Wow didnt realize how far behind I had gotten on this thing! So much has happened since the last entry that I am not even sure where to begin. For one, Taylor and Erin have also left so I'm left with the boys in the house as my go-to people. I have also made some really good local friends here in Cape Town who live in an area called Sea Point (right on the water with a wonderful balcony for sunset viewing). Their names are Matt, Grant, and Gavin so I am definitely missing my girls from both here and home as well!
I've revisited some areas like Cape Point and the Wine Tour because they were both oh so beautiful and fun, plus not as expensive! I've also gotten much more acclimated to the area. I feel much more confident that if I were to come back I would be able to find my way around to the places I love so much here :) It has been helpful going around with people who have cars since we figure out together how to get places.
My parents came for the last two weeks and it was really great to see them! I hadn't realized how much I missed them until I saw them in the airport. It was a little challenging while they were here to juggle all that I have going on in CT and revisiting places with them and getting enough sleep! I hope they have forgiven me if I neglected them by now ;) They were able to come to my placement and meet the staff and most importantly my babies!! It was nice to have the take of a kindergarten teacher and an Occupational Therapist for all my abused and neglected 0-6 year olds. I wish, and I think Nomzamo wished once they left, that they had them on staff as well. That was their first taste of the township life and luckily we were able to contact Mama Ivie, who did my township tour, and she was able to take them around as well. She is a great guide since she has so much information and lives it everyday.
We also took time to go back to the Slave Lodge, which was something I really wanted to do since I felt I had extremely insufficient time the last time I was there. We were there for another hour and a half and I still didn't get to see everything. I was really struggling that night because of the extreme inequality in this country and the attempts that fail and the history all documented and displayed in the SL. Its hard to manage the idea that I am so lucky to have this chance to experience this country in the way that I am. Most people, its very evident, come to Cape Town and only delve into the tourist side and the immense beauty around every corner. Its challenging to even get into the townships without a program like the one I am in since Taxis will not travel to them and its dangerous to just drive in with your own car. It was just a night of release I think since I was with family and got the chance to own up to my privilege.
It also ended up being the best decision to not have my moms hike up Table Mountain with us! Pops kept saying it would be fine but about 10 minutes into the climb he easily agreed it would have been a poor choice! Todd, Joe, my dad and I went up the mountain again and it was another beautiful day. It was a challenge again but we made it up about a half hour quicker than the first time I did it so I was pretty proud of that :)
We experienced a lot of the local food and some shops including Green Market Square. I was in charge of the bartering since apparently I was the veteran...not sure how great of a choice that was! Mom definitely got some good stuff and hopefully all for pretty good deals.
Our Safari weekend away was very nice and I am not sure I have ever eaten or slept so much in 4 days but both were much appreciated! The cuisine was all African so it was lucky we went at the point I am now in my trip so I was actually willing to eat most things (outside of seafood of course!). The animals were beautiful and so was the weather so we couldn't have asked for more. We visited some vineyards and tasted some wine, met some great people and enjoyed each others company. We didn't even bicker alllll that much :)
Speaking of the cuisine...I'm learning to like new things!! woo-hoo. love when this happens. anywho I've started eating Calamari here since its delish everywhere we go. The guys in Sea Point did a Braai (BBQ) for me on Sunday night, they owed Erin and I a Braai but Erin is gone so I brought Joe instead! haha. They cooked lamb steaks, chicken, pork rashers, boerwoers (sp? its South African sausage) and Joe and I made veggies. If you can believe it the only thing I wasn't too keen on was the chicken! Everything else was suuuper good. Matt is an excellent Braaiman I guess :) Anywho Im proud of myself. Ive even eaten curry a number of times although I still can't say I like it.
This entire weekend was perfect weather so I was at the beach everyday including Monday after work! Saturday and Sunday we went to the Clifton beaches, mostly 2nd Beach and Monday we chilled on Camps Bay beach. Got to jump in the ocean each day and Monday I finally went allll the way in. I would have done so sooner but the waves were rather large and my suit would not have appreciated that! It was extremely cold though...it took quite a while to warm up after the dip.
Well this week is my last week and I cannot stand it. The time has flown by, as I knew it would, and I cannot say I am ready to come home. Each day is different but I still feel like I want to experience more. I'm trying to fit a lot into this week and hopefully I can pack it as full as possible- I can sleep when I get home and, fingers crossed, on the plane. I still havent visited Cape Town University Campus and it is pretty much in my backyard so hopefully that will happen in the next few days. I climbed Lion's Head (the smaller mountain to the side of Table Mountain) and it was challenging and fun and the scenery at the top was unmatchable anywhere in the world I would say...even though I'm obviously no expert. The ability to see huge mountains, beautiful sea sides, and a bustling city, and suburbs and townships all from one view is quite unbelievable. So I may try to get up there once again this week. I need to get another steak here since they are sooo good and way cheaper than in the US (the equivalent to about $14 for a 200g fillet). Other than that I wasnt to say my goodbyes and just really enjoy and appreciate my last few days.
Im most not looking forward to saying goodbye at my placement. I am really going to struggle to leave those kiddos behind since I have formed such a connection with all of them. I wish I could write a manual for what each baby likes and dislikes and how to challenge them. I also wish there were a way to get updates on all of them on a weekly basis! I know I'm crazy but I just know its going to be hard. I've already started getting emotional about a few of them and my baby (the one I am incredibly attached to) I dont think I've put down for more than about an hour each day!! wooops. I still have some painting to do, which I plan to do on Thursday, and then Friday it sounds like we're going to have a little going away thing so I am looking forward to that. I know I will miss everyone I have met here in South Africa because the people here are unlike any other. They are so sweet and welcoming and I have yet to have awful words to say about any of them. Don't get me wrong there are some nutties here but everyplace has to have those right!?
Okay thanks for reading and keeping updated on my travels even though I haven't been great about keeping up to date! I will continue to blog though because I have plans for other trips not too far in the future. I'm going to Chicago and New York in the month I get back and then I am hoping for Thailand and London after I graduate! We shall see where I end up :)
peace & love,
Alyssa
