• Historic Highlights in Cape Town and Surrounds

    Cape Town – and surrounds – is one of South Africa’s most historically significant regions. Not only was it the home of the Khoisan people long before the European settlers arrived – but it was also the first refreshment settlement station, established in 1652. Not all of the Cape’s history is pleasant (in fact, much of it is fraught with battles, slavery and devastating Cape storms) – but it is still important. Especially as it has influenced both our modern-day country and city. History has always fascinated me, so whenever I travel, I seek out historical places, facts and places…

  • Freedom Day: A Visit to the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town (Part 3 of 3)

    Freedom Day Visit to the Castle of Good Hope: In Closing A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to visit Cape Town’s own castle, the Castle of Good Hope. In my three-part post series, I reflect on my Freedom Day visit. To read Part 1 of my visit, please see here – and Part 2 here. Just after 11:00 am, our English tour group gathered around our great, rather humourous tour guide at the entrance to the Inner Archway. He started asking random people where we were from. (I would hazard a guess that there were around 40-45 of us on…

  • Freedom Day: A Visit to the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town (Part 2 of 3)

    Freedom Day Visit to the Castle of Good Hope: Continued A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to visit Cape Town’s own castle, the Castle of Good Hope. In my three-part post series, I reflect on my Freedom Day visit. To read Part 1 of my visit, please see here. After the Key Ceremony, we gathered around the small bronze cannon, as the two gentleman from the Cannon Association* prepared the cannon. There was a audible murmur of excitement among the crowd, knowing that now, at last, the Signal Cannon would be fired. * (In partnership with the Castle, members of…