Day 112

It's amazing how even when I'm not a student at SCU, I'm still dealing with issues at SCU.
What's even more amazing is how whenever I have finals or something I really need to put my attention to, a hurdle comes up and I feel like the world is going to end.

With just a month before I'm back at Santa Clara for a quick visit, I have to find housemates for my senior year or I'll lose the lease on my house, plan classes for my next four quarters, decide if I want to pick up another major or minor, apply for a position on Associated Student Government.

Dealing with housing at SCU is always a pain. Last year I somehow made it work, landed a great house and fun roommates. Now apparently my landlord has the house released and I only get priority if I find three other housemates and apply for the house before Thanksgiving. Yikes. Not something I want to be dealing with from the other side of the world.

As for academics, I'd rather not think about how little time of college I have left.

Student government - whatever gets me best prepared to run for ASG President in the spring.

I turned in my research paper about the Izala movement in regards to Salafi/Wahhabism in northern Nigeria. Thank goodness. And now spending my time preparing the best I can for the three finals keeping me from freedom.

I really don't understand what some of my housemates are doing with their time during these weeks of preparation for finals. They all have tests next week, and are doing absolutely nothing but going to the beach. Foreign concept to me. Oh well. My beach time comes when I'm done with finals and traveling along the beautiful South African coast! Yay! 11 more days.

Day 110

Birthday festivities have come to an end. Unfortunately that only means school work is getting down to the wire, and I have less than two weeks left in Cape Town. Not a whole lot of excitement coming from me for a while; paper due tomorrow (I'm currently 700 words in out of 4000 and starting to burn out.... not good), final exam this Thursday, then finals Tuesday and Wednesday, then I'm out! Crazy to think about, and very intimidating I have that much to do in a short amount of time.

Even though I'm having an experience of a lifetime here in Cape Town, being at home in Minnesota is becoming increasingly appealing. I think first and foremost its the stress of finals that make me want to be home more than anything. But here are a few things I'm looking forward to: not doing school work for a month, eating normal food, not having a roommate, seeing family, snuggling with Izzy, living in a quiet house, listening to good music (my housemates somehow think that everyone likes their music... not true), the holiday season, and going to Santa Clara at the end of November to see friends and start moving in.

Less than a month left in South Africa and I certainly don't want to take it for granted. But I am ready to get out of Cape Town and explore what the rest of this country has to offer.

All from me for a while. Back to the books.

Day 108

Well, today is the day. I turned 21.

Last night I was thinking to myself how different my celebration is going to be in South Africa, compared to Santa Clara. Here's how it would be if I were at SCU:

Since the eve of my birthday was on a Thursday night, I probably would have had ample drinks handed to me prior to walking just a few blocks to the Thursday night bar, blinkys, where I would enjoy my "first" legal drink there. Probably would end up getting far more drunk than enjoyable, and having someone escort me home. Friday would be a struggle to rally, but would include a meal with close friends and another night of alcohol.

Here is what I'm doing instead,
I spent last night in the UCT library, made it home just in time to turn 21 in the comforts of my own home, rather than by myself in the library. Went to bed around 12:30 and to my surprise was woken up by my roommate singing happy birthday with a bottle of champaign in her hand. We went down to the kitchen (at 2 am), popped open the bottle, and shared it among the girls in the house.
This morning I got up and headed to the gym. Came home to do some homework, left the house again to get a hair cut. Nothing like a great head massage to say happy birthday! It turns out the lady who cut my hair is entering a before and after competition through this company that has a new hair color solution. It's not a dye, not highlights, like a color amplification? I'm not really sure. But it doesn't cause damage and grows out light summer high lights. Anyway, she asked me if I wanted to be her model for it, free of charge, and will be calling me sometime next week! Not bad.

As for tonight, I absolutely hate large dinner reservations because it just turns into chaos and leaves no room for intimacy. So I messaged about 30 friends here to join me in celebration by going to a bar / lounge / restaurant for cocktails and apps before going out into town. Another guy on my program whom I share a birthday with heard of my plans and decided to collaborate. Forty Americans celebrating two 21st birthdays in Cape Town? I'm okay with that. Should be quite a good time tonight!

Thinking of you, Dad. Promise I won't celebrate too hard.

Cheers!

Day 106

There was a time when I wish time would pass faster and the end of my life in Cape Town would end so I could have freedom to travel the country. I'm really regretting I wished time to pass. There are so many things I have yet to do in Cape Town, and with academic rigor progressing, I see no possible way for me to do it all.

But, I'm making the most of what I have time for.

Last Friday a few of us in my house went to a market in Hout Bay, another little beach town attracting tourists. In the market setting, I basically try to eat as much variety as possible, sampling and splitting with others to cut cost and portion sizes. And boy is it delicious. Had probably the best venison sandwich in my life and drank Pear flavored cider. Yummy. There were plenty of vendors there as well selling either their own creations, or something mass produced they're passing off as "authentic". Either way, it's a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts.

The rest of the weekend was spent doing academics, unfortunately. 

Monday rolled around before I knew it, which concluded my last day of classes at UCT. 

Friends I traveled with on Spring Break and to Stellenbosch,  Rachael and Sarah

On Tuesday night we had our final CIEE dinner with a full meal, awards, speechs, and dancing. The event was titled "A Black and White Affair in Africa" I think a lot of people overlooked the obvious connotation. So the house of Malleson got all dolled up, the boys actually pulled ties out of their suitcases which really surprised me. Many photos taken, we got on the coach bus, and headed to the country club for the event. It felt a lot like a high school dance. Awkward social circles forming, the obviously too drunk people, segregation, no one paying attention to speakers, girls in heels and dresses, men in sport coats, a lot like high school. But it was a very nice time, very surreal my time with CIEE is quickly coming to an end. 

Even though I have a 4000 word essay due Monday, I decided to go to Muizenberg beach with a housemate. A famous spot in South Africa, I just had to make it here before I left, even if it was for a couple house. So we hopped on the train, enjoyed the 80 degree weather, got a hot dog, which a homeless man asked if he could have as I was taking a bite, and headed home. 

Now, back to the books. 

Day 100

Wow, my 100th day in South Africa.

Here is where I'm at with things:

Tomorrow concludes my last week of classes.
I turn 21 in seven days.
I have a little over three weeks left in Cape Town.
I'm beginning to prepare for final exams (yippee).
I'm planning my 15 day nomadic adventure through the country to conclude my abroad experience.
I'm back in America in 38 days.

100 days later, life is still pretty good.

Day 96

A large part of my intentions of coming to South Africa is to challenge myself. Whether that is through being exposed to unfamiliar culture, conquering fears, or simply learning to live day to day life with ease, today I faced another challenge.

I've never been much of a runner. And by that I mean, I have always hated running. A lap around the softball field to around the outfield fence was enough for me. But today I did something I would never in my life be excited to do. I ran a 5K. Yes, the 3.2 miles isn't that remarkable of an accomplishment, but considering running 3K (which I did two weeks ago for my "training") was the longest distance I had ever run before, this was a big deal. I didn't collapse, like as a kid I was generally prone to do, didn't get heat exhaustion, and never quit to walk. After the 4th K marker and the finish line was in sight, I kicked it into gear and sprinted the last 200 yards. Today was a great accomplishment.

After crossing the finish line - get this - they didn't have water. They were offering Coke to people. COKE! Crazy. South Africans and their pop, I'll never understand.

Once I got back to the house I cooled down in the shower and spent the afternoon reading outside. Got absolutely fried but it was nice to have a warm day in the sun.

Yesterday was also a great day. Our house had an organized activity, Bo-Kaap, where we go into a Muslim neighborhood in town and they teach us how to cook. Considering how little cooking skills I have, it was really enjoyable. Except I came home feeling totally sick. I have a feeling it was too many things fried in oil.

Overall it was a very nice weekend. Great weather and great activities. This week ahead is the last week of classes, then I have to turn it up a few notches and finish strong with finals. This weekend was the last bit of freedom I'll have for a while, and I wouldn't have rather spent it another way.

Day 94

Upon successful completion of the much dreaded macro test, I needed to celebrate. And for me, the celebration was taking two days off from doing work. And it's been excellent.

Thursday was a pretty average day, except for the added benefit of having my 10AM class cancelled and I was able to sleep in. In preparation for my concerning 5K run on Sunday, I was able to log 3ks on the treadmill at the gym before I had enough. But hey, I was proud.

Still high on life since I didn't have to worry about econ for a while, I made a fabulous (-ly simple) dinner (I'm really upping my salad making skills), and somehow got convinced to go to the Thursday night hotspot, Claremont. After a couple failed attempts of bar hopping due to too large of a group with too many conflicting intentions, a few of us, myself included, threw in the towel and went home. Unfortunately a let down, considering my last night in Claremont I was more successful than usual with making new local friends.

On to Friday, my last day off before getting back to the books. Got my butt kicked this morning by my South African trainer, Austine, at the gym today. Praying I'll be able to walk tomorrow. It was absolutely beautiful out today so four of my female housemates, myself, and another gal went to the beach in Camps Bay. Camps bay is beautiful. Imagine a narrow gap between mountain and beach, with beautiful mansions built into the cliff and local hot spots for drinks and food right by the water. Actually reminds me a lot of Santa Monica, California, a place I don't think anyone could complain about. A lot of young money, and a lot of it, and high energy, Camps Bay is a personal favorite of mine in Cape Town. We spent about three hours just doing nothing, which was perfectly find with me, though I broke it up with a few solo beach walks. Concluded the afternoon with a nice dinner by the water, and cabbed back.

Camps Bay is one of those pockets that makes me just love Cape Town. The unfortunate thing is, it's about a $15 cab ride each way, which is a lot in South Africa, and it turns into a day affair. But it truly is an addicting place. Everyone is just so happy and put together. Today was the first time I had seen an Aston Martin in South Africa if that puts it into perspective. The beaches here in general are really something to take advantage of, because every one has it's own vibe and crowd type. I only wish the weather would get better faster before I leave to make more beach days a better possibility.

Tomorrow on the docket: A South African cooking class of some sort organized by my RA and CIEE. This will be interesting. Might give my salad making a run for my money...

Day 91

Things that are making me not so happy right now....

1) Today someone next to me waiting for the shuttle threw a wrapper on the ground. I looked at him in disgust. He looked at me like I was crazy.

2) I would have never imagined that studying abroad would include this much school work. I work just as hard, if not harder, on school here as at SCU.

3) Because school has taken up so much of my time, I have not had nearly as much time as I'd hope to take advantage of living in this place.

4) Take advantage of things such as: volunteer, get an internship, join a club...
My program is so unorganized, as well as South Africa in general, most volunteer programs are so inconsistent, it turns into a waste of time.

5) The temperature has not changed. It averages around 62 degrees during the day - the same as it was when we got here three months ago.

One thing that is making me happy....

I have four weeks left of academics. Then I am free to move out of my house and travel along the southern coast, hopefully enabling me to see a side of this country I would be exposed to if it weren't for the school work.

Until then, I have one test, about 5,600 words worth of writing for religion, plus three final exams. Oh, and turning 21.

Day 89

At first I was a little up in the air about going to Rocking the Daisies or not. Now that my weekend is coming to a close, I could not be happier I decided not to go.

After a long week and a very tiring Friday, I had the house to myself for the evening, and therefore took full advantage of being able to comfortably unwind in my own house. I turned on some Frank Sinatra, opened a bottle of wine, and cooked some dinner. Salad, so not really cooking, but I'm definitely perfecting my salad making skills. Once dinner was underway, my housemate, Joe, came home after an improvised six hour hike. He was exhausted, but so excited to tell me about how he spent his day it was absolutely precious. If there was one housemate I would choose to spend a weekend hanging out with and getting to know, it'd be Joe. The fellow midwesterner and I traveled together for spring break, from which I can definitely say I have a much better relationship with him than I do with my other housemates. We had a really nice night just sitting at the kitchen table telling stories and learning about each other's lives.

Out of nowhere I heard tapping on the kitchen window. Another housemate, Kate, decided to leave the music festival, and practically hitch hike home with another kid on the program. Apparently the group she went with wasn't exactly the most responsible and once they got separated, there was no way to recover. The poor thing was shivering, very upset, and very disappointed. Can't say I didn't predict something like that was going to happen.

With nine of the thirteen Malleson residents gone, our house was really quiet on Saturday and so enjoyable. After a relaxed morning making eggs together, three of us spent the afternoon in the library. To announce that the library was closing, the staff member said over the intercom, "The library will be closing in twenty minutes. If you are not going clubbing, you can relocate to (some other area) until seven PM". Classic Cape Town.

With no inclination to go out, the four of us (except for Joe) opened up our various alcoholic beverages of choice, moved every space heater into the living room, and just hung out. One thing about my housemates is they are all very opinionated about their music. And all who insist on making the entire house negatively benefit from the horrible noise do not realize that not everyone wants to listen to, well, crap. I brought my computer down and had my housemates pan through their favorites, from the classics of the 90s, to some Simon & Garfunkel, and a little Dave Matthews Band, and all in between, it was a very nice environment to just relax and chat in. Probably the best time I've had with housemates in a very long time. By about 2AM, we called it a night.

Considering the amount of kitchen space to my availability with nine people gone, I decided to make french toast for the housemates. Perfecting my cooking skills slowly but surely. Did a bit of school work, hit the gym, then came home.

When I got in, everyone was rolling in from Rocking the Daisies and rolling off the various drugs that had been taken. Basically everyone was laying around, depressed, bitter, and doing nothing. That was my cue to leave for the library; and here I am.

Though a seemingly boring weekend, it was very much appreciated.

Day 87

I've been falling a bit behind in my blogging.... so here's what I've been up to:

Last Thursday night, I went to a Thursday night hot spot in Claremont called Tiger Tiger. I really didn't understand the hype, but when I learned there were R5 drinks from 8-10, I was sold.

I was at the bar and had an awkward bump in with some guy and his friends. We made small talk, he came over to our table, asked for my number, nice guy. As more people from my program arrived at the venue, per usual I ended up migrating away from the Americans and toward my apparent new posse. Actually turned out to be a really fun night. Cabbed home with other CIEE kids belting it to "Call Me Maybe", still very much a classic in South Africa, made a hot dog, and called it a night.

On Friday I decided to do a trial personal training session at the gym I joined. I was uncomfortably sore for two days. Returning to the locker room after my severe suffering I got a text from the guy I met the night before on my spanking new iPhone 3G saying he was spinning (he's apparently a popular DJ) at a club in town. He told me he'd put my name on "his list" with any other friends I wanted to bring. Not a bad deal. So I went over to another CIEE house with the girls I was on spring break, really fun, dependable group of girls, and we headed out to The Dragon Room. Not going to lie, I felt pretty cool walking up to the woman monitoring the door and confidently telling her I was on "Mike's list". We got in VIP with out paying the R40 cover. Scoooore! We bopped around long street a bit, I found myself eating another hot dog, my apparent night time habit, and eventually made it back home.... at 3AM. Overall, a great night.

This last week itself was somewhat of a bore. The usual same old school and little elective activity. With final exams quickly approaching (a month away), school is starting to get pretty difficult and very time consuming. So much for having a lot of free time abroad.

Remember how the bouncer from Club 31 called me to make sure I got home ok two weeks ago? Well he just so happened to text me asking me for drinks. No desire to go, but, I know have connections with a DJ and a bouncer. I've got myself a party!

My house was extremely anxious to get to Rockin the Daisies this weekend, an outdoor music festival about an hour away filled with drinking, all sorts of drugs, and apparently a crazy time. It actually did sound like something fun, but with a test next week and school really picking up, I couldn't give up a weekend for something I know would take a long time to recover from.

So that was the week. Now for a very low key weekend since my entire house but me, Joe, and Collin our RA, has vacated. Which not going to lie, I am very happy about. I am finally able to listen to the music I actually want to be listening to, I have my room to myself, it's quiet, and I can finally get some tranquility at home.