Pete’s comments on Cape Town

Craig was, and probably still is, an awesome sort. He used to play professional cricket. I told him that we were not going to find common ground there because I do not see cricket as a sport as such, so we moved on.

Craig was so cool that he walks up Lion’s Head Mountain every day at about 6am. Lion’s Head is like Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh only bigger. We agreed that we should go up together and the deal was set. He would even pick me up outside the hotel. I carefully set the alarm for 06:25 so that I would have time to get up and have some water before the walk. Morning came and I strolled outside at 06:45 to make sure I was ready; water in hand and feeling limber.

Then I realised exactly how stupid I was and swore loudly. Yes, I gave the street a hearty “f@?> sake!” before forming a new plan. I had set my alarm an hour late owing to a special, idiotic part of my brain which I call ‘slowtravellerpete’sbrain’.

I started running up towards Table Mountain, hoping to see Craig on the way down so I could apologise. I was fizzing with energy as I had not done much exercise in far too long. It felt great to get going and the slow uphill felt alright, surprisingly. 23 minutes later I was buggered, so I started walking, still on the street up to the hill. When I got up to the split where you can go Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, I went right, thinking “I am thirsty and I left my water at the hotel”. Well done brain. Kept on up and found a dirt track. As I went on I thought I pretty much had to go to the top. Fortunately I met a nice dad on the way up who gave my one of his bottles of water. He had two, because he was not an idiot. And the view was just fantastic.

Kim, by the way, loves WWE wrestling. I may come back to this, but it is important that you just know that.

That is pretty much it, a great view and more importantly, I got off my arse and did something physical, which means I am less likely to go mental for a few days. South Africa is too often in the car or house or mall and you have to plan outdoors stuff. That has been the city experience anyway. I think that rural places are safer.

I will talk about Franschhoek next. Hotdiggetydamn.