excursion – Language Teaching Centre | LTC

My Cape Town experience

LTC Team — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 08:30:45 +0000

Let me introduce myself, my name is Barbara, I study in Maastricht in the Netherlands and can call myself very fortunate because I’ve been given the opportunity to do my internship in the most beautiful country in the world, South Africa.

I can’t believe I’ve been in Cape Town for four months now, on one hand ,it seems like I’ve been here a lifetime already but on the other hand, the time has flown by so fast.

South Africa is a vibrant country where multiple cultures, languages,people, religions and unify. Did you know South Africa has eleven official languages?

But like any other country, South Africa has its own manual, because every country has different habits, norms & values. So if you’re planning a trip to South Africa, and more specifically Cape Town and want to get the most out of your stay here, I will share some tips and tricks and tell you a little bit about my experience here.

Before departure

Make sure the following things are arranged before traveling to Cape Town:

Valid passport (of course)
Flight reservations
Credit card
South African phone provider – I used Vodacom myself but most of my friends had CellC
Proof of medical cover valid in South Africa
Apply for Visa (All documents need to be filled in in English and with a black pen)
Applying for a Visa can be time consuming so make sure you start early, you’re dependent on other institutions such as the bank, hospital, police and of course the government. You can contact an immigration lawyer to help you throughout the process.
Always bring a warm sweater or jacket, the saying that Cape Town can have 4 seasons in one day is not a lie.

Accommodation

Home sweet home, wherever you go, a place where you feel happy,comfortable and safe is essential. A nice home where you can unwind after a busy day at the office or an adventurous activity. There are a lot of places to stay in Cape Town, such as hotels, apartments, hostels but the best option I believe would be a host family. A host family will not only provide you with a nice place to live but they can also be your helping hand. Ask your school,mediator or maybe even family and friends for help when finding a nice place to stay.

I personally lived in two neighborhoods in Cape Town, the first month of my stay I stayed in Observatory (aka Obs). Obs is known to be quite a safe place to live, it is a very hipster and vibrant part of Cape Town, located next to Woodstock. It is, however, a bit further away from the city centre. But I really enjoyed the vintage vibe Obs had, some lovely coffee places, café’s and restaurants are located in Obs so it’s definitely worth the visit. The other neighborhood I stayed in was Bo Kaap. Well known for its colorful house sand Muslim community Bo Kaap is a nice place to stay.

Public transport

Make sure that you’ve installed the Uber app (you need a credit card for this) on your phone. Though Cape Town has a lot of option when it comes to public transport, Uber is the safest and most trustworthy one and probably cheaper than taking a taxi too.

All Uber drivers are checked and inspected by Uber. The airport has a few currency exchange offices so make sure to draw some South African Rands.

Another good option is taking the My City Bus, though I don’t have any personal experience taking the bus, I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about it.

My favs

Now that I’ve given some general information about Cape Town, I would love to share some of my own experiences:

There’s a lot of amazing things to do in Cape Town. Climb Lions Head and visit Wally’s Cave, Table Mountain, watch the sunset on Signal Hill with a bottle of wine and good company, have a stroll along V&A Waterfront and have some lunch at the Food Market there, visit some of the many amazing museums (I loved Zeitz Mocaa and Slave Lodge was impressive and interesting too).

My standard weekend would be as follows, Fridays my friends and I would have some pre-drinks at la Parada Bree street,afterward, we would go to Long street.. Saturday morning, a few friends and I would go to Muizenberg to surf. There are a couple of surf schools where you can rent a suit and board. In the evening we would have a ‘’family braai’’ at our friend’s house and play some board games.Sunday Funday we would start the day at the beach, this was either Camps Bay or Clifton Beach no2. A list of other nice beaches would be:

Platboom
SN. Tidal Pool
Bakoven
Hout Bay
Llandudno
Maiden’s cove
Soetwater, Kommetjie
Buffels Bay

Food, food and more food.

Before I came to Cape Town I wasn’t aware of the amazing food they have here. Besides gaining experience and knowledge, I’ve also gained some weight being here in South Africa, because the food is just scrumptious (it might have been the wine as well). I’ll first give you a list of my best lunch spots:

Dunes – Hout Bay
Truth Coffee – 36 Buitenkant St Cape Town
Folk – 7 Bree St. Cape Town
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen (best bagels in town!) – 95 Regent Rd or 32 Parliament St.
Giulio’s- Cornerstone House, 16 Loop St.
Haas Collective – 19 Buitenkant St.
Clarke’s – 133 Bree St.
Jason Bakery – 185 Bree St.
Smak – 22 Bree St.
Kauai – Multiple locations

There are a lot more lunch spots, so these are just a few. There is however one I would like to mention in particular, ”Die Strand Loper’’if you are a fish lover just like me this place is heaven. Die Strand loper is a very low key spot (kind of makes you feel like you’re in a pirate movie)where you get 10 delicious meals and its BYOB (bring your own booze). Die Strand loper is an hour and a half drive from Cape Town,but it is most definitely worth your time. You will just have to experience this amazing spot for yourself (it is advised to make a reservation in advance, just visit their website).

Now let’s continue with a few great restaurants for dinner, I have to be honest with you, this list consists of both affordable and a bit more expensive restaurant:

Mzoli’s – is a Butcher, ‘Braai’-restaurant in Gugulethu, one of Cape Town’s Townships
Mama Africa – 178 Long Street (typical African food)
JC – 18 De Villiers Rd, Zonnebloem
Tiger’s Milk – Multiple locations
Mantra – 43 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
The Bungalow – 3 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Jerry’s Burger Bar – 123 Lower Main Rd. Observatory
Oishi Sushi – Online or via Uber Eats
Asoka -68 Kloof St, Gardens
Kloof Street House – 30 Kloof St, Gardens
Your’s Truly – 73 Kloof St.
Today & Tomorrow – 71 Kloof St.
Villa 47 – 47 Bree St.
Beluga – 70 Prestwich St.
Three Wise Monkeys – La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Rd.
Love Thy Neighbour – 110 Bree St.

Always something to do

South Africa provides so many amazing activities and opportunities to make your time abroad the best ever. Near the end of September my friends and I went on a road trip to Hermanus, and this I highly recommend. We stayed there for two nights and went kayaking with whales (if you want to go kayaking in Cape Town go to Atlantic Outlook). Being in such close proximity to such a majestic animal feels unreal.

The drive to Hermanus is already a breath-taking experience itself.

Saturdays are not for sleeping in but for waking up early so you can visit one of many green markets. Visit the Old Biscuit Mill market for the best food and souvenir shopping or go and take a look at Oranjezicht market near Waterfront to do some healthy groceries or try some of the fresh food from one of the booths.

If you’re in the mood for some tranquility and nature, visit the Kirstenbosch Garden, this beautiful park is filled with exotic birds and plants and is the perfect place to have a nice and peaceful day out of the house.

The Company Gardens is also perfect for a peaceful stroll to escape the busy city life.

If you’re a love a good glass or bottle of wine just like me, visit either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, and enjoy one of the many wine tastings while drowning in the stunning scenery around you.

My favourite was the Zandvliet Wine Estate because my family and I were allowed to blend our own wine and it had a lot of sentimental value to us.

If you’re planning to stay in South Africa for a longer period the Garden Route is of course something you cannot miss!

I honestly don’t think I have enough writing space to tell you about all the amazing places and experiences here in South Africa. This country is extraordinary.

All the things I’ve experienced here in South Africa have honestly changed me as a person. Learning about different cultures and habits, seeing the harmony between various religions. I’ve come to realize I’m not very musically talented and don’t have any rhythm compared to African people. The kindness people show each other and of course the wildlife and breath-taking nature. The proximity of stunning beaches and mountains. I would like to thank everyone who made this experience one to never forget, I’ve learned to really appreciate the small things in life and to take nothing for granted, to be kind to everyone around you and to help wherever you can. To appreciate nature and everything it’s given us.

On excursion with LTC!

LTC Team — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 10:33:36 +0000

Excursion to the Slave Lodge

History and Facts

The Slave lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town. This building has a long history. It has had a few different names over time: Slave lodge, Government offices building, Old supreme court and SA Cultural History Museum. In 1998 this museum was renamed into the name Slave Lodge under the theme: From human wrongs, to human rights. Exploring the lower level of this museum 1shows the long history of slavery in South Africa. The slave lodge was built in 1679 as the Slave lodge of the Dutch East Indian Company. Between 1679 and 1811, it is believed that there have been up to 9000 slaves lived in this building.

In 1810 this building had to serve as government offices, including different offices such as the parliament and the Cape Supreme Court, which were housed in this building in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. In 1960, this building was restored to function as a cultural history museum. The SA Cultural History museum, now named as Slave Lodge, opened its door in 1966.In 1969 it became an autonomous museum. In 1998 this building was renamed to the slave lodge.

About Slave Lodge

In this museum, located in the city centre of Cape Town, you can see the history of these slaves and the building where they lived in. There are different rooms with objects that come from this time, such as weapons, jewellery and sculptures. This is not something to just forget and therefore it’s very fascinating to have seen this

LTC organizes excursions for their students twice a week. This includes activities such as this Slave Lodge museum, but also other activities such as going to the snake park and the red bus tour which are also much fun! With a 2 hour excursion on Wednesday and a half or a full day excursion on Friday, our students will combine studying and having fun at the same time to develop themselves at their best!

The red bus tour excursion!

With the red bus tour you can explore Cape Town on your own pace. There are different routes and you can hop off and on at any of the stops with your ticket. There is the Red City Tour, which includes the Yellow Downtown Tour and there is the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour, which includes the Purple Wine Tour.

The Red City Tour has got 11 stops. The featured stops on this tour are:
– Table Mountain cable way
– District Six Museum
– Castle of Good Hope

The Blue mini Peninsula Tour has got 14 stops. The featured stops on this tour are:
– Kirstenbosch
– World of Birds
– Imizamo Yethu

When you have a ticket, you can hop on and off wherever you want. You can visit the places where you stop and you don’t need to be back on a specific time as there are different busses every 20 to 35 minutes. Tours run 7 days a week, 365 days a year. On every stop you can see on what time the next bus is coming. In this way you can easily explore Cape Town at its best.

You can buy tickets online at city sightseeing or at the city sightseeing office in the V&A Waterfront

LTC organizes excursions for their students twice a week. This includes activities such as this Red Bus Tour, but also other activities such as going to the Snake Park and Cave mini golf in Waterfront which are also much fun! With a 2 hour excursion on Wednesday and a half or a full day excursion on Friday, our students will combine studying and having fun at the same time to develop themselves at their best!

Cave Mini Golf excursion

About

The cave golf located in Waterfront is a very interesting, indoor course with 18 holes which are deceptively difficult. They are well designed with challenges everywhere. The first three holes will make you think it will be easy, but that’s only the beginning! At the fourth hole, the game will become more challenging when you are confronted with sharp corners, vertical ramps, obstacles and slanted putting surfaces.

The cave mini golf is fun and because it’s indoor you can do it in every weather circumstances. Comparing to other putt-putt courses each hole is not very long, but it doesn’t mean they are any easier. The cave mini-golf is one of the best family activities as it is suitable for people for all ages. For only 15 rand you can have a great time and create memorable moments. Therefore, you can celebrate your win at one of the many W&A waterfront’s terrific bars and restaurants.

LTC organizes excursions for their students twice a week. This includes activities such as this Cave golf, but also other activities such as going to the Snake Park and the Red Bus Tour which are also much fun! With a 2 hour excursion on Wednesday and a half or a full day excursion on Friday, our students will combine studying and having fun at the same time to develop themselves at their best!

Excursion to the Snake Park

Imhoff Farm

Imhoff’s Snake Park is a reptile sanctuary and rehabilitation centre. This is also a very interesting place for people who want to know more about reptiles and the different species. The snake park is just a part of the Imhoff farm. The imhoff farm is a very restful place with grass, fountains and shops with a peaceful background music. In the imhoff farm you can grab something to eat, visit the art gallery and private tasting and cheese courses of the Imhoff Cheese, which is made on their own farm! Furthermore you can do camel rides, horse rides, visiting the snake park and much more! There are a lot of things to do for children up to adults.

Snake Park

The Imhoff’s snake park is rated as one of the beautiful South’s ‘must do’s’. After you have passed the African grey parrot and the alligators, you will find some interesting snakes and reptiles. Besides of the many snakes, there is also a creature called ‘blue-tong sink’, which looks like a cross between a snake and a lizard! Could this be the proof that snakes and legs once?

Other reptiles which are worth taking a look at includes the 3.5 meter long yellow anaconda, the Mozambique spitting Cobra and the Californian King Snake. When visiting the Snake Park you will learn a lot about these snakes and reptiles. You will also discover some interesting facts about the animals. One of the best parts are holding these reptiles. From the lizard to the snake called Ben, which is an 18 pound snake you can hold around your neck!

LTC and Snake Park

LTC organizes excursions twice a week. This includes activities such as this Cave golf, but also other activities such as going to the chocolate factory and the Red Bus Tour which are also much fun! With a 2 hour excursion on Wednesday and a half or a full day excursion on Friday, our students will combine studying and having fun at the same time to develop themselves at their best!

Cape Town Diamond Museum

About

Cape Town offers a variety of museums. The Diamond museum is one of the museums in Cape Town you definitely have to visit. Cape Town Diamond museum is a non-profit organisation, and they are trying to create a new appreciation for the Diamonds and its history. This museum is located in the Clock Tower in Waterfront and is one of the museums in Waterfront.

Guided tour

When visiting the museum, you can expect a guided 25-40 minutes tour from a diamond professional which offers you an opportunity to learn more about the history of diamonds, the diamond industry, South Africa and diamond and why it’s the world’s most desired treasure. In the museum, you can see a diversity of replicas including a replica of world’s biggest diamond ever found! There is also mining gear which was used to mine diamond, including helmets, jackets, lights and tools.

During the tour the diamond professional asked me if I knew why the engagement ring is worn on the left ring finger. Nobody could tell her the answer. A man named Archduke Maximilian, who was the first person ever who proposed with a diamond, said that there’s a vein that goes straight to the heart from that finger. This is one of the interesting facts you will come to know during the tour.

Excursion

LTC organizes excursions for their students including visiting the Cape Town diamond museum. It was a very interesting museum with a good organised tour. We didn’t know a lot about diamonds and during the tour we came to know more and more facts. We’ve also made a group picture with the mining gear, which was pretty fun!