The 16 Day circuit around South Africa - Day 15 (cont.) - Cape Town - Boulders Penguin colony; Simon's Town; The Cape Malay quarter; dinner at the Africa Café restaurant - The 10th of February 2020

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I don't exactly know what I was expecting, but the moment I saw these rather unique and comic looking endangered species I couldn't help but feeling touched. We reached the colony breeding site around Fox and Boulders beaches via a wooden boardwalk along which we could already see some of them sunbathing. We spend quite some time watching them and it was clear they didn't seem bothered by our presence.

 

 

 

 

 

From there we drove into Simon's Town, having strolled around its historic centre up to Jubilee Square overlooking the naval harbour. There stood the statue of a great Dane called Just Nuisance, who during World War II is said to have been the mascot of the British sailors base in the town. Formally enrolled in the Royal Navy and given the title Able Seaman he must have certainly been an unusual cadet.  

 

 

 

Upon reaching the city we  made it to the Malay quarter, which largely retains coloured buildings along steep cobbled streets interspersed with Mosques. The Islamic culture is said to have become embedded in the slaves' community throughout the 18th century, this being one of the reasons as to why the quarter was set. It had a good feeling about it. In one narrow arched alley I came across some rather interesting wall paintings depicting characters with clear Muslim influenced attire.

 

 

 

 

We couldn't have ended the day on a higher note. The experience at the Africa Café restaurant was one that will linger for a long time. The place was decorated in a rather unique and  very creative way. The menu took us on a cooking experience through the flavours and taste of cuisine from 15 African countires from Nigeria, through to Morocco, Tanzania and Kenia, to name just a few. The whole atmosphere was one of joy and "communal feast", which was actually the concept behind the gathering and the culinary experience. Some time into the dinner the staff walked in the dining room in vibrant coloured attire and started singing and dancing, which again created a moment of unexpected satisfaction. I must say it was clearly one of the best evenings I spent in South Africa.