the market, the beach and lion's head

Yesterday I went to the most thrilling market I've ever seen. It's the Neighborhood Goods Market in Cape Town, which has clothes, arts and incredible food. I wanted all the clothes I saw and I didn't think I could get more excited until I saw the food. I have a slight obsession with healthy and/or organic food, and the market did not disappoint. I had the most amazing skewer of 12 different local mushrooms cooked with olive oil and spices and about 10 samples of different homemade pestos and tapenades. My friends and I were on the way to the beach when we stopped so I didn't buy anything to take home, but I definitely plan to go back next week and make some purchases .

We spent the day on the beach. Apparently Lonely Planet rated Cape Town #2 in the world for best beaches, and despite the cold water, I can see why. We spent some time on Camps Bay beach and then walked over to Clifton. I wish I had brought my camera because both had the most incredible views of Table Mountain. I still can't get over how beautiful Cape Town is.

Last night I went on my first date in a foreign country. I met this guy the other night named Alex who insisted on taking me out to hike Lion's Head mountain. I was terrified that it would be Table Mountain hike 2.0, but the terrain wasn't nearly as difficult and we went in the early evening when it wasn't as hot. Apparently Lion's Head is also a popular jumping off point for hang gliders.

The view at the top was amazing. I could see all of Cape Town, Camps Bay and Hout Bay.






I am so in love with South Africa right now. I love the people, I love the weather, I love the food, I love the culture. I love being packed into a share taxi listening to loud Kwaito music. I love spending the day on the beach and hiking up mountains in the evening. I love eating delicious mushrooms. Almost everyone I've met on my program has asked themselves, "Why didn't I come here sooner?" I'm sure things will seem a less exciting when I start developing a routine, but for now, I am completely infatuated with the place.