Cape Town is called the "Mother City" because it was the first metropolis in South Africa. But for us, it is the "Mother City" because that is where Brendan's mom (and my African mama), the lovely Mary Hegarty, has called home for the last fourteen years. We would be lying if we said she was the only reason we chose to start the trip on the dark continent, but there were definitely some heart strings on both ends drawing us to Cape Town. And, in the middle of a trip full of unfamiliar places, away from family and friends, it has been so nice to find home half way across the world.

We got to Cape Town a few weeks earlier than planned, meaning we will have a full eight weeks in South Africa. With the exception of a three week vacation (from vacation) on the Wild Coast, we will spend most of our time in and around Cape Town. It will be our longest stay to date in any one country... But still probably won't be enough time with Mary or the Mother City, as each is equally easy to fall in love with.

Cape Town is a dramatically beautiful city, maybe one of the most beautiful in the world, in our opinion. It's nestled in between oceans and mountains, so no matter where you are in the city, you probably have amazing scenery in at least two directions. Cape Town is, as Kenny McCorquodale likes to say, "postcard material."

It also has a vibrant, colorful culture that is, perhaps not surprisingly based on the diverse population, a cosmopolitan mix of European, Middle Eastern and African. Walking down the street, you see people of all colors, shapes and sizes, with different stories, nationalities, beliefs and backgrounds. It is truly an international city, at it's roots as much as on the surface. And that international foundation has led to different influences on art, architecture and, luckily for our inner-foodies, cuisine.

The food in Cape Town is amazing. We have not had a bad meal in the city - including more than a handful of delicious home-cooked dishes. The food has been so good in fact, that we'll put together an entire page of restaurant recommendations and recipes before we leave. It's too much to describe in detail!

The nice part about having so much time in one place is that you can really see the city as a local. It also doesn't hurt to have an amazing tour guide. Mary knows what makes the city special and shares it with us everyday. We've definitely been working our way through the "must-do" list of sights and activities, but in between, we've joined a yoga studio, figured out the local transportation (minibus taxis and trains), explored the city, strolled neighborhoods, made friends, attended epic Sunday lunches and house parties, watched countless picture-perfect sunsets, celebrated national holidays and sat in front of the fire with a glass of South African wine with a good book or a competitive game of Scrabble.

Long story short, it feels good to be home with mama Mary in the "Mother City."