My Indie Travel Notebook this week at Yahoo! News focuses on the South African city of Cape Town, which is often mentioned alongside places like Rio de Janeiro, Paris and Sydney as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated on a mountainous promontory, the city’s two seaboards offer sprawling views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. In addition to its dramatic setting, Cape Town also makes a great destination for its food and wine, as well as its proximity to the cultural and wildlife attractions of southern Africa. With the antipodean spring nearing full bloom, I contacted Tony Pinchuck, co-author of The Rough Guide to Cape Town and the Garden Route, for more insights on this classic world city.

The full interview is online here, but here’s a quick tip from Pinchuck on dealing with street crime in South Africa:

Crime is undoubtedly a problem in all South Africa’s cities. Having said that, the vast majority of visitors encounter no problems. In [our book], we advise readers to be awake, but not paranoid – probably advice that would stand them in good stead anywhere. Among the specific tips we give are:

• Try not to look like a tourist.
• Dress down.
• Avoid carrying cameras openly in the city center.
• In the unlikely event of your being accosted, remain calm and cooperative and don’t look your assailant in the face.