1 NYC Gal...

by Melissa
(New York, NY)

Hi Alison:

I came across your site on the SBI Forums and wanted to reach out to you (and the other amazing SBI Capetown sites)!

I have the opportunity to rent out my NYC apt for the month of November and go live anywhere in the world (thanks to SBI!!!). So, the big 'dilemma' of course is where to go and I'm seriously considering Capetown!

My basic requirements are:
1) Warm weather in November
2) A walking type city - where renting a car would not be necessary for daily life, but maybe only for weekend trips? I'm more of an urban person, than a suburban girl.
3) Good telecommunications (internet/wireless) because I will be working on my sites, just not in NYC
4) Safe for a single (yet very cool and fun) woman, late 30s
5) A decent place (like a 1 BR apt) plus car, if necessary, for around $2,000 US or less

I believe Capetown might just fit the bill? I would love your feedback and thoughts on what you think of my idea, especially given I've already committed to being homeless in November. And if you do think Capetown is a good fit, where is a good place to live, if any, that is near the beach, but also walking distance to markets, cafes, etc (if this place exists, I'm not sure). Your site looks so wonderful and the photos are breathtaking. I really hope I can make this work. I look forward to hearing back from you at your convenience!

Warmest Regards,

Melissa
NYCInsiderGuide
www.nycinsiderguide.com

Alison's Reply

Hey Melissa,

Great to hear from you!

Cape Town would be a great choice, November weather is good and it's before the Christmas madness.

Of course we would have to compare site notes at some stage ;).

I think the lcoation that would fit the bill for you would be in Green Point/ De Waterkant, a really lovely vibey area within walking distance of the city centre, plus the Waterfront, and also the Sea Point promenade. I can't be sure of the budget, but remember to negotiate - a full month's stay is worth a discount!

It would also give you fairly easy access to the main train station (a short bus trip) if you wanted to head south out of the city and down the Peninsula a ways.

It's not walking distance to great beaches, but a gain a reasonably short (10-15 mins?) bus ride to Clifton and Camps Bay which are lovely ones.

I must warn you that bandwidth is a costly thing in SA - so unlimited internet access in rental apartments may be hard to find :)

But there is at least one great cafe in Mouille Point, right at the foot of the lighthouse, which offers free WiFi access. And there are definitely others in that area too.

To make initial contact with a rental agent you might want to get hold of www.justletting.co.za who are a reputable bunch.