A statue reflecting in one of the many ponds at the Company Gardens early on Tuesday morning.

In case you are wondering what I was doing in town so early in the morning, I was visiting the Italian Consulate to arrange my EU visa. I arrived a little early, and since the Company Gardens were just around the corner, an early-morning stroll through the gardens was the perfect way to start the day.

By the way, the consulate was really efficient; I was in and out in about 10 minutes. In theory I collect my visa tomorrow.

This is a magical place in Cape Town, and a must see when visiting Cape Town. They were formally established in 1652, and they contain:

* The oldest cultivated pear tree in South Africa (circa 1652) * A rose garden designed and built in 1929 * An aviary – a great favourite with children * Local arts and crafts along the avenue * Grassy lawns and benches * A herb and succulent garden

More details are here

A lovely Avenue to walk down during the day; a peaceful calm amidst the chaos of the city.

Reflection of a chandelier and paintings in a lovely old mirror above the fireplace. Taken at the Buena Vista Social Cafe.

A painting of a really ugly woman smoking a huge cigar, seen at the Buena Vista Social Club

Buena Vista Social Cafe, originally uploaded by Craig is shooting.

Go to the Buena Vista Social Cafe for a Cuban vibe, a Mexican influence,and some great Argentinian tango music.

An interesting spot to visit. The food is pretty good, a mixture of tapas and Mexican food (I don’t think it was authentic to the venue, but it was still good). Were were there for a friend’s birthday party, and it is a good place to goto for that.

A lot of people dressed up for the occasion, here is Alan, the French/Cuban freedom fighter :-)

You can’t go wrong with a frozen Margarita

Or a Dom Petro if you have a sweet tooth