Feinstein - Cape Town: Up Close and Personal

In memory of Grandpa Stanley and Oupa Introduction Cape Town, nestling at the foot of the imposing sandstone massif that is Table Mountain, truly is a Mother City. For centuries she has harboured those who sought guidance and direction, brought solace to those who rested here and provided shelter for all in need. She also nurtured a lively and spirited community that is unique in South Africa today - a multicultural blend of people who pursue many different interests and occupations, and yet are united in their love for their city and its matchless landmark. Cape Town is also my Mother City. Having ventured away from her for a time, I returned with fresh eyes. And for the first time I realised that the beauty of this tip of Africa lies not only in its magical vistas, but is most evident in her people, who share their stories, their joys and their hardships, imparting historical legacy with charm and sincerity.

Throughout my enchanting journey of rediscovery, it was the Capetonians who captivated me most of all, and who showed me the spirit of Ubuntu, for I am what I am because of who we all are. They enveloped me with kindness, spirit, creativity, courage, love and soul. No matter what adversity they had experienced, they had risen above it and were still smiling. I know that the story of Cape Town is a tale of two cities, and that her past is filled with events some would rather forget. However, let us not forget, but continue to breathe new life into her. When we engage with others, let us bear in mind the philosophy of Ubuntu, let us be considerate of each other and our pasts, and pay our blessings forward.

Cape Town is one of the worlds most beautiful cities - open your hearts and minds to her diversity and charisma. Hear her stories. Mia Feinstein Cape Town. This city hosted me and my colleagues for over 26 years. It was the people of Cape Town
who welcomed me on my first day of freedom. Table Bay coastline, showing the Cape Town Stadium, V & A Waterfront, Foreshore and beyond. Cape Town city centre and Lions Head. Cape Town city centre and Lions Head.

I grew up glorying in the beauty of Cape Town. During the harshest days of struggle the mountain was my refuge, my one place of freedom. As I climbed up rock faces I could see that no security police were following me. But gradually I came to hate the splendour. The beauty was tainted at its core by apartheid ... Only decades later when I returned from exile and we started working on our new constitution, could I feel the revival of my love for Cape Towns beauty
The city is still unfair to most of its people.

But even if slow, the changes are profound and irreversible. One day, one day, it will truly be the Fairest Cape on all the earth. Albie Sachs, former Constitutional Court judge Companys Garden, between Queen Victoria and Hatfield streets. Centre for the Book, Queen Victoria Street. St Georges Cathedral, Wale Street. Cape Town must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

It has Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, a rich cultural heritage and wonderful people who give it life and vibrancy
God made the rainbow people of Cape Town and the sea and the mountains - and he saw that it was good, very good. Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town Government Avenue. Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Avenue. We love Cape Town with its multicultural society, from which has grown not only tolerance, but also a truly eclectic and international character.
FW and Elita de Klerk, former president of South Africa and his wife Soko Market, Burg Street. Long Street Cafe. Long Street. St Georges Mall and Long Street. Greenmarket Square. Greenmarket Square.

My grandfather, although Russian born, lived in Cape Town for 60 years, and when he exhibited internationally always represented himself as South African. He was very proud of the city he called home, and unbeknown to many, he produced many typical Cape scenes. I remember as a teenager, I went on an art tour of Europe with my school. When I returned I shared with him, wide-eyed, about how wonderful Europe was and [told him] that one day I wanted to live there. He got furious with me, telling me how fortunate we were to live in this beautiful city ... Years later I did live abroad for a time and I realised how right my grandfather was ...

I am grateful that my grandfather chose to make Cape Town his beloved home and blessed that, as a result, this is the land in which I was born