Day 17: Cape Town: Conclusions

I never had much interest in Africa. My only prior experience with the continent was a brief one-week tour of Morocco in the 1980s. For years, I associated Africa with poverty, hunger, crime, and epidemics like Ebola—a perception shaped by stereotypes and media portrayals.  

Cape Town defied my expectations. The city reminded me of Sydney or San Francisco, with its cosmopolitan vibe and stunning landscapes. Admittedly, my experience was limited to the touristic parts of Cape Town and areas catering to the wealthier segments of its population. Nevertheless, I encountered a vibrant creativity, a strong sense of identity, and a pride in local roots. The people I met radiated a drive to compete on the global stage, fueled by fresh ideas, curiosity, and an undeniable hunger for success.  

Victoria & Alfred Harbour

Coming from a relatively homogeneous society like Germany, the stark disparities in wealth and mindset I observed were unsettling. Germans often idealize an egalitarian society, believing it to be inherently superior. However, in rapidly developing nations like South Africa, China, or India, such disparities are common, creating significant gaps between the wealthy and the less fortunate. While many benefit from such growth, some inevitably fall behind. What is the solution to this issue? I don’t claim to have one, nor do I believe in imposing Western ideals on these societies, as some politicians often do.  

Conversations with fellow travelers on the cruise ship offered some intriguing insights. One traveler, for instance, shared this perspective:  

“I went on a bus tour to a vineyard—it was beautiful, with lush green vines stretching out across the landscape. But when I saw the owner’s grand house where the wine tasting was held, I couldn’t bring myself to go inside, knowing that his wealth was likely built on exploiting others. I’ve decided to stop drinking South African wine. But the food at the shopping mall? That was excellent—and cheap.”  

These few days in Cape Town sparked my curiosity and challenged my preconceptions. They’ve made me eager to explore more of (South) Africa—its countries, cultures, and people. I hope I’ll have the chance to return and delve deeper into this fascinating continent.  

Good bye, Cape Town

Logbook

Position: 34°35.60' S, 24°30,58' E
Between Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Timezone: GMT+2

Speed: 26km/h. Wind: 43km/h. Heading: 68°
Between Cape Town and Gqeberha
Location: Kapstadt, Südafrika

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