From the Ground Up...

When I find myself in a new and unfamiliar place, I always like to go for a "discovery run". I feel like it's a really natural way to see what is unique and interesting about a City. I think it offers a different perspective on the people, the art, the landscape and the culture that you don't get from a tour guide or a local guide book. 

This morning, I experienced so many wonderful things along my route that I would not have otherwise seen...and because it was just me...I was able to take my time and really let it all sink in. Beautiful art. Perfectly manicured parks. Boys and girls walking to school. Moms and Dads out in the park with their little people. A group of friends playing soccer. Two old men sitting under a tree laughing together. Two older women walking their dog along the beach holding hands. And it occurred to me that I'm half a world away from home, and yet, it felt so familiar and not unlike how so many people choose to spend their time together with the people that they care about. All over the world. 

I guess it seems kind of ironic then, given how I spent my morning, that we decided to spend our afternoon on a helicopter getting the "Cliff Notes" version of Cape Town. Way up in the air, above it all. Not a human being in sight (other than my Dad....and the Pilot).

From micro to macro. Just like that.

But - our time here felt short - and we figured this really was the only way to experience the breathtaking views of Cape Town and understand the sheer size and beauty of it all. I have a feeling this trip will carry a lot of "firsts" for me...and being in a helicopter will now be added to the list.

We wrapped up our day by sitting on the rooftop Terrace of our Hotel. Just me and my Dad. Celebrating a great day with a cocktail (me) and a beer (him). We talked about all the cool things we saw and experienced. My Dad and I laughed at the fact that we literally spent 23 hours traveling to this magnificent place...and then jumped right back into helicopter not a full day after we finally arrived. We looked through our pictures. Sometimes, we just sat without saying anything at all. I bet we were there for close to three hours...well...because there was no other place either of us would have rather been in that moment.