Two days after I got to Cape Town, I lost my phone to the ocean while leaning over the railing of a ferry to get some GoPro footage. All I wanted was to absorb the political history of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, in iPhone-owning peace. That dream was short-lived. Coincidentally, “Baba Yetu,” which is the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili, was playing on my iPhone as it floated to the murky depths of the Atlantic.
The Cape Town Diaries: Rescued from Table Mountain
"Dial 3 for rescue-related emergencies, such as fire or ocean rescues."
"You've reached Vodacom Emergency Services. This is Janice. What can I help you with?"
"HI! I'm currently lost and stuck up the side of Table Mountain and I don't know my way up or how to get down and I think I need help."
"Ma'am, I can't understand you. Can you speak properly please."
Just repeat yourself in a British accent. She'll get it. "I am currently lost and stuck up the side of Table Mountain and I don't know my way up or how to get down and I think I need help. Can you help me?"
"And what do you want me to do?"
"Well, you're emergency services right?!"
"Ma'am, whose number is this?"
"THIS IS MY CELL PHONE I AM CURRENTLY STUCK ON A MOUNTAIN, CAN YOU PLEASE GET HELP???"
"I'm blocking it."