I embarked on a journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town, a sophisticated city that stands as the gateway to this majestic continent. Cape Town is a vast and vibrant metropolis, proudly conscious of its rich heritage while remaining humble and grounded. Known as the “Mother City,” it exudes a blend of modernity and earthiness that is truly captivating.
I began my day with a final breakfast at Lesley-Ann’s home. After packing a lunch for the flight, I prepared to head southwest to Cape Town, the southernmost point of this continent. Christine, the personal assistant at eTravel headquarters, picked me up around noon and drove me to Johannesburg International Airport. British Airways Express (operated by ComAir) sponsored my domestic flight, which departed around 4:30 p.m. After navigating through the stringent security checks, I had some time to relax at the departure gate. I used this opportunity to touch base with the people who had invited me to stay in Cape Town, confirming my accommodations for the next few days.
My host for the evening, Ludo, was thrilled to meet me and insisted on picking me up at Cape Town Airport. Despite his excitement, he faced a minor dilemma — his new furniture hadn’t arrived yet, leaving his apartment rather bare. “Ramon, don’t worry,” he reassured me, “I’ll put you up in a hotel for the night.” Who could argue with such hospitality?
I arrived in Cape Town at 6:45 p.m., where I was warmly greeted by Ludo and his wife, Juanita. Ludo’s enthusiasm was contagious; he couldn’t stop expressing his admiration for my travel concept. They live in Tamboerskloof, an area adjacent to the original town center of Cape Town. Known as Kaapstad in Dutch, which translates to “Cape City,” the name feels fitting for this iconic city.
Cape Town, with its sprawling 25 suburbs, is built around the imposing Table Mountain—a prominent tourist attraction in South Africa. The mountain, sculpted from sandstone, rises 1,086 meters above the bay, with a flat summit stretching nearly 3 kilometers. When clouds drift over its flat top, they cascade down like a tablecloth, giving the mountain its name. This natural wonder is revered as one of the most powerful energy points on the planet, drawing spiritual seekers from around the globe.
Before heading to their apartment, Ludo checked me into the Saasveld Lodge (later renamed Once In Cape Town), a simple yet comfortable hotel across the street. Thankfully, they had one room available. In Juanita’s small office space, where she manages her real estate business, we sipped coffee and got to know each other better. The apartment’s emptiness was palpable.
“We really thought the furniture would arrive on time…” Ludo remarked with a shrug.
Ludo’s story is fascinating. Originally from Belgium, he spent over 15 years as a diamond trader in the African Congo. When civil war broke out, he was imprisoned as a foreigner but managed to escape. Seeking a peaceful, retired life, he settled in South Africa, where he soon met Juanita, and they married. Ludo ventured into the online world, creating a free lotto website in South Africa based on a successful French model. However, due to a lack of advertisers or investors, he ended up personally funding the prizes — holidays, laptops, theater tickets, and more—only to realize the concept wasn’t viable in South Africa. Despite losing over a million South African Rand, he remained undeterred, driven by his belief in the idea.
These days, Ludo assists Juanita with her real estate business, occasionally dabbling in web design for her company. As we talked, I noticed the wind picking up outside. I had already swapped my khaki shorts for long trousers and added a jumper over my shirt; Cape Town’s cooler climate was a stark contrast to the warmth of Johannesburg.
For dinner, Ludo took us to an Italian restaurant he recommended on Kloof Street, just outside the historic center of Cape Town. We dined at Bacini’s, where I enjoyed a dish called Veal Caparascio—or something similarly Italian-sounding. During our meal, the restaurant’s atmosphere shifted as the owner turned off the music and switched the television to the news: the United States and the United Kingdom had commenced military actions in Afghanistan. The entire restaurant erupted into discussion.
Ludo, with his worldly experience, argued that these global conflicts often stem from the unchecked spread of Western corporations, like Coca-Cola, which attempt to dominate markets without understanding local cultures. He posed a thought-provoking question: How would a citizen of the Western world react if a flood of Afghani products, cheap and high-quality, suddenly entered their country? While it might seem acceptable at first, the imposition of foreign goods and values could easily incite anger and resentment, as local businesses and cultural identities are overshadowed.
This, he suggested, is analogous to having Britney Spears perform in Buddhist or Muslim countries, flaunting Western ideals that clash with local traditions. Such cultural insensitivity breeds frustration and hostility, especially when people feel their way of life is being threatened by powerful multinational corporations.
We wrapped up our evening back at their apartment, where I worked on my reports using their computer. It was past midnight when I finally left for the hotel. Despite the conflicting stories I’d heard about crime in Cape Town, the streets were eerily quiet—no cars, no people, just silence.
The tourist board advises caution, reminding visitors to avoid carrying large sums of cash, leaving belongings unattended, or wandering into unfamiliar areas after dark. Yet, as I walked alone through the empty streets of Tamboerskloof, I felt a surprising sense of peace.
Good night, Tamboerskloof!
Ramon.
