Two years ago today, we experienced day one of the 21-day lockdown that our unsuspecting nation would come to know as the longest three weeks of our lives.
It turned into months, then a year later we still got to experience the various stages of lockdowns called by Uncle Cyril on television, for months to come.
For some of us, peace came from knowing that we’d laugh about it all one day. Although the virus is still very much still a resident in our country, it’s safe to say that we’ve reached an interval where we can laugh about it all – even if said laughter oozes sarcasm and maybe some tears.
Something else that got a lot of us through it was knowing that at the very least we were keeping each other safe. And of course, the river of dreams we imagined for ourselves in thinking about all the things we once took for granted, and how we’d embrace them far more when we were free to be grateful for life outside once again.
In honour of the gratitude of being able to go outside again, here are 6 ways to celebrate what lockdown took away, in Cape Town.
1.Have a real beer or cocktail
Remember the days when we all became either makeshift bootleggers, booze makers or our hobbies included searching for a bottle of wine somewhere in the back of the pantry? Those days are (hopefully) far behind us, and if this isn’t a good enough reason to get out and about and enjoy a real drink with your mates, then what is?
There are a few spots in the Mother City where you can cheers to how far we’ve come, but we suggest some spots where you can also gaze at the city from the best seats in the house. Here are a few picks for rooftop scenes and some options for those beach bar ‘breathtakers’.
2. Go stroll for as long as you please somewhere tantalizing
We take it for granted now, but there was a time when we weren’t allowed to stretch our legs and stroll without the fear of a neighbour reporting us on a WhatsApp group. Take a leisurely stroll, jog or skate, however you move best.
Kirstenbosch and the Company Gardens are ideal spots for a delicious walk through the nature, while the Sea Point Promenade is a better place to skate a little (pavement side, closer to the road) but also boasts epic scenes for strutting and jogging.
3. Go to the beach and breathe in the seascape
It feels dystopian to say that going to the beach was a crime at one point. Whether you go to embrace a little sunshine, take a long dive, surf or simply gaze at the wonders we could only see on drives or TikTok videos, f you ever needed a reason for a beach venture, remembering that at one point we couldn’t is a great one.
Try Barley Beach for a more intimate setting without large crowds, or if you want to go big and avoid going home, head to Clifton 2nd for some divine sunset views. Here’s a fuller list of some beaches to enjoy at liberty.
4. Dance until your feet are sore, and not on TikTok
Dancing became synonymous with TikTok in 2020, and while we can all appreciate the laughs and moves we had and learnt on the app, we’re grateful that we can get our groove on in a way that isn’t just with a world behind a glass screen.
In the coming week, challenge yourself to embrace Cape Town’s nightlife with a little more appreciation. Whether it’s getting silly at the Village Idiot, busting ‘boujee’ moves at Cabo Beach Club, or shaking what your mama gave you at Coco’s, get those retired dancing shoes out and about.
For those who really want to relish in the glory of live music reunions, enjoy your festival dreams as reality. The live entertainment industry was hard-slapped by lockdown, and for a long time, our festival outfits became dust-collectors in the closet. For one, Sexy Groovy Love is serving the last chapter of its glitzy festival, on the cards in early April. You can find out more about it here.
Another long-awaited post-lockdown event has seen the return of Liefde By Dam, starring a lockdown hero, Schalk Bezuidenhout who kept us ‘feeling good, feeling positive’ during the tougher times. You can get more details about the divine day picnic celebration here.
5. Dine out and support a local eatery or purchase a Woolies Chicken
One of the hardest-hit industries across the world was undoubtedly the restaurant industry. Before delivery services came back into action, many of us found a far greater appreciation for the luxury of going to restaurants as we slaved away over stoves day in and day out. We fondly remember those that sadly had to put up the ‘closed’ sign on the door for the last time and celebrate those that survived. In welcoming some newcomers that are fast-becoming favourite picks, check out these blossoming spots in Cape Town.
As for the Woolies rotisserie chicken, enjoy one with your family as a cheeky ode to the restriction placed on warm foods in our harder lockdown era.
6. Enjoy the movies and remember when movie popcorn was a thing of faint memories
Whether you venture to The Labia in town and enjoy a long-loved theatre experience like no other (liquor slushies anyone?), head to the Gallelio Open-Air Cinema for a spacious starry night, or check out your old faithful commercial cinemas at the mall, some movie magic is another treat we didn’t know how much we needed until it was gone during lockdown.
7. Do something pre-lockdown you would’ve been too scared to do!
Pre-lockdown you may have been a different person. One who was either too afraid or thought there would be lightyears to embark on things you’ve never tried before. For all it was, we learnt a lot during COVID-19’s lockdown. Many of us tried things we could’ve never seen ourselves doing. Gym bunnies took up banana bread making, everyone tried yoga at some point despite a long-distance relationship with exercise, knitting rose to epic heights in popularity and if you didn’t attempt becoming a Masterchef with your ‘essential foods’ you’re lying.
Now that there’s a whole new avenue of adventures to try, don’t lose your lease for growth just because you have other things to do. Whether it’s an epic helicopter flight, a waterfall hike for the bold and curious, horseback riding despite a fear of horses or paragliding from the top of Signal Hill, the bucket list truly begins with the first step toward bravery. Here are some epic bucket list activities to try in Cape Town.
Also read:
A unique journey through nature with this forest bathing experience in Cape Town
Picture: @_brian_i_am
