Visiting Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

It was so cold atop the mountain,  that it literally felt like a winter day in northeastern North America. Those temperatures and conditions would have felt normal and typical for a Chilly winter's day in my home state of New Jersey. 

Except this was Africa,  of course. 

In fact, it was cold enough that my fingers began to feel numb. Much as they might if I underdressed and then stayed out for too long on a cold winter's day. 

Once again,  I had to marvel at just how different the reality was from my expectations. Here,  I had assumed that Cape Town would possibly be chilly. In reality,  it felt outright cold and even miserable most of the time during my five days of visiting. 

That was something!

Yet, I like Cape Town's weather. It is similar to San Francisco,  which seems to me ideal. 

Not to anyone's surprise,  it is absolutely beautiful up on top of Table Mountain. This town certainly has considerable charm.

There were these little creatures on the edges of the cliffs, running around. I managed in one of the videos that I took to really get a good shot of two of them. 

Very cute.

Of course,  Table Mountain is far and away the most iconic place in Cape Town. It dominates the city even more than the Eiffel Tower dominates Paris. If you come to visit this city,  it feels like something you need to visit. 

Now,  it has the distinction of being one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 

During any visit, it is easy to understand why. 

First of all, there is the buzz of excitement and anticipation anytime that you are about to visit a famous,  even iconic, landmark. People are hurriedly trying to get tickets and gain access. There is a long line. Thus a wait. Meanwhile,  we all were treated to different views of Table Mountain than we had seen before. 

Then finally came the time to board the lift. It rotates. Something that I would not have known until actually coming here. That offers a chance to see everything,  and from all angles,  on the way up. Very nice and innovative touch!

We made it up,  and there was that excited buzz again. 

It looked almost like an alien landscape. 

Of course, it goes without saying that the views from atop the mountain are simply incredible. 

Naturally, there is the view of the city itself, which includes the Devil's Peak and the ocean. 

Yet on the other side,  it is probably even more spectacular. That side offers a view of the Cape peninsula,  and the ocean surrounding it. But it also offers a breathtaking view of the so-called 2 apostles,  the other mountain peaks close to Table Mountain and Cape Town. 

Incredible!

Plus, some of the other stuff up there is quite astonishing,  as well. There is a garden,  despite the inhospitable conditions,  not least of which are the cold,  whipping winds. 

And animals. Real wildlife! You can see some of the tiny creatures running around near the edge of the cliffs. There are birds and some rare and protected plants. 

Unbelievable.