My Unfiltered Thoughts On Living In Cape Town As An American
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- Опубликовано: 2 май 2024
- These are my unfiltered and unedited thoughts about living in Cape Town as an American. We spent two months living in Cape Town and these are just some of my observations and experiences.
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DISCLAIMER: I only express my opinion based on my experience. Your experience may be different. Links above may include affiliate commission or referrals. I'm part of an affiliate network and I receive compensation from partnering websites. This video is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future.
Really appreciate all the thoughtful comments from this community. Apologies for my delayed responses (spent the last 21 hours flying). I'll do my best to catch up and answer any questions over the next few days. In the meantime, if you'd like a weekly travel tip and an update from where I am, feel free to follow my newsletter: bit.ly/TheTuesdayTravelTip
You guys should visit the garden route next time. My ex and I visited it in 2022, it's breathtaking
Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the World, and I have been to many. I live in Manchester, UK (a dump) and I feel more unsafe here than I have ever felt in the 7 times I have visited Cape Town. Why have I been to CT 7 times, because it's the most amazing place I have ever been
It's called Tourism
Try Goa, India . Been there 6times and more vibrant than CT
Glad you enjoy Cape Town as much as I do :)
You can insult manchester all you like but statistics don’t lie. Cape Town is one of the most dangerous places in the world
💯
Been to 11 countries and Cape Town is still the best city I've ever been to! It's crazy when you leave a "world destination" like Paris, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, and you're super excited to go to Cape Town because you know the people, food, drink, sights and sounds are just incredible! Did you notice how everytime your flight is entering Cape Town international airport that other passengers start smiling as soon as they see the mountain and coastline? THAT is the magic of CT!
I'm one of the lucky ones who calls Cape Town home 🏡❤⛰️🌊
Cape Town is one of those places that are very hard to describe, you just can't find the words.. humbling is definitely one of them!
So true
scary place
@@Vidplex-hu4tc Scary for you only.
What a wonderful and sensible young man. This is what we actual South Africans (not the constant complainers) have been trying to say. It isn’t perfect but western media sure does blow things out of proportion. I’ve lived 33 years unscathed. I don’t know how else to explain it but I feel safer here than other countries I’ve visited.
I appreciate you sharing this :)
💯
As a Cape Town resident I want to thank for your honest opinion.
The Cape is the most beautiful place in the world. I was there from 1999 to 2007. Best years of my life. Great wine too.
100%
💯
This guy has an empathetic heart. It's time someone really expresses Cape Town for what it is. Both the good and the bad.
I appreciate that
I mean yeah. It's the "story of our lives" here in SA where tourists and expats come and live like kings with their dollars, pounds and euros while 90% of South Africans don't ever get to see the best this country has to offer unless it's their workplace. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate that you took the time to make this video.
I don't agree 100%, the black middle class is not that small. Unfortunately the government is busy working on destroying the rest of the wealth and opportunities, has nothing to do with the wealthy tourists
As a capetonian loved this unfiltered video.the huge wealth gap is real..and places that u stay in is just a dream for the majority.
Glad to hear you enjoyed this format. Appreciate you sharing
I live in this beautiful city and can say that everything said in this video is true about Cape Town. People are welcoming and love meeting new people.
Welcome to the beautiful Mother City Cape Town, we are honoured to have you! Im a Capetonian & met a big family(about 20 people) from America at the V&A Waterfront, I spoke to them for 2 hours. Telling them where all the magical places are to visit in Cape Town, as we want you guys to have the full experience! 🤩
Every town that you visit here feels like your in another country, thats why we don’t feel the constant need to travel abroad. As we have so many different experience with a small radius.
If I had to explain it, Cape Town is a vibrant city, with so much energy, happiness, kindness and breathtaking beauty of nature.
I have not done half the touristy stuff here & I’ve lived hete for 25years, there is just so many things to do & see here. And so many places to visit & see.
This place will never get old & is still the most beautiful City in the world 🌍
Well said :)
Very well said!
Cape Town is the best place to live....don't ever want to go back to Ireland.
I can relate to that
The pound means you can buy property in CT what can only dream of in SA.
I was in The Haque for a month(March 2024), I did not see a single tsotsi, car guard, 1 or 2 street crawlers in Rotterdam, perfect on-time public transport, no sesfikiles, no dirt or trash on the streets, only people engrossed in cellphones and you know what, I was so proud to tell I'm from Mossel bay, the cleanest city/town in the world, where the air is clean, clean drinking water, services on-time every time. Come visit Mosselbay, the Garden Route and the Karoo.
As a Cape Town native I must say that your take on my city is pretty accurate. And yes, poverty is a major problem. You probably saw all the shacks along the highway near the airport as you travelled to the city. One of the reasons for this (but certainly not the only one) is the huge migration of people from impoverished rural areas hoping to find a better life in the city. But this hope is often not realised, since jobs for relatively unskilled people are limited.
Cape Town's economy is very dependent on the tourism industry, which is a major employment sector. That is why I appreciate your honest assessment. More tourists create more jobs.
Appreciate you sharing this
You didn’t mention the real reason though and deeper issues but I’m not surprised.
I am a local of SA, living in KZN. I think your comments are accurate. Don't wear expensive jewelry on the streets, be careful at night. Poverty is rife and here also there are people who foliage in the bins daily.
It is a beautiful country though and you are blessed to see it. Enjoy your visit!!!
Thank you :)
Thank you for visiting our beautiful Mother City Cape Town❤🇿🇦
I am actually humbled by how you acknowledge that wealth disparities exist and you can see how privileged you are - that is humbling to see another person admitting that they are actually humbled by the position, that they become so down to earth!
I appreciate you
Now the EFF and ANC should educated their voters that actually a lot of wealthy people are like this guy but they like to tell their voters that people want them to he poor
I'm a local and I specialise in Immigration to South Africa. While doing that, I am exposed to people like you that struggle to put into words this feeling people have when they here. We call it africanacity. It's the 'despite all we live'. That is what you experiencing with the people here. No matter what we live, we get on with it. We have resilience and this can not be taught it has to be felt. Almost all my clients feel it after 2 months and fall in love. Welcome to our beautiful city and country. Enjoy your visit.
Well said.
What a fascinating line of work. Thanks so much for sharing this :)
👏 well put, sister
@@reganxmas Whaow I don't have words. You said it well. Thank my Sis.
I need an immigration help !
As an American who visited for three weeks last year I never felt unsafe. I feel more unsafe in the United States actually. I am actually in the process of moving to Cape Town. I feel you listen to folks about where the areas are to avoid, and to be aware at night. I actually experienced people from all walks of life and found very happy and kind people. I actually had an Uber driver who pulled up to my place and turned off the car for 40 minutes to continue our conversation. People genuinely engage you. Any way, great insight, thanks for sharing.
Completely agree about how genuine the people are and how parts of the US actually feel more unsafe. Hope the process of moving is going well!
The informal settlement problem and widespread poverty mostly come from unregulated mass migration, especially from the Eastern Cape. Despite the highly competent DA local government's efforts, they struggle to cope with the situation given the sheer volume. Meanwhile, the ANC national government seems to have given up on addressing this issue.
Thousands migrate to Cape Town Cape Town loosing it's Cultural heritage the Shackdwellers are a huge new development 90%feim the Eastern Cape the Eastern Cape is empty no peak hr traffic empty malls empty factories it's just unbelievable Port Elizabeth is now called a 10min city
Look at Cap Town it's surrounded by Shack towns and yet this very same meeting grants voted ANC and EFF that destroyed their Province it's just unbelievable
@@HiltonLayman Exactly
Ehhhhh I’m not an ANC voter but let’s not pretend the DA is incredible. They’ve been quite useless addressing the cape flats and townships lile Khayalitsha. And I’m nervous to see how their blind support of Zionist occupation will affect their voter base. They’ve been good at some things. Their anti-xenophobia position does appeal to me as a half Zimbabwean. But completely ignoring 30 000 people murdered by Israel is a bonkers move considering South Africa’s history, and just makes them look even more like white nationalism 2.0
@@HiltonLayman yeah now they want to come here and ruin our town as well...they moving for jobs but they don't have the skills to do the jobs anyway. SA has moved towards more services jobs that are being created and unskilled or low skilled labor is not enough to secure these jobs. I don't know why they still voting ANC...with all the corruption we see people are seriously making themselves blind
Give me one country /city in the world where there is no poverty or homelessness, even there in your precious America there is poverty though yours is categorized as 1st world, SA is not but 3rd world according to your categories.
True homelessness in big Cities is to an extreme. Being on the street is worse than being in a shack in S.A. The homelessness in San Francisco streets is severe. Drugs, Rats, makeshift tents you name it all.
A sad reality
Thank you for your positive thoughts on Cape Town. I'm a local and love it when people enjoy and appreciate this wonderful Town.
i live here and it’s the best place in the world! we have travelled the world and so happy to call this home ❤
So glad to hear that :)
Agreed 💯 CT is the best, especially when you've seen that the grass is not greener anywhere else ❤
Your comments are spot on. I am a Capetonian and about a 9th generation white South African (ancestors came here in 1688). I love my country but it exhausts me. There is not a day, or maybe an hour, that I don't think abut my white privilege and other people's lack thereof. Westerners (and I don't always feel like one, being a strange sort of African hybrid) have no idea what it means to be someone from the global South. It's beautiful, it's in the blood and it's a matter of pride. It's to be the other, the exiled, the one that must stand at the back of the line, it's to be so disappointed and devastated by our political leadership but it's also to be so aware of the selfishness and hypocrisy of so much the West does. Glad you experienced the complexity and blessings of our country with such clarity and depth of understanding.
Thanks for taking the time to share this. I appreciate you
Dis die perfekte manier om dit te beskryf
Beautiful comment sister 👏 Hugs from Cape Town
It is going to get worse. The U S and z io ni s ts are trying to st'eal the Western Cape province of South Africa and turn it into a 2nd tel Aviv and military base. There's also oil and gas in this area, as well as an important port. Foreign 'z'ion'ists are flocking to buy up prime property in Cape Town, which the DA political party has been underhandedly selling to them, being a z-io'ni'st party, funded by the U S and Z io ni s ts. The world is aware of this, so u must be too😢. Regime change us going to cause Civil War and foreign invasion of your country...the last part has already started ages ago, now it's just U S military invasion. They've already started with the I S I S threats and sending their US-trained Afghan and other me'rc'ena'ries to stay in Cape Town. U already have IOF reservists too. May u be safe and may u not lose this province.
It is going to get worse. The U S and z io ni s ts are trying to st'eal the Western Cape province of South Africa and turn it into a 2nd tel Aviv and mi"lit"ary base. There's also oil and gas in this area, as well as an important port. Foreign 'z'ion'ists' are flocking to buy up prime property in Cape Town, which the DA political party has been underhandedly selling to them, being a "z-io'ni'st party, funded by the U S and Z io ni s ts. The world is aware of this, so u must be too😢. Regi"me cha"nge us going to cause Civil Wa"r and fore"ign inva"sion of your country...the last part has already started ages ago, now it's just U S military invasion. They've already started with the I S I S threats and sending their US-trained Afghan me'rc'ena'ries to stay in Cape Town.
I love this place so much not only for its natural beauty and cultural diversity but most importantly for community. This is something that is barely mentioned when visitors articulate their experience...community.. community.. this is where we found peace under oppression. I am a descendant of natives and slaves that was brought to the Cape of Good Hope centuries ago and my Cape Town community is everything. Thanks for the great video and you hit the spot when you say that its very humbling living here.
Really appreciate you sharing this
I'm curious. Which slaves were brought to Cape Town? and what were their jobs? Interested in learning more
@@SirVivingI'd like to know as well.
Hadedas represent!
Hahahhahaha
Frikkin Hadedad 🐦 lol
I have not even finished listening and you seem like a really humble, kind and open minded person
I appreciate the kind words
I have been there so I understand what you are saying. Cape Town - top recommendation! At least once in your live time.
Without a doubt!
Firstly thanks for choosing South Africa, and for starting with a clear acknowledgement of the inequality. As a South African I am happy that you and Sarah clearly enjoyed the visit. The coins, the $ ( foreign currency spending is appreciated). Your spend here helps to keep someone in a job and provides an opportunity amidst the inequality you witnessed, so please stay visiting and explore other parts of the country ( Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu/Natal, and Eastern Cape - Garden Route ). Thanks for your honest review of the location and observation - what I would like to recommend for your next visit is engagements with the locals, hangout and explore with them for the true South African experience - The people are what makes our country great, and Cape Town limits your interactions to tourist's vibes. To stretch the Benjamins - ( note that property owners are charging international rates, and you can definitely get a rental or Air Bnb that is affordable perhaps around Blouberg Strand area) - similarly to London & NY the locals are being priced out of the property & you will note that in US airbnb quotas are being introduced by some federal states. Thanks for sharing and that 'Scientology experience 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣' - Gob bless you brother - ( Sarah & David - are /were anointed).
Appreciate the feedback and the recommendations. Looking forward to returning in the future and learning more (hopefully no more scientology haha)
I've only been to eleven countries and have met a hundred more nationals and I can say without a doubt that it's the beautiful people of SA that makes this country worth living in 🇿🇦❤
The Scientology experience was weird to hear about! I wonder which beach that was (Camps Bay?) I have lived in Cape Town all my life and never experienced that. Tom Cruise has made a couple of movies here. Maybe he brought some friends😄
You're a humble guy yourself who speaks the truth. Good to listen to a heartfelt take on Cape Town
I appreciate the kind words
Fantastic thoughts! Something to consider! Appreciated!
As a Capetonian who has lived in other parts of SA, your observations are spot on. We do live in a bubble that we do not deserve. I, like many locals, just hope and work towards making things better for those who are really battling.
I appreciate you
Thank you for being so honest and thoughtful.
I appreciate that
Being a Cape Townian myself, I think you summed it all up well. It's easy to be critical from your perspective, but it seems you have a very good way of looking at it all from a sensible perspective. I'm just glad you enjoyed it and have gained from this experience. Thanks for your honest, kind words.
I appreciate the feedback :)
Having common sense, being aware and doing your research about areas to avoid is the best advice you can give to stay safe. If you follow then that this is the best place in the world to travel and tourism helps the country a lot :) great video!
I watched your video just to listen to the ocean sounds that made my heart skip a beat everytime I went to go visit and also the sound of people enjoying their time at the beach. I agree with everything you say. Much love, A South African living in Maryland
Sending love back your way :)
As a Capetonian, I never felt unsafe and I lived and walked in areas classified as unsafe. Yes, be cautious, be aware of your surroundings but don't let fear limit you from visiting this beautiful city. As a traveler and someone that lived in the UK, the city is soooo beautiful. Nothing can compare to this and the endless discoveries of nature and sites you can visit. It has so much to do. Yes, the poverty stares us in the face and most of the amazing Capetonians try to give back in some form of charity if they come across it. They can't alleviate all of it but they try their best. Capetonians are friendly and hospitable. Loadshedding is a problem but people are improvising.
Best description of Cape Town I’ve heard so far …. humbled ❤
I live in Somerset West which is part of the City of Cape Town. I think every city has its pockets of unsafe areas, and yes, you need to do your research.
Besides that I have never felt unsafe where we live. I love the mountains, the ocean, the wine farms and all the wonderful places we can visit.
I like what u said: yep , we know nothing!! We think we know it all 😊sooo much to learn to understand and to appreciate and be grateful for 🙏🙏live in the moment and just be happy 🙌
100%
The safety thing is just a practical matter for a first time traveller. If you come from somewhere very safe (like Germany, for instance) you might not be alert enough to be as safe as you could be. For instance, on the road wherever you stop is a potential hijack spot (especially at your own front gate), so you need to pay attention there. In Canada you might be able to just drive in with your mind somewhere else as you go, but here you need to look to see if there are people hanging around the area, or cars that seem to be following you - deliberately at first, and then ultimately by habit. If there's something about what you see that makes you uncomfortable, and you're in Australia, you could probably tell yourself "not to be a paranoid idiot" or something; here, be ready to keep on driving when you get home. There are little adjustments you need to make to your life that your circumstances might not prepare you to be aware of.
I think maybe the US is a bit different as far as the crime danger goes, and the need to try to have "street smarts" about it - or something like that? I can remember my dad went to New York on business, once, long, long ago, and was shocked at how many locks there were on his hotel door. They told him to take care if he went out at night - roughly the kind of advice a concerned South African might feel the impulse to give someone who looks like there are too many stars in his eyes. And at that time we were like, say, the Germans (who have been better at keeping crime at manageable levels for longer than either the US or South Africa have). We never locked the front door, that I know of. Maybe at night, but in the day it was often just wide open. If you visited friends as a kid, you walked to their place, you walked in, and if they weren't there you might even make yourself comfortable, make a cup of tea, and wait for them. So I've heard of a version of the USA where you need to keep your wits about you when you're in certain places, just like you need to in Cape Town.
As a Capetonian this is pretty spot on! Good stuff. Cape Town is awesome. Some good guidelines in here.
Much appreciated!
Ive was in Cape Town in 2011, things have gotten extremely expensive since our Rands value has lowered. I do love watching an outside perspective on the beauty of our country. Its inspiring and heartwarming to say the least.
This year manifesting a luxurious trip to the Mother City, come what may and next year to join my mother in Atlanta, Georgia. Visas are also pricy excluded the costs of flights.
Saving up could take a lifetime but Im optimistic this year. There is no use in focusing on the negative side of things all the time.
Life is short. Dream big.
I believe in you!!!
Lovely to hear your thoughts
Much appreciated
@camdendavid Love and Blessings from Cape Town Bro🎉❤ Probably one of the Best communicated videos I have seen on an experience in Cape Town and enjoyed every moment of it, Welcome Back anytime Champ 🏆🇿🇦🙌
I appreciate the kind words and support. Looking forward to many visits in the future :)
Hi Camden thanks for the video, nice to get your perspective. As a capetonian nice to here your thoughts.
Would be interesting if you could list what you have gone to see in Cape Town, Generally foreign tourists stick to Southern Suburbs, but hope you had a chance to see the Garden Route, maybe the Wine countries of Stellenbosch, Durbanville and even in the Karoo.
Inequality issues are massive and cannot be justified, however please note the rest of SA looks drastically different, however all South Africans are amazing people. Our cultures are massively diverse. You can experience many worlds in one in South Africa.
Thank you again for the video, nice to see foreigners can appreciate what we have.
I have soooo much more to explore still. Haven't made it out to the Garden Route or Karoo spent time in the others you mentioned. Made a mistake and didn't rent a car during my first visit. Can't wait to explore more in the future. Thanks for sharing :)
You are so emotionally attached dude 😅😂❤️ I feel like you wish you could do more but are unable! Don't worry, that feeling will dissipate as times goes by. There are some things that you can change, and there are those that are just beyond your control
Much love
You’re so right, the feeling that something might happen is always close to mind but the reality is lower
Cape Town is bi-polar. The bad is really bad. The good is really good. The shantytowns are all over the place even around the rich areas. You have to be mindful of crime all of the time in South Africa.
Gorgeous view! What neighborhood is that apartment in? BTW, much prefer this unscripted flow of information to those “The DONT’S of X” videos
I think it’s Camps Bay
Appreciate the feedback on the video format. I'll try to make on like this for each destination. And this is over in Clifton. I'll have a video on Friday showing what it was like living in this Airbnb :)
A very accurate description of our beloved city Cape Town. It's just a pity that our government does so little to improve the lives of the poor people . In stead of spending money for the absolutely necessary things , they take the money to enrich themselves and their compatriots . The corruption is sky- high , while schools , universities , municipalities are going down and they can't deliver anymore . However living in Cape Town is still só much better than the rest of the country where there are not even decent roads to drive on. Everything taken into account , I do not want to live in countries like America and England.....they are fast losing all their values and common sense. So we are still grateful to be South Africans.
Good video love it
I appreciate that
The Video:
Wanting to help.
You may help, yes. On returning home, and doing something, for the homeless in your own country; by not turning, a blind eye.
May the angels always protect you.
This is beautifully put 🤍
Much appreciated :)
Hi, I live in Cape Town. I grew up in Durban and I work here at a large retailer. Thank you for your unbiased opinion. I think Cape Town is a wonderful place with wonderful people and there is sooo much to experience and enjoy. Try the hot springs in a town called Montagu. Dine at the Blu Vines District restaurant and enjoy the relaxation.
I'll add those to my list! Thanks :)
I am Capetonian middle class and could never afford to live where you are staying….those areas are chiefly for international travellers with lots of money and a good exchange rates
You spoke abput a real experience and thank you for presenting the good , bad and the ugly....as well inspiring other tourists that these challenges that we experience as South Africans is not a deterrant. Im very glad that you pointed out the dosparity of wealth...perhaps tour operators could promote SA but with a strategy to address the inequalities...such as providing investment for other disadvantaged communties which can also contribute to tourism in a safe space. I think its a great disadvantage for visitors who only get to experience this side of Cape Town. You mentioned friendliness, kindness...we have what is called 'ubuntu' which characterises every south african....and its this that we offer visitors...the disparity gap could be closed when theres concscious effort from both sides. Its a sad fact that most capetonians cannot stay at these places, let alone go up Table Mountain.
Thank you for sharing this
For people who don't know, a return trip on the cable car is free for South Africans on your birth date or the month of💚
Cape Town local - 100% agree that it's in 'pockets', and I wish the gap gets smaller and smaller but we need higher quality education and basic resources for everyone, the playing field is a long way from being even.
Time to give Joburg a month or 2! With your budget it'll be padel, golfing, the odd weekend safari, weekend visits to Clarens and exploring the Berg. I was born in CT, but bred in the North and you have to experience both to fully understand South Africa.
I’m Australian and have been to RSA four times now and we’re going back next year. The South African ppl are lovely, friendly and incredibly polite. I think your comments are spot on. The upcoming election is incredibly important. Can you tell me where your Airbnb is and if possible, share the listing? Many thanks for your videos!
Sure thing! The Airbnb was in Clifton and I'll have an Airbnb video coming out this Friday. Here's the listing: bit.ly/3y9OUSV
Why are the elections importantto u, a foreigner? The U S and z io ni s ts are trying to steal the Western Cape province of South Africa and turn it into a 2nd tel Aviv and military base. There's also oil and gas in this area, as well as an important port. Foreign zionists are flocking to buy up prime property in Cape Town, which the DA political party has been underhandedly selling to them, being a z-io'ni'st party, funded by the U S and Z io ni s ts. The world is aware of this, so u must be too.....
Why are the elections important to u, a foreigner? The U S and z io ni s ts are trying to steal the Western Cape province of South Africa and turn it into a 2nd tel Aviv and set up a military base. There's also oil and gas in this area, as well as an important port. Foreign zi'oni'sts are flocking to buy up prime property in Cape Town, which the DA political party has been underhandedly selling to them, being a z-io'ni'st party, funded by the U S and Z io ni s ts. The world is aware of this, so u must be too.....
I live in Durban, South Africa, you expressed living in SA accurately. The gap between rich and poor is terrible and something I have had to go through myself. I have been to the States twice and the opportunities that exist there for work is so much more than here. South Africa has the best weather and nature but unfortunately so many issues that I feel out way the positives.
Appreciate you sharing. I hope SA will find a better balance
6 Times since 2003,mainly Sea Point and Camps Bay with friends and holiday appartements and soon more often since my daughter is living at Rondebosch currently. Cant wait to visit again. Heerlijke stad🇳🇱🇿🇦🍷🕊️🙏😍
Baie dankie.
@@user-nf5yj6ff5o 🙏Bedankt voor de gastvrijheid!
So good to hear your perspective. But theres more beauty ... get in the car and explore the cederberg... night skies ... ❤
I'll add it to my list :)
You've got to visit the wild coast, coffee bay and the whose eastern cape coast is magnificent
Looking forward to it :)
Hi Camden. I'm a local here in Cape Town. Having grown up in RSA - we definitely have a unique idea of "safety", but I would definitely say that it should not be a reason to avoid visiting Cape Town. Cape Town is definitely an honourable mention for some of the most beautiful places in the world - and the people are amazing. South Africa unfortunately has a dying economy - making it a very difficulty decision for young professionals to invest their lives here. Hey - if you or your subs ever have some question I'm more than willing to have a chat with you to answer some of them.
Really appreciate that! And you're right -- a must visit from my perspective
Come to San Francisco,NYC ,LA Chicago , Detroit , Philadelphia and you will see the same thing. Good ole USA
Unfortunately so
Glad you enjoyed our little piece of heaven and thanks for the fair analysis. Just had an interesting thought that when we and world tourists travel to Europe and US we don't get to learn or interested in the politics of a country when they visiit, we just enjoy the country and go back home. However 1st thing SA tourists learn when they arrive is politics, and safety hmmm, wonder from whom🤔 Paris, New York, London as an example have a lot of crime, riots, homelessness but aeroplanes are packed with tourists visiting, not deterred and only post videos about beautiful trendy spots but when they visit Africa, only record, interested and post poverty porn
So much to do in Cape Town!
SO MUCH
This is best city in the world. I don't even have any desire to travel. I have lived here my whole life and always feel on holiday, never bored, there are thousands of amazing wine farms, resteraunts, beaches. I am happy here and used to the best of the best. Whilst still having the humbling element it is the perfect blend. Americans mostly don't know what they are missing out on. We have jet skiing, kitesurfing, surfing, yachting, paragliding off the mountain, endless beautiful walks. When an American thinks I want to run away from my country I think they are delusional and ignorant, sure some do for the dollars but usually they miss it here.
Camden lovely humbling perspective, I am a born and bread Capetonian and moved to the UK a year ago. Living here I am reminded daily of so many things I miss. Going back on holiday is a reminder of what a special place my birthplace is. Love your blog and keep on exploring.
I appreciate this :) How are liking the UK?
I lived in Cape Town for 12 years and in Johannesburg for almost over 10 years and I am glad you enjoyed it BUT... 2 months at a time is not enough to have an opinion about anywhere in South Africa 😅lol, South Africa is the type of place that you eventually grow to hate, This is of course just my opinion from all the experience that I have had living in South Africa and from a person who desperately wants to LEAVE this country. The fact you were born in America is a truly GREAT privilege because many South Africans are usually way to poor to travel within South Africa or abroad and BTW I was born in a First World Country but am unfortunately stuck here lol, great video man 😁
It is only European settlers who has deep hate for South Africa. But that is to be expected, it is hard to love a country you don't belong to. Hoping you find a way to leave the country soon.
Appreciate you sharing your perspective :)
As a Cape Townian and a huge lover of the city I'm happy other people love this place as much as i do, this place is filled with so much diversity on one end, the places to visit, the beautiful weather which is why i love this place because the weather is bitchy, changes quickly, thats the beautiful part, the poverty end is where it gets painful, i used to always get angry when other people speak about it because yes thats true but only to some extent, the other part is very dangerous, very, very dangerous and i feel like thats the part they try to hide, which for tourism i would understand but theres alot of poverty here.
Nice thanks
You got it
I have travelled the world. Cape Town is the most friendly country in the world.
Ask someone for directions in Germany or UK
Get into the metro
No smiles to be seen
Sorry to hear about your experiences in Germany and the UK. But glad to hear you enjoyed Cape Town :)
Will you go to Cape Town again ????
Without a doubt
@@camdendavid Go on a safari as well. Botswana and Zimbabwe are fantastic. Amazing lodges and supreme wildlife.
As a South African that loves Africa, I experience Cape town, although very beautiful, as too European and there are too many people. Rural Mozambique is my go to holiday destination.
Enjoyed this fair rendition of CT - unique city of cosmopolitan and diverse cultures. Her beauty exceeds herself in so many ways but she has the sting of poverty and crime in her tail. Agree that common sense is required to know where and when to be in certain areas, but many of us are still here, alive and well.
In oBservatory we have a second hand bookshop (OBS BOOKS) to find that book. We also have an ANIMALS HAVE RIGHTS charity shop on half price sale... Visitors to Cape Town can easily miss the things you felt. Often visitors dont have the ability to see a country with new eyes. The unsual thing is that IT IS YOU who changes when you come here...
Well said
We travel from CT to all over the world with no issues
Cape Town is the best however, you must watch where you are going. Cape Town CBD is one of the safest cities in the world as it have intense police visibility and other private security companies work 24 hours a day. Security cameras are placed almost in every corner of the buildings in the CBD. My advice to the tourists is to stay within the safety zones mainly the CBD. The poorest areas probably are the most dangerous if you go deeper. As you have narrated there's always dangerous parts of every city in the world.
I am a Joburger now living in Capetown. I wish I had foreign currency to actually enjoy it without freaking out about electricity and water cost, not to mention the accommodation itself. It is a very beautiful place!
I am a South African born and bred. I hope other South Africans who live here can have the same words as you here in S.A.
The ratio per population and crime commited put us high rate but Chicago as you say it is high crime rate but per 300 more milion people in USA it is low crime.
I hope we can introspect ourselves and take what you say. Its true and unfiltered. Thank you.
I appreciate you
Hi Camden, has anyone told you that you look like Christian Bale? You definitely could be related 😂Your assessment of Capetown is on the money, no pun intended. You seem like a good dude and for the mere fact that you can clearly see the wealth gap in SA between the have and have nots and feel bad about it is a good sign...there are people from privileged positions regardless of race in SA and all over the world that consciously ignore, are indifferent and look down on poverty-stricken people. As a Black South African what shocks and really "humbles" me is why there hasn't been a civil uprising and a civil war in South Africa by now with the way wealth and privilege is shoved in the faces of the poor majority of South Africans. Iam a capitalist but I do believe capitalist greed is a cancer that will bring SA down, it will bring Europe down and it will bring America down. I really hope we can find a solution to the wealth gap in SA before it's too late. I believe your heart is in the right place but this is when you need to use your mind. Nobody wants charity, its humiliating and degrading, so instead of giving what you can to people begging in the street, be intentional about finding and supporting Coloured and Black owned businesses, especially Coloured and Black female owned small or medium sized businesses.
If you can't find these businesses for whatever reason because they are out there, then the next best thing is to support White female owned small and medium sized business that 'mainly' hire local South Africans, operative word being 'mainly' hire South Africans and not ONLY hire South Africans before some twat calls me xenophobic even though most reasonable and sober minded South Africans realise that SA has a serious illegal immigrant problem that's also a ticking TB. The main reason I say you should intentionally try support businesses in SA that hire more locals than illegal immigrants e.g. restaurants and hospitality industry, is exactly because of what you said on your video, most illegal immigrants that work in SA send money back to their respective countries to support their families, which they should but the problem is that they're not paying their fair share of taxes which takes money out of South Africa that should going into developing South Africa.
When you support small or medium sized business in SA that are Coloured or Black owned or support business that mainly hire South Africans then you are directly playing your part in stimulating and growing the South African economy. More importantly, you are decreasing the size of the wealth gap in South Africa so that with all the amazing things SA have to offer, we aren't yet again declared as the most unequal society in the world and once again, left eating that ever so delicious 'humble' pie.
Nonetheless, have an awesome time and enjoy beautiful and amazing Mzansi Afrika!
Really appreciate you sharing all this. And wow, Christian Bale?!? I'll take that any day hahaha
Ño getting àway from the poverty. As a Cape Town resident there are people living in squatter camps. Why ? How can this be ? It is a beautiful country with friendly people.
Appreciate the good leaders in your country... and realize that the wrong types of leaders could damage your society like ours in South Africa has been damaged.
4:35 hehe the Hadidas irritating the tourists too.
Hahahaha
Foreigners buying property has exploded prices so locals suffering hugely !!!!!!!!!😢😢😢
Even as a local we forget about the danger factor and then something happens. You roll the dice every day here, if you get targeted there is not much you can do to stop it.
Hi Camden
Love that you love my home town...
..!
i cruised from Isreal to Durban back in 1985 during disembarkation a
Tourist heading to
Cape Town made a comment that it is a pity Cape Town is in South Africa 😮
😮😮😮 I stood there. Rooted waiting for what came next....
Someone asked Why he answered
Cos Cape Town is an awesome city.
Thanks for sharing this
If the poverty bothers you so much then why don't you NOT stay in the most expensive area in Cape Town and donate the difference to someone in need?
Why would that be the responsibility of a hard working person from another country, who saved up their hard-earned money? Don’t be ridiculous
@@annabambamjerky Yes, well said, easy for cy-villian to make that suggestion but I wonder if cy-villian has ever donated to anyone in need !?
Poverty bothers everyone, rich and poor. It's the spirit of God that made humans feel for each other.
@cy-villian because he is not some type jesus, he is not here to save South Africans from poverty. He is also journeying through life and just expressing empathy for those traveling a different journey from him.
Fair criticism. If you have a local organization you think is doing good work, please feel free to share. I imagine many folks in this community would love to help
Thank you for saying it is humbling ......it is still beautiful in Cape Town , but the ANC wants to try and take away this beautiful province and destroy it like all the other provinces.......PLEASE GOD SAVE US FROM THAT!!!!😮😮
Cape Town is a feeling not a place 🤗
I love this :)
Then it's the most beautiful 'feeling' in the world 🌍❤ 🇿🇦
Situational awareness, research just as you would for any other country that you might visit...it applies here as well. Cape Town is no worse than Brazil or New York or any other city. You have take responsibility for your own safety too. Not more dangerous than any other place
An interesting observation for me is the vast difference in perspectives/ insights between white Americans and Black Americans visiting Cape Town or any other South African city/town…
Would love to know more!
Be safe
Very well thought out. The poverty is a huge problem for the local government - but to some extent its because its a magnet for other poor people from the rest of SA and Africa. Impossible to contend with meaningfully.
Your honesty is very necessary for people abroad and South Africans.
The poverty in Cape Town is really the challenge throughout South Africa and it is sad. People who live in this extreme environment are faced with real danger against gangs etc. The Cape Flats is the result of Apartheid. It was the 'perfect' model for crony capitalist who thrived off cheap labour. Corporations grew very wealthy off the Capetonian labour. Particularly Textile industries and Food production. Today it is easy to accuse the new people of corruption but truth be told corruption never ended. The former regime was more corrupt.
I was born in Cape Town and left in my teens. Moved to Johannesburg. I returned after lockdown. Capetonians were robbed off prime land and left clustered in densely populated suburbs and so it is taxing on the people. So while Cape is a beautiful place, there is a lot of it that goes unsaid about the good people who were subjected to these challenges and! The newer generations. Home prices are not regulated so that the youth can benefit in all suburbs. It is only for a wealthy class or the foreign buyers. That is corruption and no one talks about it. Why should South African people continue being at loss? Is my question. It's wrong.
Appreciate you taking the time to share all this
@@erniegouws7262Apartheid was a contributed to the disadvantages people continue to experience today. We all know Apartheid was an economic crime against the majority South Africans and robbed them off many things. So if you think any government can heal a society in less than thirty years after , you're ignorant and pathetically indoctrinated. As for your hubris on 'Lord' I do not care. All Lords are found in Hell. Just look at the UK Parliament and your historical nefarious 'saviors' like Lord Somerset.
You saw the extremely rich and the extremely poor. I am middle class and have lived here my whole life. I've never been attacked or hurt here.
Lately, every time I go to McDonald's, someone knocks on my window asking for food. Sometimes, as many as three people knock on my window in 45 minutes. You give, but after the third knock, it gets annoying. Sometimes they won't move. You're eating, and they won't move from your car window. When you work hard, and you want a 20-minute break, it gets a bit much.
I live on a beautiful farm and my rent is only $490. I would love to move to America, but I have the unfortunate South African accent.
I appreciate you sharing your experience. For what it's worth, I think the South African accent is wonderful :)
I’m an African American who’s traveled to Cape Town (and pretty much everywhere else in South Africa) and find it fascinating that the only foreigners who put discuss safety and South Africa are Europeans. I was hoping this discussion would be different but it’s safe old so I moved on. Every city has areas that are dangerous . Cape Town is no different than DC or Washington DC or New York or Boston, in that regards.
The only foreigners who discuss safety in any part of Africa are European. And in my travel to African countries I have yet to see what could possibly make anyone afraid. And all of my travel to Africa and other continents are solo.
Try Rwanda next if you haven’t already. I haven’t been, but it’s the cleanest country in Africa, and it’s capital city is beautiful from what I’ve seen. As a half Zimbabwean half South African, it makes me very happy to know that there are African American tourists coming here!
I enjoyed your talk. share your food in the street, it gives you a heart. I came here in the 70s and never left. You can feel here that you are in the African continent. Maybe you can read CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY, Alan Paton to feel the old soul of the country. Xhosa people are the kind of culture that accepted colonial domination in exchange for advancement. This helped make the nation less chaotic. We have a charity shop culture, buying goods at those shops it helps so many people...