Sunshine
We have spent the last couple of days exploring the local area. The weather wasn't brilliant yesterday, but today we couldn't ask for better - clear blue skies and warm sunshine. It is an extremely beautiful part of the coastline; the bay is huge and sweeping, with miles of lovely beaches - all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges. We have mainly spent our time exploring the town, walking along the beaches and sampling the local fare in beachside restaurants.
The town itself is quite upmarket and affluent. On our travels to and from the beach, we walked by many spectacular looking houses, most with sea views, some pushing the million pound mark. Our hosts had assured us it was quite safe in the area and we would be fine to explore and walk around, and indeed we have felt perfectly safe - the town has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Despite this, the majority of the local white population still feel the need for lots of security - we are not sure whether this is based on paranoia or fact, but the majority of houses have signs outside displaying the name of a security firm with "armed response." There are also many houses with spiked gates and fencing, and some even have electric wired fences or walls. There is obviously still very much a seige mentality in some areas of South Africa that may take generations to dismantle.
