New years day. The start of something fresh. Endless possibilities ahead. One can’t help but dream of all the things you will accomplish in the coming months.
I realize we are over a week into the New Year, but here In Africa internet can be hit and miss, so this post has been delayed ~ Sorry!
For Mr. T. and I our year started with ticking off one of the official New 7 Wonders of Nature: Table Mountain! This title, recently bestowed, is fitting for the iconic flat topped mountain that is the backdrop to every worthwhile picture of Cape Town.
There are a number of ways to ascend the mountain, including various hiking routes of varying degrees.
If you’re not too concerned whether or not you see the year through you can climb the sheer cliff like these guys (look closely at the blue and red specks on the cliffs!):
Or hike up through this canyon. Which takes the better part of the day just to get up.
Mr. T. and I took the 10 minute ride in this:
The Aerial cable car that has been taking fascinated tourists up the mountain since 1929. Although back in those days it wasn’t sponsored by Visa. When I was younger we went up the mountain with my parents and this is the car that took us then:
Here is Cedric the gnome with his ticket:
Unfortunately, one can plan everything except the weather and as is quite common with table Mountain there was a “table cloth” of cloud covering the top, which hampered our view. Nonetheless we had a splendid time enjoying the diverse flora and fauna on top of the mountain.
The wild Watsonias grow in abundance
These little guys are called Dassies. They scurry in and out of the rocks and are quite adorable.
Mr. T. and I enjoying the edge of the cliffs..gets your adrenalin going in some spots!
Yes, That’s the city below me!
Our next stop was the Rhodes Memorial.
Dedicated to Cecil John Rhodes, a colonist who left his mark on the early South African political and economic landscape with such feats as starting the De Beers Corporation. 
Constantly wanting to further the British Empire, Rhodes dreamt having a railroad from Cairo to the Cape that would run through nations all under British rule. This dream fell short by only a handful of countries never under British rule. There are 49 steps leading to the top of the memorial, one for each year of his life.
Our New Years Day was topped off with a little bit of South African Culture. 
Mango Groove was the hottest group back in the 90’s here in South Africa and I remember listening to their stuff on the radio lots. Well I thought what better way to get Mr. T. immersed into the culture than a bit of South African music. Playing at the stunning Kirstenbosch gardens under the African sunset we enjoyed a picnic while grooving to the sweet sounds of penny whistle and some true African sounds.
By the end of it we were all up with the entire crowd getting into it. Here’s Mr. T. and my cousin groovin’ away!
What a wonderful start to the year!
