Catherine Gillespie
"The quiet before the storm!"
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I love... the Rainbow Reloaded at Willoughbys. The rich coffee at Vida e. The frosty glass of handcrafted Weissbier at Paulaner. Movies at Cinema Nouveau. Sipping bubbly and nibbling on salmon at the Woolies cafe. Browsing at Exclusive Books. Watching the buskers entertain. Levis great window displays. Last minute Christmas shopping...
I could go on... but honestly, I’m a runner, and the Waterfront belongs to me, early on Sunday mornings while most people are still tucked up in bed.
I begin my warm up by the Mouille Point lighthouse, so by the time I come past Aston Martin and Standard Banks’ huge windows I’m feeling good, in my stride. I glance at my reflection and correct my form.
Then through the still empty car park up to the path that runs next to the sea. The dawn light is silvery-grey, the air fresh and ‘oceany’. I’m feeling strong as I turn down onto the wharf, past the boat trip booths–still quiet, no-one calling out their offers yet.
I duck into the ‘Ladies’ to splash water onto my sweaty face, and am greeted cheerfully by the attendant, ensuring her bathrooms are spotless, ready for the day. Refreshed, I stride up the incline past Cape Union Mart where a smiling security guard whoops with delight, and runs by my side for the next few metres. I feel like I’m running the Comrades!
I cut through Nobel Square, nodding at the four bronze Gents and pound across the bridge leading me past the Cape Grace, dodging the trail of workers making their way into the Waterfront, on their way to fire up cookers and coffee machines, arranging their wares in anticipation of a busy day of trade.
I loop up the hill, and down towards the One & Only and the Aquarium, where a lone taxi driver is proudly polishing his car. He greets me with a booming “Ayoba!”
Then back past the shiny bronze seal, posing next to an early rising tourist taking in the view and the screeching seagulls.
Oh yes... that’s why I love My V & A Waterfront!