A Perfect Day in Camps Bay

by Alyssa Ramos

Not even a Disney movie could have compared to my perfect day in Camps Bay, so I guess I could say that that day, My Life Was A Disney Movie. I mentioned in my very first blog post about living in Muizenberg, South Africa for the week I volunteered with IVHQ and Dreams to Reality that I realized the first day there that there were a few “trip-relationships” going on, and wondered if I would have one. Well of course, that happened.

That one week felt like forever. It wasn’t long after I met Mr. TDH while eating pizza and using the free Wifi at Primi that he was cleaning blood off of my chin, teaching me how to surf in shark infested waters, and cuddling on the foot-smelling couch in the non-heated, 40 degree volunteer house. That being said, you can probably tell that living in the volunteer house wasn’t exactly glamorous or romantic, so you can imagine how excited I was when he wanted to take me on an actual date in Camps Bay — the “fancy” part of Cape Town.

We took a cab there first thing in the morning, which was apparently too early because Camps Bay was on the same time schedule as LA…nothing opens until at least 10am. So while we waited, we walked along the fluffy white sand beach and (finally) bought handmade paintings on canvas from one of the many local men trying to sell them.

Despite the massive language and culture barrier (he lives in Istanbul), we talked A LOT. Everyone wondered what we were always talking about, but it was anything from the beach trips he took from Istanbul to the coast as a kid, to the major job offer that I was debating taking back in LA that he thought I should. I almost think it’s better that way because it forces both people to actually listen. There’s not a lot of listening and understanding in LA…which kind of makes me want to start speaking in a thick Spanish accent.

Our first official date day was also the first day that it was completely clear and sunny in South Africa for me, and the blue skies couldn’t have been a more perfect contribution to the adorably chic and semi-tropical little town. Finally the first little shop opened, and what could be more perfect on a perfectly sunny day than a perfect scoop of gelato before breakfast?

After we were done with our matching pistachio gelatos, we walked back over to Zen Zero, the restaurant I had chosen that I discovered the weekend before when I was in Cape Town for the night before volunteering. It’s atmosphere had my name written all over it. White elegant yet modern decor with perfectly placed tropical plants and chandeliers covered the open patio where we sat amongst a few other early brunchers who were all already working on their first glasses of white wine.

After I assisted with translating our orders (apparently I can translate English in a Turkish accent to English in a South African accent), they brought me my 40 Rand ($4USD) Pinot Blanc, and a heaping bowl of pasta. “What?” He asked, probably wondering why I had such a massive smile plastered across my face.

“I just had gelato for breakfast, got handmade African paintings, and am now having wine and pasta for brunch…in Cape Town.” I said, still trying to handle my childish excitement. “Best day everrr.” I chimed as if speaking an Instagram caption.

“Well I’m glad, and I’m glad to meet you.” He said with a chuckle and a sweet smile that completely contradicted his brawny appearance. I laughed endearingly at his English grammar attempt and took a sip of my wine to avoid having to make a cute response back. Because I’m not a hard ass or anything.

It was literally the most perfect day ever. There was just one teeny tiny little not-so-perfect problem with our perfect day that we were both trying to ignore…it was also our last day together.

TO BE CONTINUED…