What I’ve Learned in Cape Town: My Experiences

Every time I land in Cape Town, I am overwhelmed by the city’s irrepressible energy. It seems to me that the people here are better at living in the moment than in Europe. Although many of them don’t have an easy life, I feel more joie de vivre in Cape Town than in any other place.

In Cape Town, you are always close to nature. Countless hiking trails start here and when you jog along the Sea Point promenade, the spray splashes in your face. To wake up, I like to jump into the tidal pools of Kalk Bay near Cape Town. These are natural pools that form between the rocks after high tide.

The people in Cape Town are so warm and welcoming. Even if I haven’t been here for several months, the staff at my favorite café greet me by name. People always greet each other with a smile – that’s what makes the city so livable for me. 

Cape Town has taught me to be myself as individuality is celebrated here. The city has also shown me the value of little things. Most people here don’t have a lot, which has taught me to be humble and thankful for what I have.

For me, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Granger Bay is one of the most beautiful markets in the world. I love meeting friends at the weekend at one of the many food stalls. On Thursdays at sunset, DJs play at Clifton Beach – people dance in the water and play beach volleyball. My insider tip? Have high tea at the pink Mount Nelson Hotel. You will enjoy a luxurious five-star hotel for a relatively low price. The Franschhoek Wine Valley is worth a day trip. You can take a beautiful old tram from one winery to the next.

Catherine van Rees is the first redheaded model to ever make it into the top ten of the Miss South Africa competition. She comes from the Cape Town suburb of Constantia, which is known for its many wine estates. She currently lives in the Netherlands.