water, water, everywhere

One of my most favorite things (so far) about Cape Town is how, unlike many coastal cities, you can see the ocean everyday just by hopping on one of the main thoroughfares. This isn't necessarily the truth in LA or San Diego, or even in large parts of San Francisco or Vancouver. Because of the unique (and mind-boggling, map-defying) topography of this place, the combination of Table Mountain sloping to the sea and the importance of the harbour (getting in the swing of Brit-spelling ;), just getting around guarantees beautiful views of the ocean. I'm so loving it.

Then there are all the watery places we can reach within 30 minutes of our house. Loving that too. This past weekend, we whiled away a Saturday afternoon in Kalk Bay. Kalk Bay is on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. Consequently the water is a bit warmer there and it is prime breeding grounds for the Southern Right Whale (so-called because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt because they breed close to shore, are slow swimmers and have lots of blubber which keeps them on the surface). November is the end of the whale season in this area and we got quite lucky and got to see several groups.  In the second photo you can see that there is a calf swimming alongside the larger whale.



It wouldn't be our experience of the Cape if there wasn't a great place to sit, drink well but cheaply, and have yummy food while you marvel at the scenery.  Kalk Bay had just the place - the Brass Bell.  We rode out a few rainclouds here while we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with the view, the critters (a harbour seal gave us a quick show too) and the $2 imperial pints of decent South African Namibian lager on draught.  The Boo was pretty happy with the show too and pretty much ignored us while he hung out the window ogling the waves.


Well, I need to run and pick up the Boo from his Montessori preschool.  He's loving it and the children and teachers have been very welcoming to him, even though the school year ends December 4th!

More to come...