My recent trip spanned from Johannesburg (locals call it Joburg, Jozi, Joni, or eGoli) to Cape Town (South Africa). As I walked on the streets of Joni, my guide enthusiastically muttered that I was walking on a path of gold. In school, we had studied that South Africa was diamond central. So, I always knew that Joburg was known for gold, and diamonds. Growing up, I had a deep desire to find gold and stumble upon some diamonds, while taking a walk on the streets of Joe town. That day was here; I was in southern Africa, and strolling on the streets of Josie. My fantasy had come true.
Here I was: walking on gold and in all probability would be eating and sleeping on gold, as part of Jozi tradition. I know it was an exaggeration, but it felt like having the Midas touch. The experience made me feel golden, given that gold is so expensive around the world today. In that moment, gold became a synonym to Joni, as it was the staple characteristic and a tradition of the city that was dipped in gold.
Every city that I went to impressed me more than the other. There was always something different about each destination. Sun City was the Las Vegas of South Africa, but it also reminded me of Sushmita Sen winning the Miss Universe title in 1994. The Cango caves took me back to my Vietnam ventures of the Halong Bay. Knysna was like Santa Barbara (USA) and the wild life at Oudtshoorn reminded me of animal habitats of southern India. All these magical and flavorful places left an amazing taste for more.
Living in San Francisco for over a decade, and being a globetrotter for a while now, I was convinced that no other city in the world could possibly be prettier or even closely match to my very beloved San Francisco. This was until I set foot on the very picturesque, Cape Town. I have to admit that never have I been so impressed with any other city, like I have been with this city bowl. On one end of Cape Town is the magnificent Table Mountain with its almost vertical cliffs and flat-topped summit. This adds dramatic beauty and charm to the city that cannot be penned in words. On the other end is the vast ocean. A town so gorgeous is situated between hills and water.
The very nature of Cape Town is intoxicating. However, natural beauty is not the only aspect that it boasts about. Cape Town has witnessed significant historical moments. It has been the residence of many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement.
The very lively and kind city, Cape Town is a top travel destination. Its history, creativity, beautiful architecture and incredible spirit will certainly steal your heart for sure, and making you crave for more. There is a saying, “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.” I would like to add, and it also belongs to the memory of all those who have visited it.
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