Moving from familiar Hermanus to a new area nearer Cape Town was a good idea. Getting outside of a comfort-zone bubble is important, if you want to experience new things. I arrived in Clovelly a few days ago, and like other aspects of South Africa, it was a surprise. I’m getting acclimated, so these are initial impressions.
My apartment is comfortable and spacious, and it’s surrounded by a fynbos garden. At dawn and dusk there are bird visitors with unusual sounding calls. I’m trying to discover the names of the birds. At night, the city lights are a gorgeous sight!
Clovelly is noted for its hiking trails, and I love that there’s a trailhead at the side of the building. The area’s beautiful houses include alluring thatch roofs. Having experienced a thatch roof fire on safari years ago, I wonder how safe they are.
I’m slightly confused about exactly where Fish Hoek begins and Clovelly ends, but the vibe and change in environment is noticeable. My landlord was delayed yesterday, so I had a few hours to spend exploring. I was hungry and ventured into central Fish Hoek looking for a restaurant. Most nearby places were street food stalls or busy takeaway stands. There’s a Woolworths and other shop and markets nearby.
As usual, there are many places to explore, and the spring weather is expected to get warmer next week. Each Cape Town suburb and community has a distinct personality with unique local festivals and activities.
Naval Festival Simon’s Town
The South Africa Navy Festival October 4-6 in Simon’s Town looks like fun. Simon’s Town, about a 15-minute drive from Cloverlly, is noted for its impressive maritime history and being home to the world-famous African penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach. I’ve enjoyed watching the adorable penguins several times during past visits, and will visit them again.
Artscape Theatre
The Artscape Theater is presenting an Amapiano Dance Championship next week, so I booked the Saturday matinee. This interesting form of dance is new to me. The matinee is preferable, because a portion of the drive from Cape Town back to Cloverlly is a bit like hanging off the side of a cliff – scary at night. Not to mention Cape Town’s frenzied freeways!
Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay is another interesting place just a 5-minute drive away. I took a walk along the coast and discovered Live Bait restaurant. The menu includes fresh seafood favorites and other amazing dishes, all cooked to perfection. I’ll be returning!
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“Having governed South Africa since the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) has now formed a centrist coalition government with its main rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) .” Chatham House
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Changes
Everyone is aware of the many changes happening around the world – EU, Middle East, US, etc., and I’m trying to wrap my head around recent governmental changes here in South Africa, like the formation of a “New Coalition Government ”. There are many different takes – good and bad – on the new governmental alliance.
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“On 14 June 2024, the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Patriotic Alliance (PA) agreed to form a National Unity Government, with Cyril Ramaphosa who was re-elected President of South Africa.” African National Congress
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More later…