Seven Months Seeing the World

Yarn Fix in Cape Town - November 23

For those of you who have been worrying that it has been two months since I last purchased any yarn, fret no more as today I got my fix. More in a moment.

We docked early and Jeremy announced just before 8am that we were free to leave the ship. Since I knew today was my shopping/window shopping day, I was in no hurry because The Watershed does not open until 10. When I was here in 2018, there was a shuttle to the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre. This year there was none "due to the favorable distance from the dock" (same distance as 2018). It was about a 15-20 minute walk and stairs were involved so I expect there will be a few complaints. It was, however, well signed and easy to get to.

Since the incident the other day, I was pleased that there were loads of people around and numerous security guards throughout the area.

My first stop was an ATM for more money (I had a few Rand left from 2018). That done, I headed to the Watershed to see if there were any yarn stalls left (there were two in 2018). Here is a description from their website.

The Watershed is a beautiful and vibrant space where over 150 tenants offer more than 365 brands to visitors. These include ceramics, textiles, furniture, fashion and jewellery. Many of the traders sell unique products and arts and crafts.

I was pleased to find that one of the yarn places was still there and it was the one where I bought quite a lot last time. I ended up with yarn for only one shawl but I have my eye on some yarn for a sweater when I am back in March. I looked at all the stalls but did not purchase anything because I did not want to lug it around until returning.

The Mall is huge and I walked every corridor and saw all the shops - from African products to the high-end stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. After scouting out the eating places, I decided on fish and chips. They were delicious and I paid less than $7.50 for the meal and a Coke Zero. Can't beat that.

By that time, I had walked over five miles, it was quite windy and chilly, and I was ready to walk back to the ship. I passed the hotel where we will be staying in March the night after the safari before the ship enters port the next morning. It is almost directly across from the entrance to the cruise terminal.

It was then time to do what I always do when I have yarn for a new project - go on Ravelry and find a pattern. I found one I liked and wanted to start but I really need to finish the shawl I am working on (and have been for months - I really like the pattern but hate the knitting).

Ate in the Lido and then queued up for the show which was at 7pm. Jeremy explained that the group was only allowed to be on the ship for a certain amount of time (by the local authorities not HAL), so there could be only one show. I sat with Sandy and Rich and we were able to get seats on the first row of the balcony.

The performers were the South African Youth Choir, and they were extremely talented. They ranged in age from 13 to 25 and some of the ones who performed solos should have recording contracts. One young man sang "Bring Him Home" from Les Mis and was as good as any professional I have heard sing the song.

We are overnighting here and I plan to do the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tomorrow.

Smooth sailing until next time!