That's a wrap, UCT.
Yesterday I successfully, and painfully, completed my last final exam. All I have to say is, I burned a lot of my materials, donated my textbooks, got the heck out of UCT, and not looking back.
I went out with some good girlfriends for some celebratory drinks with dinner, then out to the typical Wednesday night spot where we were joined by many other American friends. Great night out to conclude a ridiculous semester of academics.
Today was probably one of my favorite days in Cape Town. However it got off to a very rough start...
When I booked my flights to and from South Africa, I scheduled it from Washington DC to Johannesburg then to Cape Town. When I leave South Africa, I will already by in Joburg. I called the airline over a month ago, before I started planning my last adventure, and I was told not being on the Cape Town flight wouldn't be a problem, all I had to do was go to the airport ticket sales and tell them. I called the airport this morning to double check the protocol, well apparently not. I was told I couldn't miss my Cape Town flight or I'd be bumped from all of it. Clearly I had a problem. After a little arguing and calling back fifteen minutes later to speak to a different representative, I was told I could just go to the airport and even though it was against protocol, they would take care of it for me. So, that's what I did. Spent my morning all around town running errands, and also going to the airport. What a relief to have that taken care of!
I got home and my housemate Joe and I and a couple of buddies headed to the beach. All of us were done with finals and had the day to just relax. Clifton is a great beach town with an appeal for the younger, white, wealthier demographic. You don't see many ferraris in Cape Town, and I saw one in Clifton. The sand is just pure white, and the ocean water is a gorgeous green-blue. With Lion's Head peak sloping into the town setting a great backdrop, it is absolutely one of the most beautiful parts of Cape Town. Of course numerous yachts cruised by as we all stared and wondered if we made the effort to swim out, if they'd let us on. As the day progressed more and more people from our program came to join, bringing in a really great crew. Playing frisbee, jumping into the freezing water, telling stories, sharing beers, it was an awesome day. Days like today I wish I had more of while I was here in Cape Town.
And now, I'm packing.
It's a crazy feeling I'm actually about to leave this place. Words can't really describe how I'm feeling, but I still struggle wrapping my head around the fact that I lived in Cape Town, South Africa for four months.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Day 119
Election day. Quite an interesting experience observing the hype from another continent. The gym is definitely the local hotspot for people to ask me about U.S. politics. The TV screens all around the gym were featuring election coverage, even before most Americans were awake. Everyone here seems to have an opinion, even if they're only supporting Obama because he's "black". It's really interesting though what people have to say about our politics, especially since South African politics are really messed up. The think the democratic party is the obvious choice and that all republicans are stupid. I might slightly agree with that, but there is a lot more behind the scenes about how the two party system works and the good points the republican party does make. They also don't understand the system of checks and balances. I was trying to explain to someone how the President can't do whatever he wants because Congress has to sign off on it, so even though the Democrats are in office doesn't mean everything will be dictated as so.
I ran on the treadmill today watching the coverage of Barak and Michelle greeting crowds and Mr and Mrs Romney walking through their parade of reds, very tempted to throw my hands in the air and cheer, but I didn't.
People here are very interested in asking how we, as Americans plan to vote. First of all they don't see that as a personal discussion that is generally not publicly discussed, but South African's have little shame in general so it's not surprising they don't understand the cultural difference. But every time I say I support Obama, I get a very positive reaction. My favorite though was when someone asked me who I was voting for in the U.S. election, I said Obama, and then he asked me if I was from Canada. Someone missed their basic geography lesson. Actually I get asked if I'm Canadian a lot. Apparently it's because of the accent. Go figure.
It's a little after 7:30 PM, and I always know when it's 7 because I hear the Muslim prayer a couple blocks over. Don't get much of that in Edina.
I ran on the treadmill today watching the coverage of Barak and Michelle greeting crowds and Mr and Mrs Romney walking through their parade of reds, very tempted to throw my hands in the air and cheer, but I didn't.
People here are very interested in asking how we, as Americans plan to vote. First of all they don't see that as a personal discussion that is generally not publicly discussed, but South African's have little shame in general so it's not surprising they don't understand the cultural difference. But every time I say I support Obama, I get a very positive reaction. My favorite though was when someone asked me who I was voting for in the U.S. election, I said Obama, and then he asked me if I was from Canada. Someone missed their basic geography lesson. Actually I get asked if I'm Canadian a lot. Apparently it's because of the accent. Go figure.
It's a little after 7:30 PM, and I always know when it's 7 because I hear the Muslim prayer a couple blocks over. Don't get much of that in Edina.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Day 117
Yesterday marked the beginning of the end.
From here on out, every day in Cape Town is my last of that day.
On Friday night, a few of the housemates wanted to go out to dinner. I wasn't at all hungry, but I thought I'd enjoy the company so I decided to join them. We went out to this delicious hole in the wall joint in Observatory, here known as Obz, just one neighborhood over. The conversation at my end of the table focused on travel and outdoor adventures, sharing stories from our trips to Montana, Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, etc. Definitely made me miss our family trips to Alaska, yet really reminded me how thankful I am for having experienced these adventures.
Once we got home majority of the house was just hanging out in the living room, chatting and listening to music late into the night. It was one of those nights that made me realize though I find myself very different from the rest of my housemates, we are all extremely different from each other and can learn from our differences.
Saturday morning was my last trip to Old Biscuit Mill. Even though every time I go it's a similar experience, it somehow never gets old. Moving from vendor to vendor eating nearly three whole meals in just a morning is a guilty pleasure I couldn't overcome. After OBM I retreated home to hit the books in preparation for my last two final exams.
Today, Sunday, is more of the same. Reluctantly studying away. I hope to climb Lion's Head, a great hike in Cape Town tonight, but we'll have to see if that's in the cards given the priority of school work.
From here on out it's just tying up the loose ends. Once I finish school on Wednesday I'm going to try to squeeze in a few more activities and try to get my life in order before I set off on my trip. Things are just about booked, all 8 hostels, necessary shuttles, flights, et cetera. What a huge weight off my shoulders to have that figured out! Trip planning: not easy.
I feel like I took my time in Cape Town for granted, but looking back, I really took up every opportunity that came my way if I thought it was appropriate. The one unfortunate thing though is that I don't feel like I made a difference or an impact here. Maybe it's because I wasn't involved in any extra curriclars, actually, that's exactly what it is. I just wish there was more I could have done to leave feeling I did something great, and not for myself. I don't think I ever wasted a day here, or did anything I regret, time just flew by so quickly. I'm starting to get sentimental about my life here. Even though there was a lot I have to complain about, I was able to live in another country for four months and call it home. Not many people get that opportunity nor the resources to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. I think now more than anything it's the change that scares me. This was my life for a long time, and in a matter of just three weeks, I'll be back in the glamourous California in the privileged SCU bubble.
Life takes you on crazy journeys. It's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and taking the jump (or at least that's what I did walking off a cliff in Zambia), adapting to changes, and not forgetting who you are I'm still trying, but I think I'm getting better at it.
From here on out, every day in Cape Town is my last of that day.
On Friday night, a few of the housemates wanted to go out to dinner. I wasn't at all hungry, but I thought I'd enjoy the company so I decided to join them. We went out to this delicious hole in the wall joint in Observatory, here known as Obz, just one neighborhood over. The conversation at my end of the table focused on travel and outdoor adventures, sharing stories from our trips to Montana, Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, etc. Definitely made me miss our family trips to Alaska, yet really reminded me how thankful I am for having experienced these adventures.
Once we got home majority of the house was just hanging out in the living room, chatting and listening to music late into the night. It was one of those nights that made me realize though I find myself very different from the rest of my housemates, we are all extremely different from each other and can learn from our differences.
Saturday morning was my last trip to Old Biscuit Mill. Even though every time I go it's a similar experience, it somehow never gets old. Moving from vendor to vendor eating nearly three whole meals in just a morning is a guilty pleasure I couldn't overcome. After OBM I retreated home to hit the books in preparation for my last two final exams.
Today, Sunday, is more of the same. Reluctantly studying away. I hope to climb Lion's Head, a great hike in Cape Town tonight, but we'll have to see if that's in the cards given the priority of school work.
From here on out it's just tying up the loose ends. Once I finish school on Wednesday I'm going to try to squeeze in a few more activities and try to get my life in order before I set off on my trip. Things are just about booked, all 8 hostels, necessary shuttles, flights, et cetera. What a huge weight off my shoulders to have that figured out! Trip planning: not easy.
I feel like I took my time in Cape Town for granted, but looking back, I really took up every opportunity that came my way if I thought it was appropriate. The one unfortunate thing though is that I don't feel like I made a difference or an impact here. Maybe it's because I wasn't involved in any extra curriclars, actually, that's exactly what it is. I just wish there was more I could have done to leave feeling I did something great, and not for myself. I don't think I ever wasted a day here, or did anything I regret, time just flew by so quickly. I'm starting to get sentimental about my life here. Even though there was a lot I have to complain about, I was able to live in another country for four months and call it home. Not many people get that opportunity nor the resources to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. I think now more than anything it's the change that scares me. This was my life for a long time, and in a matter of just three weeks, I'll be back in the glamourous California in the privileged SCU bubble.
Life takes you on crazy journeys. It's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and taking the jump (or at least that's what I did walking off a cliff in Zambia), adapting to changes, and not forgetting who you are I'm still trying, but I think I'm getting better at it.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, October 26, 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, October 12, 2012
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...
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...
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, October 5, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Day 80
South Africans have no awareness or concern for physical space.
Lets begin with walking. Whether it's walking through campus, along the crowded streets, up stairs, people here do not understand how to move without it negatively effecting someone else. For example, I'll be walking through campus, and people infront of me will literally come to a dead halt in the middle of traffic. And then have no idea that if they want to continue their conversation, they should probably move to the side to let other people through. Nope. No awareness.
The Jammie. This is one I have a big problem with. It's a battlefield. As soon as people see the next shuttle coming, people swarm to the scene, elbows out. I could be standing right outside the doors and with the amount of pushing and shoving that goes on, it could be standing room only by the time I get on. No "excuse me", no "sorry" nothing. Just fifty people trying to wedge their way in front of the next guy.
Then, there is the minibus. I'm starting to boycot the minibus system not because I don't appreciate the convenience, but because I am so sick of having no personal space on them. You're in a twelve passenger bus that's filled with 16 people. Then the guy who operates the door and collects money, keeps pushing people in, telling the other passengers to practically move on top of each other to make room for the extra R6 profit. And then while you're being shuffled around, the enormous woman sitting in the middle of the way, doesn't understand that she too needs to move or at least let you through.
The stairs. Now, this one is far less significant, but you know how we in America walk on the right side of the stairs? Anything goes here. Lots of awkwardness between the whole, "should I move over or do I think they will?"
I really don't understand it. How do people not respect the space of others or even their own? One of those cultural things here I can't say I'll miss.
Lets begin with walking. Whether it's walking through campus, along the crowded streets, up stairs, people here do not understand how to move without it negatively effecting someone else. For example, I'll be walking through campus, and people infront of me will literally come to a dead halt in the middle of traffic. And then have no idea that if they want to continue their conversation, they should probably move to the side to let other people through. Nope. No awareness.
The Jammie. This is one I have a big problem with. It's a battlefield. As soon as people see the next shuttle coming, people swarm to the scene, elbows out. I could be standing right outside the doors and with the amount of pushing and shoving that goes on, it could be standing room only by the time I get on. No "excuse me", no "sorry" nothing. Just fifty people trying to wedge their way in front of the next guy.
Then, there is the minibus. I'm starting to boycot the minibus system not because I don't appreciate the convenience, but because I am so sick of having no personal space on them. You're in a twelve passenger bus that's filled with 16 people. Then the guy who operates the door and collects money, keeps pushing people in, telling the other passengers to practically move on top of each other to make room for the extra R6 profit. And then while you're being shuffled around, the enormous woman sitting in the middle of the way, doesn't understand that she too needs to move or at least let you through.
The stairs. Now, this one is far less significant, but you know how we in America walk on the right side of the stairs? Anything goes here. Lots of awkwardness between the whole, "should I move over or do I think they will?"
I really don't understand it. How do people not respect the space of others or even their own? One of those cultural things here I can't say I'll miss.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Day 78
In one month from today, I turn 21. In two months from today, I'm on a plane back to the U.S. Crazy.
So in recovery from my key loss on Friday night, I had a good bonding moment with our house cleaner, Thobeka. People in the house don't exactly treat her with very much respect, so I do what I can to make her feel welcome and show gratitude. I asked her if I could borrow her key to the gate for 15 min while I went a couple blocks to get it copied, she said I couldn't get back in time before she left but that I could give it to her in the morning. Well, even though she didn't believe me, I kept saying I would make it back in time. I grabbed her key, booked it to the key place, got the copy made for R2 (like $2.50), and in under 13 minutes made it back to the house. I ran to the living room where Thobeka was absolutely shocked to see me, gave me a high five, and had a good laugh.
While I was walking back from the key place though, I noticed a car following me. The driver said hello and asked how I was doing. It was a police car. He then asked where I was going and if everything was okay and if I felt safe. Clearly I live in a sketchy neighborhood.
So in recovery from my key loss on Friday night, I had a good bonding moment with our house cleaner, Thobeka. People in the house don't exactly treat her with very much respect, so I do what I can to make her feel welcome and show gratitude. I asked her if I could borrow her key to the gate for 15 min while I went a couple blocks to get it copied, she said I couldn't get back in time before she left but that I could give it to her in the morning. Well, even though she didn't believe me, I kept saying I would make it back in time. I grabbed her key, booked it to the key place, got the copy made for R2 (like $2.50), and in under 13 minutes made it back to the house. I ran to the living room where Thobeka was absolutely shocked to see me, gave me a high five, and had a good laugh.
While I was walking back from the key place though, I noticed a car following me. The driver said hello and asked how I was doing. It was a police car. He then asked where I was going and if everything was okay and if I felt safe. Clearly I live in a sketchy neighborhood.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Day 77
Great weekend, but I'm definitely paying for damages.
Monday was a National Holiday, Heritage Day. And that means three day weekend.
It all started off Thursday night. I had been slaving over an economics essay (to find a solution for the European Economic Crisis) for weeks, and I finally turned it in Thursday morning. Celebration necessary. We had in the books that we would have a house dinner that night, so about 2/3 of the 13 Malleson residents went to Gypsy, a small hipster restaurant in Obz. The fabulous dinner (with unfortunately small portions) was followed by aimless walking through the neighborhood, where we found zero nightlife and came home.
Friday. Ah yes, the official weekend. I didn't have any set plans, but I knew I wanted to go out. A few people in my program got a table at Club 31, a downtown hotspot. My first night out in town in nearly a month. I will further discuss why this night was definitely unforgettable. For some reason whenever CIEE kids and myself go out together, I'm always the one that diverges from the group and ends up meeting locals. So I was at the bar talking with my new (female) friend, Barri. She introduced me to a couple of her friends, seemed like a very interesting gal. Little later on I hit the dance floor with one of her friends, seems harmless, then he asks me "do you want to have the sex?" What. The. Hell. Never have I been more caught off guard. He repeated himself, I screamed no, and literally ran away. I couldn't see any CIEE people nearby, mostly because I wasn't looking that hard, I just wanted to get out of there. So I took the elevator down, ran into the bouncer who grabbed me a cab, and went home. At about 2:30AM I received a phone call from the bouncer making sure I got home ok. I did, but unfortunately without my keys.
Saturday. I asked one of my friends who I was on spring break with if she'd be interested in going to Stellenbosch, wine capital SA and college town, over the weekend. We made plans to stay in a hostel and go on a wine tour. So seven of us hopped on the train Saturday afternoon and made the hour trek west to Stellenbosch. I loved it. It is the most darling town I've been to in South Africa. Great dining, cute little boutiques, friendly people, fabulous wine, and of course a really fun night life. We definitely enjoyed ourselves bar hopping through the little college town.
The greatest thing about it - I felt safe the whole time. It's hard to really explain it, but I almost got used to always keeping one eye open for my safety in Cape Town. And it's exhausting! I didn't really realize how exhausting and annoying it is until I got to Stellenbosch and felt comfortable everywhere I went and didn't have to take cabs everywhere. The culture in Stellenbosch is Afrikaans, which means another language, and a lot of white people. Honestly, I felt a lot less vulnerable surrounded by hundreds of other white college kids. Sad but true.
Sunday. Not having any concrete plans for wine tasting, we somehow got ourselves a private driver who took us to the various vineyards we wanted to go to. Each tasting cost about $4, so there were no hesitations to hit up as many as we had time for. My first wine tasting experience was not only extremely affordable, but extremely enjoyable.
Monday. Our house was able to get funds through the program for a paid trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. After the sea-sickening boat ride to get to the Island, we got on a bus for a driving tour of the island followed by an hour walking tour through the cells and various prison wings. It was ridiculous. Actually not ridiculous. There is no word to describe it.
Depressing maybe. The size of Mandelas cell was smaller than that of a guard dogs. What does that tell you. South Africa has gone a long way from when Mandela was at Robben Island, but there are still so many kinks in the system people neglect to address.
Monday was a National Holiday, Heritage Day. And that means three day weekend.
It all started off Thursday night. I had been slaving over an economics essay (to find a solution for the European Economic Crisis) for weeks, and I finally turned it in Thursday morning. Celebration necessary. We had in the books that we would have a house dinner that night, so about 2/3 of the 13 Malleson residents went to Gypsy, a small hipster restaurant in Obz. The fabulous dinner (with unfortunately small portions) was followed by aimless walking through the neighborhood, where we found zero nightlife and came home.
Friday. Ah yes, the official weekend. I didn't have any set plans, but I knew I wanted to go out. A few people in my program got a table at Club 31, a downtown hotspot. My first night out in town in nearly a month. I will further discuss why this night was definitely unforgettable. For some reason whenever CIEE kids and myself go out together, I'm always the one that diverges from the group and ends up meeting locals. So I was at the bar talking with my new (female) friend, Barri. She introduced me to a couple of her friends, seemed like a very interesting gal. Little later on I hit the dance floor with one of her friends, seems harmless, then he asks me "do you want to have the sex?" What. The. Hell. Never have I been more caught off guard. He repeated himself, I screamed no, and literally ran away. I couldn't see any CIEE people nearby, mostly because I wasn't looking that hard, I just wanted to get out of there. So I took the elevator down, ran into the bouncer who grabbed me a cab, and went home. At about 2:30AM I received a phone call from the bouncer making sure I got home ok. I did, but unfortunately without my keys.
Saturday. I asked one of my friends who I was on spring break with if she'd be interested in going to Stellenbosch, wine capital SA and college town, over the weekend. We made plans to stay in a hostel and go on a wine tour. So seven of us hopped on the train Saturday afternoon and made the hour trek west to Stellenbosch. I loved it. It is the most darling town I've been to in South Africa. Great dining, cute little boutiques, friendly people, fabulous wine, and of course a really fun night life. We definitely enjoyed ourselves bar hopping through the little college town.
The greatest thing about it - I felt safe the whole time. It's hard to really explain it, but I almost got used to always keeping one eye open for my safety in Cape Town. And it's exhausting! I didn't really realize how exhausting and annoying it is until I got to Stellenbosch and felt comfortable everywhere I went and didn't have to take cabs everywhere. The culture in Stellenbosch is Afrikaans, which means another language, and a lot of white people. Honestly, I felt a lot less vulnerable surrounded by hundreds of other white college kids. Sad but true.
Sunday. Not having any concrete plans for wine tasting, we somehow got ourselves a private driver who took us to the various vineyards we wanted to go to. Each tasting cost about $4, so there were no hesitations to hit up as many as we had time for. My first wine tasting experience was not only extremely affordable, but extremely enjoyable.
Monday. Our house was able to get funds through the program for a paid trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. After the sea-sickening boat ride to get to the Island, we got on a bus for a driving tour of the island followed by an hour walking tour through the cells and various prison wings. It was ridiculous. Actually not ridiculous. There is no word to describe it.
 |
| Nelson Mandela's cell |
Depressing maybe. The size of Mandelas cell was smaller than that of a guard dogs. What does that tell you. South Africa has gone a long way from when Mandela was at Robben Island, but there are still so many kinks in the system people neglect to address.
 |
| View of Cape Town from Robben Island |
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Day 70
To whomever I'm going to marry, I think I should apologize in advance; for I am the world's worst cook. So either he better be a great chef, or I better earn enough money to be able to hire a chef.
There are two things I have severely struggled with making while in South Africa: rice, and hard boiled eggs. My rice always ends up crunchy, and my eggs are either exploding in the bot of boiling water, or I try to peel off the shell and realize they didn't cook enough.
But tonight, I overcame my battle with rice.
It began with running out of water, and therefore the crunchy underdone rice starting to get a bit more brown than consumption standards. So I decided to pursue the endeavor and continue my mission to salvage the rice. I added more water, put it back on the stove, and cooked it to perfection. Finally, I won the battle.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Day 69
Home-stay weekend
My program organizes an annual weekend trip to Ocean View where students are assigned in pairs to a family for two nights. Ocean View is known for being a pretty run down town yet still in good spirits. They have nearly a 40% unemployment rate, high rate in teen pregnancy, and a distinguished meth problem. Needless to say, I was slightly concerned when I signed up for the weekend get away.
On Friday night they had a sort of welcoming celebration where we met our home-stay families and ate dinner with them accompanied by entertainment provided by kids from the community. When I met my mom for the weekend, Suraia, she told me there was another girl named Chelsea staying with us as well. Turns out it was Chelsea Flintoft, a fellow Bronco. Definitely put me at ease.
The weekend was filled with a lot of family and a lot of food. Our host mom, probably aged in the 70s, had her niece and nephew and their two daughters staying with her so it was a full house. And the house had little room to fill to begin with. Small sitting area to the kitchen with no dining table, so all meals required our plates on our laps, followed by a bathroom, and three tiny bedrooms. The bathroom was the weirdest thing. It didn't have a sink. And the tub didn't have a shower-head.
On Saturday morning we were immediately greeted by our host-moms grandchildren. A boy, Jayden (1 year and 1/2), and his older sister Jade (9). Yes, siblings named Jade and Jayden. Creative. Anyways, the kids absolutely loved us. And yes, I mean love, because things got a little too far with the 9 year old. After giving them constant attention all day and feeling somewhat like a babysitter, Jade expressed her affection by starting to kiss my hand and cheek. I thought it was just a cute overaggressive way for a child to show appreciation, but no. In due time Jade started telling me that she loved me and asked if I liked boys. When I told her yes I choose boys over girls, she said she wished I preferred girls and she could be my boyfriend. I'll leave it at that.
That day we went to the beach with other extended family, distributed soup to the needy, and had a Braai (South African BBQ) at night. These people really are all about family. Their friends are all distant relatives, every gathering is about family, and everyone participates to help one another. They also really like to party. No hesitations for giving out beers and making mixed drinks and apparently if I "drank too much and couldn't walk home, they'd carry me home". Fortunately I didn't get anywhere near that level.
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On Sunday morning we went to a Catholic church service followed by a large brunch and just two hours later it was time for another meal - a send off lunch before our departure. I have never felt more full than I did in those two days. During lunch a daughter in law finally said to me "you don't eat very much, do you?" The cue was that I didn't go for seconds or thirds, like most others did.
Talking to one of the older male relatives was extremely fascinating. Their entire family is colored, and spoke Afrikaans: two indicators they are of the oppressed demographic. In short, he (Jeremy) had a lot to say about the South African government and how horribly they treat the coloreds. Because South Africa is 80% black, the government has an implemented policy that therefore 80% of the jobs must go to the blacks regardless of qualifications. Basically, the South African government is extremely messed up. And hearing it from a disadvantaged colored was probably one of the most interesting conversations I've had in this country.
Overall it was a very nice weekend, but I was glad to get out of there. I was ready to sleep in my own bed, not be a babysitter, and not feel compelled to eat my heart out. The families were extremely generous and welcoming and though for majority of the downtime I had I was wishing I was at home able to get my immense amount of school work done, my time there did not go unappreciated.
My program organizes an annual weekend trip to Ocean View where students are assigned in pairs to a family for two nights. Ocean View is known for being a pretty run down town yet still in good spirits. They have nearly a 40% unemployment rate, high rate in teen pregnancy, and a distinguished meth problem. Needless to say, I was slightly concerned when I signed up for the weekend get away.
On Friday night they had a sort of welcoming celebration where we met our home-stay families and ate dinner with them accompanied by entertainment provided by kids from the community. When I met my mom for the weekend, Suraia, she told me there was another girl named Chelsea staying with us as well. Turns out it was Chelsea Flintoft, a fellow Bronco. Definitely put me at ease.
The weekend was filled with a lot of family and a lot of food. Our host mom, probably aged in the 70s, had her niece and nephew and their two daughters staying with her so it was a full house. And the house had little room to fill to begin with. Small sitting area to the kitchen with no dining table, so all meals required our plates on our laps, followed by a bathroom, and three tiny bedrooms. The bathroom was the weirdest thing. It didn't have a sink. And the tub didn't have a shower-head.
On Saturday morning we were immediately greeted by our host-moms grandchildren. A boy, Jayden (1 year and 1/2), and his older sister Jade (9). Yes, siblings named Jade and Jayden. Creative. Anyways, the kids absolutely loved us. And yes, I mean love, because things got a little too far with the 9 year old. After giving them constant attention all day and feeling somewhat like a babysitter, Jade expressed her affection by starting to kiss my hand and cheek. I thought it was just a cute overaggressive way for a child to show appreciation, but no. In due time Jade started telling me that she loved me and asked if I liked boys. When I told her yes I choose boys over girls, she said she wished I preferred girls and she could be my boyfriend. I'll leave it at that.
That day we went to the beach with other extended family, distributed soup to the needy, and had a Braai (South African BBQ) at night. These people really are all about family. Their friends are all distant relatives, every gathering is about family, and everyone participates to help one another. They also really like to party. No hesitations for giving out beers and making mixed drinks and apparently if I "drank too much and couldn't walk home, they'd carry me home". Fortunately I didn't get anywhere near that level.
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On Sunday morning we went to a Catholic church service followed by a large brunch and just two hours later it was time for another meal - a send off lunch before our departure. I have never felt more full than I did in those two days. During lunch a daughter in law finally said to me "you don't eat very much, do you?" The cue was that I didn't go for seconds or thirds, like most others did.
Talking to one of the older male relatives was extremely fascinating. Their entire family is colored, and spoke Afrikaans: two indicators they are of the oppressed demographic. In short, he (Jeremy) had a lot to say about the South African government and how horribly they treat the coloreds. Because South Africa is 80% black, the government has an implemented policy that therefore 80% of the jobs must go to the blacks regardless of qualifications. Basically, the South African government is extremely messed up. And hearing it from a disadvantaged colored was probably one of the most interesting conversations I've had in this country.
Overall it was a very nice weekend, but I was glad to get out of there. I was ready to sleep in my own bed, not be a babysitter, and not feel compelled to eat my heart out. The families were extremely generous and welcoming and though for majority of the downtime I had I was wishing I was at home able to get my immense amount of school work done, my time there did not go unappreciated.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Day 64
So I've already written this post, then it didn't save, and I'm starting again. Maybe this time around I'll be more concise.
This truly was the trip of a lifetime. I'll spare the dull details, but I could not be happier I went on this spring break trip.
I visited three different countries, met amazing people, saw things that seemed beyond reality, and conquered fears.
The trip got off to a slow start because our actual destinations were so far from the Jo'burg airport, so there was lots of driving, and lots of setting up camp, packing up camp, and moving on.
I traveled with 21 other kids from the U.S, almost all in the same study abroad program. We had a guide (Chad), a chef / helper (Neo), and a driver (Robson). I was honestly amazed at the chemistry within the group. A lot of the people on my trip lived together, but no one was visibly sick of each other and we were all very understanding of our insignificant differences.
By about day three the trip had really picked up. We all packed in to an open aired vehicle to drive us to the entrance of the Okavango Delta where we were greeted by a crew who would take us in Makuros (hallowed out trees as canoes) through the delta. Over 100 kilometers away from electricity, we set up camp with all of our tents and brought in water. I had always through I was a fairly savvy camper, until this trip when I quickly had to adjust to camping in the 90 degree heat with a limited supply of drinking water in the sandy desert when our bathroom was a hole in the ground. Fortunately hiking in Alaska did have me prepared for the bathroom. We were taken on two game walks, both were amazing. The greatest thing about the delta is that it wasn't anything close to a game reserve. It was all these animals in their natural habitat. To bear with the heat, we did a lot of swimming in a watering whole near camp. After swimming for nearly an hour, one of us turned around to notice an elephant walking through the woods near the shore. At that point, we were really one with nature. Our second game walk was by far the coolest. It was three hours long but totally worth it. I got as close as 30 yards or so from giraffes, just watching them eat and walk around. A cool thing about giraffes is that they team up with the zebras. Or more like, the zebras team up with the giraffes. They benefit from their height to know when trouble is coming. Odds are, you see a zebra, there is a giraffe near by.
Our last night we filled up the canoes for an evening game cruise followed by sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and singing songs with the locals who were on our crew. We spent two nights in the Delta, which for me was just enough. As great as it was, I was ready for some cold water and a shower.
We hauled out of the delta to head for Chobe National park, where is the highest concentration of elephants in the world. It was awesome. The drive itself amazed me at how many elephants we saw.
Before we got to Chobe though we stopped at a campsite Planet Baobab in the middle of nowhere to break up the long drive. Feeling dehydrated and covered in dirt no one hesitated to jump in the pool and grab cold beer. Every campsite we stayed at had a bar and pool; something I had no complaints for.
Our first night in Chobe we had an evening game cruise down a river that divided Namibia from Botswana. The animal sightings were plentiful and it was only the beginning on what was in
store for Chobe.
The next morning, before leaving for Zambia, we had a two hour game drive scheduled. This turned into a four hour game drive. Considering we didn't pay extra and saw steenboks, warthogs, hyennas, giraffe, buffalo, elephants, lions, vultures, baboons, the extra two hours did not go unappreciated. I'd have to say that morning game drive in Chobe was probably the coolest segment of animal sightings in my life. Definitely beats the caribou and grizzly bears in Alaska.
Getting over the Zambian boarder was ridiculous. First we had to get out of our truck while it was inspected by boarder patrol, then we hopped on a ferry, got off the ferry and got bombarded by locals to by their "handmade goods" which I wouldn't be surprised if they were marked "made in China". Apparently half the people at the boarder who look like officials are really just scammers so our driver took on the role of sorting that all out while we waited in the sun getting harassed by everyone else.
Finally made it into Zambia and set off for our final campsite where we would spend the next three nights to conclude the trip. Our site in Zambia was near Livingston, which is where you can see Victoria Falls. In addition to the falls, there are tons of activities to do including bungi jumping, elephant back safaris, lion encounters, white water rafting, all the things tourists can spend their money on. It's a huge tourist attraction, but rightfully so.
Our first full day in Zambia was probably one of the coolest days of my life. It started off by each of us walking off a cliff....
No joke.
I wish I knew how high it was, but needless to say, it was high. I got up there entirely emotionally confused. Before I knew it I was told to put my toes over the edge. 3-2-1, I took a large step forward into three seconds of free fall. Once the slack catches, you basically swing back and fourth in the gorge. Heights has always been something I'm not too comfortable with. I learned to get over that fear very quickly.
Later that day about a dozen of us traveling together decided to walk across the boarder into Zimbabwe. Yes, walk across the boarder. Probably the most nonchalant relaxed boarder control I've ever gone trough. So one hour I'm walking off a cliff, the next I'm waking into another country. A bit past the boarder there is a craft market with more harassment and bargaining. Naturally, we had to go. I will admit it was pretty cool. Most of the vendors not only want cash for their goods, which could be any currency, Quacha, Rand, or Dollars, but items as well. I managed to trade an old pair of cheap sunglasses, a pair of socks, a tee shirt, and a tank, along with R100 for quite a few items so I was pleased. But man, it felt good to get out of there. So entirely overwhelming and very confusing.
To conclude the afternoon in Zimbabwe a couple girls and I decided to stop and look at Victoria Falls from the Zim side. The Zambia side was cool, but for $30, you can see an entirely different view. No regrets for that investment.
Back at camp that night we ran into the other group traveling who was doing everything we did but a day earlier. I am so happy I was not on that trip. For the fourth consecutive location, the staff told us how obnoxious the group before us was and was much happier with us. Point made I was traveling with a great group of kids, most of whom I barely knew before the trip.
For the final day of the trip, we all went white water rafting. And this was not normal white water rafting. I had done a handful of rafting trips in the US, but this did not compare. The Zambizi river divides Zambia and Zimbabwe and is known for its huge rapids ranging from class one to class six, which only professionals can do. My other great fear is of drowning, so this trip was a good fix to that one too. Seven girls and a guide in our boat, all equipped with paddles, life jackets, and helmets. We were off to a great start, hadn't capsized yet, until rapid number eight. Our guide basically instructed us to paddle our hearts out until the first rapid when he yelled "GET DOWN". Paddles in hand we ducked for cover along the inner perimeter of the boat. But that was not enough. Our boat capsized dumping us all into the river. Entirely submerged, I couldn't find the boat, and down stream I went. Any second I could gasp for air, I was thrown into another rapid. Shooting downstream with nothing but water in sight, I was completely terrified. Eventually I saw a hint of yellow far in the distance. The yellow got bigger and though I was mostly submerged, I stuck my arm in the air for anyone to grab me. Finally rescued and totally freaked out having no way to wrap my head around what had just happened. It's completely normal to capsize in the Zambizi, but never had I felt more like I was going to die. After that we did everything we could to never capsize again. When we hit more calm water about 2/3 in, our guide pointed out a crocodile in the water. Apparently he had been seeing them all along but didn't tell us to avoid freaking us out. I was happy to finally hit land and get out of that boat.
That night we had an open bar booze cruise with apps and dinner. Probably had a few too many glasses of wine, considering I was able to fall asleep at 9 and felt a bit woozy in the morning, but it was still a great time.
The next morning we packed up to catch our flight in Livingston to get to Jo'Burg, had a rushed layover, cherry on top was when security stopped me with 20 min before departure because I apparently had a knife in my bag. They eventually let me go, I ran to the plane, got on the two hour flight, made it safely home after ten amazing days of travel.
This trip really was a trip of a lifetime. It made me think a lot about how I want to spend my time while I have this freedom to see the world. My appreciation for family grew tremendously as the whole time I was there I was almost more homesick because I wanted to share this experience with those I'm closest to. I was able to face fears of heights and drowning, and I came out ok. I was exposed to cultures I will probably never again be exposed to. I saw animals that can only be seen in either the zoo or The Lion King. And I was able to do all this with great people and develop relationships that I know will last.
No regrets here. Can't wait for my next adventure.
This truly was the trip of a lifetime. I'll spare the dull details, but I could not be happier I went on this spring break trip.
I visited three different countries, met amazing people, saw things that seemed beyond reality, and conquered fears.
The trip got off to a slow start because our actual destinations were so far from the Jo'burg airport, so there was lots of driving, and lots of setting up camp, packing up camp, and moving on.
I traveled with 21 other kids from the U.S, almost all in the same study abroad program. We had a guide (Chad), a chef / helper (Neo), and a driver (Robson). I was honestly amazed at the chemistry within the group. A lot of the people on my trip lived together, but no one was visibly sick of each other and we were all very understanding of our insignificant differences.
By about day three the trip had really picked up. We all packed in to an open aired vehicle to drive us to the entrance of the Okavango Delta where we were greeted by a crew who would take us in Makuros (hallowed out trees as canoes) through the delta. Over 100 kilometers away from electricity, we set up camp with all of our tents and brought in water. I had always through I was a fairly savvy camper, until this trip when I quickly had to adjust to camping in the 90 degree heat with a limited supply of drinking water in the sandy desert when our bathroom was a hole in the ground. Fortunately hiking in Alaska did have me prepared for the bathroom. We were taken on two game walks, both were amazing. The greatest thing about the delta is that it wasn't anything close to a game reserve. It was all these animals in their natural habitat. To bear with the heat, we did a lot of swimming in a watering whole near camp. After swimming for nearly an hour, one of us turned around to notice an elephant walking through the woods near the shore. At that point, we were really one with nature. Our second game walk was by far the coolest. It was three hours long but totally worth it. I got as close as 30 yards or so from giraffes, just watching them eat and walk around. A cool thing about giraffes is that they team up with the zebras. Or more like, the zebras team up with the giraffes. They benefit from their height to know when trouble is coming. Odds are, you see a zebra, there is a giraffe near by.Our last night we filled up the canoes for an evening game cruise followed by sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and singing songs with the locals who were on our crew. We spent two nights in the Delta, which for me was just enough. As great as it was, I was ready for some cold water and a shower.
We hauled out of the delta to head for Chobe National park, where is the highest concentration of elephants in the world. It was awesome. The drive itself amazed me at how many elephants we saw.
Before we got to Chobe though we stopped at a campsite Planet Baobab in the middle of nowhere to break up the long drive. Feeling dehydrated and covered in dirt no one hesitated to jump in the pool and grab cold beer. Every campsite we stayed at had a bar and pool; something I had no complaints for.
Our first night in Chobe we had an evening game cruise down a river that divided Namibia from Botswana. The animal sightings were plentiful and it was only the beginning on what was instore for Chobe.
The next morning, before leaving for Zambia, we had a two hour game drive scheduled. This turned into a four hour game drive. Considering we didn't pay extra and saw steenboks, warthogs, hyennas, giraffe, buffalo, elephants, lions, vultures, baboons, the extra two hours did not go unappreciated. I'd have to say that morning game drive in Chobe was probably the coolest segment of animal sightings in my life. Definitely beats the caribou and grizzly bears in Alaska.
Getting over the Zambian boarder was ridiculous. First we had to get out of our truck while it was inspected by boarder patrol, then we hopped on a ferry, got off the ferry and got bombarded by locals to by their "handmade goods" which I wouldn't be surprised if they were marked "made in China". Apparently half the people at the boarder who look like officials are really just scammers so our driver took on the role of sorting that all out while we waited in the sun getting harassed by everyone else.
Finally made it into Zambia and set off for our final campsite where we would spend the next three nights to conclude the trip. Our site in Zambia was near Livingston, which is where you can see Victoria Falls. In addition to the falls, there are tons of activities to do including bungi jumping, elephant back safaris, lion encounters, white water rafting, all the things tourists can spend their money on. It's a huge tourist attraction, but rightfully so.
Our first full day in Zambia was probably one of the coolest days of my life. It started off by each of us walking off a cliff....
No joke.I wish I knew how high it was, but needless to say, it was high. I got up there entirely emotionally confused. Before I knew it I was told to put my toes over the edge. 3-2-1, I took a large step forward into three seconds of free fall. Once the slack catches, you basically swing back and fourth in the gorge. Heights has always been something I'm not too comfortable with. I learned to get over that fear very quickly.
To conclude the afternoon in Zimbabwe a couple girls and I decided to stop and look at Victoria Falls from the Zim side. The Zambia side was cool, but for $30, you can see an entirely different view. No regrets for that investment.
Back at camp that night we ran into the other group traveling who was doing everything we did but a day earlier. I am so happy I was not on that trip. For the fourth consecutive location, the staff told us how obnoxious the group before us was and was much happier with us. Point made I was traveling with a great group of kids, most of whom I barely knew before the trip.
For the final day of the trip, we all went white water rafting. And this was not normal white water rafting. I had done a handful of rafting trips in the US, but this did not compare. The Zambizi river divides Zambia and Zimbabwe and is known for its huge rapids ranging from class one to class six, which only professionals can do. My other great fear is of drowning, so this trip was a good fix to that one too. Seven girls and a guide in our boat, all equipped with paddles, life jackets, and helmets. We were off to a great start, hadn't capsized yet, until rapid number eight. Our guide basically instructed us to paddle our hearts out until the first rapid when he yelled "GET DOWN". Paddles in hand we ducked for cover along the inner perimeter of the boat. But that was not enough. Our boat capsized dumping us all into the river. Entirely submerged, I couldn't find the boat, and down stream I went. Any second I could gasp for air, I was thrown into another rapid. Shooting downstream with nothing but water in sight, I was completely terrified. Eventually I saw a hint of yellow far in the distance. The yellow got bigger and though I was mostly submerged, I stuck my arm in the air for anyone to grab me. Finally rescued and totally freaked out having no way to wrap my head around what had just happened. It's completely normal to capsize in the Zambizi, but never had I felt more like I was going to die. After that we did everything we could to never capsize again. When we hit more calm water about 2/3 in, our guide pointed out a crocodile in the water. Apparently he had been seeing them all along but didn't tell us to avoid freaking us out. I was happy to finally hit land and get out of that boat.
That night we had an open bar booze cruise with apps and dinner. Probably had a few too many glasses of wine, considering I was able to fall asleep at 9 and felt a bit woozy in the morning, but it was still a great time.
The next morning we packed up to catch our flight in Livingston to get to Jo'Burg, had a rushed layover, cherry on top was when security stopped me with 20 min before departure because I apparently had a knife in my bag. They eventually let me go, I ran to the plane, got on the two hour flight, made it safely home after ten amazing days of travel.
This trip really was a trip of a lifetime. It made me think a lot about how I want to spend my time while I have this freedom to see the world. My appreciation for family grew tremendously as the whole time I was there I was almost more homesick because I wanted to share this experience with those I'm closest to. I was able to face fears of heights and drowning, and I came out ok. I was exposed to cultures I will probably never again be exposed to. I saw animals that can only be seen in either the zoo or The Lion King. And I was able to do all this with great people and develop relationships that I know will last.
No regrets here. Can't wait for my next adventure.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Day 52
My main purpose of choosing to travel to Africa for a semester abroad was to take advantage of seeing the amazing wildlife it has to offer. Well, the day has finally come. In about 5 hours I will be picked up from my house to start a life changing ten day trip.
So long, Cape Town! Off to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Back to reality and technology September 10.
So long, Cape Town! Off to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Back to reality and technology September 10.
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