Read my web feature on Cape Town for the National Geographic Traveler’s Places of a Lifetime series.

“Are you ready to fall in love? South Africa's Mother City – with its cloud-draped Table Mountain, golden beaches and bountiful vineyards – is an old pro at capturing people's hearts. Few cities can boast such a wonderful national park at their heart or provide the broad range of adventurous activities that take full advantage of it. Accentuating this natural majesty is Capetonians' creative flair with design and colour. From the brightly painted facades of the Bo-Kaap and the bathing chalets of Muizenberg, to the contemporary Afro-chic de\'cor of its guesthouses, restaurants and bars, this is one good-looking metropolis .... Above all it's a multicultural city where respect for different ways of living is ingrained. Given South Africa's troubled history, such wisdom has been hard won: practically everyone has a fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking story to tell. When the time comes to leave, you may find your heart breaking too.”

         Introduction to Lonely Planet’s Cape Town Edition 6