When I set out on my South African journey I created a list of do's and don'ts. In case you forgot, here is a refresher:
1) Don't throw up on person seated next to me on plane. No matter how much I try, it will never be considered a bonding moment.
2) Eat new foods! (Shouldn't be a problem). (Warning: see #1: sensitive stomach)
3) Appreciate the language(s): Try and eavesdrop on people speaking Xhosa (click) as much as possible.
4) Embrace being out of my element (examples include: bungee jumping, swimming with Great Whites, safari)
5) Ride the elephant, don't let the elephant ride me. (To be understood literally and metaphorically).
Looking back on the past five months, I feel pretty accomplished. I never threw up on Michele or Mollie, in fact I slept for the majority of the plane ride both to and fro, I learned (very basic communication skills) of Xhosa, Afrikaans and Shona. I tried new foods (yes mom, I did eat something other than Mcds). I was often out of my element and it was arguably the best part (i.e.: Langa homestay, working at Masiyile, shark cage diving). And finally, at times the elephant rode me. Things were bumpy, awkward, disheartening, overwhelming and nerve-wracking. But I rode that elephant right back. No bumpiness or awkwardness could ever measure up to how incredible the past five months were. I am so appreciative of the people who made it such an amazing semester- I WILL be back!!
Unjani, dankie, thanks!
With love,
G
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Capstone
As many of you know, the entire semester was centered around our Capstone projects. Mollie and I worked at Masiyile Secondary School (grade 8-12) in Khayelitsha for the entire semester. With the help of amazing teachers and enthusiastic students, we were able to implement an after-school writing club, called "My Masiyile, My Words" that focused on youth empowerment through creative expression. Essentially the club provided a safe space for students to express how they were feeling through song, dance, and writing.
We were able to compile all of the students work into a book that will be kept in the Masiyile library. Furthermore, we were able to bring several students to University of Cape Town to perform their poems and share their short stories with an audience during our capstone presentations. Everyone was blown away by their passion, talents and confidence.
We were able to compile all of the students work into a book that will be kept in the Masiyile library. Furthermore, we were able to bring several students to University of Cape Town to perform their poems and share their short stories with an audience during our capstone presentations. Everyone was blown away by their passion, talents and confidence.
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| Four amazing Masiyile students singing at U.C.T Baxter Theatre |
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| Me and Mollie with Mrs. Matyatya, the head Life Orientation teacher at Masiyile and the CIEE Liason. Amazing woman! |
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| Me and the incredible Masiyile writing club! |
SHARKS
This blog title pretty much explains it all. On May 1st, a bunch of us (Katie, Lauren, Lauren, Mollie, Caitlin and Alvand) boarded a small boat and navigated the high seas to find Great Whites. Despite having an untimely date with seasickness, it was by far one of the greatest days in Cape Town. We woke up at 4:30am and arrived by 7, ate a quick breakfast, and we were on the boat all day.
All seven of us were able to fit in the cage at one time which was awesome. The ship crew would through chum in the water to attract the sharks. They were HUGE. Shark week on the Discovery Channel does not do them justice. They came right up to the cage, which freaked me out a bit, but we knew they wouldn't be able to get in. If anyone reading this ever travels to South Africa, I definitely recommend this!
All seven of us were able to fit in the cage at one time which was awesome. The ship crew would through chum in the water to attract the sharks. They were HUGE. Shark week on the Discovery Channel does not do them justice. They came right up to the cage, which freaked me out a bit, but we knew they wouldn't be able to get in. If anyone reading this ever travels to South Africa, I definitely recommend this!
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| Molls looking dapper in her wetsuite |
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| Me and Katie waiting like champions before we hopped into the cage of death |
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| SHARKS!!! |
Langa Homestay
On the weekend of April 20th, the service-learners had the chance to do an authentic homestay in Langa township. Langa is about fifteen minutes outside of Cape Town and one of the oldest townships in South Africa. I stayed with a single mom and her 21 year old daughter in an RDP house. There was a tremendous sense of community and Xhosa culture and although townships often get stigmatized for being dangerous, I felt completely safe and loved the entire time. It was one of my favorite experiences because I had the chance to feel completely uncomfortable and rely on basic human interactions. I had the chance to learn about her life, her family and her community. We also spent all day Saturday at Aces, an outside meat restaurant. It was great!
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| Easily the cutest kid I've ever met |
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| Me and Aleah, a 5 year old who lived in Langa |
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| Me and my host mom! |
World Cup Stadium in Cape Town!
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| World Cup Stadium- Cape Town, South Africa (Ajax Cape Town vs. Orlando Pirates) |
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| Me, Caitlin and Katie at a soccer game at the World Cup Stadim (April 27th, 2012) |
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| Emily, Caitlin, Johanna, Justine, Katie, Me and a Security Guard outside of the World Cup Stadium! |
Five Months Too Little
It's hard to believe that the past five months came and went. As I sit at home, in a familiar setting that somehow feels extremely unfamiliar, I try to piece to together how the time went by so quickly. Everyone warned me that abroad would feel like a break from reality, and that time would essentially stop. I suppose it did.
I always rolled my eyes at the people who claimed to be so enlightened when they returned to the States post-abroad. I'm not claiming to be enlightened but the people I met and the experiences I now have in my memory have definitely changed me for the better. Between the dive bars of Stones and Pig & Swizzle, to hiking Table Mountain, to swimming with sharks, staying in Langa township, to the beautiful campus of UCT, my time in South Africa was the best five months of my life. I am so appreciative and grateful that I had the chance to experience all that I did.
To my mom and my friends- you were right. To you, this blog was a failure. But, to me, my infrequent blogging is a testament to how busy I was in South Africa. Sure, I could use the ongoing excuse that my internet accessibility was limited. In reality, I was constantly on the move- trying something new, meeting someone new, learning something new.
So, I propose a solution to the problem of my lack of blogging. I can't turn back time, but I can post a picture blog of all, or most, of the memorable events that happened post-penguins.
Enjoy!
G
I always rolled my eyes at the people who claimed to be so enlightened when they returned to the States post-abroad. I'm not claiming to be enlightened but the people I met and the experiences I now have in my memory have definitely changed me for the better. Between the dive bars of Stones and Pig & Swizzle, to hiking Table Mountain, to swimming with sharks, staying in Langa township, to the beautiful campus of UCT, my time in South Africa was the best five months of my life. I am so appreciative and grateful that I had the chance to experience all that I did.
To my mom and my friends- you were right. To you, this blog was a failure. But, to me, my infrequent blogging is a testament to how busy I was in South Africa. Sure, I could use the ongoing excuse that my internet accessibility was limited. In reality, I was constantly on the move- trying something new, meeting someone new, learning something new.
So, I propose a solution to the problem of my lack of blogging. I can't turn back time, but I can post a picture blog of all, or most, of the memorable events that happened post-penguins.
Enjoy!
G
Friday, March 23, 2012
PENGUINS!
I can't believe I forgot the most exciting thing I've done since I've been here! Wednesday was a public holiday (human rights day) so we all took the train to Simon's Town and saw PENGUINS!
Here's a view of the beaches before Simon's Town from the train (photo cred. Ms Lauren Waldenburg)
I wanted to take them all home with me but there was a big sign that read "Don't Get Handsy with the Penguins". Oh well.
Toodles!
Here's a view of the beaches before Simon's Town from the train (photo cred. Ms Lauren Waldenburg)
I wanted to take them all home with me but there was a big sign that read "Don't Get Handsy with the Penguins". Oh well.
Toodles!
Updates from Cape Town
I've been pretty elusive these past weeks with school work and service (and swimming with the cast of Happy Feet) but I'll take a minute to update any of you who are still faithfully following my blog. For starters, service work at Masiyile is going great but it's overwhelming to know our capstone is due in just about two months. Mollie and I started an after-school drama club, hoping to provide the students a platform for personal expression and creative growth, but sadly not too many people have showed up. The first week there were 20 students, then 10, then 5. Ouch. But, then again, can I really expect hormonal 16 and 17 years dealing with the stress and drama of high school to really want to hang out with me? A girl can dream.
Aside from trying to make a connection with the angsty Xhosa speaking teens, I've been busy doing exploring Cape Town. A few weeks ago a bunch of us went to the gay rights Pride festival and Cape Town and boy, was love in the air. Love is love, baby.
This was probably the first time since arriving in Cape Town when I've felt that class, race and gender didn't factor into the general feel of the environment. It was great!
Later that day CIEE brought us to Newlands to watch the Cape Town professional Rugby team (The Stormers- how daunting! really, they're all huge and kind of scary and wear uncomfortably short shorts). Apparently the game was as big of a deal as the Superbowl (who knew) because I was too busy trying to gather some semblance of knowledge regarding rugby rules.
The week following the rugby match CIEE brought us to Kirstenbosch, which is about 30-35 minutes out of Cape Town, to the Goldfish concert. It was a gorgeous venue- very central-park-mid-summer-with-a-mountain-in-the-background type feel. Also, not to mention Goldfish is the greatest band ever. It's as if Avicii and Duke Ellington had a love child.
Pretty much its been an amazing two months and I am still in disbelief that I've been here for that long. Every day I wake up with a new appreciation for being here but at the same time I get so sad knowing I'll have to leave! But I'm looking forward to having my mom and sisters come the week after next for spring break. Hopefully we'll be able to surf in Muzienburg, go to Stellenbosch vineyards, beach it at Camps Bay, go out on Long Street, visit District 6 and do everything in
between!
Dankie, tots siens!
(thanks, see you later in Afrikaans!)
-G
(Yes, the dramatic one letter name IS catching on)
Aside from trying to make a connection with the angsty Xhosa speaking teens, I've been busy doing exploring Cape Town. A few weeks ago a bunch of us went to the gay rights Pride festival and Cape Town and boy, was love in the air. Love is love, baby.
This was probably the first time since arriving in Cape Town when I've felt that class, race and gender didn't factor into the general feel of the environment. It was great!
Later that day CIEE brought us to Newlands to watch the Cape Town professional Rugby team (The Stormers- how daunting! really, they're all huge and kind of scary and wear uncomfortably short shorts). Apparently the game was as big of a deal as the Superbowl (who knew) because I was too busy trying to gather some semblance of knowledge regarding rugby rules.
The week following the rugby match CIEE brought us to Kirstenbosch, which is about 30-35 minutes out of Cape Town, to the Goldfish concert. It was a gorgeous venue- very central-park-mid-summer-with-a-mountain-in-the-background type feel. Also, not to mention Goldfish is the greatest band ever. It's as if Avicii and Duke Ellington had a love child.
Pretty much its been an amazing two months and I am still in disbelief that I've been here for that long. Every day I wake up with a new appreciation for being here but at the same time I get so sad knowing I'll have to leave! But I'm looking forward to having my mom and sisters come the week after next for spring break. Hopefully we'll be able to surf in Muzienburg, go to Stellenbosch vineyards, beach it at Camps Bay, go out on Long Street, visit District 6 and do everything in
between!
Dankie, tots siens!
(thanks, see you later in Afrikaans!)
-G
(Yes, the dramatic one letter name IS catching on)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Dear Mom
Dear mom,
Don't get me wrong, you're a wonderful woman whose provided me with endless amounts of love (and food) since I came parading into this world. But, I think it's time to break the news that I'm never coming home from Africa. Don't worry, I have legitimate reasons:
One. I go to school in a mountain. No, really, the University of Cape Town is seated at the foothills of Table Mountain. We are not in Kansas anymore. (And we are definitely not in Providence). Just to give you a glimpse...
Two. On the weekends we go here...
Three. When we're hungry we eat this...
Love always,
Grace
Okay, we've essentially been living like queens. But the honeymoon phase is over and I'm not as shallow as the above pictures suggested. Living in SA so far has been quite an experience- good and bad. Yes the weather, nightlife, beaches, and food are all amazing and beyond anything I anticipated, but South Africa has an ugly past of racial segregation that still manifests itself in ways I'm unfamiliar with. For example, the beaches. Some beaches, such as Maiden's Cove, will have mostly Black and Coloured South Africans while just beyond its boulders at Camp's Bay or Clifton Beach will be primarily comprised of White South Africans. While University of Cape Town is definitely diverse both in language and skin color, I've noticed students with the same colored skin still congregate together. Then again, can I really pass judgment here when PC is no different? In fact, PC is must more racially homogenized than UCT.
As many of you know, part of the reason I was so attracted to the CIEE Cape Town program was its service-learning component. All of the people I live with are involved with service work that we dedicate 10-15 hours a week on and will eventually create a capstone project on. My friend Mollie and I chose to volunteer at Masiyile High School in Khaletsysha, a township about 30 minutes away. For a few days a week we have the chance to step into a different world and immerse ourselves in an all-Black community that is primarily Xhosa speaking. Our white skin automatically separates us from the students and implies an air of wealth and superiority. It is uncomfortable and has created a lot of emotional and cultural barriers that we will have to overcome. But, I don't think we would have chosen this site if we weren't prepared to deconstruct those barriers and dispel any false perceptions of Americans. Similarly, I am prepared to eliminate any stereotypes I may have had about townships. Most importantly, I hope to gain a new perspective on what is means to be educated, the importance of language, and an altogether re-conceptualization of wealth and what it means to live a full life.
Surprisingly the classrooms are extremely structured (see? stereotype #1) and the respect the students have for the teachers is something American students should work towards emulating. The teachers switch back and forth from english and Xhosa and it's been cool to hear the different clicks. Of course I sound like an absolute idiot when I try to speak it but it's a process, right?
I'll leave you with this very inspiring fact I learned yesterday while working. The matric (pass) rate for Masiyile in 2009 was 31%, in 2010 it was 33% and in 2011 it was 87%. Why? The teachers implemented peer tutoring. Amazing! They are aiming for 90-100% for this year, 2012.
Write soon! (Or, knowing me, in 4 weeks from now)
g
Don't get me wrong, you're a wonderful woman whose provided me with endless amounts of love (and food) since I came parading into this world. But, I think it's time to break the news that I'm never coming home from Africa. Don't worry, I have legitimate reasons:
One. I go to school in a mountain. No, really, the University of Cape Town is seated at the foothills of Table Mountain. We are not in Kansas anymore. (And we are definitely not in Providence). Just to give you a glimpse...
Two. On the weekends we go here...
Three. When we're hungry we eat this...
Love always,
Grace
Okay, we've essentially been living like queens. But the honeymoon phase is over and I'm not as shallow as the above pictures suggested. Living in SA so far has been quite an experience- good and bad. Yes the weather, nightlife, beaches, and food are all amazing and beyond anything I anticipated, but South Africa has an ugly past of racial segregation that still manifests itself in ways I'm unfamiliar with. For example, the beaches. Some beaches, such as Maiden's Cove, will have mostly Black and Coloured South Africans while just beyond its boulders at Camp's Bay or Clifton Beach will be primarily comprised of White South Africans. While University of Cape Town is definitely diverse both in language and skin color, I've noticed students with the same colored skin still congregate together. Then again, can I really pass judgment here when PC is no different? In fact, PC is must more racially homogenized than UCT.
As many of you know, part of the reason I was so attracted to the CIEE Cape Town program was its service-learning component. All of the people I live with are involved with service work that we dedicate 10-15 hours a week on and will eventually create a capstone project on. My friend Mollie and I chose to volunteer at Masiyile High School in Khaletsysha, a township about 30 minutes away. For a few days a week we have the chance to step into a different world and immerse ourselves in an all-Black community that is primarily Xhosa speaking. Our white skin automatically separates us from the students and implies an air of wealth and superiority. It is uncomfortable and has created a lot of emotional and cultural barriers that we will have to overcome. But, I don't think we would have chosen this site if we weren't prepared to deconstruct those barriers and dispel any false perceptions of Americans. Similarly, I am prepared to eliminate any stereotypes I may have had about townships. Most importantly, I hope to gain a new perspective on what is means to be educated, the importance of language, and an altogether re-conceptualization of wealth and what it means to live a full life.
Surprisingly the classrooms are extremely structured (see? stereotype #1) and the respect the students have for the teachers is something American students should work towards emulating. The teachers switch back and forth from english and Xhosa and it's been cool to hear the different clicks. Of course I sound like an absolute idiot when I try to speak it but it's a process, right?
I'll leave you with this very inspiring fact I learned yesterday while working. The matric (pass) rate for Masiyile in 2009 was 31%, in 2010 it was 33% and in 2011 it was 87%. Why? The teachers implemented peer tutoring. Amazing! They are aiming for 90-100% for this year, 2012.
Write soon! (Or, knowing me, in 4 weeks from now)
g
The First Month in a Nutshell
I am officially bad at blogging but blame the mother earth and the high seas: there is a cable that runs under water from the USA to SA that provides the internet. What? Who knew!
Anyways, I'm going to make it a weekly goal to blog so it won't end up like this post. Strap in, I'm about to inundate you with info that you probably will end up skimming over. (Just kidding, I have more faith in you than that).
(Or do I?)
Here is a brief list of the big headliners:
Langa Township Tour & Mzoli's Meat
Bo Kapp
(21st birthday! I warned you about the narcissism)
Robben Island
Parliament
Lion's Head
High Africa Retreat
Langa Township Tour was an interesting experience; interesting being a euphemism for one of the most uncomfortable days ever. Don't get me wrong, it was worthwhile and gave me insight into economic apartheid and class stratification in South Africa, but walking through an impoverished neighborhood snapping pictures made us look even more touristy and out of place than we already were. We may as well have been wearing American flag t-shirts. But, like most things I've experienced thus far while in SA, it's not about us. Yes, I felt uncomfortable but the trip exposed me to a world I seldom live in. It also made me re-conceptualize wealth in that I may have more tangible possessions but the people of Langa have a rich sense of culture.
A few days later we took a tour of Bo Kaap, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cape Town known for its pastel colored houses. Bo Kaap is also the home of the oldest Mosque in South Africa, Auwal Masjid estbalished in 1704. We also had the opportunity to visit the mosque and go to a Muslim family's home for an authentic Cape Malay cuisine which consisted of samosas, rice and chicken, vegetables, and more.
We also took a tour of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and hundreds of other political prisoners were held during Apartheid. Don't get me wrong, this trip was something I had been looking forward too since I sent my application in to study abroad in Cape Town. Unfortunately, the trip was planned the day after my 21st birthday and the ferry ride over was like a scene out of the Perfect Storm. Luckily standing outside of Nelson Mandela's jail cell was an incredibly sobering experience. Pun intended.
Our trip to Parliament was also interesting and I learned that SA is a leading country in representing both genders equally in Parliament. A few weeks ago we hiked Lion's Head (well, a few of us: I had a panic attack and could only make it half way up. Eye rolling is totally appropriate, don't worry). Nonetheless it was a beautiful view and I've make it a personal 'must' to climb it before I leave. Hopefully in a few weeks we'll climb Table Mountain.
And a view of the sunset:
The last "big" thing we've done is High Africa, a weekend retreat in which we reflected upon our weeks so far in South Africa and where we hope the semester will take us. Team building and group bonding ensued and it turned out to be a really relaxing weekend. The first night they had us sit alone in the dark without anyone remotely close to us for 20-25 minutes. After my fears of water animals creeping out of the water to attack me subsided, I allowed myself to fully immerse myself in the nature that surrounded me. I thought a lot about life's purpose and what I am doing. More importantly, I thought about how the decisions I make affect those around me and in what ways I can become a better person. Unfortunately, all of this peaceful self-reflection came to an abrupt halt the next day when we had to do a high-ropes course and I practically defecated in my pants.
I'll leave you with that beautifully-painted picture,
g
(has 'g' caught on yet?)
Anyways, I'm going to make it a weekly goal to blog so it won't end up like this post. Strap in, I'm about to inundate you with info that you probably will end up skimming over. (Just kidding, I have more faith in you than that).
(Or do I?)
Here is a brief list of the big headliners:
Langa Township Tour & Mzoli's Meat
Bo Kapp
(21st birthday! I warned you about the narcissism)
Robben Island
Parliament
Lion's Head
High Africa Retreat
Langa Township Tour was an interesting experience; interesting being a euphemism for one of the most uncomfortable days ever. Don't get me wrong, it was worthwhile and gave me insight into economic apartheid and class stratification in South Africa, but walking through an impoverished neighborhood snapping pictures made us look even more touristy and out of place than we already were. We may as well have been wearing American flag t-shirts. But, like most things I've experienced thus far while in SA, it's not about us. Yes, I felt uncomfortable but the trip exposed me to a world I seldom live in. It also made me re-conceptualize wealth in that I may have more tangible possessions but the people of Langa have a rich sense of culture.
A few days later we took a tour of Bo Kaap, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cape Town known for its pastel colored houses. Bo Kaap is also the home of the oldest Mosque in South Africa, Auwal Masjid estbalished in 1704. We also had the opportunity to visit the mosque and go to a Muslim family's home for an authentic Cape Malay cuisine which consisted of samosas, rice and chicken, vegetables, and more.
We also took a tour of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and hundreds of other political prisoners were held during Apartheid. Don't get me wrong, this trip was something I had been looking forward too since I sent my application in to study abroad in Cape Town. Unfortunately, the trip was planned the day after my 21st birthday and the ferry ride over was like a scene out of the Perfect Storm. Luckily standing outside of Nelson Mandela's jail cell was an incredibly sobering experience. Pun intended.
Our trip to Parliament was also interesting and I learned that SA is a leading country in representing both genders equally in Parliament. A few weeks ago we hiked Lion's Head (well, a few of us: I had a panic attack and could only make it half way up. Eye rolling is totally appropriate, don't worry). Nonetheless it was a beautiful view and I've make it a personal 'must' to climb it before I leave. Hopefully in a few weeks we'll climb Table Mountain.
Here is a view of the corner of Table Mountain and other mountains that overlook Camp's Bay, half way up Lion's Head:
And a view of the sunset:
The last "big" thing we've done is High Africa, a weekend retreat in which we reflected upon our weeks so far in South Africa and where we hope the semester will take us. Team building and group bonding ensued and it turned out to be a really relaxing weekend. The first night they had us sit alone in the dark without anyone remotely close to us for 20-25 minutes. After my fears of water animals creeping out of the water to attack me subsided, I allowed myself to fully immerse myself in the nature that surrounded me. I thought a lot about life's purpose and what I am doing. More importantly, I thought about how the decisions I make affect those around me and in what ways I can become a better person. Unfortunately, all of this peaceful self-reflection came to an abrupt halt the next day when we had to do a high-ropes course and I practically defecated in my pants.
I'll leave you with that beautifully-painted picture,
g
(has 'g' caught on yet?)
Home Sweet Home
The 2012 Service-Learners humble abode. To Six Chapel Rd at the bottom of the UCT campus, I hope we leave you as pretty as we found you.
The living situation at Six Chapel Rd. has been pretty wonderful. There are 14 of us living in 'big chapel" and 7 others living in "small chapel", the smaller house on the same property. We're about a 5 minute walk from campus and the Jammie (campus shuttle) stop is right across the street.
The living situation at Six Chapel Rd. has been pretty wonderful. There are 14 of us living in 'big chapel" and 7 others living in "small chapel", the smaller house on the same property. We're about a 5 minute walk from campus and the Jammie (campus shuttle) stop is right across the street.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Five Reasons I'm Never Leaving Cape Town
(Not listed in order of importance)
1) Mullets are in
2) People wear shirts with the following logos: "HUNGOVER: Another way to say you kicked ass last night". But it's acceptable because everyone is beautiful
3) No one wears shoes in the grocery store
4) Whitney Huston and NSync are still played at bars
5) Froyo is excellent
Okay, so clearly blogging is not my forte. Tomorrow will mark the second week anniversary of me and Cape Town's relationship. It's been a special journey, with inevitable ups and downs. I'll offer you a brief synopsis as internet is difficult to acquire and two weeks worth of excursions could go on for pages.
Let's begin: the flight was good, not too much turbulence and the food was above par. The chicken was suspect and sported an off-green color (kind of like my face) but it's all good.
Arrive in Cape Town: we stayed at this adorable little hotel, Little Scotia, a few streets over from where I live now. Although the weather was beautiful and the food was incredible, I found myself super uncomfortable and confused the first days. Definitely cried in the shower. It was that awkward meet and greet with people for the first time that really kicked my ass. It was very summer camp-meets-freshman year of college-meets-what the hell am I doing living in Africa.
But it's all good because after a few nights out everyone came out of their comfort zones and pretty much these people are amazing. Everyone brings a different perspective and attitude to the group and it's hard to believe I've only known them for two weeks. Which brings out the next theme of the blog: living accomodations.
(stay tuned! I only have 2 more minutes online and this is going to awkwardly cut me off).
(Also, not that brief of a synopsis but I warned you: see post #1).
1) Mullets are in
2) People wear shirts with the following logos: "HUNGOVER: Another way to say you kicked ass last night". But it's acceptable because everyone is beautiful
3) No one wears shoes in the grocery store
4) Whitney Huston and NSync are still played at bars
5) Froyo is excellent
Okay, so clearly blogging is not my forte. Tomorrow will mark the second week anniversary of me and Cape Town's relationship. It's been a special journey, with inevitable ups and downs. I'll offer you a brief synopsis as internet is difficult to acquire and two weeks worth of excursions could go on for pages.
Let's begin: the flight was good, not too much turbulence and the food was above par. The chicken was suspect and sported an off-green color (kind of like my face) but it's all good.
Arrive in Cape Town: we stayed at this adorable little hotel, Little Scotia, a few streets over from where I live now. Although the weather was beautiful and the food was incredible, I found myself super uncomfortable and confused the first days. Definitely cried in the shower. It was that awkward meet and greet with people for the first time that really kicked my ass. It was very summer camp-meets-freshman year of college-meets-what the hell am I doing living in Africa.
But it's all good because after a few nights out everyone came out of their comfort zones and pretty much these people are amazing. Everyone brings a different perspective and attitude to the group and it's hard to believe I've only known them for two weeks. Which brings out the next theme of the blog: living accomodations.
(stay tuned! I only have 2 more minutes online and this is going to awkwardly cut me off).
(Also, not that brief of a synopsis but I warned you: see post #1).
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Five Days and Counting!
To Nomi: My Argentine study-abroader and mi mejor amiga, to whom this blog is dedicated. Without you, it would simply be a URL.
Forewarning: I write like I talk, so if you care enough about me to read this, you will inevitably sift through verbiage. Strap in. Appreciate the tangents for what they are and laugh when I attempt to be funny. Comedic genius is much harder to convey through the computer.
I apologize if you think blogs are narcissistic--once upon a time, I did too. But, this is the most efficient way to relay stories, experiences, and adventures to everyone back home. Side note: this is a two-way street and I expect emails from everyone in the States. If I come back in June and things have gone awry (examples include, but not limited to: Newt Gingrich leaving his wife and marrying into the Schierberl clan, the discontinuation of Dunkin' Donuts ice-coffees, Ellen & Portia divorce) and I'm not forewarned, I will exchange your souvenir for elephant dung.
I could offer you generic adjectives to describe my current emotional state (nervous, anxious, stressed) but lets call a spade a spade: you're not reading this blog to find out that I feel the same way about South Africa as you do about the dentist. (Not to equate studying abroad in South Africa with going to the dentist, but oddly enough, there are some overlapping emotions).
I've thought long and hard about the next five months and I can tell you wholeheartedly that the anxiety and nervousness pale in comparison with how appreciative and excited I am. For your liking, I broke down my goals, hopes and expectations into a five-point plan:
1) Don't throw up on person seated next to me on plane. No matter how much I try, it will never be considered a bonding moment.
2) Eat new foods! (Shouldn't be a problem). (Warning: see #1: sensitive stomach)
3) Appreciate the language(s): Try and eavesdrop on people speaking Xhosa (click) as much as possible.
4) Embrace being out of my element (examples include: bungee jumping, swimming with Great Whites, safari)
5) Ride the elephant, don't let the elephant ride me. (To be understood literally and metaphorically).
The immense feeling of gratitude I have for the adventure that awaits is indescribable, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you!
Write soon!
G
Forewarning: I write like I talk, so if you care enough about me to read this, you will inevitably sift through verbiage. Strap in. Appreciate the tangents for what they are and laugh when I attempt to be funny. Comedic genius is much harder to convey through the computer.
I apologize if you think blogs are narcissistic--once upon a time, I did too. But, this is the most efficient way to relay stories, experiences, and adventures to everyone back home. Side note: this is a two-way street and I expect emails from everyone in the States. If I come back in June and things have gone awry (examples include, but not limited to: Newt Gingrich leaving his wife and marrying into the Schierberl clan, the discontinuation of Dunkin' Donuts ice-coffees, Ellen & Portia divorce) and I'm not forewarned, I will exchange your souvenir for elephant dung.
I could offer you generic adjectives to describe my current emotional state (nervous, anxious, stressed) but lets call a spade a spade: you're not reading this blog to find out that I feel the same way about South Africa as you do about the dentist. (Not to equate studying abroad in South Africa with going to the dentist, but oddly enough, there are some overlapping emotions).
I've thought long and hard about the next five months and I can tell you wholeheartedly that the anxiety and nervousness pale in comparison with how appreciative and excited I am. For your liking, I broke down my goals, hopes and expectations into a five-point plan:
1) Don't throw up on person seated next to me on plane. No matter how much I try, it will never be considered a bonding moment.
2) Eat new foods! (Shouldn't be a problem). (Warning: see #1: sensitive stomach)
3) Appreciate the language(s): Try and eavesdrop on people speaking Xhosa (click) as much as possible.
4) Embrace being out of my element (examples include: bungee jumping, swimming with Great Whites, safari)
5) Ride the elephant, don't let the elephant ride me. (To be understood literally and metaphorically).
The immense feeling of gratitude I have for the adventure that awaits is indescribable, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you!
Write soon!
G
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