The Dollhouse

The last couple of days have been an adventure. After speculating about moving out of our apartment (AKA L7) in Observatory and into the city, we met with the housing company to discuss it on Monday. Nothing was decided, as we were unwilling to part with our damage deposit. Over Tuesday and Wednesday, we could not get any real response from the housing people. That is, until a text message on 9:40PM on Wednesday saying we needed to be out of our rooms the following day, with absolutely no other information.

Luckily, I met with a great man last week in Bo'kaap, a neighbourhood in the city centre of Cape Town. He pretty much saved us - happily took my phone call at nearly 10PM and said it would be no problem for us to move in the following day.

Much drama has ensued with the original housing company. I don't think I have ever witnessed such dramatic, unprofessional behaviour in my entire life. BUT, for half of the price per month, we have moved into the heart of the city into a beautiful (albeit tiny.. I mean "cozy") brand new apartment. Desiree, Laurin and myself will be living here for the next month and Laurin has dubbed our apartment "The Dollhouse."

If I ever doubted my decision...

The view from my window. Table Mountain, and the sun rising over Cape Town.





The brightly painted houses and rolling hills of Bo'kaap. During the apartheid, Bo'kaap was a designated "Coloured" area. Though this designation obviously no longer exists, the area largely remains that way today, with the smell of curry wafting through the air in the evening, and Muslim prayers being played over speakers throughout the day.




To get to work, I continue straight down Longmarket Street. Unfortunately, to get home, I have to hike straight back up. At least I will no longer need to worry about working out my legs...



As I carry along Longmarket Street, I pass through the craft market and cafes of Greenmarket Square...



Past St. George's Mall, which brings me dangerously close to my favourite city centre cafe...





And straight to my office, where I am immediately disciplined for planning to do anything other than watch the Brazil game this afternoon.






At 9AM, this has been my day. With an impending road trip to Hermanus this afternoon for a weekend of beach, hiking, and whale watching, life looks great. Even experiencing the most ridiculous of behaviour can do nothing to take away from Cape Town's magic.

PS - Here is the Camps Bay sunset. You know you want to come visit now. :)