Cape Town, situated at the Southern most tip of the African continent, is a magical place, the perfect holiday destination and filled with majestic, natural beauty.

Today Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city, first discovered by Bartolomeu Diaz a Portuguese explorer in 1487 whilst searching for a sea route to India. Diaz named it The Cape of Storms and returned to Portugal triumphant at having rounded the African continent and the Portuguese rulers subsequently changed the name to The Cape of Good Hope.

In 1652, a Dutch man, Jan van Riebeeck working for the Dutch East India Company, founded a post at Table Bay. The first establishment under Van Riebeeck was aimed at supplying fresh water and fruit to crews, but in 1657, it was realized that the gardens were not sufficient so The Company began to assign land to Independent Dutch Settlers.
The Settlers were to set about growing wheat for the Company’s use and in order to do so; they imported slaves from Ceylon, The Dutch East Indies (Malaysia and Indonesia), Madagascar and Mozambique. By 1717 the slave population had grown to such a degree that they outnumbered the free population.

By 1679, settlers from Germany and France arrived and so began the growth of a more eclectic population of settlers. In 1688 propecia timeline one hundred and sixty four Belgian and French “Huguenots” arrived at The Cape and brought with them extensive wine making experience and so began the foundations of our wine industry.

At this stage, the German settlers outnumbered the Dutch settlers; however Dutch was spoken until gradually a variation of the Dutch language known as Afrikaans developed. The mingling of these settlers resulted in what was known as the Afrikaner or Boer.

Cape Town is today home to the descendants of these first settlers, and together with a diverse population of immigrants from other countries, Xhosa’s, Zulu’s and many other indigenous tribes, forms a vibrant and eclectic mix of people.

The cultural differences are tangible, and the democracy embraced by all is evident in the colorful mix of people who peacefully share this beautiful city which lies at the foot of Table Mountain.

Each group of people bring not only their unique cultural history to the mix, they bring their tastes and flavors too which has resulted in a plethora of restaurants offering everything from traditional French Nouvelle Cuisine to the hot and spicy dishes of “Cape Malay” cuisine, expert chef’s have Cialis Professional created “fusion” menu’s to combine these rich and varied flavors of our past and in so doing have made a place for them in our present.

Cultural and religious differences are celebrated wherever you venture on the Cape Peninsula, whether passing through the narrow cobbled streets and colorful houses of the Cape Malay Quarter in the “The Bo-Kaap” or visiting the awe inspiring St’ Georges Cathedral in the City Centre, you will always be warmly welcomed and friendly smiles will greet you wherever you go.

Cape Town is home to many open air markets, which offer a wide selection of merchandise from traditional African paintings and wood carvings to a varied selection of traditional foods from Pizza’s and Bratwurst’s to Cape Malay curries and Samoosa’s to organic jams and home brewed beers, and as usual all cultures are well represented.

The modern Waterfront development in the heart of Cape Town, and South Africa’s most visited destination, is vibrant and varied too, here the visitor is treated to the modern conveniences of a sophisticated shopping mall with all the international brands such as Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Burberry being represented alongside those of the local designers Marion and Lindie and the popular Nicci Boutiques. Home wares are well represented too with a selection of retail shops stocking everything from Carol Boyes silver and pewter ware to hand painted table linen and fine bone china. Outside in the open air amphitheatre, you will experience a program of music which varies between string quartets and traditional Zulu drums and dancing to the loud street rappers with their own unique blend of rap and Kwaito.

Then there’s the extensive selection of restaurants, some on the quaysides, others situated in the malls overlooking Table Mountain and or Table Bay, here you will find a menu to suit every taste, and again each culture is well represented! Wine bars serving hundreds of wines by the glass offer wine lists and experienced sommeliers to assist you every step of the way, and Whisky lovers are not left out, The Bascule Bar has an impressive selection of over 400 Whiskies that could keep your palate happy for weeks!

Around every corner, Kamagra Gold whether in the wine lands or the city streets, Cape Town will enthrall you with her beauty, her people are warm and welcoming and her cultural diversity is celebrated tangibly, but don’t take my word for it, come, taste, smell, meet, greet, see, experience and celebrate with us!!

Author Bio: Jason Wiltshire of The South Africa Travel Company has 10 years of tourism experience. His company’s expertise covers accommodation, Cape Town day tours, Garden Route holidays, Safaris and golf packages. For their professional services go to www.southafricatravelsite.com or jwtravel2000@gmail.com

Category: Recreation and Leisure/Travel/Destinations
Keywords: South Africa , Cape Town Accommodation , Safari , Day Tours , Golf Holidays