What I like to do when I travel is to try the metro or train. It's a convenient way to get to your destination and it could be cheaper too. Since there was no train or tram within the city, we decided to go to any of the attraction by train, if there's any. One place DID cropped up in my search..... Simon's Town.
OK...I was so excited when I first looked at google map about the train trip to Simon's Town. A part of the trip will meander along the coastline of False Bay. Also, Simon's Town has it's own attraction too, the penguins.
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| Route from Cape Town to Simon's Town |
We walked from the apartment to the main terminal in Cape Town. There are lots of train from here to all over South Africa for this station, We bought our tickets and head for the correct platform and chances are, your train would be there waiting to depart. If you're unsure about the train platform, fare, train time, the officers at the info counter would be delighted to assist you.
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| Cape Town train station |
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| The train and platform info, ours was the 0149 |
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| the platform |
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| snack vendor |
The journey was like any other train ride. I love train rides! The 'clickaty clickaty' sound it made when the wheel bounced over the gap between the rail.
The view, it depends. I'm the sort that love to just view the scene....the shape of the houses (some Dutch influences, with the gables), trees, old buildings and I am happy. After all, the main event would be the moment we pass along the coast and I'm told by the locals that was onboard, the view is 'lekker'. Means nice or pleasant. Sounds Dutch....and it is, by the way.
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| view from the Muizenberg station |
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| Awesome! |
It was after Muizenberg station that the scenery outside went from nice....to amazing. It was absolutely the best decision we've made to travel by train to the East part of the peninsular. The weather was pleasant, even the train engineer took his time. We suspect him in the driver's cab, with a cup of Joe looking out enjoying the view... I don't think anyone would get bored.
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| as if we were travelling on water |
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| Approaching Kalk Bay Harbor |
We were busy taking pictures and videos of the journey. The railway line was close to the edge of the beach and at some areas I believe in bad weather or when the tide is strong, the train would be wet!
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| taken using GoPro |
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| Kalk Bay harbor |
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| looks close to the edge.....how close? |
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| This close! |
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| a modern gun turret facing the bay |
Along the way to the southern terminus at Simon's Town, we came across a coastal defence structure, a battery. Simon's Town had been the Royal Navy's base and now belongs to the South African Navy. Dutch gave the name to the town, after a Cape Colony Governor.
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| approaching the final station |
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| End of the Southern Line |
Not far from the coastal battery, the line ended at the Simon's Town station. From the map of Simon's Town, our destination looked quite close. We walked to our first stop passing old building some were build in 1802. Some were very helpful enough in providing the year of renovation (wood to brick structure, maybe?)
Anyway, halal food are available here and some shops do clearly advertise it. We passed a backpack hotel build in 1802 with an attached laundromat on the ground floor.
Everywhere in Simon's Town, there are plaque and infos about the structures and history of the settlement. Not far from the train station was the Admiralty, then came the hotels, some pubs, souvenir and curio/furniture shops along the road.
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| hotel with verandah, like in New Orleans |
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| built in 1802, now cater for backpackers |
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| info about Simon's Town along the wall, one of many |
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monument erected in the memory of the those removed
by Edict of 1967 |
Short note about the monument above. The edict of September 1967 made Simon's Town as 'White Area' and since there was no provision for accommodation to the other group, it was expulsion. The Asian or classified as Indian moved to Ryland in Cape Flats and the 'coloured' we forced to move to Slangkop, later renamed to Oceans View which is very far for those who work in Simon's Town.
We thought it was close....but I thought wrong. But it was a relief when we saw this sign outside an unassuming structure by the roadside. In red, it said 'Toy Museum'!
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| Simon's Town Toy Museum |
The museum was small, but full of toys from yesteryear. Old tin cars, weird looking dolls, doll houses, section of fire brigade vehicles, some collectible toys, robots, miniature porcelains and the list goes on and on and on.
The children went nuts! After a while would call either Madam or me to show what they found among the display. Fay was looking at some pink cars, and Ben loved the airplanes. The centrepiece of the museum is the miniature rail road display.
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| play house |
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| rag dolls and pre'Barbie' dolls |
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| toy planes |
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| miniature train display |
It was blustery, the wind. I had no idea it would be like that and it blowed sand along with it. It was excruciating and we were at the beach for just a few minutes. It seemed that any loose sand on the huge rock were blown here and there and you really need shades, I kid you not and best to cover your hair ladies.
We saw some of the birds (penguin) took shelter among the outcropping by the beach. A makeshift fence indicates the safe haven for these flightless birds. Respect that, please.
We left the area and went to follow a crowd of people, passed the stalls selling souvenirs and onto a lane to THE Boulder Beach. There's a cafe at the entrance of the lane another one selling ice cream. A few houses along the lane to the beach do sell some refreshments. So no wahala if you need drinks. Children need the regular top up of sugary stuffs.
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| the lane from the Boulder Beach to the parking lot |
A sign by the lane welcoming us to the Boulder Beach and not far from it, you'll see another one (below, in green) and you can purchase tickets there to watch the penguins. Yes you pay for the upkeep and and conservation of the poor birds.
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| take note of the entry time, please |
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| the entrance |
Here at the sanctuary, you're not allowed to walk on the beach. I don't think there's a way to do it unless you climb over the wooden walkway which is illegal to do so.
There were two branches of walkway and each would bring you to the birds. Either way, it's nice and safe and quite scenic too.
Don't be alarmed if suddenly you hear a braying sound quite similar to a donkey. Yes, these African penguin do sound like one. Quite funny too, actually. It's as if their ancestors had run out of ideas how to sound like a bird..and chooses a 'donkey like bray' just for the heck of it.
These next batch of pictures were taken on my mobile camera, so the resolution was quite bad, not that I am a good cameraman myself....I do miss my Sony A6000. Sigh....
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| the walkway....wheelchair friendly too! |
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| some of the penguins, must've come out from the water |
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| another group of them |
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note the other walkway in the distance, gives you
another vantage point...explore if you must |
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a penguin walked away from Fay, clearly not meant for
each other....sigh |
We spent almost an hour there at the sanctuary. We even saw a lone tortoise. Went to the other walkway and enjoy the view. Took more pictures for souvenir, and exit the place when the children had literally enough penguins for a day.
We trek from the main road, all the way to a restaurant that serve seafood and had some fresh oysters. It was a great way to end the visit to Simon's Town. But all of us agree, Cape Town is worthy enough for another visit, soon.
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Madam excel at bargaining...sure half of the shop she went
close the very next day..hahahahah |
That ends our 4th day...and of course Madam went crazy at the Green Market once we reached the apartment. I don't blame her, it took me strong will not to buy anything except the carved ostrich egg bought at good bargain.
Going back the next day, morning flight. We would love to extend, but seeing Madam replying emails on her phone and laptop back at the apartment....she needs to go to work. Maybe next time, just me and the children and....... AHEH
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