Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA – As I stepped off the plane in Cape Town, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. As a Ghanaian, I was about to experience a new African city, culture and way of life vastly different from my own.
One of the first things I noticed was the driving on the right side of the road! Coming from Ghana, where we drive on the left, it took some time getting used to. But it was just one of the many fascinating aspects of this vibrant city.
The stunning natural beauty of Table Mountain was inspiring. Taking the cable car to the top of the mountain filled my heart with lots of anticipation and excitement.
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The cable car ride was smooth and scenic. As we ascended, the city below grew smaller and smaller, revealing breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
One of the things that struck me most was the experience at the Gold, a unique African restaurant.
The evening kicked off with a drumming session, which set up the atmosphere for great entertainment and delicious food. We were served a 14-course meal with food from various African countries. Each dish showcased the rich flavors and diversity of African cuisine.
Seeing the penguins for the first time at Boulders Beach was so adorable. Cape Town has taken steps to provide a protective atmosphere for the penguins, and these penguins add a touch of serenity to the coastline.
The beach itself is beautiful with its all-white sand and clear water.
And I can’t forget the waterfront, a lovely spot, with its pretty harbor and majestic views of Table Mountain.
As we walked along the waterfront’s lively atmosphere, we saw boats and ships docked in the harbor, and people enjoying the sights and sounds. The views are simply wonderful, making it a perfect spot to relax and admire the beauty of Cape Town.
Cape Town is truly a gem, one of the wonderful places in Africa, with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
As a Ghanaian, I feel grateful to have experienced this amazing city.
Maya Opare is a Senior Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Ghana. She wrote this commentary and recorded the audio.
Gemma Christie is a Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from the United Kingdom. She contributed a photo for this article.
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