Cape Town, My City.

My first chance to visit Cape Town was when I was four to see my grandfather moor his boat in the then-stark harbour. It was only three years ago when I came back on holiday to this Mother City that I seriously considered moving here.

I had been located in the horrid confines of Johannesburg, working away and never seeing the sun. It was only when a job opportunity offered a chance to break from of the reef and join the laid-back few who live in this seaside town.

The little bit that I knew of Cape Town history included a smidgen here and a glimpse there – the Apartheid forced removal of Distric Six residents, the laid-back attitude where everyone talks in shoowaaah tones, a vibrant and chic residential area lying next to an informal settlement which is infamous for gang warfare. What I didn’t know is the way in which people actually lived here. I didn’t know anything about the shopping styles, the road network, the things which people did on the weekend – nothing.

So when we first landed here two years ago, it was a bit of a shock to try and get our bearings. Please note: if you intend to visit Cape Town city centre during the rush hour – don’t. Although the road network is being upgraded (at long last), the N1 and M5 to Muizenberg are a nightmare between seven and nine in the morning, and five and six at night. Don’t worry, I’m sure this will be better come the thousands of tourists arriving in the city for the 2010 FIFA world cup.

Another thing, when you hear “severe weather imminent”, don’t think of mild wind and a little bit of lightning. Storms here are like tornadoes on acid – entire suburbs get washed away. Recently Camps Bay was completely underwater, the luxury 4×4 cars under at least a foot of water. Wind is something else in Cape Town. When on your next Cape Town vacation during the windy season, be sure to bring a wind breaker or a Zorbing bubble – both will suffice.