When I told my friend I was going on a holiday trip to South Africa, she looked at me weirdly and asked: "Why South Africa of all places?". After a few simlar questions by colleagues and friends, I gathered there must be lots of misconception about this country. One asked:"Are you going there to see lions?". Well... uh... that's Central Africa.
So, to not share this post is to do South Africa a disfavour. In fact, Cape Town and Johannesburg are two of the most beautiful places I have ever been to.
And here are the 5 top reasons why it remains a top destination for me till today:
Reason 1: Beautiful People
They have one of the most beautiful people on earth. Isn't Charlize Theron a South African? Ok. This sound like a vain and superficial reason. But that is my observation. Skinny mothers walking the baby prams on the streets; beautiful people with beautiful smiles, and to top it up, they are warm and friendly too.
Reason 2: Weather and Food
Great weather, good food. Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with dry warm summers and mild winters. That means you can enjoy your holiday without those thick winter clothings. And don't get me started on the delicious ribs. There are the best. And I can find none of this standard in Singapore. Step aside Morganfield's and Tony Roma's...
Reason 3: Raw natural wonders
If there's one word for South Africa, it has to be 'raw'. There is a reason why Table Mountain is now one of the world's new 7 wonders of nature. From up close, the mountain top is flat. And hence the word "Table". But the magic doesn't stop there. From afar, you will see cascading clouds "falling" down from the mountain top. Forming beautiful clouds of 'waterfall'. And hey, what kinds of land produce coal, gold, diamond and platinum?
Reason 4: Modern
Cape Town and Johannesburg is more modern than many might think. It has world class facilities. The well built roads make travelling from one place to another easier than expected. It hosts one of the most beautiful hotels and restaurants. Their focus on tourism ensures that tourists are well taken care of.
Reason 5: Value for money
Unlike expensive metropolitan cities, South Africa provides value for money. I won't say it is particular cheap but you definitely won't feel like you are being ripped off as a tourist.
So there, the 5 compelling resons why Cape Town and Johennessburg is worth a visit. A word of caution though. Be sure to stay within the city crowd and not deviate too far off for your own safety. Once, we walked to the city fringe and did not realise there was less and less tourists and more and more locals. Some drug peddlers started to offer us drugs. We even witnessed a dramatic scene of police-catch-thief. We were within meters from the suspect and I shudder to think what would have happened if he thought to grab my then 8 year old son as hostage.
Stay safe and happy holiday!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Lim is an Executive TV Promo Producer with a local telco company. The purpose of this site is to share her motherhood experiences with autism, interest with essential oils, and her passion with all things TV.
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