wonderfully situated Belgium Bar at the waterfront. We took a sunset cruise and had great views of the port, Table Mountains and the new Green Point stadium, all ready for the World Cup.We felt we had to make the most of the selection of food available in Capetown, as it wouldn’t be around for much longer, so we did lots of eating out. Eating out at fancy places can be a little difficult when you’re backpacking especially when it comes down to what to wear, “Do I wear the creased, but clean t-shirt somewhere at the bottom of my pack? Or the dirty, smelly uncreased t shirt that doesn’t look too bad? (The only reason it isn’t creased is because it’s been on my back for the last few days)” Tough choice.
We were obviously taken aback when we were often threatened by the seemingly nice enough waiters with what they referred to as The Bull. We were aware of the potentially dangerous animals in this country but not however in the confines of the restaurant setting. It was then on finishing the meals, the waiters, who by this time obviously had come to the conclusion (regarding our appearance/odor), that we may not have the financial necessities, would commence their
threats. “Should I bring out the bull now?” they’d sometimes ask, masking the violence with a thin facade of friendliness. As if we had an option. Or “The bull is coming”, was a common one which really got our blood pumping and scared us into reaching for the wallet. Or how about the simple, but effective taunt of, “The bull?” “No! No!” we’d cower,” We’ll pay! We’ll pay! We have money! Anything but the bull!” How these fancy places can still operate with such wild animals in their kitchens, and it wasn’t just us. We overheard a local couple, who seemed relatively calm considering the circumstances, complaining that one night a waiter had brought them a massive bull, which apparently charged over them, or something like. They were difficult to understand,what with that strange accent of theirs.
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