicks, my first big wild-life sighting in a natural forest in South Africa. Stopped the bus and took some photo's. Finally at 1500 hrs we reached Cape Point.

View from "Cape Point Lighthouse(Old)".

On reaching "Cape Point" tourists can either take the "Flying Dutchman Funicular" to reach the peak of Cape Point which is 249 meters above sea level or trek to the top.As usual although retired from active trekking  can't resist the temptation of climbing steep hills and hence decided to trek to the top on which the 1859 year  built  lighthouse is situated.Although strenuous to my knees it was a pleasant trek in the cool weather and at 1515 hrs was at the "Cape Point Lighthouse".There was a large tourist crowd at the top with most using the "Flying Dutchman Funicular" to reach the top. The 360*view of the entire Cape of Good Hope Peninsula  from the top was classic and a viewer could also get a glimpse of the hidden sunken rocks that has made this vicinity a graveyard of ship wrecks.Cape Point has a shipwreck trail of a minimum of 26 identified ships that have sunk in the treacherous waters.

Calm "Cape of Good Hope" with "Sunken Rocks" .

        There is a separate tourist "Shipwreck trail" tour in the Cape Point Nature Reserve.The Cape point Lighthouse although located at the highest point on the land was later realized to be a blunder as it was too high and at times mist and and bad weather obscured the beam of light to ships in the vicinity.In 1911 the  sinking of the Portuguese liner Lusitania which ran into Bellows rock below prompted the authorities to decommission the Old Lighthouse .A  new Lighthouse was built in 1914 at 87 meters to the tip of Cape Point.on the coast below and closer to the sea .This Lighthouse  sports the brightest light in South Africa at 10 million Candellas visible for 60 Kms out at sea.The Old Lighthouse is now just a historic tourist symbol.There is a small cafeteria and a souvenir and handicraft shop selling legal wild-life products as in the "V & A Waterfront" malls.

Classic leader of  pack "Chackma Baboon".

                                                                                                   Took a few photographs and again came across Dr Mr & Mrs Mascarenhas who were travelling with a big tour group akin to our last tour to "The Holy Land"  in 2008.Realized the World is a real small place.While scrutinizing the coastline at the foot of the hill guide  Mike.Quillinan pointed at a silhouette saying it was a whale.I tried my level best with the binoculars but could not spot the whale that was submerged. Later it was time to board the bus and hence made a quick descent downhill.Strangely did not spot a single "Chackma Baboon"  considered a tourist nuisance .Finally at 1600 hrs we all boarded our bus and made the journey back to Cape Town.En-route came across a troop of "Chackma Baboons" crossing our road. Got a beautiful view of the leader of the troop , a large ferocious looking Baboon.This was my second wild-life spotting in South Africa after the pair of Ostriches. After passing the nature reserve came across a "Ostrich Farm" which resembled a horse stud farm.Finally at 1730 hrs was dropped at Lighthouse Farm lodge and thankful that i had a memorable day without getting lost in the Cape Point Nature reserve.Rest of the evening and night was spent at the Kitchen/Dining hall of the lodge discussing tours and Africa with Mr Stephen.Trombas over a bottle of "Castle Beer" each.For the first time drank a beer in Cape Town having been too scared to visit a pub in the night or day !

KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS :- A "Double Collared Sunbird"  pollinating the "Pin Cushion Flowers"

 Friday(23-9-2016) Cape Town :-  As usual was listening to "FM radio" till daylight  heard  the news of disturbances at "Wits College" in Johannesburg and the Townships in Cape Town.

"Mostert's Mill(1796)".Only windmill in S.A.

                       The "Northern Line" metro train service in Cape town was cancelled for the day and thankful that the "Cape Flats" train service was still functioning although at a less frequency.The large immigrant Black lodgers  had their own company transport from the lodge and hence not affected by the public transport disturbances.Made my way out of the lodge at 0800 hrs and was happy to board a crowded "Metro Plus" compartment at Pinewoods station. On reaching Cape Town station immediately headed to the "McDonalds" cafeteria and had a mild "Sandwich/Coffee(R15)" breakfast.After breakfast it was the now familiar walk to "81 Long Street" where i purchased a single  days R190 tour ticket .

Main entrance to "KIRSTENBOSCH GARDEN".

                                         Browsed through the "Cape Times" and read the news of  the disturbances in Langa Township of Cape town and the cancellation of a few Metro train services.The Students protests that began at the "Wits University" had spread all over the Country. My agenda for the day was to visit the "Kirstenbosch Gardens" and "The world of Birds" situated on the tour route of the "Blue Hop On-Hop Off" bus. It was cheaper and convenient using the "Blue Tour bus" as a mode of transport rather than a taxi to these two tourist spots of Cape Town situated in the distant  scenic Constantia suburb of the City.Boarded the "Blue Tour Bus" at 0905 hrs and began the normal familiar route towards "Kirstenbosch Gardens(Stop N0 20)".

"Erythrina Latissima"

                      On approaching the University of Cape Town in  Mowbray got a good photograph from the moving bus of the historic "Mostert's Mill" originally built in 1796.This is the oldest and only complete Corn windmill surviving in South Africa. Finally at 0940 hrs our tour bus finally arrived at "Kirstenbosch stop(N0 20)" just outside the garden entrance gate.Made my way into the entrance and was happy to read a board advertising a free guided tour of the garden at 1000 hrs.Purchased a ticket costing R60 and entered the garden complex.The garden entrance seemed small and a exhibition was being held in a hall adjacent to the entrance.Decided to visit the exhibition before the start of the guided tour.Botany has never been my interest although i like growing plants and trees  with my own house in Mumbai having its tiny gallery garden. Ask me the Botanical name of a common plant  and i am stumped for a answer !On visiting the exhibition was surprised at the expensive water drawings by various artists costing a fortune.The water colour paintings  of   Elbe .Joubert titled 'Erythrina Latissima" was priced at R 32,000 and "Strelitzia Nicolai" by Farhat.Iqbal  at R35,000.At 1000 hrs reported at the entrance gate and introduced myself to guide  Mrs Adre.Marshall  .Besides me there was only one other tourist on the guided tour, a lady tourist from Kentucky in the U.S.A.At 1005 the three of us began our tour which seemed more like a private "V.I.P" garden tour. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden established in 1913 is the World's first Botanical garden founded  to preserve a Country's unique Flora .It is situated on the Eastern foothill of Table Mountain.Our first visit was to the "Conservatory" where a large number of plants from different regions of South Africa was exhibited.As photographs do maximum justice for plant and flower description i have posted photographs of some of the important plant and flower species we came across during the guided walking tour.

CONSERVATORY. :- Savannah, Fynbos and Karoo vegetation and plants.

    From the Conservatory we next walked into the open expanse of the huge Garden complex.There is a separate "Forest Braille Trail"  that passes through a natural forest trail and some wetland meant for Blind visitors.

View of "Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens" with the slopes of Table Mountain.

                                                                                                   

    Next was a visit to the "Bird of Paradise Flower" also called "Mandels's Gold".  

"Strelitzia Reginae" Mandela's Gold.

       We next visited the "CYCAD AMPHITHEATER" where rare , precious expensive Cycads were  grown.Once during a storm many of the rare Cycads were stolen from the Botanical Garden which proves their commercial value to collectors of Cycads akin to priceless paintings. All the "CYCADS" in Kirstenbosch garden are protected by motion sensors,micro-dots and micro-chips.                      

A priceless rare "EASTERN CAPE  CYCAD "

                        There is a "Garden of Extinction" that displays 1500 South African plants that may soon become extinction the wild with reasons for the same.Next came across South Africa's National Flower  "King Protea Flower".

Fynbos "King Protea(Protea Cynaroides)" the National flower of South Africa.

                 A walk through the "Tree Canopy" elevated on a platform was a sight to behold. Numerous, plants, birds and animal species lived within the dense tree canopy through which tourists and botanists walk.

Walkway in the Jungle Canopy".

How many useful plants can you identify ?

     Plants that are facing extinction or on the verge of extinction.Below is the only specimen of "Wood's Cycad" in the World that is fenced for its protection. Since 1916 it is extinct in the wild .

A Leonardo Da Vinci  "Mona Lisa"   of the Plant Kingdom :- "Wood's Cycad" 

                      
Finally a photograph with a sculpture of a "Surveying  Cheetah II" by Sculptor Dylan.Lewis installed in the Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens..

"Surveying  Cheetah II" :- A wildlife connoisseur although a Botany illiterate !

During our walk we also saw the rare sight of a pair of a pair of "Spotted Eagle Owls" at their nest..One owl was on the ground at the foot of the tree hatching the eggs while its mate was silently watching and guarding seated on  a branch of the tree.Also witnessed Sun-birds pollinating the "Pin Cushion" flowers , something i witnessed for the first time in my life although a regular visitor to forests and gardens in India and foreign country's. A interesting spot was "Colonel Birds Bath" built in 1811 to collect the spring water before it was piped into the house of  Colonel Christopher Bird.The house was demolished  long ago but the "BATH" was restored  and is situated in the heart of the Dell with eternal "Spring Water" flowing through it.

"COLONEL BIRD'S BATH" :- The clear water bubbles from the bottom of this small pond from a "Underground Spring" at a average rate of  72 litres/Minute throughout the year.This Spring never runs dry and is always filled with pure spring drinkable water.

                                                                  Our walk finally came to a end crossing the  large open air concert lawn.Concerts are held in the amphitheater of this lawn  from mid November to early April.All genres of music are performed at this open-air Botanical garden amphitheater and performers in the past include house-hold names like Elton.John.Joe Cocker,Cliff.Richard and Bryan.Adams. It was a big thank you to our guide Mrs Adre.Marshall without whom i would have just walked across this World famous garden absolutely ignorant of its botanical wealth and importance to the Natural world.

Mrs Adre.Marshall a self-taught botanist.Thanks for the "Free Botany Garden Walk".

Thanked Mrs Adre .Marshall for her voluntary educational charity work and walked out of the gardens .Rang up Ms Arifa.Parker as she planned a  car drive outing on Saturday when she is normally free of her hectic work schedule.She told me that she had planned a car drive to Hermanus to watch the whales and relax as its a popular tourist resort away from Cape Town. Boarded  the "Blue Tour Bus"at 1250 hrs  just outside the garden main gate and was at "World of Birds" (Stop  No 22)" at  1320 hrs.After purchasing the R90 ticket entered the park which is also called "World of Birds wildlife sanctuary and Monkey park".The  4 Hectares ( 9.9 Acres)  zoo has about 330 different bird species , the third highest of any bird zoo.Only "Weltvogelpark Walsrode bird Park " in Germany and the "Jurong Bird Park" in Singapore have a larger bird collection than "World of Birds" in Cape Town..Most of the aviaries are walk-in aviaries where the visitor can literally almost pet a bird or pose for "Selfies" with the birds.Came across a enclosed aviary where former pet parrots mostly Cockatoo's and African Grey's  were re-homed due to stress of feather plucking.Akin to Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens there was excellent educational information on the various species of birds,  I have given a pictorial description of this large bird and monkey park

"Golden Pheasant" in the "Walk-In Aviary".

Inside the Parrot enclosure and whistling and talking to the "African Grey" perched on top of my head. Believe me when i say that the bird responded to my whistles and gibberish talk.

In the Parrot "Walk-In-Enclosure"  having a humorous time with the "African Grey" parrot.

Strolled through the "Walk-In-Aviaries" and the collection of owls and raptors was excellent.

"Great Horned Owl".

Came across a freak "Adjutant Stork" that had its beak curved in the opposite direction.

Freak "ADJUTANT STORK". Notice its extreme curved beak in comparison to the other Stork.

After viewing the birds went to the mammals section. Came across a three Servals bred in the zoo.The parents caged in the next enclosure had abandoned the babies and these three Servals born on 9-3-2016 were hand reared by the zoo staff.As a "Cat Fancier" having two cats at home was delighted to see the Servals which has been used in the development and breeding of the "Bengal Cat" breed.My final visit was to the "Walk-In Monkey" enclosure where the "Squirrel Monkeys" were hilarious beyond description.A  lady employee of the zoo  was busy handing a few young lady  tourists some seeds  also warning us to be careful of our valuables as these monkeys had a habit of pick-pocketing.When my turn came to be photographed with the monkeys i was surprised at their intelligence in prying open my top shirt pocket searching for hidden food.

Protecting my pocket from the prying hands of the "SQUIRREL MONKEYS".

Finally at 1510 hrs made my way out of the "World of Birds" and after a short wait boarded the "Blue bus" to "V & A Waterfront".At 1630 hrs reached "V & A  Waterfront" and boarded the connecting "Red Bus" to "81 Long Street".

Historic "Koopmans De Wet House" on Long Street.

                                                                                                          From "Long Street" it was the normal walk to Cape Town station where a real shock news awaited my arrival. The ticket inspector told me that the "Cape Flats" services had stopped and the only alternative was the taxi's.Walked through the overhead bridge into Cape Town's main mini van taxi stand and was shocked at the sight of  a a huge queue for various taxi's heading to different destinations. Enquired about taxi's to Pinelands with various commuters but no one seemed to understand me, a total foreigner.I was one of the few coloureds in a sea of local Black South Africans and realized that living standards for the average South African was tough as not everyone owned or travelled by vehicles although the roads and highways were of First World standards.South Africa had real extremes of living standards akin to India .Finally walked down back to the main road and spotted a old taxi parked next to  a mini taxi  stand.The driver Jordan  was a Congo immigrant and after much bargaining agreed to drive me to Pinelands for R 110.Worse was yet to come when his car refused to start.How could so many transport vehicles  go wrong on one single day ? I was about to get out of the taxi in search of another cab  when he requested a few men to push his cab.Luckily it did finally start and it was a happy drive back to "Lighthouse Farm Lodge" with Jordan describing his life and living in Cape Town..Co Lodger Stephen told me that he was leaving lighthouse for another lodge near Simon's Town for convenience but would return back to "Lighthouse Lodge" after a month.Wished him good-luck as he really educated me on South Africa and the neighbouring Country's.

Lunch at "Fusion Restaurant"  in  Hermanus :- Didn't spot a whale but enjoyed the scenery. Normally a tourist can spot whales  from this classic sea-facing restaurant situated in "Village Square" .South African Student entrepreneur Ms Sello .Molele with her mentor Ms Arifa. Parker.

Saturday( 24/9/2016) Cape Town :-  A normal morning as usual with a new group of local Black South African tourist arrivals at the lodge having a early breakfast before their group tour.Had a educational discussion on cycling accessories with  cycle workshop entrepreneur Mr Lloyd .Alexander and was surprised at the cost of cycle accessories including cycling shoes.Real expensive with "DMT " brand cycling shoes costing R4000. No wonder "Hijacking" of cyclists is common in South Africa.Today was "Heritage Day" in South Africa, a public holiday where South African's are encouraged to celebrate their  culture and diversity of their beliefs and traditions.Various events are staged throughout the Country to represent this day.This day is also informally known as "Braai Day" to celebrate the traditional South African cuisine of "Backyard Barbeques(Braai's)".

"Private Security Patrol"  in Pinelands East.

         Today's planning was a drive to Hermanus with class-mate Arifa.Parker although i had that strange intuition that we would't spot a whale.As a gambler/investor don't blame me for being a bit nutty about my intuitions and "Sixth sense" judgement ! At 0915 hrs crossed over the railway bridge of Pinelands Station onto the plush upper scale neighbourhood of Pinelands (East).Noticed a private security car "Pinewatch Security"  on duty  and had a conversation with the guard patrolling the vicinity round the clock  with a gun .These are private security guards and not the normal police  which explains South Africa's dubious status as one of the World's crime capitals..Arifa was a bit late in her Volkswagen and at 0945 hrs we began our long  121 Kms road journey to Hermanus.

"Whale Watching"  post at Hermanus.

                                                                                                                     A very long drive enjoying the scenery and discussing life and living. There is a World of difference between school and life  after school life.We discussed our teachers, most prominent being literature teacher Ms Flora.Gonsalves to whom our generation owe their basic English language upbringing and etiquette.  The majority of  our classmates  are high achievers in their respective fields including my classmate and fellow Mariner Mr Biju.J.Karian to whom i owe my entry into the World of Marine engineering.Kuwaiti Ahmed.M.A.Bastaki  was the "Head Boy" of our school with Arifa.Parker being the "Head-Girl".I first "Voted"in 1974  as a student selecting the "Head-boy" and "Head-girl" of Christ Church School and since then have been a eternal  student of "Political science" although not a politician. Ahmed.M.A.Bastaki is in 2016  the  "Executive Director"of the office of Managing Director at "Kuwait Investment authority". 

A band performing for tourists in "Village Square".

                                                          He was  the most popular student of Christ Church School during my generation for his official designation as "Head-Boy"  as well as his  sports prowess and residence  in the plush Malabar hill locality of Mumbai with late Hindi actors Nutan.Bahl, ,Kamini.Kaushal and Premnath.Malhotra as his co-building residents.Ahmed had the latest "Hindi Film Gossip" before it could be published in the film magazines of that era ! Strangely  Ahmed  developed a  medical syndrome called "School Amnesia" after passing "ISC X11" in 1977.I couldn't believe it when Arifa told me that she totally lost touch of "Head-Boy" Ahmed.Bastaki after his passing out from "Christ Church school" although the two of them hold the joint record for the longest term as  "Head-Boy" and "Head-Girl" in the school's history. .Ahmed  did his post graduation in the U.S.A as did all wealthy Arabs  and  today is a financial gnome  in the Kuwait Royal family. Ahmed.Bastaki won't forget me in a hurry for i gave him a psychological fright in "Middle-distance" athletics in school.Hope Ahmed.Bastaki reads  this blog and regains his memory of school days and akin to a Bill.Gates contributes a donation to the coffers of "Christ Church School".That's my "Braggers rights" in Christ Church school  besides being a decent academician !Proud to have been a "Christ Church Alumni" of the 1960's and 1970's generation and even in 2016 Christ Church has been voted as one of the best schools in Mumbai.

Hermanus Town facing the sea-coast.

We finally reached Hermanus at 1045 hrs  and finding a parking slot was difficult as it was a Saturday week-end.After parking we strolled around the main tourist promenade facing the sea  in "Village Square"  hoping to sight a whale. Hermanus  faces "Walker Bay" on the South coast of the Western Cape and is synonymous with "Right Whale sightings". I had earlier visited Hermanus on Tuesday 20-9-2016)  during the Shark cage diving tour in Gansbaai and did not spot a whale. Bizarrely September  is supposed to be one of the best months for Whale sightings in Hermanus  with a annual "Whale Festival held in the town at the end of September but this year postponed to the first week of October. Since August 1992 Hermanus has had the World's only "Whale Crier" who sounds his Kelp horn for the benefit of tourists on sighting a whale .

At "Grotto Beach" with a beautiful pair of Great Danes.

                                    "Lucky in gambling and unlucky in love" is a stale proverb that i twisted into a relevant practical proverb of my South Africa  tour ,quote,   "Lucky in Shark sightings and unlucky in whale sightings".
Arifa  was a former "Marketing Manager" at "Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry " in Cape Town  and is presently involved in various activities in South Africa including mentoring of student entrepreneurs.She told me that one of her young lady students Ms Sello.Molele was in Hermanus and that we could meet her  and have lunch together.In South Africa you are handicapped without  private transport or a phone/Internet  connection  and Arifa had both on her fingertips.Hence Ms Sello.Molele was contacted by phone  and met us within half an hour at the promenade.

South African Couple and their dogs appreciated by Arifa.

                                                                        Lunch was at the "Fusion Restaurant" facing "Walkers Bay", the ultimate luxury of watching whales while relishing a meal or a drink. Ms Sello.Molele a electrical engineer by profession was busy having a entrepreneurial discussion with Arifa while i sipped on a "Pina Coladoi cocktail".Ms Arifa.Parker is a devout Muslim and alcohol is taboo although she tolerates others drinking in her presence including her student Sello who was relishing a "Pina Colodoi" cocktail.A local jazz group sang in procession  around the group of restaurants in the vicinity  and the tourists including me were delighted at their performance.After lunch bid Ms Sello.Molele goodbye and at 1230 hrs we drove to "Grotto Beach".

Arifa  heading to  "Houw Hoek Farm Stall".

      This beach is the largest beach in Hermanus  and is a "Blue Flag beach"."Blue Flag Beaches" are beaches that abide by the standards of  International environment, management and safety criteria.It was very cold on arrival at the "Grotto Beach" and  just dipping of feet let alone a swim in the sea  was out of question. Observed some plush heavy duty motorbikes  parked at the entrance of the beach and would have liked to have ridden one of them. Arifa and myself strolled along the beautiful white sand beach hoping to spot the elusive whale. Did the whales know that the fictional "Captain Ahab" was in the vicinity and hence avoiding Walkers Bay ? Ha Ha ha Hee hee hee !We came across a young White South African couple walking their extraordinary beautiful Great Dane dogs  and requested a "Photo-shoot" with their dogs.

"Green Point Promenade".

                                   Finally  at 1315 hrs decided we had had enough of beach walking and walked back to car for the drive back to Cape Town on the N2 highway..On the way we stopped at  1400hrs  we stopped at Elgin on National highway "N2" to visit the famous  "Houw Hoek Farm Stall".This White Farmhouse is a authentic architectural South African building with a green corrugated iron roof lined with blossoms.Its famous for its home baked cakes and fresh bread, authentic South African.Local farmers from Elgin pick up fruits and vegetables early from their farms and sell the same to "Houw Hoek Farm Stall".The best of farm fruits, vegetables and Cape wine is available at this famous farm stall and is a normal halt for Arifa during her occasional picnics to Hermanus.I purchased dried apricots and "Fynbos honey" for carting back home to Mumbai.

View of "V & A "  from "Spur Steak Ranches" restaurant.

                                                                                                                                             After the grocery shopping headed back towards Cape Town and it suddenly struck me that en-route  we could visit a "Guinness book of world records" ostrich named "Tom Thumb" at the Cape Town Ostrich  ranch. Arifa didn't know the location and used her "Internet google map director" for the same but got confused and hence the plan was abandoned.We finally reached Cape town  and Arifa took me to her house  situated in Rylands estate in the Southern suburbs of Cape Town  and introduced me to her relatives.Akin to Mumbai with ite pre-colonial communal housing  Cape Town also has its different communal colonies  which is a  a legacy of the "Apartheid Rule" . Arifa's bungalow was in a staunch Asian origin South African commune .One of Cape Town's oldest mosque " Habibia Soofie Masjid" is situated in the vicinity of her Bungalow colony.

"V& A"  harbour view  dinner at "Spurs steak ranches".

  From her house we drove towards Cape Town and at 1630 hrs reached "Green Point".Had a walk along this beautiful sea-facing promenade that had a holiday crowd .Saw the amazing sight of "Paragliders" gliding over buildings facing the sea and landing perfectly on the garden grass facing the sea.A slight misjudgment could mean crashing into a building or overshooting the landing point and landing in the sea.Real Adrenalin junkie extreme sports. No wonder South Africa excels in all forms of sports.Finally at 1730 hrs we drove to "V & A Waterfront" and window shopped  a few curio stalls in the large malls. Purchased a beautiful designed  "Ostrich egg souvenir" wondering about its place in my overcrowded curio home in Mumbai.Dinner was at the plush "Spur Steak Ranches" facing Victoria harbour in "V & A Waterfront". As it was "Braai Day" for culinary cuisine  decided to have steaks for dinner. Both of us had  a dinner of "Steak fillet" with me sipping a beer while Arifa sipped iced tea.Starring into the dark sky with the shimmering harbour lights brought back the good and bad days of sea voyages to distant country's.This was the first time in my entire South African tour that i had eaten a dinner outside my guarded hotel room after Sunset.Yes, was this the same man who walked the street past mid-night  in civil war torn Maputo in 1988 ? I am brave in "Adrenalin junkie sports" like jumping off flying planes in South Africa  but definitely respect the criminal fan at my age and time in life ! After dinner it was a nice drive back to Pinelands  East and after giving Arifa.Parker a big good-bye hug hesitantly walked the lonely path across the railway bridge to "Oude Molen village".

Cape Town Ostrich Ranch:- With "TOM THUMB" the World's smallest ostrich.

Sunday(25-9-2016) Departure Cape Town :- Had the  last early morning listening of "Cape Town FM" music and my last shower in "Lighthouse Lodge" before departure for Mumbai by the evening flight.

Metro train(2nd Class) :- Last train travel in South Africa.

                                                                                                                                                      As the Metro Trains were disoriented in frequency due to the recent disturbances in Cape Town decided to check-out of the lodge early and spend the entire day in Cape Town city.Checked out of the lodge with my luggage  at 0745 hrs dropping my room key in the "Check-out" box .On arrival at Pinelands station was surprised to see the station absolutely deserted with not a commuter in sight and hoped that the trains were functioning.The train ticket selling booth was closed and on seeing a commuter was told that on Sunday's commuters paid for the tickets at the end destination since it was a public  holiday.I missed the first train as i was on the wrong platform and couldn't make a 100 meters dash with my heavy luggage on seeing the train approach on the opposite platform.

Ostrich ranch guide Mr Hermann..Mouzita.

                                                                                                                          This misjudgment cost me a 45 minutes delay and finally boarded the common compartment of the next  train  as the "Metro Class(First)" would be empty and dangerous for solo travel.The common travel class compartment itself was almost empty with just a few passengers and finally reached Cape Town at 0840 hrs.Paid my ticket fare at the station exit  and headed to the "McDonalds" restaurant for breakfast.Breakfast was a "Big Breakfast"  costing R40 along with coffee.After the lavish breakfast headed to Adderley bus-stop.Boarded the now very familiar  MyCiti bus to Civic Centre and from there the next connecting bus to V& A waterfront.My carry bag with wheels was a drag in my mobility and was hoping to deposit the same at a locker room in "V& A Waterfront".On inquiry was told that Cape Town didn't have any "Locker room" in public places as a safety precaution against terrorism.This was disappointing news and hence would be spending the entire day travelling around the city with my luggage."V& A Waterfront" held no more surprises and hence decided to visit the "Cape Town Ostrich ranch"  and see the World's smallest Ostrich.

A part of "Cape Town Ostrich Ranch"

                                 Inquiries at the "Taxi Stand" was a economic shock on the exorbitant taxi charges in South Africa. As i mentioned previously South African transport was designed for private vehicle ownership with public transport just touching important commuter locations and not the entire city or its extended suburbs.Finally after a little bargaining hired a taxi costing a Kings ransom of R700 for the trip to Cape Town Ostrich ranch and back to "V& A Waterfront" which also included "Waiting charges".It would have been cheaper and convenient  to hire a motorcycle for the day and drive the distance and hence its common for tourists to hire vehicles and drive around South Africa.On "Solo Travels" its transport and accommodation that normally hike the tour budget and this same taxi shared among the normal capacity of four passengers would have been very economical.

Standing on "Ostrich Egss".

                                                                                    Yes i was occasionally travelling and living in South Africa  like Mega Hindi star Shah Rukh.Khan.  We drove the 30 kms distance  on the "N7 Highway" and realized that the ostrich farm was definitely in a completely isolated location from the normal public transport routes.Finally at 1030 hrs reached "Cape Town Ostrich Ranch" situated at Philadelphia, Cape Town. If blindfolded and brought to the location i would have mistook the location to be Europe and not Africa !The surrounding   farmland with its rolling meadows is a typical European sight.The farm is situated on the sea facing slopes of Durban hills and has spectacular views of Table Mountain and the  Hottentot Holland Mountains.Left my luggage in the taxi  and after taking down the driver's phone number told him that  he could continue with his normal routine and return back at 1300 hrs to collect me for the return journey to "V & A Waterfront".Entrance to the Ostrich ranch was R90 and i seemed to be one of the earliest tourists which proved to be a boon as i got a personal private tour of the entire ranch .Guide Mr Hermann.P.N.Mouzita  first  guided me to the "Ostrich Skeleton and Physiology" room  and explained  me the physiology of a ostrich akin to a Veterinary Medical college lecture.

Sitting on a large full grown male Ostrich.

                               Various body  parts of the Ostrich were on display including the entire skeletal system of this large flightless bird.He showed me Ostrich eggs as well as the comparison between different birds eggs of which the Ostrich's egg is the largest.Ostrich in the Western Cape region of South Africa is big farming business where the feathers, leather and lean meat are harvested and exported akin to poultry.It is presumed that Ostrich farming for feathers  originated in Algeria and  was firmly established in South Africa  in the 1880's.Initially the bird's were farmed only for their feathers which gradually went into decline and now the Industry has Ostrich meat and leather along with its decorative eggs as its chief revenue income. I was taken to the main farm complex  which had large fenced   grounds akin to a horse ranch with ostriches instead of horses.Male Ostriches are  black in colour  and the females grayish.A ostrich produces about 40 eggs in a year  and the chicks hatched reach the meat yielding age at approximately 14 months producing 95 Kgs of meat.Beside's meat the average Ostrich produces approximately 50 Sq Meters of leather and 36 Kgs of feather.The Ostriches are mostly fed maize and are gluttons akin to chickens.

"Weaver Bird" nests inside Nile Crocodile enclosure.

                             What surprised me was the harmless pecking of the ostrich on my hand while feeding it maize for i presumed that its beak was sharp.Ostriches are omnivorous and eat both vegetables and meat.These large Ostriches can run at speeds of upto 70 Km/hr.The average height of the sexually mature  male Ostrich is  2.1 to 2.8 meters(6'11" to 9' 2") while the female  height is 1.7 to 2 meters( 5'7" to 6'7").The life-span of a Ostrich is between 40 to 45 years ..From the common  Ostrich  farm pens  he next took me to the crocodile enclosure where a small ferocious Nile crocodile was penned along with a few tortoises.A large colony of weaver birds had built their nest  on a tree situated inside the crocodile enclosure.Seems this large colony of birds felt protected living inside the den of one of Africa's most ferocious reptiles.

"Ostrich Fillet with beer" at Cape Town Ostrich Ranch.

                                          Next to the crocodile enclosure was  a pen having Emu's .Next visit was to see the star attraction of "Cape Town Ostrich ranch" and for which i had paid a fortune to visit.On seeing "Tom Thumb" for the first time i was surprised by the ordinariness of the bird  that resembled a overgrown ugly turkey."Tom Thumb" has been officially certified by the "Guinness book of World records" as the smallest living ostrich in the World.A certificate authenticating the same is prominently placed on the farm premises.The height of "Tom Thumb" is 127 Cms(50 Inches).As usual entered the pen and fed "Tom Thumb" maize  while petting him akin to a pet bird. Tom Thumb's  unique celebrity dimensions  might spare him becoming "Ostrich Meat" although the same will not be applicable for the other normal  ostriches i saw on the farm.

Dirt Bike riders in "ZONE 7".

   The Ostriches are not slaughtered on this farm but transported to abattoirs akin to poultry  chickens.From "Tom Thumb" the next visit was to the saddling enclosure of the farm where tourists can experience the feeling of sitting on a full-grown ostrich. A large male ostrich was first blind-folded and then led to the mounted stand from where i mounted it akin to a horse.I have sat and also ridden a Ostrich for a few minutes  at Mui Ne in Vietnam and hence  this was no novelty experience to me.After sitting on the Ostrich for a few minutes dismounted it surprised at the docility and helplessness of the bird when blind-folded. Ostriches in abattoirs are slaughtered in a similar manner.I was wondering as to how these large ferocious birds could be slaughtered like chickens by humans and realized the chink in their armour.

"ZONE 7" dirt track at Van Schoorsdrift road.

                                     The Ostrich has a ferocious kick and always kicks forward with its long claws disemboweling its opponent  and even large predators like lions are at times afraid and have been killed by  ostriches.We humans have found a simple method of slaughtering this mighty bird.The Ostrich ride was the end of the ranch tour and i made myself comfortable in the open-air lounge of this beautiful farm.A few tourists had arrived and some children were feeding the pony's grazing near the boundary of the farm enclosure. Visited the shopping centre of the farm and got a idea of the cost of various legitimate wild-life products.Zebra skin cushions cost  R1990 while springbok cushions cost R590.

A "Photo-Shoot" at "Zone 7".

                                                              Was surprised at the cost of Ostrich leather belts priced between  R 625 to R 2832.Crocodile leather belts for ladies cost R 1540 while ordinary Ostrich egg shells cost R 145.The farm visit had educated me on the economics and scale of Ostrich farming which is big business in many parts of the World.Lunch was "Ostrich fillet" with a glass of beer costing a astronomical R171.50.I am normally always frugal on food and accommodation expenditure during my tours while splurging on "Adventure sports" and "Sightseeing".At 1315 hrs walked to the taxi  and began our journey back to "V & A Waterfront".Observed a few small  horse ranches in the vicinity of the Ostrich ranch and i presume these horses were bred for slaughter akin to cattle.

Caricatures of celebrities

Stopped at the "Zone 7 " recreational park just a few minutes away from the Ostrich ranch.Saw numerous dirt bikes parked outside the track arena while a few motorcycle riders were testing their riding skills on the dirt tracks."Zone &"  has a "Seniour Mx Track" a "Kiddies MX track" and a "Enduro loop Track" on its grounds where anyone can ride for a stipulated riding fee charge.Such tracks are the secret of South Africa's prowess in the world of Motosports.This track is open to all bike riders  and no club membership required as with most of these clubs.Finally at 1400 hrs reached "V& A waterfront" and was embarrassed as well as inconvenienced by my wheel carry bag.Walked towards the amphitheater where the normal artists perform for a living and clicked a photo with the mimic artist.The last time i walked down this way he followed me and mimicked my walk and hence thought it was time i gave him some money for his self-employed job of imitating others or other celebrities.Came across the caricature artists and two  familiar caricatures were most prominent to my eyes among all the other celebrities.

A "Sand Carver" at "V & A Waterfront".

                                                                      Hindi film star  Amitabh.Bachchan and Aishwarya. Rai.  stared  at the crowd from the paintings kept on a stand.This was my only sighting of a Hindi film star in public during my entire tour of Johannesburg and  Cape Town.Strange but true.Hindi films and Indian sitcoms are available on Cable T.v in South Africa as i was told by Arifa.Parker but publicly it seems as if the Hindi film Industry is non-existent in South Africa.Came across a sand artist carving a elephant from the sand mound.Last of all entered "Market on the wharf" mall and had a Yogurt drink that was excellent and refreshing.Watched a lady singer perform a song  for a living and finally walked towards the bus stop.I was aghast at having to wait for almost 45 minutes for a bus to "Civic Centre" as Sunday seems to be a day when all public transport is also on a partial holiday.

Street Artist :- Who is impersonating whom ?

                                                                                                            Finally at 1600 hrs boarded the bus to "Civic Centre" and from there the connecting direct "Myciti" bus to the airport.There were only two passengers besides me on the bus and within 20 minutes was at the airport due to a total lack of road traffic.The scheduled departure of my flight by Kulula airlines  from Cape Town to Johannesburg was at 2050 hrs and hence i was early at the departure lounge.Finally checked in my luggage  and after some relaxation in the departure lounge  boarded the "Kulula Airlines" flight at the scheduled time.After a 2 hrs flight was in Johannesburg.Purchased some chocolates at "Johannesburg duty free shop" and also met a young Indian who was returning back to Gujarat after spending two years in Johannesburg as a small time trader. He was also complaining about the high crime rate of Johannesburg.

End of the South Africa Tour:- At Cape Town Airport.

                                                                                            In the early hours of  Monday(26-9-2016) morning at 1255 A.M  boarded the "Kenya Airways flight 765M" to Nairobi. Had a excellent   late flight dinner with drinks on the plane.On reaching Nairobi had to undergo another security check and finally at 0710 hrs boarded  Kenya airways "Flight KQ 210" to Mumbai..As usual a excellent lunch  with drinks and touched Mumbai airport at 1540 hrs.After clearing the immigration formalities purchased two "Chivas Regal" bottles from the duty free shop and headed to the baggage counter to collect my lone trolley bag.The worst surprise awaited me when i realized that my bag was missing and on reporting the same was told that it was misplaced in Cape Town airport and would arrive the next day.This was the first time in my life that my baggage was reported missing from my flight.Boarded a pre-paid taxi home to Old Prabhadevi road.Later on settling down at home and checking my mail was shocked to read that "G & G Guesthouse" in Johannesburg had billed me twice and had extracted  the amount from my credit card.The next day headed to my bank and informed them the same also cancelling my previous credit card.Thankfully i received my missing bag  the next day on Tuesday(27-9-2016) while the "Credit Card Fraud" is under inquiry.A excellent extreme sports cum leisure  tour of South Africa also made me realize that in the electronic World of smartphones and Internet it doesn't require a knife or a gun to steal money !Finally in November the "CREDIT CARD FRAUD" was acknowledged by my bank and they reimbursed the same into my account.All's well that ends well and in future i would be aware of digital era fraud which i encountered for the first time in my life in Johannesburg .Travel is a great teacher.

NOTE :- ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG ARE MY OWN PERSONAL OPINIONS.

Link to my previous adventure travel across Central Europe :- https://toursolo.blogspot.in/