Balmy Days In The Mother Of All Cities

What could be nicer than a day spent exploring familiar spots in our beautiful Mother City? Whether you're a local or a visitor, the temperatures are at least 10˚C warmer here, and the skies are blue. I had some shopping and requests, but mostly it was a day to relax and enjoy the sights you might already know or want to discover.

Of course, this helicopter challenge takes precedence over most things, and my sights are always set on something to post. While waiting on the kerb, I heard the rotors and decided to head to the helicopter tour company-if you're a first timer, booking in advance can save you time and ensure you get the best flight options.

Judging by the cars and queues, this is a popular attraction, and I can see why. Imagine the thrill of seeing the Cape Peninsula from the sky? It's truly breathtaking! This company offers a range of options, from quick flips to 90-minute flights, making it easy to feel excited about the experience. Watching a corporate group waiting their turn adds to the anticipation.

On my walk back to the car, I spotted the SA Agulhas II in the harbour for maintenance work, I should imagine, as it waits for the Arctic summer and its next voyage. What a beautiful sight! I wasn’t allowed anywhere near the vessel and had to push my lens through the security bars. That I could do, but there was no way the guard would allow me to take one step beyond that!

Among many awards, Cape Town now boasts the best coffee shop in the world! We visited and loved its charm. It's a beautiful spot worth exploring. Finding it with GPS was fun, but some locals might know it by sight-it’s right next to Mavericks. I hope you get to experience its special vibe.

I love the place's industrial vibe and dark atmosphere, but what truly stands out is the warmth of the staff. The Hot Chocolate was fantastic-I had to order another. Sitting there, soaking in the friendly atmosphere, made us feel truly welcome. If there's a 'friendliest people' award, they'd win it.

On this perfect Champagne day, we had to get our feet in the sand and headed off to the Grand Beach bar for a quick G&T while watching a regatta in the bay.

“This cape is the stateliest thing and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth.”– From the journal of Sir Francis Drake, on seeing the Cape for the first time, 1580

“What makes this my Cape Town is the feeling I get when walking its streets. No matter whether it be day or night, the languages it speaks, the faces it juxtaposes, the tensions it bridges–all these force their way, somehow or other, into the music I compose. It is the only walking city we have in the country–let it be more so, enhancing the livelihoods that bring our streets to life. That is how to ensure our future.”–Neo Muyanga, co-founder of the acoustic guitar duo Blk Sunshine and famed composer and co-curator of the Pan African Space Station.

Places to visit: