Cape Town at Last!

After a grueling 13 hour flight from Hong Kong to Johannesburg (sure it was business class, but it really seemed much longer than our previous flight), which included a turbulent crossing of the equator over the Indian ocean. Leslie was scared out of her wits. She ended up needing some Xanax to get through it. As usual, it didn't bother me in the least. I get most scared from unusual movements while landing since there's no room for recovery. I didn't tell her, but the turbulence came from the same weather phenomenon that contributed to the Air France crash over the Atlantic three years ago.

After a final three hour layover in Jo'burg, we caught a South African Airways flight to Cape Town. Normally for this short domestic flight, the equivalent of SEA>SFO, a smaller 737 is used, but on this flight, we were seated in the business class section of a massive 340-600 aircraft (the longest commercial airliner in the world). Approaching Cape Town felt like descending into Las Vegas. Lots of very dry medium sized mountains.

Final leg to Cape Town

After transfering to the Hotel Cape Grace, we took a short walk around the marina area while our room was prepared (we upgraded to one of the Penthouse suites), and Leslie bought a winter jacket at Woolworth's (yes, believe it or not - it's a department store much like Macy's; not a five and dime). It's cold down here! Today was sunny and fresh, with a temperature in the sun hovering near 60 degrees, but once the sun goes down - brrr!

This hotel is fabulous! It's boutique, for sure, but with the elegance of a place much older and more established. Our suite has balconies overlooking the marina, with one leading from the living room (complete with hot tub), and two others opening from the bathroom and bedroom.

Though the day was glorious and cloud free, neither of us could go another hour without some real sleep after that grueling multi-day journey around the long side of the world.  We took a long nap, waking up at sunset (well, I did anyhow..Lester slept for another hour).

We just finished a room service meal with a bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc. It's time to try and get some sleep, get up early and do some sight seeing!

Penthouse Suite Living Room

Lovely Details

Beautiful bathroom