Roadtrip Day 1: Cape Town to Knysna

It was quite bitter-sweet leaving Cape Town (believe it or not, this is me trying not to be melodramatic). Driving past Khayelitsha is always a very powerful experience. So many hundreds of shacks and many thousands of inhabitants packed up against each other and framed by the most beautiful backdrop. All of this, usually when I am coming or going on some fun and fabulous trip, is a stark reminder that the past is far from over for so many South Africans.

As always happens to me when driving on the N2 out of Cape Town, 30 minutes or so later the poignancy gives way to low level shock and confusion as we hit the traffic lights on the freeway through the weird suburban/semi-industrial landscape that is Somerset West. We know who dumped the people in Khayelitsha…

We have often left the N2 and taken the magical detour along the coast via Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond, but this time we decided to take the shorter route and traverse the surreal lunar landscapes of the mountain passes. It was mesmerising, rolling up and down along the (excellent) roads through breath-taking scenery.

The landscape changes wildly and frequently. Jagged rocky outcrops give way to lush fields of thick, juicy vines and olive groves that are green and almost-silver at the same time. Then suddenly sandy cliffs hug the road. The conversation can be as interesting.

One moment Tanja is asking me if I believe in UFOs, the next thing she tunes the radio to a gospel service and starts singing along.

Ahh road trips.

STOPS: We stopped at Riviersonderend to stretch legs etc but don’t recommend it.

Appelbos a little further on looked like a better choice.
Next time …

Photos and the photos are here...