First, it is one of the most beautiful cities and surrounding areas. I would put it on par with Vancouver and Hong Kong and Wellington, New Zealand. Maybe it’s near Wellington.
Second, it is much safer than I expected. In the whole week, I never once had angst, and that included walking at night and visiting the township. Sure there are dangerous places around, but you can make a perfect, satisfying trip without them. I felt safer than in NW Washington, DC.
Third, the flight was not as bad as I thought. I’m used to very long flights to Asia departing at 11am, which is not ideal for me. Flights from DC to Cape Town – both direct routes I might add – depart early in the morning. So you study for a few hours, sleep for seven hours, then study for a few more hours. Then you come. I have experienced the most painful flights to the West Coast from Dulles. It didn’t feel like 15 hours, or 14 hours came back.
Fourth, it is inexpensive.
Fifth, the people are very friendly.
Sixth, during my trip the weather was very good. Some rain, but mostly between my other commitments. It was in the 65 to 70 degree range, and sunny, and I was walking around most of the time.
I don’t have much to add to tips for guidebooks, and for MR readers. But definitely take a day trip down the Cape, and see where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet. Along the way, without much effort, you will probably see many ostriches, chimpanzees, and penguins, in addition to various rare African birds.
South Africa is one of those countries that has no other country like it. That means you can learn more by going there. That means you have to go there. QED
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