“…All I wanted to do now was get back to Africa. We had not left it, yet, but when I would wake in the night I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.” — Ernest Hemingway

I woke up around 4AM. It was my last day in Cape Town and I wanted to savor every last minute that I could. I was a bit emotional because I wasn’t ready to leave. Leaving to return stateside felt like I was about to travel to a foreign place, even though it was indeed home for me. I was already planning how to return in my head — how I was going to save, how much I needed to save, and how much I wanted my children to see this place. To see these sunrises and sunsets. To breathe Africa in and let it out. I missed Africa, and I hadn’t even left yet.

I packed the night before, just in case the situation to return back home turned into an afternoon sprint through the airport in true Carla fashion. I had plans to visit Bo Kaap to set my eyes on all the beautiful, vibrant homes that I’ve been drooling over for months. And it was everything.

Bo Kaap

Apparently this area is a huge tourist attraction. While I thought I was going to have the photoshoot of my dreams, a chartered bus proved me wrong. The flip side to that is that most of the tourists don’t seem to venture off down the streets. This is probably due to time constraints, but whatever the case was, we were able to snap a few photos in unpopulated areas without being interrupted.

Victoria Wharf Cape TownVictoria Wharf Cape Town

Since we were pressed for time, we didn’t get a chance to linger and walk around Bo Kaap like I would have wanted to. I would have loved the chance to take in more of this historic neighborhood before the crowds unloaded the buses. I think I recall reading about a cooking class that’s located in this area. But I guess that’s yet another reason to add to the Why You Need to Return to Cape Town List.

We stopped at the Victoria and Alfred Wharf to do some quick shopping and grab a bite to eat. Definitely a beautiful place to eat and shop if that’s your thing. We grabbed lunch at a restaurant called Karibu, where the food was absolutely delicious. The bread was to die for, and you all know how I am about my bread.. whether you’re referring to the edible kind or the money. I ordered ostrich carpaccio, roast duck, and putu chakalaka. Everything was absolutely AMAZING!

We spent way too much time enjoying the sights that we lost track of time. We rushed home to grab out bags and sped to the airport. We were literally running everywhere and in the moment when a sharp pain shot up my leg I realized three things:

    1 – I am in the most horrible shape I can be and this is definitely something I need to work on;
    2 – I packed entirely too much and this is another thing I need to work on; and
    3 – There is not other person in the world that I would rather run through the airport with.

Bo Kaap

Here’s to Cape Town — thank you for the memories!

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6 Comments
  1. Jessica

    December 17, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    Looks like you had a great time! Cape Town is such a special place. I’ve been able to visit twice, and I’d make a third trip this winter if it weren’t for the long flight and this pregnancy. Love Bo-Kaap as well. 🙂

    1. Rae

      December 18, 2017 at 9:27 am

      This was my flight really, really long flight and I have to find better methods to deal. LOL! I realized that it is totally worth the money to pay for the extra comfort. I was fortunate enough on the leg from Germany to Joburg to have a row to myself, but both legs coming back to the states were fully booked. I was miserable! LOL!

  2. Paulette

    December 18, 2017 at 9:17 am

    From your detail and experience you write about Cape Town seems to be a very beautiful place to travel to. Thanks for all the detail and bringing us into your experience as though we were there with you. I think I will put a trip to Cape Town Africa on my bucket list of things to do.
    Thanks for sharing the details and colorful pictures.

    1. Rae

      December 18, 2017 at 9:26 am

      Yes! Please do — I was just telling Kristen how she has to visit. I know she’ll love it and you will too!

  3. Harper

    December 31, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    God better bring me a boo so I can baecation! These houses are so pretty and vibrant. The most I took from this blog is Hemingway ass was all over the place.

    1. Rae

      December 31, 2017 at 2:58 pm

      I’m trying to be like Hemingway! LOL!

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