Hello Ladies
When I visit a city for the first time I make it my mission to find out where the malls are located. Knowing where to find the latest fashion trends, designer handbags and shoes always makes me feel like I am home even when I am far away from home because SHOPPING IS MY HAPPY PLACE! So when I moved to Cape Town my very first "sightseeing" (and shopping) experience was to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront mall, and to date the V&A Waterfront remains my favourite shopping destination in South Africa. I have been to the V&A countless of times but I have not (and do not imagine having) reached a point where I tire of it.
What is so special about the V&A Waterfront you may ask? Some critics argue that shopping malls are all just variations of a theme. So when you see one mall you have basically seen them all (the rhyming effect was completely UNINTENTIONAL by the way - I PROMISE). Although that principle may apply to most shopping malls, it definitely has NO APPLICATION when referring to the V&A.
So here are MY TOP THREE REASONS WHY I LOVE SHOPPING AT THE V&A WATERFRONT:
1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!
The V&A Waterfront has (arguably) the BEST location that a shopping mall can ever have or wish to have. The V&A is situated in the heart of Cape Town's harbour with a picteresque backdrop of the famous Table Mountain. It has exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Bay Harbour and the City of Cape Town itself. This makes shopping more than just a mere excursion, it makes it an EXPERIENCE (and an enjoyable one at that).
Here are some V&A snaps:
[Above Image] You can enjoy a cup of Rooibos Tea (my preferred choice always) at your favourite restaurant whilst overlooking the ocean and watching the boats sail by
2. ACTIVITIES, ACTIVITIES AND MORE ACTIVITIES
And no, I am not referring to your run-off-the-mill kiddies "Christmas Santa"/ Easter/ wall-climbing activities. I am talking about activites that both adults and children alike will enjoy. What activities am I referring to you may wonder? Firstly, if you are really exhausted from all the shopping (because let's face it, a really good shopping expedition is a cardio workout in and of itself) then you can choose to take a leisurely BOAT RIDE AROUND THE HARBOUR. If you are particularly fortunate on the day, you may spot a few WHALES and SEALS in the process. I was very blessed to have seen both these extraordinary creatures when I went on a boat ride at the V&A.
Here are a few snaps:
[Above Images] Out at sea and whale spotted. Also spotted a seal basking in the sun under the turning bridge.
If you are more interested in immersing yourself in some UNIQUELY SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCES then the V&A is a great starting point. From Xhosa and Zulu dancers, to free concerts at the open theatre during the summer, to marimba bands and stilt artists, there is always something happening that will entertain people of all ages.
If your tastes are more highbrow in nature, then THE CHAVONNES BATTERY MUSEUM will tickle your fancy. This museum celebrates the existence, disappearance and re-appearance of Cape Town's oldest cannon battery. Built in 1726, the heavily armed battery guarded Cape Town from attacks by the English and French East, India Companies. In 1860, the cannon disappeared, only to be recovered during excavation in 1999. The museum houses gun displays and the opportunity to see how an 18th century cannon battery was constructed.
And of course, the FOOD. If you are feeling ravenous and parched after an eventful day at the V&A, there are numerous coffee shops, restaurants and bars to suite every palate. From the upscale restaurants such as SEVRUGA (one of my favourites by the way - highly recommended), to the children's (and some adults) all-time favourite burger joints such as STEERS, you can forego the cooking for one night.
3. SHOPPING, SHOPPING AND MORE SHOPPING
And of course, the PRIMARY reason for going to ANY MALL to begin with THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. If you have bargain shopping in mind, then the MR PRICE store at the V&A has to be the best Mr Price store in Cape Town in terms of variety (in my opinion that is). If you are more into mid-ranged priced department stores then WOOLWORTHS, FOSCHINI and TRUWORTHS would be your go to stores. Personally, I am a big fan (no pun intended lol) of all three for both their beautiful clothes and the fact that they house sizes for fuller figured ladies such as myself which is a bonus brownie point for me. If you are a shoe fanatic like I am, then the designer shoe lable ALDO will keep you occupied for a good hour at the very least. Aldo is definitely my weakness. And if your tastes (and bank balance) are more inclined to the creme de la creme of designer items then you will be delighted to know that the V&A also houses stores from luxury labels such as LOUIS VUITTON, PRADA, JIMMY CHOO, BURBERRY to name just a few. The best store to go to for more exclusive luxury brands would be APSLEY 2. It houses some of the most select luxury lables such as LANVIN, VALENTINO, SAINT LAURNET to name just a few. Whether it is a great handbag, clothes or shoes, I am never disappointed when I embark on a shopping expedition at the V&A.
Of course the above reasons only serve as a glimpse into what the V&A Waterfront has to offer. There is LOADS more and it is best to experience it all yourself. I am not surprised that the V&A was awarded the "Best Destination" gold winner at the World Responsible Tourism Travel Awards 2014. So whenever you find yourself in Cape Town, South Africa, ensure you make a trip to the V&A Waterfront. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Until next time.
Love, Silindile