• January 28, 2004
  • Posted by Marc

THE ESSENTIALS #26 - The Essentials of Cape Town, South Africa by Carl

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Essential Guide to Cape Town, South Africa by Carl Newby of CircusNinja. Laboratories


Cape
Town is an amazing city; we’ve got some of the most picturesque scapes with
white sand beaches, mountains and wine farms all easily accessible. You can pick
up a number of city guides at the many backpackers scattered around town, but
what you’ll struggle to find is what I’m going to try tell you a bit about…
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The town area is not very big and if you looking for something to do at
night go down to Long Street where most of the things happen… Bars like Jo’burg
and Marvel are always busy and you’re bound to meet some interesting people.
Camps Bay is the prissy capital and if you want to get sundowners and feel part
of some stupid movie then head on down to Victoria Street.

If you
want to get your stuff seen from a street art perspective the most effective way
is to stick up in Long Street, watch out for the cctv cameras on every corner.
Other “hotspots” include De Waal Park on Camp Street, and Kloof Street. But the
city as a whole is well travelled and quick to walk through… Stick artists
getting up include Theory, Toe and PotFiction. Street-art clothing label
CircusNinja. Laboratories is also well spread.

If you want to buy
paint LT Discount paints in lower main road, Woodstock is a good place;
otherwise Baseline Studios on Long Street [next to Mr. Pickwicks] often has a
bit of stock. The local paints available are Duco, Spray-On, Spectra and Aerolak
which are all of a below par standard [compared to paints like Rustoleum,
Molotov, the Montana’s and Krylon] Spray-On and Duco are probably your best
bets. Paint is also pretty available from most hardware stores and supermarkets.
There is not real availability of international paint but if you meet other
artists ask around as there is a bit of circulation. Local paints are all male
cans and therefore use female caps. You can buy most stencil cutting equipment,
including triplex board at graphics shops like The Deckled Edge. Print stickers
at Wizards and Silver Banana, or ask around…

If you get hungry
while in Cape Town eat at Mr. Pickwicks and Royale, pickwicks is world renowned
for their super good milkshakes and Royale Eatery has a good variety menu at
decent prices, otherwise Fontana’s Roastery has some good cheap chicken
deals.

Don’t hesitate to get hold of me if you want to know anything
more about Cape Town or if you’re coming for a visit.

I don’t endorse
any of the companies mentioned in this guide and are using their names purely as
an indicator to help foreign travellers.

Carl_Newby@hotmail.com
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