The Watershed — Local services in Foreshore

Alright, lekker people, let's chat about the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront. If you haven't been, or if you're a tourist looking for a proper Capetonian take, listen up. The Vibe: The Watershed is basically a massive, beautifully designed warehouse filled with the best local craft and design. Think of it as a curated market, but way more permanent and polished. It's got that trendy, industrial-chic feel, with high ceilings and loads of natural light. It's buzzing, but not overwhelmingly so, making it a great spot for a casual browse or a serious shopping spree. What You'll Find: Local Design: This is the heart of the Watershed. Expect to see stunning ceramics, hand-crafted jewellery, unique clothing, leather goods, and all sorts of decor items. You're supporting local artists and makers, which is a big plus. Art and Sculpture: There are often impressive art installations and sculptures on display, adding to the visual feast. Kids' Stuff: Plenty for the little ones, too. Think locally made toys, clothing, and creative workshops. Food and Drink: There are some food and drink vendors within the Watershed, from coffee to small bites. It's not a full-on food market, but you won't go hungry or thirsty. Workshops and Events: Keep an eye out for workshops and events, from jewellery making to design talks. They add another dimension to the Watershed experience. Price Ranges: Prices vary wildly. You can find small, affordable gifts like handmade soaps or keychains, or splash out on high-end art and furniture. Expect to pay a premium for unique, locally made items. It's not your typical bargain market. Generally, you can find small items from R50 upwards, and larger higher quality items can cost thousands of rand. Activities: Shopping: Obviously, this is the main draw. It's a fantastic place to find unique souvenirs and gifts. Browsing and People-Watching: Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Attending Workshops: If you're lucky enough to catch a workshop, it's a fun and educational experience. Enjoying the V&A Waterfront: The Watershed is just one part of the V&A Waterfront, so you can easily combine your visit with a meal, a boat trip, or a walk along the harbour. Best Times to Visit: Weekdays: Generally less crowded than weekends. Mornings: The light is beautiful, and it's a good time to avoid the midday heat. Avoid peak tourist season if you don't like crowds. December and January are very busy. First Thursday's: if you want a buzzy atmosphere, the first thursday of every month the V&A stays open later, and the watershed is included in that. Capetonian Verdict: The Watershed is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates local design and craftsmanship. It's a bit pricey, but you're paying for quality and supporting local talent. It's a great spot to bring visitors, or just to treat yourself to something special. Just remember to bring your wallet, and prepare to be...

[Very Long Read]

Meet MARIA, or at least that's what I was told her name was. She was rude, and personally accounted for the worst shopping/sightseeing experience we have ever experienced.

My family and I were happily walking through the beautiful Watershed and browsing through all the cute little shops, until we walked into this place that sold vibrantly colored/patterned African clothing and fabrics, with MARIA sitting behind the cashier.

We picked out a few items that were interesting, and were happily browsing through the rest of the place, and that was when MARIA got up and walked straight to us.

"Can I help you with something?" She said in a surprisingly unfriendly tone, nothing we had experienced in our 3 week trip here.

"Oh thank you, we are just browsing." I answered, and was met with the most ridiculous remark I had ever received while shopping.

"BROWSING? I hope you are not trying to STEAL my design!" Maria scolded back.

Not wanting to escalating the situation and ruin our day, we decided to just leave, so we said "Excuse me, that was just very rude, and we are leaving," but MARIA would not let go.

"Oh, that's what YOU PEOPLE do, YOU CHINESE always do this, you come in and you STEAL my design!"

Granted, we are an Asian family and completely look the part, black hair, black eyes, yellow skin and all, but 2 of us were visiting from Los Angeles, and the other has been local to Cape Town for almost 30 years. This accusation was completely uncalled for.

At that point we decided to look for a management office to file a formal complaint, but was told by a few security guards that it was not open on a Sunday.

But it gets better.

We walked through the rest of the Watershed with no further issues, all the shops were beautiful and the owners were all as friendly as can be. We walked by MARIA's place a second time and snapped this photo.

That's when she charged out of her spot and chased us all the way to the marina side of the exit. She yelled at us when we tried to reason, and this time claiming 1 she had never seen us in her store. and 2 she had never said those things.

She continued to follow us in a threatening manner, even attempting to block one of our female family members from leaving, and that was when we were forced to call for security, but none of them did anything.

We finally managed to leave the area after causing quite a scene in front of all the visitors. I am sure there would be some record left on your surveillance system or daily log. If not, that means your security department has failed.

Yes, the Waterfront is beautiful, and the Watershed is a lovely setup, but one bad incident, like the one we encountered with MARIA, can ruined a perfect day for visitor who came from thousands of miles...

The Watershed stands out as a unique shopping destination, offering a diverse range of products and services. The variety here is impressive, with everything from food and ice cream to clothes, accessories, toys, and even massages.

The food options at The Watershed are commendable, featuring good quality and a pleasant variety that caters to different tastes. The ice cream, a particular highlight, is reasonably priced and makes for a delightful treat while browsing the shops. The massages offered are also well-priced, providing a nice touch of relaxation to the shopping experience. However, it's worth noting that the massage area lacks privacy, as it is set up in a more open setting.

When it comes to shopping for clothes, accessories, and toys, the prices at The Watershed lean towards the higher end, reflecting tourist-oriented pricing. For those looking for more budget-friendly options, these items might feel overpriced. Personally, I find the nearby mall to be a better option for these types of purchases, offering more competitive pricing.

Overall, The Watershed is a pleasant place to visit, especially for its food and certain services. However, for shoppers seeking value in terms of clothing and accessories, it might not be the most...