It is often quite windy along this bit but on this day it was not too bad. I was so relaxed by now that it was nice just to be ambling gently along watching the sea and the boats out in the roads (the waiting area at sea or area just outside a harbour), people taking their dogs for walks, even dog walkers taking several dogs for a walk, looking for all the world like a horizontal dog maypole with all the leads stretched out in front attached to the bouncing dogs. Many people were just strolling along the promenade and still others lying on the grass enjoying a rest, others feeling energetic and jogging past the colourful statues. And so on past the stadium, looking for all the world as if it was made out of tissue paper and wire, and then back to the Aquarium.

I then moved downstairs and chose a high seat at the back of the bus and did the second round sitting against the window watching, at a different level, everything I had seen the first time around. I ate a juicy apple as we made our way around town and had some more to drink. I was feeling quite soporific by this time. A feeling brought on by not having to be rushing here, there and everywhere, my cell phone switched off (I hate it when people show no cell phone use etiquette and have loud and usually unnecessary conversations when they are out supposedly relaxing), no one able to ‘get at’ me, wonderfully relaxing. It is something that most people today miss without realising it. I think that is why much of today’s lifestyle is so full of stress – we do not let go and relax properly enough. As I watched the shops, the people, the traffic, listened again to the commentary, I idly wondered what the bus driver thought as he drove his large jolly red bus slowly around the route time after time.

I enjoyed sitting downstairs, it gave me a different perspective again and there is aircon there too if you get too hot on the top deck. I semi-dozed until we turned onto the road up to the cableway again, where, on stopping I ventured off the bus to treat myself to a refreshing lemon flavoured soft serve cone. Mmm, that was delicious and suitably savoured as we descended once again and made our way down to Constantia main road, where the beach was now well populated with people enjoying the flat golden sand. Looking to the right the pavement cafes and restaurants were full of people enjoying their afternoon tea, snacks, cold drinks, beers – and probably some aperitifs too I shouldn’t wonder. Still no signs of anyone famous sadly but hey, next time maybe!

And back to the Aquarium where I reluctantly unfolded myself and got off, walking back to my cool car for the journey home to the North Western suburbs – just beating the going-home traffic rush. Mmm, I felt really relaxed after my day on the bus. Thank you once again Cape Town City Sightseeing. I’ll be back!

So, all in all, R110 (it is cheaper if you buy your ticket online) is a cheap way to spend a day seeing the sights on your own, in comfort on a bus with two levels to view from, and away from those who would bother you with the mundane day-to-day stuff. Also, if you are with companions and they want to get off and visit one of the places along the route, you can stay on the bus and arrange for them to get back on at that stop approximately 2hrs later – the stops are numbered and there is a timetable. I witnessed one couple doing just this thing.

Buy your tickets here:

• Online at www.citysightseeing.co.za
Adults R110 (offline price R140), Kids (5-15 years) R70, Kids under 5 free.

• On the bus

• At out Ticket Office, outside the Two Oceans Aquarium: Bus Stop 1

Hi, I’m Corinna Turner. Cape Town and environs are so beautiful and varied, and have so much to offer. By going places and writing about them I feel I can share a little bit with those who are not fortunate enough to live here. More importantly I feel that there is a lot that local people don’t know about their city and environs. Cape Town City Sightseeing tours are one of the things that many Capetonians have not thought to try out, and I would like to change that. I am also known as Cape Winds Virtual Services you can find out more at www.capewindsvirtual.weebly.com