The Republic of Cape Town

Upon landing at Cape Town International, a regional radio station's slogan perfectly summed up the vibe of this city... The Republic of Cape Town.
This place really feels like it might even be a Martian colony. OK, maybe that's a bit OTT but from its clueless drivers who seem to have no clue of K53 rules to its weird landscape (I mean the sea seems to be like everywhere), I'm pretty justified in saying this is largely different to life on the east coast.
I have to admit, I have been pleasantly surprised by other things. Things in town are relatively safe compared to back home, although I'm still in the habit of watching my back ALL THE TIME, and I can walk longer distances here without the worry of getting harassed for my phone.
Living in a commune away from my family for the first time is not as bad as I expected it to be. In fact, I hardly sleep due to long conversations with interesting housemates from as far away as Germany. There is always someone who wants to know something, or someone who wants to know where you from and how you think. However, housemates beware, I'm cooking tonight and it might not be pretty.
One thing that really made me feel at home was mass at St. George's on Sunday. Man, those people can sing. Seriously the best mass I've ever been to... ever. Freak, I'd move here just for that. Yet, there is so much more I want to see, just not right now with the large hole burnt in my pocket. Not just the obvious places like Table Mountain and Robben Island, but also lesser known places of interests. Just got to figure what those are but it will definitely involve the arts such as theatre and music.
The Media industry here is soooo different. The radio stations are so cool, I'd find way to listen to them back home. Waking up to Nigel Pierce's madness with his trusty minion "the Knob" on Good Hope, takes me back to my high school days of Mark Gillman and Danger Boy on 5FM. What a rad station. So in touch with their audience and clearly reflective of life in the Western Cape.
I also think the newsroom here is largely different to Durban newsrooms. Seminars like "the Brown Bag", allow reporters and editors to share views on important issues very candidly. I think that is just wonderful. Even outside of seminars, senior staff here are so approachable and engaging.
Well, here's hoping that life in CT brings more discoveries over the next few months.
Right now, my news nose has got some work to do.