I never realized that the continent of Africa was so big until one of the lecturers showed this slide. It may be a bit fuzzy since I was copying it off the TV set in our room. You could fit the land mass of all these countries in the shape of Africa and still have land to spare. Notice that the UK just barely covers Madagascar and China fits nicely into the southern part of the continent.
Cape Town, South Africa, has one of the seven wonders of the natural world. This was our view as we sailed into Cape Town.
 |
| Table Mountain dominates the skyline along with Lion's Head and Signal Hill. |
In case you were wondering, here is a map of the other six wonders of the natural world. The Grand Canyon does not make it into the top 7.
Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for many years on an island just off Cape Town. When he was released, he greeted the crowds from the balcony of the city hall.
Cape Town is wedged between mountains and the sea, giving many beautiful beaches. Do not try swimming without a wet suit. The water temperature never gets much over 50 degrees.
 |
| The old lighthouse |
 |
| Cape Town from Table Mountain |
There are two botanical gardens. One, The Company Garden is in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by government buildings and churches, and contains statues of famous South Africans.
 |
| The Company Garden |
 |
| Government House |
 |
| Cecil Rhodes |
 |
| Sculpture in the children's play area |
The other botanical garden is a national garden set against the backdrop of the surrounding hills.
 |
| South African National Flower |
It is possible to reach the top of Tabletop Mountain by hiking, a long and strenuous hike. We chose to go by cable car. The car itself rotates so that all 65 people in the car have a chance to see all the vistas.
There are walking trails all over the Tabletop, a restaurant and a gift shop. I hiked around a bit and met this charming, but shy, creature. He is about 12 inches long and very furry (and fast.)
 |
| Oops, he got away! |
 |
| He may look mean, but he isn't. |
We came down the mountain as the sun was setting and the full moon rising.
I never realized that the continent of Africa was so big until one of the lecturers showed this slide. It may be a bit fuzzy since I was copying it off the TV set in our room. You could fit the land mass of all these countries in the shape of Africa and still have land to spare. Notice that the UK just barely covers Madagascar and China fits nicely into the southern part of the continent.
In case you were wondering, here is a map of the other six wonders of the natural world. The Grand Canyon does not make it into the top 7.
No comments:
Post a Comment