I was in two minds as to whether to head out into the Cape Town heat for our city running tour on Wednesday morning, as circumstances dictated that we could only start our run at 8:30am – when the sun was already high in the sky & the temperature was at least 25°C (77°F) and soaring! – but we decided to brave the heat and head out into the city in our running gear, armed with loads of sunblock, hats & water …

Patrick, Bronwyn and I started our running tour just outside the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and after meandering our way through the alleyways and canals of the harbour we ran up to Adderley Street, then through the relative cool & calm of the Company’s Gardens, followed by the colourful cobbled streets of the historical Bo-Kaap area, returning to the Waterfront via the trendy De Waterkant neighbourhood.  Patrick is a Canadian friend who I met in Buenos Aires, and Bronwyn is a fellow South African, recently returned to Cape Town after living in London for a while, so it was great to point out the important landmarks and statues of characters who played an important role in establishing the city of Cape Town, as well as to share stories and some of the history of the areas we ran through.  It was also wonderful to feel the energy and to be part of the action of the city on a busy Wednesday morning, soaking up the sights, sounds & smells of our bustling Mother City!

– Philippa