Robben Island

During the apartheid days, Robben Island housed one of the most high profile prisoner, the late former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. We wouldn't know better, of the hardships endured during the apartheid, coming from a privileged city, in a time of relative peace and tolerance across different races and religions.

And hence, joining the Robben Island tour, journeying together with the gentleman, a former prisoner held at Robben Island, provided perspectives you cannot obtain by remaining trap in our own small island.

V&A Waterfront

Ignoring the over-commercialized facade of the V&A Waterfront, of bar and food options that will cater to the taste bud of most, the biggest draw for me is the backdrop of the Table Mountain with the clouds rolling over the plateau (on a good day).

Bo Kaap

Be inspired by the iconic colourful houses of Bo Kaap, but spend no more than 30 minutes there.

Table Mountain

The most important thing to check and re-check before making your way to the Table Mountain, is the wind condition up on the mountain (a plateau really). In heavy wind condition, the cable car does not run and you will be sorely disappointed (as we were), if you were not mentally prepared for a hike up. Do not be deceived by the fine weather at sea level, because it appears that the Table Mountain has her own climate system up above.

Not checking the condition beforehand, we arrived at the Table Mountain and found out the only way up was on foot.

But all is not lost, because there is still a gorgeous view to enjoy on the way up!

 

 

And so, clad inappropriately for a cardio intensive hike, we made it only to the base of the Table Mountain before we had to turn back down.

Better luck next time, perhaps!

The World in One Country

This is one travel post that I have been most looking forward to do, the one that that brought us first to South Africa. It was with a bit of fear and trepidation that we made the trip, because at that time, we didn't know that many people who had been there before. Having a reliable travel itinerary to reference against was a bit of a challenge.

I remembered walking out of the arrival hall of the airport, greeted by travel campaign posters lined against the wall, all saying the same message: South Africa, The World in One Country. Oh I couldn't agree more.

In the 2 weeks that we were there, we experienced the food and wine, the history and landscape of the land, the warmth of the people and the mystery of the sea and land creatures. Need I justify further how South Africa became my favoured travel destination to this date?

When we arrived in October, the weather was nice and cool, not quite summer yet. Arriving on a morning flight, we had half a day to recuperate from the long flight. By the afternoon, we were well rested, and we found our way to the Mount Nelson Hotel. We were there for the high tea buffet, which we heard was quite a spread and hence would be a good introduction to the sweets and tea that is tradition to the region. It was there where I first discovered my love for the Roobois tea.

 Mount Nelson Hotel

It certainly was quite a treat!

All that Remains

The last of Hong Kong, be it street sights or shops.

 Signing Out.

Hong Kong Food Delights

What I can still remember of my food journey in Hong Kong. The food pics are limited as they are mostly jumbled up in my hard disk, but the restaurant names posted here are definitely worth re-visiting!

Xi Yan

Agnis B Cafe

Four Seasons Lung King Heen

So many years on, and the above Abalone Puff Pastry Tartlet is still on my mind. When I am back in Hong Kong next month, I am not missing this!

 Hui Lao Shan 

 Fook Lam Moon