United We Stand

We had a driving day today; through the Cape of Good Hope National Park to Cape Point.

It was a really nice drive, but we were both a bit disappointed with Chapman's Peak Drive. Mr A had found this on google and it looked amazing; a windy road hugging the mountainside along the coast. However, we didn't seem to be on it for long and reality was far from expectation.
At least we can say we've been there though.

Cape Point was good to see, but a mythical place as its touted as the place where you could see the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet; our tour guide told us yesterday that the dividing line is a myth!
There was a line in the ocean, which I guess could be perceived to be a marker, but I think it was just a current.

The funicular up to Cape Point lighthouse was a must (no way were we climbing all the steps!) and at the top we saw our first baboon! We witnessed him snatch someone's bag, before eating their oranges; he then went on to raid the dustbins.

After Cape Point, we drove to Boulders beach to see the Penguins. There were loads of them, many just babies; it was great to see them up close and they weren't at all bothered by us being there.

On our way home, we made a small detour to visit the Manchester United supporters club in Cape Town. We were invited by one of the committee members who'd seen a tweet by Mr A about us coming to South Africa. We felt it polite to attend, especially when they'd been so kind as to extend the invitation.

We weren't sure what to expect on arrival, especially when it appeared to be a residential area. However, we were greeted by Enrique who escorted us to the club which was a converted double garage in his friend Ricardo's house! It was like the greatest man cave ever!!! They had so much stuff in there and the passion they had for the club was off the charts.
We were told they had 100 official members and a few honorary ones. Lady members were almost equal in number to the guys and there was a 'family' feeling to the whole club.
On match days, Ricardo (who is the club Chairman) opens up his garage, adds a marquee outside and rolls down a big screen so they can watch the match. On some days, they can have over 100 people there!
They were really disappointed we couldn't go and watch the City game with them on Saturday.

I confessed, I expected a working men's club with a few old guys there, but their club surprised me and the guys were really good fun.
Mr A kept them regaled with stories and it was heartwarming to watch their reactions and know that he's possibly the closest they will ever get to Old Trafford.

We were presented with a pin badge (officially for members only) which is for this season and one of the other guys there, Mal, gave me his own scarf.
He is currently in the process of having new club scarves made, so at present there are only 3 of them in the world! That was such a grand gesture by him, I was really overwhelmed.

Luckily, we went prepared with a few gifts to say thank you.
Mr A managed to get a signed shirt (Antonio Valencia) and some signed photos that we mounted and framed, including one of the boss, Jose Mourinho, which he'd added a personal message to.

When he gave them the first set of photos, Ric said 'are you shitting me?!', it was hilarious!
They were bowled over by it all, despite already having lots of other memorabilia.

We gathered for photos, then Enrique escorted us back to the main road (we were informed we were in a salubrious part of town!).

Another invitation arrived via Twitter, from another MU fan who manages a restaurant not too far from our hotel, so again we felt we had to go and at least say hi.
His name was Kurt and he greeted Mr A like a long lost friend! It was funny that he knew things about us; it's easy to forget the power of social media.

We ended up staying for a meal with him and again, Mr A told him lots of stories about his job at the club. Kurt refused to let us pay for the meal, so Mr A gave him some signed player photos (they're a great currency!)

I'm a little sad to be leaving Cape Town; I love this place and I'm sure there are many more places and people to see, but Hermanus (and the sharks) are waiting!

Today's blip had to be the supporters club, there'll be plenty more scenic blip days to come.
Pictured l-r are: Mal (from the uk, tall guy), Ricardo, his wife and youngest son, Mr A and I, Enrique and Musa.