A Tribute to the Waterfront

Heads up for those who aren't keen on big feelings and sentimentality.

Visit to Eagle's Nest Grabouw

We jumped out of bed early, raced to the office to sort through important emails, before meeting some warm and interested customers at the Peregrine Farmstall in Grabouw, who were eager to learn about our Eagles-Nest project.

We always enjoy meeting for a coffee beforehand to get acquainted and explain a bit about the project before heading to the kindergarten.

The visit itself is always emotional for us — not only because of the children but also because of the wonderful team that has now become like family. And, of course, because of the new Community Center being built, where our new garden and sports field will open this year. There's much to marvel, explain, and discuss with the construction companies.

When we left two hours later, we were exhausted — mentally drained — especially due to the 30 °C and the blazing sun.

Quickly home, then back to the office, until the day seemed over around 5:30 PM, and we just wanted a plate of pasta.

The Waterfront in Cape Town – a "Happy Place"

Listening to an inner voice, I managed to convince Steffi to go to Cape Town and have a beer on the Harbor House rooftop at the Waterfront.

Reluctantly, she agreed, and off we went. Forty minutes later, we jumped out of the car and plunged into the hustle and bustle that the Waterfront always has.

But we didn’t get far. Before we could even see the water in the harbor, we witnessed a spectacle only found here.

As usual, a showband played African rhythms in front of the Waterfront's entrance. But this quickly faded into the background when a colorful group of young people spontaneously began a flash mob and started dancing.

One started, then another, and then more and more. Backpacks were literally flung aside – and the party was on.

This moment was overwhelming for us. This burst of carefree joy and sheer vitality struck us, and we cried like little children.

Sure, it had to do with our age, a family bereavement ten days earlier, and perhaps the increasing pressure felt over the years. But it was also simply incredibly beautiful and authentic.

Amidst this crowd from all over the city, country, and world, there was a moment when everyone felt carefree and free — regardless of faith, skin color, nationality, or social rank.

It turned out to be a dance group from the north of the country, visiting for a competition.

When they shared how delighted the girls were, many of whom had flown for the first time and seen the ocean for the first time, our emotions were hardly stabilized.

Next, we headed to the rooftop, and finally, our beer arrived. It dawned on us how powerful this complex is, which is much more than just a shopping center.

We gazed at the harbor, where excursion boats returned from their evening outings, and many happy people disembarked.

Alongside visitors from around the globe, thousands of children embark on their first little boat trips here every year, even if it’s just across the harbor.

Generations of school groups come here, often for the first and perhaps only time, to visit an Aquarium and experience local underwater life.

Each year, around 50,000 people launch boats to the dark past of South Africa from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.

Here everyone encounters high-level street performances, observes seals in the harbor, and marvels at the impressive port infrastructure — right up to cruise ships like the Queen Mary 2.

If you're lucky, you'll enjoy a singing competition or concert in the free amphitheater. And all that costs no entry fee.

But everyone has one thing in common: eventually, hunger strikes. They’ve thought of that too.

The offerings range from the food court — where even a packed picnic doesn't bother anyone — to McDonald's, KFC, cafes, and upmarket fine dining restaurants. Truly no one is excluded here.

The Waterfront – a place for everyone

We wondered if this lived inclusion was truly the intention of the Waterfront's creators. If so, we don’t know of another place worldwide where this integrative idea is better realized.

We believe this place is magical in its own way.

Just the two of us on the brilliantly lit harbor dock at the Harbor House, with a plate of sushi and a glass of wine before us.

These were some of the happiest moments of our lives — and we are thankful for it.

Only after leaving the Waterfront does life return to its familiar routine. While tourists retreat to their hotels, others head back to the township to sleep in their shacks.

To those who found this too much like a Rosamunde Pilcher novel, we apologize. But it shows you what the Cape does to old folks.

With that, we wish you a lovely remaining week, always with the right glass in hand and many beautiful images in your mind.