At end of our trip, we took a chance to take Transrapid Syatem which took us to airport from city in just 8 minutes. It is fastest rail system in commercial operation in world. At its top speed of 430km/h, it really gave us a thrilling experience and made 50RMB worth cost!

However, one strong disappointment hit us when we got to airport. Knowing that we still had more than an hour before departure gate closed, we hoped to enjoy a cup of coffee. Inside restricted area, we failed to find any proper cafes and only place we found offered proper coffee at a price of 48RMB and instant coffee at a price of 28RMB. Considering that area was not particularly well-kept, coffee at such a price was obviously not worthwhile.

All in all, experience was a very good one. I am sure that Shanghai will continue to set as a good model for many other cities to follow in China and we are proud of home country.

Life on ocean wave means boating, surfing, kite surfing, water-skiing, rock pools or just paddling. The sandy, white beaches stretch all way along two coasts, one on Indian Ocean, one on Atlantic Ocean, with something to occupy everyone.

Animal life abounds, both in wild and in more structured environments. The Two Oceans Aquarium in Waterfront offers glimpses of diverse life found off South African coastline.

Down in harbour, seals lounge around in sun, entertaining visitors. Bird life is spectacular, from Egrets, Pelicans, Terns, Oyster Catchers, through to Flamingo’s and birds of prey.

Away from coast, wonderful inland towns such as Stellenbosch support a unique wine route, with hundreds of different wine estates. The Cape Dutch houses, with beautiful furniture and an insight into a life no longer with us, bring a whole new meaning to word museum, whilst tasting of wines produced on these estates bring us firmly back into modern day.

Busy holidays, lazy holidays, a combination of two – all are on offer in this magical place, whilst sun shines down with benevolence on a world in one country.

Helen Palmer is the author of the website www.magical-cape-town-vacations.com, whose family’s love of Cape Town was spawned some 30 years ago, when her aunt moved there to live. Regular visits and a genuine love of travel persuaded Helen to share her passion.