A Tribute to the Waterfront

Caution for those who don't do well with big feelings and sentimentality.

Visit to Eagle's Nest Grabouw

In the morning, we got out of bed, quickly went to the office, and took care of important emails before meeting some warm and interested customers at the Peregrine Farmstall in Grabouw, eager to check out our Eagles-Nest project.

We always enjoy meeting beforehand over coffee to introduce ourselves and explain more about the project before heading to the kindergarten.

The visit itself is always very emotional. The children and the wonderful team, now family, bring joy. We discuss construction of the community center—where our new garden and sports ground will open this year—with various contractors.

When we left two hours later, we were exhausted and mentally drained, also from the 30 °C and relentless sun.

Quickly back home and then to the office until the day seemingly ended around 5:30 PM when 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 drive to Cape Town for a beer on the Harbor House rooftop at the Waterfront.

Reluctantly, she agreed, and off we went. Forty minutes later, we emerged from the car and plunged into the hustle of the Waterfront.

But we didn't get far. Before we could see the water, we witnessed a spectacle only found here.

A show band played African rhythms at the entrance. This became insignificant when a colorful group of youths began a spontaneous flash mob.

First one started, then another, and soon more joined. Backpacks were flung aside – and the party was on.

This moment overwhelmed us. The sheer unrestrained joy and vitality brought us to tears.

Sure, it had to do with age, a recent family death, and the pressures of life. But it was undeniably beautiful.

Amidst this crowd, all felt carefree and free, regardless of faith, race, or social status.

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

Hearing them share their excitement over their first flight and seeing an ocean for the first time made our emotions intensify.

Next, we went up to the rooftop, and finally, our beer arrived. It highlighted the power of this complex, which is much more than a shopping center.

We gazed over the harbor where excursion boats returned, with delighted people disembarking.

With countless visitors, thousands of children each year embark on their first little boat trip here, even if just across the harbor.

Generations of school groups visit an Aquarium for a glimpse into local underwater life.

About 50,000 people embark from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to discover the past at Robben Island.

Here, everyone enjoys performances and observes seals in the harbor, marvelling at infrastructure like the Queen Mary 2.

If lucky, one might engage in a concert at the free amphitheater—at no cost.

But all find themselves hungry eventually. They catered for that too.

The culinary offerings are vast — from food courts to fine dining. No one is excluded.

The Waterfront – a place for everyone

We wondered if this inclusion aligns with the creators' vision. If so, no other place has achieved this better worldwide.

We believe this place is magical.

Just the two of us at the warmly lit harbor at the Harbor House, with sushi and a glass of wine in hand.

These were among the happiest moments of our lives, and we remain thankful for them.

After departing the Waterfront, life returns to routine. Tourists retreat to hotels while others head back to their township homes.

To those who found this too sentimental, we apologize. You see, that’s what the Cape does to people.

We wish you a great rest of the week with the right glass in hand and beautiful pictures in your mind.