Today’s tidbit: “Travel brings power and love back into your life.” ― Rumi

Earlier this week I shared part 1 of our Cape Town bus tour, where we drove through the city and experienced Table Mountain (which was amazing!). Continuing on, we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring  Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront), which is one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. We enjoyed talking with locals, dining by the water and taking in the panoramic views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. I didn’t want to leave!

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

{Entering the Waterfront} As I’ve shared in many SA posts, I loved all of the handmade crafts and bead work everywhere. Mixed with other statues, there were life-size animals made out of thousands of beads. So neat!

{V&A Waterfront} An afternoon exploring.

As the website states, “Set on the edge of a natural working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, the V&A offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging tourism and leisure, retail shopping and exclusive entertainment. Its prime positioning boasts panoramic views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. The amphitheatre stage hosts a range of free summer entertainment for the whole family, while there are 80 eateries to choose from. Be sure to visit the activities available which include the Cape Wheel, Two Oceans Aquarium and the Springbok Experience rugby museum. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy.”
Read more.

Below are pictures taken throughout the afternoon and evening as we explored… I will let them do the talking!

3 pictures below: Iconic Table Mountain in the background.

 {delicious lunch overlooking the water} We had to enjoy some Beyerskloof Pinotage wine!

{City Sightseeing boat cruise} The beginning of the day we enjoyed the City Sightseeing bus tour (Monday’s blog post). Continuing with our all day ticket, we took advantage of the City Sightseeing boat cruise in Cape Town. Pictures below taken on the boat.

Proteas, my new favorite flower that we saw throughout South Africa (more examples at the end of this post).

Had hoped to go to Robben Island but the last tour of the day left when we were enjoying our City Sightseeing boat cruise. Next time! We also learned that it’s a tradition to get dressed up in red on Sundays and after church many will come to the V&A.

{Seal Platform} Since Robben Island didn’t work we continued to walk and explore, finding a pier with a family of seals, including a mom and baby, swimming around. I, of course, went out to the end of a boardwalk and was snapping away with my DSLR. Below are a few of the pictures I took.

{Waterfront Craft Market and Wellness Centre} I am all about handmade gifts and helping locals (Allie, recognize the hearts below?). I didn’t take too many pictures in here (shocking I know), but it was nice to take a break and explore the market

As the website states, “This design hub features a melting pot of traditional handcrafts, antiques, jewelry and art, as well as a variety of treatments and products for health and wellness. Located adjacent to the Two Oceans Aquarium.” Check out the booths.

{Cape Wheel} A great way to get high enough to see the whole V&A Waterfront and where we had been exploring all day. It was the perfect time as well since the sun was starting to set.

Pictures below: After the Cape Wheel, I was trying to get high enough to get the sunset but the view was blocked. I ended up finding this cozy outdoor seating area with more of my favorite Protea. The King Protea, shown below, is the national flower of South Africa. (read more).

{Tasca de Belem} Check them out.

Delicious dinner, authentic gourmet Portuguese and Turkish cuisine, outside overlooking the water. After a big lunch we weren’t too hungry. We decided to share a sampler and dessert, while enjoying the sound of the water, candlelight and live music.

And that was another wonderful + very busy day exploring Cape Town! Don’t you want to go? Reliving it through these pictures makes me want to go back again!

Next week I will be taking a little break from SA posts (only a few left!) to share a maternity photo shoot I did. Have a great weekend!