It's the stuff of dreams for some, but embarking on an African adventure instilled fear into the hearts of many. Every permutation of aweful was brought up - from car jackings and muggings, to painful or just plain aweful parasites. We were warned of them all. It's true: lots can go wrong on this continent. We were barely out of the airport before we were battered and bruised. The folks we first met - sim card sellers, taxi hustlers and bus attendants, even customs officials were beyond friendly, welcoming and just plain delightful. The bus ride into town featured flamingos, zebras and amazing Table Mountain views. Lulled into a false security, we bounced of the bus at Civic Centre positively beaming with our introduction to Africa. This place is amazing! Beaming one minute. Arse up the next. To be fair, we were over packed, under prepared and hadn't done any research. With gear on our fronts and loads hanging off our backs, we were asking for it. The glasses smashed first, the thongs went next and then we were clinging to concrete poles, hoping we'd get out alive. At least Vincent put up a fight. Nikita hit the deck fast. Two blokes across the street were in hysterics, a cab driver stopped to watch and a well dressed chap wandered past; grinning from ear to ear he proffered a friendly "Welcome to Cape Town", before joining in the laughter. Vincent got himself together and came up with a game plan. He recovered the thongs and the broken glasses. Trust nothing here. Not 10 minutes in and we were taken down hard. You'll be happy to know that there was eventually a quick break in the wind - enough to let go of the pole and scurry back into the bus station, but it was touch and go for a bit. Welcome to Cape Town in windy season. Don't say you haven't been warned. Up Next: the real welcome to Cape Town. Colours, vibrancy and beyond friendly people are just the beginning in this amazing place.