We spent a couple of days in Cape Town, a hip and happening city which feels decidedly "modern". The areas we visited were prosperous and clean, though it also felt like there was a lot of darkness lurking in the shadows cast by all that shininess. A stark contrast between opulence and poverty. The waterfront is pleasant and interesting though somewhat touristy. The highlight of our visit was clearly hiking Table Mountain. We took a couple of busses and a fun gondola ($25 a person) to ascend, then hiked for several hours on what felt like the top of the world. The views - of the city, the ocean, even regular and lenticular clouds down below - were spectacular. It was wonderful being up there, listening to the silence (except for the cool croaks of the frogs of the marsh) and taking in the views and fresh air as we hiked. We were exhausted by the time we got back, but satisfied and happy.