23.05.07 - The Lord Hath Landeth!

There is something about sleeping in public places that makes me feel quite self conscious. Before my eyes close together there is the fear of my jaw dropping open with an almost audible clunk in a similar fashion to Gordon Brown when he gasps for air in the middle of a speech. However during the flight from Doha to Cape Town I was far more paranoid about the manner in which I awoke from my slumber each time.... with a jump and a gasp! On looking around my seat I felt quite confident that noone was noticing... all around me were slumped figures with their faces squashed awkwardly against the Qatar air pillows, some with their tonsils on full view. Well, the one exception was when the air hostess offered a tray of food to me. Somehow she maintained her composure when I jumped out of my chair, no doubt torn from a fascinating dream.

Room No.19 is on the 2nd floor of my hostel on Long Street. It has a bed, a window, a sink and wooden floors. This is backpacker heaven I can tell. And trust me to land myself in one of the best hostels around with its own bar with a terrace overlooking the street. I am definately my mother's son and clearly I have the ability to sense 'FUN' from several thousand miles away!

After several hours of sleep in No. 19 I wend in search of fuel... and how could I say no to a 'kick ass coffee'?! I am not sure if this name is an insight into the process of preparing the coffee or perhaps the effect it has on the brave soul that drinks it. Well, as I was unable to see any four legged ass-like creatures in the vicinity I cannot lay judgment on whether I would have been tempted to kick an ass. I did have a second cup though, brave man that I am.

First thoughts on Cape Town? There is something about it that I love already. There are such contrasts from the architectural influences to the slightly awkward cultural fusion. I think it is a beautiful place, in part because the black locals have been so friendly, but then there is the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. I shall be exploring, have no doubt!

Any bets on what I ate on my first night? Wrong, wrong wrong. You missed the obvious.... Caribbean! Sweet pork with rice. And a beer. Joy. I sat at the bar on my own in the restaurant and chatted to the African barman about Cape Town. He was so open and happy to talk and shared some insight into life here.

And then it was back to the hostel to check out my local on the floor below No. 19. I can safely say that it was rocking. There was a five piece African funk band (OK that is my interpretation) playing and the whole of the first floor room was packed as they got down to a rather splendid bit of 'jamming'! Within moments I was chatting to the slightly intimidating woman who had been at the reception to give me my room key on my arrival who then insisted on introducing me to an array of random people including a bearded Ben from Ireland who is here to work on a social project in the townships and the dreadlocked, trance-loving Irish barman called Chris. Several drinks followed before I decided that for once I would not be the last one to leave. Two things have stuck in my mind from this wee first day finale:

1. The reception lady initially called me Andrew. Why is it that no matter where I go or who I meet, I can guarantee that someone will catch me by surprise and call me Andrew?!

2. The cheesy comment that gave me a good chuckle and warmed my soul. Reception lady welcomed me with a fantastic line that I will attempt to write with a South African twang:

"Ah kun tell thut ewe are wun of us..... ah have a gud feeling abbut ewe Edward"