After an unexpected train delay, I finally arrived in Cape Town a day late. Since this was not my first time visiting, I was not worried as I done all the major tourist sites before. I was not expecting it to have changed so much. I am bit sad, as I was not feeling so great so I ended wasting some of my short time just sitting in my hotel room.

Funny how the first time I visited Cape Town, I was afraid to walk around, so different this time. My hotel was in Bo-Kaap area, known for it’s colorful homes. In 1834 when slavery was abolished, the freed slaves were able to purchase these homes and painted their homes in colorful palettes to represent the their freedom.

I had signed up for a food tour with Cape Town Culinary Tours. They were kind enough to let me know join the next day. It was really nice tour and the guide was quite engaging. I was able to sample food I would not have been game enough to try on my own.

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I stayed at the Hilton Cape Town, that had clearly been renovated since my previous visit. There was a now an Art South Africa gallery in the lobby. What is with me shopping in hotel lobbies? Anyway, I kept getting drawn in by all the beautiful art. I could not resist and ended up purchasing the bronze piece, without thinking about my luggage situation. I am glad I did not resist, I met the lovely Barbara and her partner Florian. Her love of art and for the artists she works with was a gift in today’s world. I just wish I had more walls!

I really enjoyed my time in Cape Town, so much, that I wished I had stayed longer. I hope to return one day soon. There was so much more to discover.

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Given the flight from Australia is easier then from Chicago, I hope one day is sooner rather than later.

Stay tuned, next stop my 60th country!