I realized it the moment I stepped off the airplane and onto the tarmac. The smell: Despite the engines just being turned off, I didn’t smell the expected kerosene…. it was fresh, clean, salty ocean air. No dust.

Blue skies. No dust. Bright sunshine, blinding.

I hopped in a taxi and the driver got me to my place in no time, already explaining me the sights to see in Cape Town.

In Chiappini Street, Emmarentia was waiting already, a lovely and lively artist and art teacher, who let me in, in my host’s absence. Thomas has been called to Nigeria, that’s actually the reason why I could rent his place.

And: Jackpot. It’s great.  A charming apartment with bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and a nice living area. Space-y. Artsy.

 

In a nice neighborhood, called Bo-Kaap, with lots of colorful houses. In walking distance to the De Waterkant neighborhood with the bars and restaurants.

I already love all the words in Afrikaans, a language derived from Dutch, so I do understand a few things….

It is weird how sometimes on this trip I already knew I would love the city before ever having seen it, like Melbourne for example.

Cape Town and me seem to be an instant love affair. First of all: I love being here for four full weeks. No traveling, no new hotels, check-ins, check-outs, trains, buses, flights….

And: it’s modern. Streets are in good state. And clean. No dust. No flying plastic trash. No one trying to get me into his silk shop.

Well, just as I write this, a guy walks up to my café and tries to get me make a donation for a deaf children school. Nothing against it, but I can’t judge its validity based on the little copied paper he waved…

That aside, after a quick visit to the local Spar Market for groceries I am now enjoying a summer salad with roasted nuts, nectarines and goat cheese in busy Café Manhattan.