The Observatory Tourism Route

The City of Cape Town has launched the Southern Line Tourism Route, which runs along the Southern Suburbs train line. Tourists can hop off at any of six touristy stations – Cape Town, Newlands, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town… and Observatory, where I live.

I think this is a fantastic idea, and gives us a chance to showcase the delights of Observatory.

I’ve procured some photos of some of the sights.

Observatory being an arty community, first up is a visit to a local gallery for some of the innovative modern art on display. Produced entirely from recycled materials, this work, a collaborative effort by a number of artists, symbolises the rightward shift of the bourgeoisie, both black and white, and predicts a sad end if this trend continues.

Next, in the imaginatively titled Shit on the wall, the artist depicts the original organic nature of humanity, subjugated by artificial cultural barriers.

Finally, the Observatory sports fields. Athletes entering the facility are regularly inspired to achieve record times, encouraged by the friendly locals offering to hold onto their belongings while they compete, sometimes joining the participants in a sprint to the end.

So roll on tourists, what are you waiting for? I plan to pack in my day job and open a little something for the tourists – perhaps a hot dog stand on Station Road. The existing vendors seem to be doing well – their loyal patrons come from far afield in their BMW’s to buy.

Tags: observatory southern line tourism route subway modern art