The majestic mountains and gorgeous bays that surround the city make Cape Town one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. Despite the beauty of this city, it was here that we got first-hand recollections of the horrors of the old apartheid laws from former political prisoners of Robben Island and displaced residents of District Six.
It was a two-hour flight from Durban to Cape Town. Since it was an evening flight, we were able to marvel at all the city's shimmering lights as we were coming in for the landing. It was truly a beautiful sight. As we were being shuttled from the airport to our hotel, we ooh'ed and aah'ed at the silhouettes of Table Mountain and Lion's Head. These mountains are the majestic backdrop of Cape Town. However, our ride was not totally glorious. We were reminded of the economic struggles of many of South Africa's citizens when we saw the numerous shanty towns just outside the city.
The Protea President, known locally as The President, is part of the Protea hotel chain. There are several Protea hotels within Cape Town. The President is a moderate hotel that seems to cater to tour groups. Every morning groups of people would gather in the lobby and keep an out for their tour bus or van - as did we.
Protea President Hotel
Even though Traci and I did not have a sea-facing room like the rest of our group, I still enjoyed our view of the colorful houses and condos built into the side of a mountain. We had a decent room with a double bed but had a few annoyances such as the loud bathroom fan that wouldn't turn off. We had to have it repaired. The major problem with our room was that we were on the first floor and our window lock wasn't working. I didn't discover this until the last day we were there.
our room
the view from our room
I enjoyed our tour of Cape Town. Here is a summary of our stops:
Up, up and away.
 
We made it to the top.
 
view of Cape Town and Lion's Head Mountain
on top of the world
 
This plaque hangs outside the District Six Museum.
Our guide tells us of the day he was forced from his District Six home.
made from wires and tiny beads