The cobbled streets here are lined with painted houses. As it turns evening, the Muslim call to prayer rings out from minarets nearby. The undulating sound reverberates off the pastel buildings, whose colors shimmer in the sun’s dimming light.

You can forget yourself in Bo-Kaap, the colorful district adjacent to Signal Hill and the city center. Residing on the side of a hill, Bo-Kaap has a distinct feel from all of Cape Town, and is not quite like anything in all of South Africa, perhaps the world.

Bo-Kaap is the traditional Cape Malay area, established by former slaves that were brought in by the Dutch from the Indian Ocean region. They were the skilled artisans and craftsmen. Unlike the sad story of District Six, which was bulldozed by the Apartheid government, Bo-Kaap survived in the same form as it when was first made in the 18th century. The houses are painted every pastel color imaginable. Perhaps Apple took their color scheme for their iPods directly from the houses.

Bo-Kaap ranges from quaint, friendly and peaceful, to slightly sketchy. On the edges of the district are buildings that resemble American projects and gang graffiti, one of which reads, “Bo-Kaap West Side”.

From the top of Bo-Kaap, you can see the city bowl quite well. Another thrity minute hike up, and you’re on Signal Hall.