Before leaving Canada I was told I must visit Cape Town before coming back. Sarah and Lise had already visited twice and were urging me to go. An opportunity arose last week Wednesday when a friend of Clemens and Kate, “Uncle Brian”, was driving up. With my bags packed, we left Mthatha for a two-day journey to Cape Town. After 9 hours of driving we stopped in Mussel Bay. The receptionist took a liking to us and hence, we were able to get a discounted price of a hotel room overlooking the Indian Ocean. Early the next morning we headed out for a 4-hour drive to Cape Town.
We entered the city driving off a mountain on looking scores of structures outlining the coastline. The clouds above us looked as if they were resting their head on the mountains.
When we got to the central business area, Uncle Brian and I parted ways. I thanked him for the enjoyable journey. He was spending his holidays with his wife, kids and in-laws on the other end of Cape Town. On my own I started searching for a cheap place to stay. After 3-4 places, I finally found a clean backpackers place on Long street. The plan was to stay there until Saturday morning, because Keenan (childhood friend) was coming to Cape Town.
After not having much sleep, I decided to have an early night. However, when I hit the bed I kept feeling as if something was biting me. I got up, turned on the lights, removed the sheets and found that the whole bed was infested with bugs. With no manager in sight, I was on a search for accommodation at 11pm. Roaming the streets at night is not a good option in any part of South Africa (earlier in the evening I had been chased by someone trying to take my food). Facing this dilemma I resorted to spending the night in a hotel across the street. Unfortunately, the cost for one night cut my budget by 2/3.
I got up early the next morning because I had a ticket to Robben Island, the historical site of political prisoners who fought against Apartheid (and the place which held Nelson Mandela for 19 years). I got to see the Quarry in which the inmates were forced to chop rocks from dusk to dawn. I stood in the cell the length of three steps. The tour inside the prison was led by a former political prisoner who shared stories on how the colour of your skin determined the amount of food you would receive. He also spoke about prisoners receiving letters with only the introduction and salutation shown, because the message would be blocked out. When I asked him how he remained positive during his time, he told me of the special bond among the prisoners. Each found strength in one another.
After leaving the Island, I resorted to finding accommodation. Feeling frustrated and a lack of budget, I decided to leave Cape Town. It was then that I received a phone call from Derrick, who I had met during the Cooperative conference back in September. The day before, I had called him to set up a time to catch up over coffee. After explaining my situation, he told me to come immediately to his home. Now here was the challenge: Derrick lives in a township.
Seeing no other solution, I hopped on a 45-minute train ride to meet Derrick at the station. While on the train, I tried to remain cool and not out of place. The biggest worries was that in my bag contained my laptop, passport and what remaining funds I had. After offering silent prayers throughout the ride, I arrived safe and secure. Derrick and his wife Nora, have the biggest heart. They were already hosting another family and really had no place to put me. My night in the township is to add as another “African experience”. I can admit, I felt nervous, because foreigners are not most welcomed in these environments.
The next morning Keenan arrived with his mother and sister, of whom I reunited with after 11 years. I parted Derrick and Nora, along with their 8-month baby, expressing deep gratitude for helping me out. Riding in the car with Keenan, I explained to him what had happened and told him I would have to leave Cape Town because I couldn’t afford to stay longer. Keenan and his mom were staying at his sister’s flat and there was simply no room to place me. The plan then was to head to his sister’s flat and try to find cheap accommodation. When we got there, Keenan’s mom told the landlord my situation. He then offered me a room to stay as long as I wished, for free.
With this stress out of the way, I got to enjoy Cape Town. I went up to Table Mountain, overlooking the city at sunset. I went out with Keenan and his family, and caught up with stories long forgotten. Lastly, I visited beaches, which leave you regretting every moment you walk away.
I’ve always been one for adventure. This story tops the charts.
