Last day in South Africa and I sit here on the slops Table Mountain, in the Kirstenbosch national botanical gardens, contemplating the views over the Cape flats below.

It feel like I've been here forever, but it's just three weeks since I landed at Oliver Tambo international airport, on the other side of the country,

South Africa truly is a glorious place. Sure it has its problems, I know all to well it's horrendous crime rate, but what country doesn't have problems.

The real miracle is how far it has come on so short a time. When I was at university this country was at war with itself and the world. Daily images on the news showed riots and beatings, with 85% of the population classed as inferior human beings. People not worthy to sit on the same seats as their bosses. People not fit to live in the cities but forced out onto slums and grinding poverty.

How a country can recover from that in so little time and with such lack of bitterness is astounding. With one of the most enlightened constitutions in the world and some of the most amazing sights, South Africa is truly the rainbow nation.

Took a trip up to the top of Table mountain for a spectacular vista of the whole city. I didn't walk up, like some brave souls, but took the easy way via the cable car.

It really is a splendid sight, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles. It really is quite flat up the top and some splendid walks over the plateau. Lots of Dassie's around, basking in the sunshine.

In the distance you can see Robben island, famous from housing many political prisoners including, of course, Nelson Mandela who spent 18 years of his 27 in prison, on the island.

The tours are led by former inmates, who describe life on the island. They now live with former prison guards as neighbours. An amazing story of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The mountain dominates the view of the city. Spectacular and beautiful it must have reminded the prisoners each day of the liberty taken from them.

Nothing can quote prepare you for the stunning sight as you cross the mountains and see Cape Town stretching out before you.

Table mountain stands guard over the city, towering over the Cape flats which are crammed with all kinds of humanity.

The city centre stands crammed between the mountain and the bay. The Victoria and Alfred harbour is the centre of the tourist area on a spectacular vantage point. And yes I do meN Alfred not Albert. It was named after Victoria's second son.

Saw the sunset from the top of signal hill, with most of the population.

Heading to Cape Town and spending time in the wine region. In particulate at the town of Swellendam. At the end of the 18th century this was the edge of the known world. It feels like a frontier hemmed in by mountains baring the way,

Headed south to the tip of Africa at Cape Agullus. Climbed the lighthouse for a dramatic view down the coast. It's where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet causing much turbulence.

Much turbulence caused in my journey when I became the latest victim of South Africa's crime wave when my car was broken into and all my stuff taken. Well they left the Lonely Planet. So a slight change of plan in the afternoon involving statements to thee Police. Everyone was so apologetic. Apparently it's the first time it has happened there. No lasting damage just very annoying.