Let's go!
1. The Cable Car to Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa. One of the most fascinating sights I've ever seen in a picture is Table Mountain in Cape Town. Its flat top alone and its height are stunning. The people of Cape Town are well aware of how fascinating it is. Tourism is a big thing in South Africa whether it be the landscape, the ocean, or the wildlife. British people are particularly drawn to this place but I get it. It's awesome. So, in 1929, the South Africans built the very first cable car to the top of the mountain for those who found the hours long hike a bit much.
Nowadays, the ride is a $22 wonder to the top of the mountain where you'll find amazing vistas, viewpoints and even a restaurant with outdoor as well as indoor seating. You can even rent out space at that venue for a private event. It's all possible. So, if you find yourself in Cape Town, check out a great ride for a great price and get the priceless views that come with it. For those of you who love to check off visits to national parks, Table Mountain is a National Park too.
https://www.tablemountain.net/
https://www.capetown.travel/listing/table-mountain-aerial-cableway/
https://www.viator.com/Cape-Town/d318
2. Boulders (Penguin) Beach, Cape Town, South Africa. Do you like penguins? Honestly, who doesn't? My dad hated everything and he loved penguins. Cape Town has a natural attraction that can't be beat. They have a beach full of African Penguins. It's not an overly touristy spot, but if you like to see penguins in a more natural setting that a zoo or aquarium, and you don't want to take a cruise to Antarctica; this is a great stop. The views of the ocean are great as well. So, if in Cape Town, check out the local penguins in their natural habitat. Note that park hours and rules apply.
https://www.capetown.travel/get-to-know-the-african-penguins-at-boulders-beach/
https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel/article/visit-the-boulders-beach-penguins
https://www.go2africa.com/destinations/boulders-beach/why-go
3. Riding a Sub Scooter in Trou-aux-Biches, Mauritius. Where's Mauritius you ask? Excellent question. If you happen to be in Tanzania or Mozambique, Africa; head east. Pass Madagascar and land in the Indian Ocean just east of Reunion. That's Mauritius. They are an island country in the southern Indian Ocean who are crazy about tourism. It's their main source of income.
That being said, they've come up with a great way to explore the waters. It's called a sub scooter. For under $200 you can spend two hours exploring the depths on this device. They go down to roughly 12 meters, you can rent a single or double seat, and you need no experience to do it. No dive classes baby! It's a rare or maybe one of a kind experience; so if you find yourself on a real adventure in Mauritius, you gotta try it!
https://mauritiusattractions.com/underwater-scooter-adventure-p-85.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcHB4HVX0kU
https://www.indian-ocean.com/submarine-scooter-mauritius/
4. Quinta di Regaleira, Sintra, Portugal. Sintra is not far from Lisbon; a little north and a little west toward the Atlantic. There are several amazing estates you can visit in the Sintra area, but there's just something about this one. It was built as it stands around the turn from the 19th to 20th century. It's gothic and has some amazing works to look at indoors and out. It has a chapel, magnificent gardens, mysterious tunnels and caves, and some of the most amazing wells you've ever seen. It's well worth the day trip if in Lisbon, and it just adds that little something to a trip to Portugal.
https://portugalvirtual.pt/sintra/quinta-da-regaleira.php
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/quinta-da-regaleira
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/palacio-e-quinta-da-regaleira
5. Some advice about local dress codes. No, I'm not peddling Saris, Burqas, or Turbans. I've been learning a lot about culture lately, and I wanted to make a point. We all know that there are certain dress codes when entering temples, mosques, churches and the like. As always, I implore you to do as you are asked. It's so disrespectful to refuse to behave in another person's place of worship. There are also countries that have a dress code everywhere. You can't wear camouflage in St. Lucia. It's the law.
That being said, and I shouldn't have to say it; there are other cultural dress codes that aren't necessarily rules, but should be followed and here's why. If you are in a desert country, or an extremely hot country, or an extremely cold country; the locals might know something you don't about how to dress for the climate. Recently, my husband and I went to Iceland in the winter, and he found out that he should buy the hats that they were wearing. They didn't look any different than the ones we buy at home, but the material was different and it made a huge difference to my husband. It had nothing to do with religion. It was just a better way to stay warm. So, embrace the culture wherever you are and consider wearing a more native style of clothing to go along with a particular climate.
https://www.columbusdirect.com/content/dress-etiquette-around-the-world/
https://travel.earth/unusual-dress-code-rules-around-the-world/
https://www.worldatlas.com/society/countries-with-the-strictest-dress-codes.html
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/04/05/restrictions-on-womens-religious-attire/
https://gogirlguides.com/solo-female-travel/what-to-wear-in-religious-sites-of-the-world/
There's this week's fast five. I hope you enjoy the ideas and little side trips that I've been putting out there. I find that when I travel, I go to a place to do or see a thing, and then what do I do with the rest of my time? I'm not much of a shopper unless the climate calls for it, so I kind of wing it. For instance, I went to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. That lasted about an hour, so what to do with the rest of the trip? We asked around and got some great ideas. I also check out YouTube channels and blogs. They are a great source of information on some of the more off the beaten path things to do. Some of my favorite memories come from the side trips and things I didn't expect before I reached the destination. Always look for the thing that isn't the main draw. Most of the time, the main draw isn't my favorite part of the journey.
So, look for the unusual, talk to the people who live where you're visiting, follow the rules and enjoy!
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