Living Like a Local

Sunset on Signal Hill

My week started on a high note, literally, as my friends and I headed up to Signal Hill for sunset. Did you know that Signal Hill got its name because ships used to get signals from here back in the day? And even to this day, every day at noon, a cannon is fired from Noon Gun on Signal Hill, and it’s one of Cape Town’s oldest traditions. Today, it’s mostly people like us sitting on the grass or the old walls with snacks, music, and a bottle of wine, waiting for the sky to turn pink and gold. As the sun went down over the ocean, we had cake, laughed way too loud, and played our favorite songs. It was one of those moments you wish could last forever, just pure happiness surrounded by friends and an amazing view.

First Thursday of the month

A few days later came First Thursdays, one of my favorite Cape Town traditions. On the first Thursday of every month, the city comes alive with open art galleries, live music, and pop-up shows, all free to explore. We went to a place called Aiko Plus, kind of like a mix between a museum and a live art venue. The whole place was alive with color, creativity, and music. Every corner had something to look at, with paintings, sculptures, and loads of creative little details that made you stop and stare. Later in the evening, we even met one of the artists whose pieces were on display, and she told us about her inspiration behind them.

When the stadium comes alive

By the end of the week, it was time for another rugby game, and this time, I actually understood what was going on. Yet, the energy and the atmosphere in the stadium were yet again unbelievable. Fans were dressed in blue, waving their Stormers flags, and cheering like their lives depended on it. The crowd’s passion is something else, even if you walk in not knowing the rules, you’ll walk out a fan.

When the game ended, the crowd didn’t go home as the celebration continued outside, and the street turned into one big dance floor. A DJ started playing, people danced while waving their Stormers flags, and sang their hearts out under the stars. With the music playing and everyone dancing, my friends and I just had to join in, it was impossible not to. It felt like the whole city came alive with energy, joy, and a sense of community.

Hermanus Whale Festival

When the weekend rolled around, we took a road trip to Hermanus, a coastal town known as the land-based whale watching capital of the world, and yes, there were whales everywhere! While we were there, Hermanus was celebrating its Whale Festival, marking the arrival of the southern right whales. We watched in awe as the whales spouted in the water, while seals drifted peacefully in the waves by the cliffside. The town itself was buzzing with live music, the smell of street food, and locals enjoying the sun. We ended the day with some homemade fruit ice cream and sat down by the cliffs and watched as the waves rolled in.

The drive there and back was out of this world beautiful. We drove past vineyards, mountain passes, and little coastal towns, with music playing in the background. Every few minutes, we rolled the windows down, snapping photos every chance we got, and we said “wow” so many times I lost count. It was the kind of drive that made me realize how beautiful South Africa really is.

Along the way, Jonas told us not to miss the Hermanus Biodiversity Walk, so of course, we had to check it out. We wandered along the cliffs, surrounded by wildflowers, sculptures facing the sea, and felt the air of salt and the sound of the waves all around us. During the walk, we met the cutest little animals called dassies, also known as hyraxes. They kind of look like chubby rabbits, but believe it or not, they’re actually distant relatives of elephants.

Ending the week on a golden note

Just like last week, I ended the week in the best way possible, with a braai on my friend’s rooftop. We grilled our dinner as the sun slowly set, the smell of the grill filled the air, and music played softly in the background. We just sat there, watching the city lights pop on one by one. Simple, but honestly, a perfect setting I’d vouch for any day.