Napa Valley

Gorgeous vineyards rolling over the golden hills of California.
Five-star farm-to-table restaurants with wine lists bigger than their entire menus. Beautiful understated resorts with soothing spas and bubbling hot tubs. Tennis courts teeming with relaxed vacationers. Golfers with bottles of wine carefully tucked neatly into their carts. Bikers biking the picturesque valley from winery to winery. 
If this sounds like your paradise as much as it does mine, 
Let's toast to Napa Valley.

In 1976, a wine tasting called "The Paris Tasting" took place in France that changed the future of California wines forever. Like crusty old admissions officers contemplating the acceptance of an eager freshman into their established, hundreds-of-years-old University, accredited French wine professionals blind-tasted French red and white wines against California Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, and, shocking just about everyone in the world as much as it shocked the tasters themselves, the California wines won.  Stags Leap Wine Cellar's Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay took first place and, for the first time in history, it became clear that someone could rival the French when it came to wine.   Somms all over France scratched their heads while California, and the rest of the world, responded rapidly. In the next ten years, the number of California wineries more than tripled, and, in the 40 years since the tasting, the quality and price of California wines has climbed sevenfold, soaring their retail value to over $14 billion last year. 

If I sound passionate about this, it's because I absolutely am. 

I love wine. 

On cloud wine

I love the complexity of everything that goes in to creating this drink that humans have enjoyed for thousands of years. 

I love how a bottle of wine evolves immensely with time, and with each person's unique taste. 

I love thinking about how much has to go exactly right in creating a great bottle of wine... and more than anything, I love that vineyards, like people, must go through immense stress in order to bear better fruit. 

A perfect environment will create a mediocre, ordinary wine. A struggling vine will produce an extraordinary wine. 

They say that this is why the Napa Valley makes such amazing wines, as the earthquake faults under the ground make for nicely complex and diversified soil, and a perfectly stressful environment for Napa vines to grow.

It is so cool to think that every single second, from the growing grapevine, to the time a wine spends maturing in a barrel, to its time laying in a cellar, to the very moment you pop that cork and take a sip, as the movie Sideways so beautifully put it, "a bottle of wine is actually alive. It's constantly evolving and gaining complexity. That is, until it peaks, and then it begins its steady, inevitable decline." This gives wine an impermanent beauty, much like our own lives. Drink a great bottle too soon and you'll never experience its potential, spend too much time waiting, and you might have lost your chance. Great wine is unpredictable, impermanent magic... and it tastes SO dang good.  

I also love the culture that being near Napa Valley brings our wine-crazed Northern California area, as there is hardly a night that friends and I aren't drinking wine. Some of my very best times have been vineyard-hopping with great people, or simply cooking a dinner at home and pairing it with the perfect bottle of Nickel & Nickel. 

So enough with my wine lovefest already, let's go to Napa!!!.... wine not?

for the wine

there are hundreds of wineries in Napa, but here are my favorites: 

Inglenook-  A splurge of a tasting that, in my opinion, is completely worth it if you're only in Napa once. this is Francis Ford Coppola's winery and is a beautiful property with fantastic wines. My favorite? The Rubicon. Incredible bottle.

Grgich Hills- Fantastic wines in a great atmosphere. Mike Grgich was the winemaker at Chateau Montelena in the 1970's and soon after his famed win of the Paris Tasting, he went off to create his own label. He and his croatian family are fantastic and it is immediately evident that this winery is run with the love and care of a family-run venture.

Caymus Vineyards- Great wines! Some of my favorite in Napa. And a absolute picturesque outdoor tasting area. I love their pinot noir and their chardonnay.

Domaine Carneros- Champagne!!!! Champagne!!!! Champagne!!!!! BEAUTIFUL spot, and such impeccable service. I love it so much, and spend so much time here, I might as well just move in.

V. Sattui Winery - This lovely winery is perfect for a picnic. It's right near Dean & Deluca so one of my favorite things to do is grab sandwiches and bring to the picnic tables at V. Sattui. Their tastings are affordable and the fact that you can bring your own food in makes this a fantastic lunch & wine spot. 

Domaine Carneros Christina

Castello di Amorosa- it's a castle, literally. Beautiful spot. One of my favorite places to bring newcomers to Napa because of it's gargantuan appeal. Tastings starting at $20.

Chateau Montelena- This gorgeous ivy-covered chateau was made famous for beating out the French in the Paris Tasting. Their wine is delicious, and the estate is gorgeous. Tastings starting at $25. Vineyard tours are $40 and require reservations. You can stop in the tasting room without a reservation, or make a more intimate limited release tasting reservation in their library for $50.

Nickel & Nickel- This is my very favorite winery of all time. As members of this winery, we go to all of their parties and have had the opportunity to taste here and take the tour many, many times, but every time is better than the last!! I can't imagine Napa without this little country winery, and I hope you'll love it. The tour is $65/person, and requires reservations.

Rombauer- My go-to chardonnay. I always come home with at least a few bottles from here, and they don't make it a week in San Francisco before they're gone. Great spot for a casual, pop in tasting. Starting at $20 for a flight.

Opus One Winery - This is one of the most globally recognized names in luxury wine. Tasting is pricey, at $45-$60 a glass, but it's a bucket list winery! So gorgeous... and incredible wine. Make sure you head straight to the terrace once you get your glass! Some of the best views in Napa.

Sterling - Sterling is famous for its over-the-top gondola ride to their tasting room! A great spot for out-of-towners to get a view of the vineyards. Tastings start at $29.

My friend Julie & I tasting from the barrel..
How do I ship one of these home?

Beringer-  This pretty winery is a great first tour for Napa newbies. They will teach you how to taste wine, pair it with cheese, and the nuances behind each sip. I love the barrel tasting tour because you get to taste directly from cabernet in an aging oak barrel. Very cool!

Far Niente Wines

Far Niente Winery - Far Niente is well regarded throughout Napa and everywhere as one of the very best wines, and their property is as beautiful and elegant as you would expect. Sister winery to Nickel & Nickel, Far Niente has an amazing tour and tasting, but it's restricted to members of their wine club (shout out to my family who are members have gotten me in for tastings many times) It is still worth mentioning though, as it is one of the very best. 

Auberge Du Soleil. Ah, the Auberge. If I had all the money in the world, I would stay here every time I went to Napa. But with room rates a little out of my price range, I'll settle for taking in a sunset glass of wine on their elegant patio overlooking the valley. Can't beat this view. 

for the foodie

Bottega- This spot in Yountville ranks right up there with my favorite dinner spots anywhere. Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello brings his top notch chef skills to this amaaaazing contemporary californian-italian restaurant in an atmosphere so uniquely Napa. Check out their incredible wine list and think of me when you order a glass of Nickel & Nickel merlot. The Nickels are great friends with Bottega, and it's actually where I had my very first glass of my now-favorite wine. 

Farmstead- This farm-to-table restaurant in Rutherford is an amazing spot, and my go-to every time I'm in Napa. Think all-american food with a contemporary California twist.  I always start with the grilled artichoke appetizer or the meatballs, and I recently had their barbecued ribs with mac and cheese (amaaaaazing). You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. And save room for dessert here because it is delicious! Another one of my favorite things about this place- their outdoor bar area with fire pits at night. Not to mention wine on tap. Because, Napa. 

Fremont Diner- This is a great brunch or lunch spot in Sonoma, but expect a wait. It is right by Domaine Carneros, so is a great spot to go eat before or after tasting there if you're in this area. It's also on the way from SF to Napa, making it the perfect pit-stop. I love the Fremont Diner on a nice day because they have a big outdoor area and the food is so, so good. The vibe is southern with mason jar milkshakes, pulled pork sandwiches, and their famous chicken & waffles... makes me feel like I'm right back at UNC getting brunch before a football game :)

Mustard's Grill - A greeaaat spot. This restaurant has been serving up American food to Napa locals and visitors alike for over 30 years. Many people's favorite.  

Redd Wood - Full disclosure: I was quite tipsy on wine when we finally stumbled into Redd Wood for dinner. But I wouldn't have it any other way. This place is great. We had a huge round table with our group of 10 people, and were surrounded by the coolest atmosphere. Rich, dark wooden walls, a cooly lit up bar with dozens of single light bulbs lining it, like a starry night. The modern doors are trimmed in chic, black metal and the whole restaurant is an interior designer's dream. Our wine-drunken selves loooooveed (and devoured) the gourmet pizza they are famous for (although their small plates are also superb). 

The French Laundry - I have not yet had the opportunity to eat at this renowned Napa restaurant, often voted the very best restaurant in the WORLD. But, I have walked by their beautiful organic gardens and often dreamt about eating there one day. Their menu is a 9-course tasting menu complete with wine pairings, and, word on the street is each person has their own waiter. Talk about a dining experience unlike any other, more like you're eating at someone's home than in a restaurant. 

where to stay

Vintage Inn

If you're a golfer you'll love the Silverado.
Here's my brother, Alex, golfing in Napa last weekend

This French Chateau-styled hotel has all of the things I love... Fireplaces in the room, a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, free champagne breakfast buffet.... and the delicious waffles I still crave often! I think if you're looking for the perfect Napa experience, Yountville is where you want to be. It's an adorable small wine town with the best restaurants (Bottega, French Laundry, Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty) vintageinn.com

Silverado Resort & Spa

This resort, complete with tennis and a gorgeous golf course, is a great option for staying overnight in Napa. Just off the Silverado trail (where many of the wineries I mentioned are), it's the perfect location for your getaway. Silveradoresort.com

Napa is great any time of year. I've been in the sunshine and I've been in the rain and it is always a beautiful getaway. And, located just an hour outside of San Francisco, it's easy to combine these two amazing places into one trip. If you have any questions, let me know!

Craving an amazing chilled glass of California chardonnay yet?  Welcome to the club.
Here are a few of my favorite wines you can get today!

Cheers,

Christina
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When in Rome ...

Pizza, gelato and well-dressed Italian men... what more do you need?

Well, how about 2800 years of history, masterpieces of art, magnificent architecture, and countless cobblestone roads filled with romance, wine, and vespas??? Let's go to Rome. 

            

for the tourist
Vatican City

Located entirely within Rome, the headquarters of the Catholic Church is actually also the smallest country in the world, at only .2 square miles. Don't miss this masterpiece-packed sight during your trip.

St. Peter's Basilica. The most famous sight in the Vatican. This dazzling church is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Stunning doesn't even begin to describe the 500 year-old largest church in the world. Around 20,000 visitors go through what many consider to be the "Center of Christianity" on a busy day. If you're planning on being one of them, don't forget to dress appropriately! No bare knees or shoulders.  

Sistine Chapel. You also won't want to miss Michelangelo's famous masterpiece on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel. It is one of the most treasured works of art in the world and will leave you in absolute awe.  

The Colosseum

Of course, how can you go to Rome without visiting the icon of the ancient city. The amphitheater, once used for gladiator contests, was constructed in... wait for it... drumroll please.... 70 AD.  You read that right. The history in this city is absolutely incredible, and you won't want to miss the tour of the Colosseum. Take either a self-guided audio tour or one accompanied by a tour guide, so you can hear the rich stories that the Roman Colosseum has to offer. 

The Pantheon

Along with the Colosseum, the Pantheon is another one of Rome's iconic sights to see. Currently a catholic church, it's located in the center of a cute square lined with outdoor dining restaurants. Lots of romantic spots and gorgeous city settings. 

The Trevi Fountain

No trip to Rome is complete without tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that, if you toss one in, you will be back to visit the city again. Toss your coin, make a wish, and witness the magic of the city. 

Roman Forum

Full of history, the Roman Forum was the ancient center of the Roman Empire, and parts of it still stand today. If you're a history buff, you'll love seeing the remains of the heart of the fallen Roman Empire. 

Piazza di Spagna

Less of a sight and more of a destination, the Spanish Steps serve as a central meeting place in Rome. Every day and especially at sunset, people gather to meet up or just sit and watch the crowds go by. It's been a magnet for visitors and locals alike in Rome since the 1700's.  Definitely a great spot, with lots of shopping, dining, and hotels all around.  

Out with friends this Summer in Roma!

for the girls

Okay, so I have to admit that I've shopped my way around the world. And Rome, mis amicis, is some of the best shopping I have ever experienced. First of all, it's so easily walkable. There are streets and streets of all your favorite department stores, boutiques, and italian designers you've never even heard of. The most famous is Via Del Corso, as well as the streets that radiate from it. Take an afternoon, burn off that gelato and shop until you drop into that glass of italian wine at dinner. On Via Del Corso, you'll find so much variety. With the well-known top designers, the huge amazing H&M's and Zaras, and the hole in the wall Italian leather shops, you can't go wrong. Also check out the street Via del Boschetto, full of less chain stores and more boutiques and artisan stores. For men, no matter where you shop in Rome, you're going to want to splurge on an Italian suit. It'll be half the price of what you would pay for one of that quality in the states, so go for it. For the women, been dreaming of that perfect leather jacket? An awesome colored leather wallet? Italy has some of the finest leather in the world. Take advantage, and come home with some killer gifts for your loved ones.. or yourself. After all, why get a magnet for your refrigerator of the Colosseum when you can get some new Prada shoes and call them your Italian souvenir. 

Me on the Spanish Steps before the crowds

Where to stay

It won't take you long to get your grounds in Rome. By the second time I visited the city, I knew it backwards and forwards. With so many iconic landmarks, it's hard to get lost, so have fun exploring the city and walking everywhere. There are so many hotels in Rome, and most popular places to stay if you're in a hotel or hostel are close to the center of the city, so it's easy to get around. Personally, I recommend being by the Spanish Steps, as it's a great area of the city, close to everything, and right next to one of the main train stations to get you anywhere you want to go.  The Hotel Esquilino comes highly recommended by my best friend who stayed there for her honeymoon recently and had a blast. She says it is a great value, has charming service, fresh breakfasts and a prime location in the center of the city!!

Check out these hotels: 
Hotel Esquilino

Intercontinental De La VilleRome 

Inn at the Spanish Steps 

Albergodel Senato at the Pantheon 

Where to have a drink

The Hassler
The famous luxury 5-Star Hassler Hotel rests on the top of the Spanish Steps and boasts one of the most romantic settings in Rome. Go there for a drink on the upper patio and enjoy the panoramic view of the city that will leave you breathless. The Hassler. Piazza della Trinita dei Monti 00187 Rome, Italy

Go to a Wine Bar 

Wine bars abound the streets of Rome. Glasses of impeccable Italian wine with dinner are not a luxury in Rome, it's the standard.  Check out Trimani, in the city center near Termini train station, as it's one of the best known wine bars in town, with all the labels you winos will be looking for. 

Roscioli, also near the center of the city, is also famous for it's food and is super trendy. Definitely worth checking out for a great night out! 

The Albert

Check out the Albert pub for a beer by the Trevi Fountain. This traditional British Pub is a great place to stop and grab a drink. Via del Traforo 132

Campo de Fiori

Tossed a coin in the Trevi with my brother.. and yes, I've been back!

Check out this picturesque piazza, lined with bars & pubs. Gets pretty crazy on summer nights. Need somewhere to start? Check out The Drunken Ship, or La Vineria!

Via della Pace

More upscale than Campo de Fiori.. This street is just a couple blocks West from Piazza Navona and is a great spot to grab a drink or go out at night. 

Go on a tourist bar crawl!
This is what we did this summer! A group of 10 girls and I were hanging out by the Spanish steps and got approached by a rep from one of the tour companies that run nightly bar crawls in the city. It was awesome because they took us to so many bars that we would have never have known about- we even went to a party on a yacht as part of the night!!! At only about $20 a person, this is definitely a great idea for a night out with friends, and a great way to meet people while traveling! 

for the foodies

Gabriele Bonci's Pizzarium
With the chef being dubbed the "Michelangelo of pizza", you're not going to want to miss this place. Prices are reasonable and I know you're already craving some Roman pizza, so you better put this gem on your itinerary!

Pizzarium. Via della Meloria 43, The famous chef also gives pizza making lessons, what a fun idea for your trip!

Fortunato al Pantheon

frequented by diplomats and celebrities alike, this classic Italian eatery is a perfect place to have your typical Italian meal, complete with menu items such as the tagliolini, fresh fish, ravioli, artichoke meatballs, and a fantastic wine list. Fortunato. Via del Pantheon 55

Il Passetto

This cute restaurant is located right on Piazza Navona. A gorgeous setting. Try the white truffle fettucine, and, of course, limoncello for dessert. It's been around for awhile and was actually where my dad asked my mom to marry him so many years ago!! A perfect romantic Italian meal, and, in the summer, beautiful outdoor seating. 

What a city. 

If you're planning a trip to Europe or Italy, do not miss out on this iconic paradise that manages to combine it's magnificent history with it's bustling city life. Get out there and roam Rome! 

Don't forget to take time to relax, sip on a glass of Italian wine, watch the city crowds go by, and enjoy la dolce vita like only the Italians can. 

Ciao & xoxo

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Cape Town, South Africa

When I was a sophomore in college, I joined 500 other college students on the trip-of-a-lifetime aboard a ship circumnavigating the world in 110 days. On board the University of Virginia's Semester at Sea abroad program, we were immersed in each of the cultures of Hawaii, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Mauritius, South Africa, Ghana, and Brazil. Every day was an adventure, and as I explained in my very first post on this blog, my passion for travel was officially ignited. After I got back from abroad, everyone's very first inquiry into my trip was "So, what country did you like best?" Yes, I loved each and every country for different reasons. Yet, without any hesitation, I would answer, telling everyone all about how, in six short days, I fell completely and totally head-over-heels in love with 

Cape Town, South Africa

Maybe it was the incredible tip-of-the-world feeling you get from being in the southernmost city in Africa. Or maybe it was the unique combination of the bright African culture and the beautiful English colonial influence. Maybe it was the rich history. Maybe it was the nightlife and the delicious South African hard cider I had at every local pub, or possibly the gorgeous hikes to the top of Table Mountain. Maybe it was seeing the penguins on the beach, or tasting wines in the wine country, or maybe it was just the unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Whatever the reason was, I fell in love with the city of Cape Town, and I know that you all will too. 

I took this photo of a sunset in Camp's Bay. This unedited picture doesn't even do the African sunsets justice. Incredible colors light up the sky like you have never seen before. It is magical. 

Table Mountain

My nana is the most traveled person you will ever meet. Her love for travel began when she was my age and has never died down. She is in the Centurian Club (you can only be a part of this exclusive bunch if you've been to over a hundred countries) and her and my 
grandfather spend much of their retired life aboard various around-the-world cruises that take them traveling the globe for four months at a time. When they're not out seeing the world, they are enjoying their gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean from the deck of their charming oceanside home in La Jolla, California. What a life. Anyways, my nana is my guru when it comes to travel. She's been everywhere, she's done most everything, and she has great advice. Which is why I was so incredibly excited about getting the opportunity to go to Cape Town, South Africa while on my Semester at Sea. Nana had told me that it was easily among her top five places in the world, which is huge coming from someone so well-traveled. She also gave me the important advice to make sure that I was on deck when we were pulling into port aboard the ship, as it was one of the most beautiful cities to see from the water that she had ever seen. This was incredible advice, as I still remember being completely awestruck pulling into the Victoria & Alfred Harbor, stunned at the beauty of the majestic mountains, the bright red sunrise, and the colonial-inspired old-world-city-turned-modern-metropolis nestled beautifully on the most southern tip of Africa. I could see right in that moment that Cape Town has everything you could ever want in a destination. Views, beaches, hikes, wines, nightlife, history, culture, africa, wildlife, safaris, and of course those to-die-for South African accents. No wonder people rave about this place so much. 

For the tourist

Cape of Good Hope.

The Cape of Good Hope is where the Indian Ocean famously meets the Atlantic Ocean. It's absolutely gorgeous, and a must-see if you're in South Africa. I did a bike tour all the way to the cape, which was a great way to see it. But you can hike, drive, or bike your way there, and you can bring a picnic too! 

Stop at Boulder's Penguin Colony in Simonstown on your way and see thousands of penguins playing in the water and eating the mussels! You can get super close to them and it's sure to be a highlight of your trip! 

V&A Waterfront: Lively at all hours of the day and night, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a great gathering place for Cape Town tourists and locals alike. Sprinkled with shops, restaurants, pubs, and outdoor entertainment, it's one of my favorite places in Cape Town! Go to breakfast at Melissa's Food Shoppe - so cute and delicious! And for dinner, choose one of the many delicious restaurants. I liked Sevruga so much that I went  to dinner there twice! Gorgeous outdoor seating on the water and I had the most delicious fresh South African seafood there, including southern hemisphere fish that I had never even heard of. The menu also had other delicacies such as ostrich, springbok, alligator, and more as well as a killer wine & cocktail list. One of my favorite things about Cape Town is that they don't hike the wine prices up in restaurants- so you can get a delicious bottle of wine under ten bucks at a fancy restaurant- CRAZY! Also, beers, even at nice restaurants like this one, will only run you about $1.50. Amazing. This restaurant also gave us free "springbok shooters" for dessert each time we were there since they were excited that it was our first time in South Africa (a mint chocolate shooter named after South Africa's famous springbok animals) -- how could I say no to that!?

Wine country
While studying international business on Semester at Sea, I got to learn a lot about each country's economics and business before visiting them. Yes, I loved learning about the Japanese electronics industry and the bullet trains, and of course the Chinese manufacturing, and the Indian textiles... but let's face it, when my professor told me we were going to study the South African wine industry for weeks, including touring vineyards, wine tasting and learning about the marketing of the wines across the world, I was pretty excited, to say the least.  Along with getting to taste delicious wines, especially the famous South African unique red wine, Pinotage, I also learned a ton about the industry. Including just how difficult it is to get good wine exported if you're not a French or Italian label. The South African global wine market is in its young stages but is rapidly growing, making a very exciting place to go wine tasting. South Africa not only has arguably one of the best regions for growing wine, it's also one of the only lucky wine regions around the world where the vintages match the views. 

Wine has been in production here since 1652, but they're just beginning to get noticed by the top wine connoisseurs in the world. Which means not only great things for Cape Town and South Africa- but great things for all of us, as the prices of these wines are, for the time being, incredibly low compared to the hyped Bordeauxs and Napa Valleys of the world. If you find yourself in South Africa, wine tasting is a must, as you'll get to taste some of the most delicious and most affordable wines you'll never be able to get back in the States.

Stellenbosch Wine Route- along this wine route you'll find many vineyards (or as the locals call them winefarms) that host wine tasting, among the most famous are:

Waterford Estate- four words: Wine and chocolate tasting. Here, you'll sit at a gorgeous courtyard table and be greeted with fine Belgian chocolates specially crafted onsite to match each wine you'll taste from the estate. Talk about a perfect afternoon!

Warwick - Family-owned with many award winning wines and views you wish you could get back home! 

Morgenhof - This beautiful white estate situated among the Stellenbosch mountains has many fine wines, some of which are sold worldwide. 

Gettin up close and personal with these little guys at Boulder's Penguin Colony

Cabrière - Top notch sparkling wines. Prepare to be seduced by the amazing bubbly, the stunning views, and the winery's motto that "wine is bigger than one, it's the combination of four factors. Sun, Soil, Vine, and Man. Not to mention the underground cellar restaurant!

Dieu Donné - Famous for its signature South African pinotage red wine. Many award-winning wines and, of course, like all the stellenbosch winefarms, breathtaking views. 
Franschhoek Wine Route- Another wine route nearby the famed Stellenbosch with great winefarms.

Boekenhoutskloof -famous for it's Wine Spectator top-ranked reds. 

Stony Brook Vineyards - Go here for an open-air, family-run tasting. You'll taste delicious reds (their most famous is their 2003 cabernet sauvignon) and feel like you're welcomed into a local's home.

Boschendal - founded in 1685. One of the first vineyards in the area and a gorgeous example of the famous Cape Dutch architecture in Cape Town.

for the adventurer

Go on a Safari - How can you leave Africa without seeing the big 5? The 'Big Five' are Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes and Rhinos, and you'll hear people referencing them all the time in Africa. Take a daytrip to a safari only hours outside Cape Town, or make it a longer trek to one of the bigger national game reserves in the northern part of South Africa. 

                      

Gondwana Game Reserve- a three hour drive from Cape Town. Rave reviews, and good if you don't have time to fly out of Cape Town.

Wait, we can stay here instead of tents? Sign me up.

Kruger National Park- A more famous safari park, but you'll have to fly there. There are plenty of tour companies that will set everything up for you out of Cape Town, so why not do an overnight tented safari if you have the time! This park is also famed for this youtube video that went viral where safari-goers see a pack of lions kill a buffalo!

Great white shark diving- Yes, this is one of the most popular tourist activities in South Africa. Two hours outside of Cape Town, you can have the most daring adventure of your life and get right up close and personal with some humongous great white sharks. Not for my chicken self,  but I had plenty of friends who raved about the experience. An awesome experience if you've got some serious guts. 

http://www.sharkcagediving.co.za/

Hiking Table Mountain- Table mountain serves as the dramatic backdrop to the seaside city of Cape Town. Just don't go on a day where the "Tablecloth is on the mountain" - meaning there's literally a tablecloth of fog covering the mountain. Beautiful- but not prime for the views. The hike up takes at least three hours, or you can choose to take the cableway up the mountain. At the top you'll find some of the most gorgeous views in the world, and some shops and restaurants. For the more adventurous souls, you can also hang glide over the mountain, getting incredible views from the air! 

Mama Africa's - A great place to take a group for a fun, authentic African meal. I'll admit, I was a little scared to try the warthog and the alligator, but they fry and sautee everything up with amazing African spices... you won't say no! I also remember delicious South African wine flowing at this meal. Take a group, enjoy the fun, African culture, and go home telling everyone you ate Pumba!

Go see a rugby or soccer game- both sports are held near and dear to most South Africans' hearts, and you will love the atmosphere. South Africa was the site of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, and Cape Town's Green Point Stadium lies right on the water. 

Rugby is to South Africa as football is to America. The Cape Town Tens  is the largest Rugby tens tournament in the world and is Africa's biggest rugby party. Think Germany's Oktoberfest meets the Super Bowl. If you happen to be in town, try to catch a game or at least go to a pub to watch! I had some of the best times watching rugby while in Cape Town- I had no idea what was going on at all so I'd be staring intently at the TV's in the pub trying to figure it out... I even had a South African guy come up to me and say "So, you must really like rugby?" Nope, just trying to figure this complicated sport out. Immediately he knew I was American, bought me and friends drinks, and tried to explain to us all about South Africa and rugby. It was awesome hanging out with the locals watching their favorite sport-- So find yourself a pub and some hardcore South African fans and try to figure out the game- It's really fun to watch! 

Robben Island- A great tour of the island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life in imprisonment. You'll leave feeling very somber but cultured about apartheid and the relentless struggle that this beautiful country has been through just in the last twenty years. http://www.robben-island.org.za/

Clifton Beach- A gorgeous beach town area of Cape Town. Fancy, expensive houses (would be an awesome place to rent a house with your family or friends for a week and stay!) and gorgeous beaches. Definitely a beautiful place to spend the day.

Camp's Bay- About a five minute drive from Clifton beach, on the other side of Table Mountain from the V&A Waterfront, lies Camp's Bay- A South Beach-esque favorite. With first class nightclubs, luxe hotels and beautiful people, Camp's Bay is your place if you're into the luxe mixture of beaches, cocktails, and elegant nightlife. 

where to stay

Victoria & Alfred Hotel

A prime location in the V&A Waterfront, this contemporary and elegant hotel is a great choice for your stay. http://www.newmarkhotels.com/hotels/victoria-alfred-hotel/

Mount Nelson

Named after Nelson Mandela, the luxurious Mount Nelson is consistently ranked amongst the nicest hotels in the world. It's elegant colonial architecture and outstanding facilities earn it five stars. It has the old world charm you want in a city like Cape Town, but with modern sophistication you'll love. Definitely a splurge, but at least stop by for brunch (that's what I did)! http://www.mountnelson.co.za/web/ocap/mount_nelson_hotel.jsp

Twelve Apostles Hotel in Camp's Bay

Often ranked the Best Hotel in Cape Town, this five star boutique hotel in Camp's Bay is your place if you want to be near the beautiful beaches. http://www.12apostleshotel.com/

The Bay Hotel. For value and a beautiful setting on the beach in Camp's Bay, the Bay Hotel is your place. http://www.thebayhotel.com/

Long Street

If you're looking for cheap hostels and a whole lotta nightlife- Long Street is your destination. Tons of bars and a really fun, young scene. It gets pretty crazy at night, definitely one of the wildest streets I've ever been to, and is tons of fun!

know before you go:

The summer months are December-February, and it's hot but not humid- beautiful beach weather. The water is cold (you're pretty far down south!), so don't plan on swimming if you're not there in the summer. I thought the climate was similar to California when I was there in April, as it was pretty mild, around 75, but sunny. 

When I left Cape Town, I couldn't help but feel like I could live there. It has many similarities to my home city of San Francisco, but with an African flavor and an amazingly fun culture all it's own. I would say Cape Town is like a mix of Australia, with it's fun-loving, carefree lifestyle and beautiful beaches, and San Francisco, with it's mild weather, fog, wine country, and charming architecture. San Francisco + Australia? Now if that isn't perfection, I don't know what is. 

Hope you're all enjoying whatever paradise you're exploring this holiday season! Until next time,