Living in Cape Town is a unique experience that comes with its fair share of challenges.
From dealing with the unpredictable weather to navigating the city’s notorious traffic, here are 10 struggles that only Capetonians will truly understand.
1. The wind that never sleeps
Cape Town’s famous Cape Doctor might be a great name for a superhero, but for us locals, it’s just the annoying wind that sweeps through the city like an uninvited guest at every outdoor event. Whether you’re trying to enjoy a sunset at Clifton or simply walking to the shop, you’ll find your hat, hair, and sense of dignity blown away in an instant.
2. Finding parking in the City Bowl
You’ve circled around Long Street three times, asked a parking guard where to go (he shrugs), and now you’re this close to just giving up and Ubering everywhere. The struggle for parking in the City Bowl is real. If you manage to park, it’s like winning the lottery, if only that parking space weren’t a five-minute walk from your destination.
3. The great weather gamble
Is it going to be sunny or rainy today? Good luck predicting. In Cape Town, you could start the day at the beach in glorious sunshine, only to find yourself battling rain in the afternoon. Don’t forget your sunscreen and umbrella, both are essential for any Capetonian’s bag.
4. Signal Hill traffic
Driving up Signal Hill, you feel on top of the world—literally and metaphorically. But just when you’re about to take in the breathtaking views, you’re stuck behind a line of cars, slowly inching up the hill, questioning if you’ll even make it to the top before sunset.
5. Table Mountain’s ‘mood swings’
One minute, Table Mountain is a clear, majestic giant, and the next, it’s covered in clouds, hiding its beauty like it’s playing peekaboo with the city. Trying to get a perfect photo for Instagram? Good luck, because that tablecloth comes in at the worst time.
6. The struggle of choosing between beaches
There are so many beaches to choose from, it’s impossible to pick just one. Do you go to Clifton for the soft sand and beautiful people? Or head to Muizenberg for the boho vibes and surfboards? And don’t even get started on deciding between Camps Bay and Llandudno—there’s no winning.
7. The ‘I’ll just take a quick walk’ illusion
Capetonians love their nature walks, but that ‘quick stroll’ up to the top of Lion’s Head can turn into a two-hour hike. You’ll start with good intentions, but somewhere along the way, you’ll realise you’ve underestimated the mountain and your legs are questioning every decision you’ve made in life.
8. The permanent state of ‘loadshedding anxiety’
When the lights go out, you feel a wave of panic ripple through the city. Did you charge your phone? Is there a candle in the house? Will your food survive the blackout? The anxiety that accompanies loadshedding in Cape Town is real, and it hits at the most inconvenient times—like when you’re halfway through watching the latest episode of your favourite series.
9. Tourists asking for directions every five seconds
‘Excuse me, how do I get to the V&A Waterfront?’
‘Sure, no problem, it’s just up the road… and left… and another left… and then a right.’
While it’s always great to see tourists excited about our beautiful city, Capetonians are well-acquainted with being asked for directions multiple times a day. It’s like being a walking Google Maps.
10. Pretending to be okay with traffic on the N1
The N1 is like that constant friend who always shows up uninvited and takes forever to leave. You know the drill: gridlock, impatient drivers, and no end in sight. You’ll be late to everything, but somehow, you’ve learned to make peace with it. As they say, ‘It’s just Cape Town traffic.’
So, if you’re a Capetonian, these are probably all too familiar. But even with these struggles, there’s no place quite like the Mother City!
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Picture: Stephan Louis / Pexels
