Is this Africa? For real?

Writing a blog when I was researching in Ghana was something that only provoked anxiety within me, but turned out to be a wholesome experience, looking back on it (not something I do frequently) is enjoyable- I am glad to have these recordings of the time I spent and insights I made into education and development.  Since then I have been fortunate enough to spend further time working in Ghana and managing a number of educational development projects as well as trying my hand at some construction and healthcare focuses- but this isn't a life story...

Now I have returned to a whole new part of Africa and an area I don't suppose I ever had huge plans to visit- yes it sounded nice and I would rarely turn down an opportunity to hit up a new destination, but it's just not been high on my bucket list!  Regardless circumstances occurred and I am here, in Cape Town wondering how this can be African soil.  I was fore-warned and don't get me wrong, it would be difficult not to love this incredible, vibrant metropolis.  But seriously, this is Africa? TIA? One of my favourite saying's in Ghana (used in widely inappropriate circumstances e.g. my name is...cue...) "are you sure?" I have to say I wasn't entirely sure where I had landed at first- the scenery is incredible, in literally every direction from mountains to coastlines and beyond, but there is solid infrastructure and a 'Spar'- call me naïve but I really didn't expect to feel so close to my western routes.

There's literally so much I could share from my first few weeks in this new adventurous location- I have had an incredible time becoming accustomed with my surroundings and have felt that a 2 day weekend can really be a mini-break without venturing more than an hour from home.  I have hiked mountains (including the table!), been wine-tasting at world-class vineyards, watched the sunset on wild beaches, eaten from amazing local markets...and enjoyed every minute- life to the full is an easy motto to fulfil round here.  But don't get me wrong there's a dark side- just look around the sleepy suburb at the armed-response alarm systems, electric fences, high walls and barbed wire fencing- it's hard to ignore the amount of security even in this part of town (particularly when your jogging and almost fall into the road as an angry dog fends you away from his lair!!).  There's stories of muggings and robbery's at gunpoint, and I feel obliged to succumb to certain behaviour restrictions that I would usually perhaps snub- I wont walk alone at night and I wont ride a minibus taxi- behaviours I have never given a second thought to in other potentially more dangerous locations! I'm not sure what it is but I have my guard up for now, call me what you like but I am taking things one step at a time!

So I have decided to write this blog, not to bore everyone with a day to day itinerary of my time here, but to chat about general observations, to share my thoughts and to highlight the small things that I pick up on, and perhaps some hidden delights should I come across any particularly special hide-outs and activities!