Itchy York article

Win a trip to Cape Town

Es-Cape the 9 to 5

Breathtaking, beautiful, picturesque

You mention a travel brochure cliché and Cape Town’s stunning scenery fits the bill. But way more than just a view; it’s a bustling melting pot of urban energy and crazy culture clashes. Add to that miles of beaches, flourishing nightlife and a world-renowned wine region and you see what the fuss is about. Oh, and did we mention that it’s less than a pound a pint? Yeah, now you’re listening…

Eat
Cape Town nosh is mainly about the seafood. Sushi’s the city’s fave; head to Tank or Wakame or check out Haiku for its New York-style Asian tapas. In Camps Bay you are spoilt for choice with more fish dishes than you’ll find in a double-bill of The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo. You can easily stuff yourself on a gourmet platter for two for less than 20 quid. Just remember they’re only cartoons, ok?

For something more African, head for Mzolis in the township of Gugeletu. Buy your meat from the butcher next door, then hang with the locals jiving to the down-tempo deep house outdoors, while they barbecue it on the spot.

Drink
The Camps Bay strip is home to the cocktail-quaffing jet set’s fake D&G and imitation Rolexes. Unlike the UK though, the tans are real. Every day at sunset this place becomes the playa playground. The epicentre, just behind the Ferraris, is Café Caprice, and with more models than an Airfix convention; you’d best be beautiful.

Long Street is the hub of Cape Town’s nightlife. Everything from Baghdad bong dens and ultra-mod wine bars to urban chic beat bars and ethnic-inspired live venues are scattered along this vibrant drag. Some places are a bit dodgy, but that’s half the fun. Also, if you’re after a 24 hour party, the Cape Quarter (or the gay village as it’s known) is always buzzing.

Play
Oi adventure junkies, fancy being a mile out to sea, only 50cms away from the fearsome great white, surrounded in shark-tempting fish blood? Or sand boarding down a 200 foot dune? How about ending the day paragliding off Signal Hill to land on the beach at sunset? Well, then you’re in luck. For something more serene yet equally surreal, try swimming with the penguins at Boulders Beach. If nature is your bag, then Cape Town is surrounded by four nature reserves and dolphins and whales are regular visitors. Although the number of whales you spot will depend on how much of the local herb you’ve consumed.

Dance
Global Breakthrough is coming
From 17th Feb–3rd March 2007, for the second year running the Global Breakthrough club tour drops its mad music on Cape Town. Attracting over a dozen of the most exciting DJs in clubland for two jam packed weeks with at least eight official events, this is becoming a major new feature to the clubbers’ calendar alongside Ibiza and Miami WMC.

Spinning at locations all over Cape Town (including a private beach, a castle, a wine farm and a mansion) will be revered resident DJs from the legendary Circo Loco-Ibiza, Cocoon, Ministry and Space plus prized artists on labels Global Underground, Renaissance, Toolroom, Azuli and Defected.

Keeping you entertained all throughout our summer (or your winter), Global Breakthrough throw cutting-edge international dance events. The summer launch party takes place on 3rd November with a Global Underground special to mark their 10th anniversary featuring the brilliant, genre-defying James Lavelle.

Sleep
If you’re an urbanite (culture vulture) who is always at the heart of the action, then the Daddy Long Legs art hotel is a must: every one of the 13 Rooms is inspired by a loopy artist. On a budget? Cape Town is littered with hostels, some of which are littered with the detritus of one too many overland tours, so pick well. A good, clean bet with a decent bar is Ashanti Lodge.

Win
Itchy and Global Breakthrough have joined up to give one lucky winner a VIP, all-expenses-paid trip for two on Global Breakthrough’s 2007 club tour. Email info@gbclubland.com with the subject 'Take me to Cape' and tell us how you would spend a week in Cape Town, in 80 words or less.
www.gbclubland.com

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Comments

beautiful
- joey from missouri on 05/12/2006 -