POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD (IN 80 DAYS) – CAPE TOWN (SOUTH AFRICA)


Week 10 (Day 63): CAPE TOWN (SOUTH AFRICA)

Cape PointOur Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues. We have now travelled 2,955 miles from Lagos to the city of Cape Town in South Africa.

Cape Town is the second most populated city in South Africa, after Johannesburg. It is also the Legislative Capital of the country, with Pretoria as the Executive Capital and Bloemfontein as the Judicial Capital. Cape Town spans a metro area of 944 sq miles and has a population of 3,740,000.

Though Cape Town has been deemed one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it has also been ranked the most dangerous city in the world, outside of the Americas. Cape Town is rated ‘critical’ for crime.

Cape Point VineyardsViolent, confrontational crime, such as robberies, carjackings, street muggings and organized attacks, are a major concern in South Africa. In particularly, home invasions on Americans are a big problem. The South African Police Service crime statistics indicated a high rate of 7,039 home invasions in 2011.

Other prime targets are restaurants, jewelry shops, grocery stores and other business establishments, where there are large numbers of customers. It is always advisable not to resist a robbery so as to avoid any physical harm. Other crimes include ‘smash and grab’ robberies that occur at intersections and ramps leading off highways. It is always important to lock all doors of the car when driving and to keep valuables out of sight.

Some of the most popular places to visit in Cape Town are: Table Mountain, Cape Point, Cape Point Vineyards, Mariner’s Wharf and Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony.

Cape Town Boulders BeachTable Mountain is a magnificent and prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. It is known as Table Mountain because of its flat top that runs approximately 2 miles from side to side. Visitors can either use the cableway or hike to the top, where they will experience one of the most amazing views in Africa. The Mountain also forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.

Cape Point is located in the very southwestern tip of Africa. It is in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park. It is a perfect place for hikers, cyclists, surfers and anglers.

Cape Point Vineyards Estate has won many awards over the past eight years. An excellent place to enjoy some wine tasting while taking in the breathtaking views.

Mariner’s Wharf oozes maritime ambience, with restaurants, shops and markets. It is a fabulous place where tourists find themselves rubbing shoulders with the famous.

Cape Town Mariners WharfBoulder’s Beach is famous for its colony of Jackass Penguins. They are known as Jackass Penguins because of their donkey-like braying call. A great place to take a swim, though it is advisable not to feed or touch the Penguins.

Be aware that pickpocketing is very common, as is the case in most tourist areas.. Travelers should keep their passports, money and other valuables safe at all times. Be cautious and use common sense. As always apply Powerhouse Self-Defense’s rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context. RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior. OBSERVATION of your surroundings. Look for street signs and landmarks. Know exactly where you are at ALL times. INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 10111
CAPE TOWN FUN FACTS:

  1. Cape Town was originally named as Cape of Storms by Bartholomeu Dias.
  2. Afrikaans is the most widely spoken language in Cape Town and is the youngest official language.
  3. There was a time when the whole of Cape Town’s main road was made out of wooden blocks or tiles.
  4. The average age of the population in Cape Town is 26 years old.
  5. Dr Christiaan Barnard performed the first human heart transplant in the world in Cape Town in 1967.

OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUES. WHERE WILL WE BE NEXT WEEK?
Table Mountain
Jennifer Riis-Poulsen is the Founder & CEO and also a 2nd degree black belt, who formed Powerhouse Self-Defense as a response to the ever-increasing statistics on emotional and physical attacks on females each year. She made reducing these statistics a mission and personal goal and has set out to develop a comprehensive, HOLISTIC personal safety and empowerment program focused on awareness and powerful techniques to build courage and confidence. For more information visit http://powerhouseselfdefense.com