Home at last

As of tomorrow I will have been home for a week now. I didn't post as soon as I got home because things were too weird, too much was going on, I was jet lagged and being home was as confusing and strange as it was exciting. I have not yet returned to a normal sleep schedule, but I am sure it is only a matter of time before I will be fully immersed in this summer and experience instead of recovering from the last one.

Here is what I wrote on June 16:

On Wednesday evening I left my beloved Cape Town.  As all 21 of us piled into the van and drove away from the K-house, all 18 of us girls were sobbing our eyes out (the three guys don’t cry).  The only moment sadder than that was when we all got to Amsterdam and had to say goodbye. Picture 21 young American students hugging and crying and crying and hugging.  Clearly we made a scene, but we didn’t care.  This experience, and the relationships we made with one another on the way were far more incredible that we had ever imagined.  But the other side of it is that leaving Cape Town, the place that has become our home, and separating from the 20 people who have become our best friends and have forever changed our lives, knowing we will never all be together in that context again, is really hard. And coming home and moving on from this experience, without those 20 people and trying to live the same life is really hard, too.

A few months ago I would have told you that I was ready to come home, and that I would be ready on June 13^th when it came time to leave.  At some point, without me knowing, that changed. Cape Town became my home, my roommates became my family, and as much as I missed everyone at home, I didn’t want or need to leave, but it was time. Over the past few months I have discovered more than ever before what incredible family and friends I have been blessed with.  They have supported me, even though it scared them to death for me to go to South Africa on my own, or even though it hurt them to be away from me for five months, or even though they didn’t completely understand. I am so blessed and lucky to have that. 

Today:

This study abroad thing does something really strange to you.  Here I am, in my beautiful house with my wonderful family, the day after my 21^st birthday and I can’t think of anything in the world that I need and don’t already have. Yet, I’m grieving the loss of my life in Cape Town and the loss of my friends surrounding me all the time. But I am forever grateful, to them for changing my life, to Cape Town for changing my perspective, and to my parents and family and friends for still loving me right now, through this weird and uncomfortable time of transition in my own home. I am grateful beyond words to have had this experience and I know soon enough I will be happy as ever, though I won’t say my old self, because I only hope that five months in SA have changed me at least the slightest. Until my next African adventure, salani kakuhle.

Enkosi

Here is my visual diary end of the semester project! It's short, but it basically sums up my time in Cape Town. Enjoy!!

One week left!!! AHHHHH

So currently I am “practice packing”…which means I neatly fold all my clothes and belongings and place them into my two giant suitcases, only to realize they will never fit. FUN! No but seriously, it is going to be such a challenge to get all this stuff home…and I have already donated nearly half of the clothes that I brought here, but I’ve just accumulated so much and I want to take so much home as souvenirs and memories! But obviously I’ll have to part with a few more things.

So I know I’ve failed to be a great blogger the last few months of my stay, but let me catch you up on the last few weeks.

Thursday (May 31) was my last day of service, so I made cookies for my students, gave them each a copy of a picture of me with them, and wrote a personal note to each on the back.  I can’t believe I won’t be going back there again…I feel like it was only a week or two ago that I first blogged and explained that I would be teaching there…and now its been nearly a week since my last day! Thursday was definitely sad, and as I tried to give my students some final words of advice, I couldn’t help but cry. I wish I knew what would happen to them when I go. I wish I could check up on them, make sure they stay on track, don’t get into any trouble. I can only hope that a volunteer will be put in my place next semester and can follow up, but who knows if it will be the same students who get the chance to work with them, who knows what will happen. I guess I just have to have some faith, but I’m really going to miss those kids.

On Friday (June 1) I had my last final exam for my Ethics class and handed in my final Theology paper, and then I hopped on a plane to Johannesburg. I had such a great weekend with the Wainwrights. Friday we went out to a lovely Italian dinner, my favorite. Saturday Ashely and I met with her friends and went to an Oyster and Wine Festival-SO much fun! Then we had even more fun back at the house that evening. On Sunday we went to the Cradle of HumanKind…which was amazing. For those who are not anthropologists, the cradle is a World Heritage Site just outside of Johannesburg where a 2.3 million year old fossilized skull of Australopithecus was found in the 1940s. Australopithecus is an ancestor of humans, and this discovery is more evidence towards the theory of evolution and to the theory that human life originated in Africa and then spread to the rest of the world. Anyway, it is a really amazing place to visit and the Maropeng museum was absolutely fascinating. It takes you through the history of humanity and our planet and how everything came to be the way we see it now, as well as what is going to happen to the planet and the life on it in the future. It definitely makes you think about your impact on the planet. One of my favorite quotes from the museum:

“If we don’t act now, the terrible irony is that our great grandchildren will only know of ancient forests through pictures in books printed on paper that contributed to their extinction.”-Graham Lester George

That was just one of many that made me stop and think. The exhibits were so interesting, and covered so many different aspects of the world and of human beings…including the nine different characteristics that all humans share, literacy rates in every country, and a “live” estimate of the world population, just under 7 billion, but changing every second.  It was pretty daunting.

After the museum we ate lunch and headed to the Sterkfontein Caves, where the fossil of Australopithecus (named “Mrs. Ples”) was found. I had never been in a cave, but it was so beautiful. It was cold since we were underground, and we were actually down there for a pretty long time. I actually felt like I was either in Disney World or starring in Indiana Jones…I had to keep reminding myself that they were not manmade and that this was a real cave! Really cool and interesting though…so glad I got to visit the cradle-that was definitely on my to do list in South Africa!

On Monday I flew back to Cape Town and stayed with the other Wainwrights, the grandparents, Maureen and Ray. Maureen and I did some shopping (during which time I bought shoes that will likely not fit in my suitcase) and I had a great relaxing night at their house. Yesterday I came back to the K-house and to roommates, both which I missed very much, and I’ve been hanging out around here and in Obsz since then!

Today I am finishing up my visual diary, which is my only work left to do. It is a final project in which we must visually represent our semester and our experience. Most people are doing videos, scrapbooks or collages, though some people have gotten very creative! I have been working on a digital scrapbook, which I will make into a slideshow hopefully and upload to this page so everyone can see it! I will also upload as many pictures as possible to the Internet when I return home and include a link so they can be shared with everyone! I know I have been holding out on everyone with my pictures…sorry!

So…one week from today, at 11:35 pm, I will be leaving my beautiful Cape Town and headed to Amsterdam, then to JFK where I will finally during the afternoon the following day (hopefully!) I am excited and anxious to be home and devastated and heartbroken that I have to leave. I’ve never been so completely torn between two places. In the beginning I think I missed home more than I do now…not that I don’t miss my family and all my loved ones, but now this place feels like my home, too. These people have become my best friends and my family, and this life feels like the norm. Now I love it more than before because I don’t feel like a tourist. I’ve lived here for five months, I have gotten used to it, and I even fit in a little! Someone started speaking Afrikaans to be in the airport last Friday…proving to me that I no longer stand out like a sore thumb as an American! Pretty cool to think that I came to another country and got the hang of it, that I made it my home. It makes me feel like there are endless possibilities for me throughout the rest of my life..and I can’t wait to discover them. But for now, I will say goodbye to Cape Town and to the amazing people that I hope will be life long friends, and get back to my wonderful family and life in the states! It’s been an amazing and wild and wonderful ride, and I wouldn’t trade a moment of this for the world!

I’ll try to write once or twice more before I get back!

Peace & love!

Memorial Day Braai with my students!

Being that we are in South Africa, there is no such thing as a barbecue…it’s a braai! And being that we are in South Africa, there is no Memorial Day to celebrate here, but I would be at a Memorial Day barbecue if I were home, so I decided to have a braai yesterday for my students here! 18 of my students came to my house and we had a fantastic time!

Charlie, a roommate of mine, who has rented a car for the last month, drove me to the township to meet my students. We were so lucky to have such a beautiful day. Lately it has been chilly and rainy a lot because winter is about to begin, but today was like a summer day…sunny and almost 70 degrees…perfect!!

I have to admit I was a little nervous! Especially when Charlie and I showed up to the school and no transport was there to pick them up like he was supposed to be. Of course, TIA (This is Africa) and nothing ever really starts on time…honestly, but I was just still a little worried. Ironically enough, when the transport got there and all the kids got into the van, it was Charlie’s car that we couldn’t get to start! There are always lots of people walking around in the townships, especially on nice days, and a few who walked by offered to give the car a push because they saw we were struggling. After politely declining a few times, we eventually realized the car could use a push, and three strangers pushed the car into the road and it started up and we drove off. It was pretty funny…it was just a cool moment and we were in such high spirits. The transport followed us home and all the kids entered the K-House!

We had cheese puffs and apples waiting for the students to munch on while the meat cooked…and they devoured the snacks in minutes! Luckily the guys in the house worked the braai, so I didn’t have to worry about that, or touching the meat! When it was ready we made 18 American style hamburgers-bun and all-a rare way to eat it here, and the kids seemed to love them! I enjoyed my veggie burger and it felt almost nothing like memorial day, but it was tons of fun!

The students loved to be in my house and to see where I live and sleep. They all wanted to see my room so of course I showed them. Many of my roommates were away for the weekend but the ones that were here were such a great help and the kids loved to talk and hangout with them as well. At one point Kevin was playing cards with a group of boys at the kitchen table, Christine had paper and colored pencils out and was drawing with some girls in the other room. Corinne and Lauren painted some girls nails (the best alternative we could find to them requesting we do their makeup-never a good idea without asking the parents!), another group of girls were doing Kate’s hair and nails, and I was playing ball and Frisbee outside with some boys. It was very evident that these were fifth and sixth graders, as the girls and boys separate themselves and rarely mingle, but they still had so much fun. My roommates Kate and Jessa made cookies and brownies that we also enjoyed. The kids totally loved it!

As we began to round everyone up to go home things got a little crazy. They didn’t want to leave obviously, but when I finally got them all ready at the door I went to see if the transport was up the street and even though it was 4:15 (4:00 sharp was pickup) he still wasn’t there. At some point in the next fifteen minutes the students set the security alarm off twice, and took just about every last avocado off our avo tree in the backyard! But then the transport showed up, they piled in, and headed back home…leaving the K house quiet.

It was a wonderful time, and I know they had fun, especially because so many of them wrote little thank you notes and drew cards up for me and my housemates. Clean up was easy and hopefully the security people aren’t too upset with us! When all was said and done I was exhausted, they had only been here for two and a half hours and had worn me out, but it was such a great day and I am so glad I had the opportunity to get my students out of the township for a day and show them a little more of my life. I also got to take individual pictures with each student and I will print them out and give one to each of them as a goodbye gift on my last day…Thursday!!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!! Hope your braai is as successful as mine! As much as I wish I was in Sea Isle or at Woodbine, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world…and I’ll be home in 17 days! Gonna cherish every last second!

Getting the burgers ready!!

Kev playing cards with the guys!

Lauren, Carlyn and I painting nails and chatting!

With my grade 5 students

One with (almost) everyone!!!

Company Gardens and Bo-Kaap

Sorry this post has taken so long…it is from a while ago. I haven’t updated mostly due to internet being down and super slow all the time and also due to how busy I’ve been the past few weeks. Will continue to be for the next two and a half…and then its home! Can’t believe it.

Written May 19, 2012: 

This past Wednesday (May 16) began as a really good day! Four of us took the shared taxis (something I should have explained by now but have failed to) downtown to the station. From there we walked to the Company’s Gardens, which are basically just beautiful gardens in the middle of the city. Part of them is open all the time, which consists of just paved sidewalks with beautiful trees and grass around them, but one section is open only at certain times of the day and is filled with beautiful flowers, trees, fountains, and gorgeous buildings though I have no idea what is inside of them. The rose garden was undoubtedly the most beautiful part…offering an amazing view of Table Mountain from below.

See for yourself:

 After the gardens we headed uphill to Bo-Kaap. As I understand it, Bo-Kaap is the name of the Cape Malay Quarter of Cape Town. The community is the hub of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town, but apparently now has become more multi-cultural. It is known for its beautiful architecture, brightly colored urban homes, and cobble stone streets. There are many Mosques in the area (mostly Muslim culture) which are also very beautiful, all of which seem to be green. I have heard from others, but I think it is speculation, that all mosques in South Africa are painted green. I have no idea why that is or why that would be, but I haven’t seen a Mosque that is not green so it might be the case…and I think that’s kind of interesting.

This is what Bo-Kaap looks like. Makes me want to paint my house a bright color, or just live here one day!

After walking around and snapping pictures of the beautiful and colorful Bo-Kaap we found a place to stop for lunch. It was called the Africa Café, and it was a beautiful little place with so much character, color, and amazing art. The menu had many options including organic, gluten or wheat free, vegan, and raw, which was very interesting and still quite delicious. I really love places like that committed to health and to meeting the needs of customer’s different dietary needs, whether it be a life choice or a health restriction. I also had to restrict myself from buying all of the hand painted pottery and dishes being sold in the gift shop…I am such a sucker for those things, but I truly didn’t need them and I truly have bought way to much to take home already!

Unfortunately the rest of the day was just as eventful, but not in the best way. After visiting Green Market Square we headed home, and I began to feel pretty bad with a headache and neck pain that have been following me around for the past week and a half. Eventually it was too much and I decided to go to the hospital. Fortunately a friend went with me and one of our program advisors drove us there. They just gave me pain meds and fortunately I was able to sleep through the night. I am not feeling 100% better unfortunately, the neck pain is still lingering, but I did get a full night sleep, some medicine from the hospital, and a note for missing school and late assignments, which is helpful. Not to mention that I can now cross “going to a South African hospital” off my bucket list, though that was one I never hoped to accomplish!

I know I have some catching up to do with events from the past week but the good news is I am starting to feel better and am catching up on my schoolwork! Don’t want to worry anyone…and if you’re wondering…23 days til I come home. I am beyond cold here now that it is winter and we have no heat nor are we well equipped with warm clothes, and I am getting quite excited for the idea of summer time and home! But I have 22 amazing days left ahead of me that I am going to live to the fullest, and 20 roommates that I am going to miss like crazy once I am gone! Hopefully I’ll catch up a little more soon!

Peace and love!

Pictures of beautiful Stellenbosch!

Rhodes Memorial and Stellenbosch

Rhodes Memorial

            The second thing I managed to cross of my bucket list was walking up to Rhodes Memorial. The memorial is in honor of Cecil Rhodes…and we like to call it the “monument to the oppressor” (for more information…Google him). Anyway, regardless of its historical significance, the memorial is quite beautiful and situated at the base of Devil’s Peak (mountain), it has a gorgeous view of Cape Town, and Observatory, where we live.

            I think it was Monday afternoon when four of us walked up to the memorial from Obz, which takes about half an hour both ways. It was a really nice walk and actually a little challenging once you get further up, closer to the memorial. It sure wasn’t anything near the difficulty of climbing one of the three mountains (Table Mountain, Lions Head and Devil’s Peak) which most of my roommates had done, but for me it felt like an accomplishment, especially because it did put a lot of strain on my knees and hips on the way down. Although I would love to climb one of the mountains, it might be a little ambitious for me with my joints, especially because on a mountain like that there is no “see how far you can go and then get a ride back”. If you climb up, you have to be able to get yourself down! So we’ll see if I attempt any of those in the next four weeks…it might be better if I don’t!

            Even so, the view from Rhodes was beautiful, and looking out over the city was one of those moments that made me stop and think about the time I’ve spent here and the time I have left. It’s amazing to think that it was four months ago when I looked at Cape Town and though, “wow, look at this city, I can’t believe I’m going to live here for the next five months”. And now, here I am looking at the city and realizing that it has become my home after living in it for four months. It will certainly never take up the space that my true hometown has in my heart, but I really do know my way around Obz, and downtown Cape Town, and most of the ins and outs. After all, I’ve been living here for four months, and this incredible experience is something I’ll always have with me, and Cape Town is always going to be one of my favorite places on earth.

Stellenbosch

           

             Today was another exciting adventure to cross of my list! A group of 15 of us traveled to Stellenbosch for a full day of vineyard tours and wine tasting, all organized for us by our lovely roommate Bridget!! Earlier in the semester many of us visited Groot Constatia, a beautiful vinveyard that piqued our interest in wine and had us begging for more! Today we got to go to one of the places in the area most famous for wine, with a great history and hundreds of vineyards, Stellenbosch!

            Fortunately the weather today was beautiful and allowed for such a lovely day at the wineries. The 15 of us had such an amazing time. Honestly I would have gone to Stellenbosch no matter what, with or without the group, because I love wine tasting and wanted to see it, but being with everyone made it that much greater of an experience. Often times living with so many people and especially going out in really large groups like that can be aggravating and overwhelming. But today it was wonderful. To feel so close with people I only met four months ago and to continue to bond with them more and more every day is such a pleasure and blessing. I actually hate when anyone gets sappy or makes remarks like “aww, guys, we’re such a cute family!!” perhaps because I’m a cynic, perhaps because I think acknowledging the cuteness makes it less genuine, or perhaps just because I miss my own family so much! But regardless, the truth is that the 21 of us have formed in one way or another, a big (sometimes dysfunctional) family.             

              Especially after the second winery, when we each had already tasted ten wines minimum, everyone was excessively smiley, giggly, friendly, and all around happy to be together and to be here having this amazing experience. There are some things, like South Africa, that could honestly be enjoyed by almost anyone with almost anyone at all by their side. There’s a lot to love and enjoy. But I have to say, if I couldn’t share this experience with my family and my best friends, I couldn’t have chosen 20 people that I would have rather shared it with. Sure, waiting in line for the shower every morning is a pain; waiting for the 21st person to be ready to leave always makes us late; and 21 strong, outspoken, dominant personalities have a way of clashing at times, but I wouldn’t trade my roommates for the world, and as much as I am at peace with the fact that I’ll be home in less than five weeks, I am certainly going to miss my K-House family. And that is as sappy as I’m going to get!!

Pictures to come when there is enough internet to upload!!

The Bucket List

So! It has been some time since I have blogged, probably because I'm just so used to being here and I don't have that many new things to share. But...now we only have 38 days left! Which means its time to do all of the things that we haven't done yet! So I've made a Bucket List and as I cross things off I will likely be updating and posting pictures and stories about what I'm doing!

The first thing I crossed off the list today was the Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch. They are BEAUTIFUL gardens at the base of Table Mountain...just a cab ride away! Four of us went there today for a stroll and a picnic and admired the beautiful view and I took lots of pictures! It was such a peaceful place and today was the most gorgeous and perfect day in Cape Town...which is amazing because it is the beginning of rainy season and has been quite cold, but then absolutely gorgeous days creep in and it feels like summer again! It was so nice to see the sun and to lie in the grass and just soak it all in...knowing that I'll be dying to be back here in two months time, but also knowing that I am making the most of the time I have left...which is all we can ever do. 

Its hard not to get caught up in the numbers....6 weeks...38 days....its hard, for me at least, to refrain from focusing on the future and of what I am doing this summer and how wonderful it will be to see my family and my friends and how many days I have left until I do. Its hard still, even after four months, to live in the moment...but I'm hoping that this Bucket List will help me to realize that there is no better time than right now, because I am here, and I need to make the most of every second while I can. 

Here are some pictures of the gardens...and me in them!

I have plenty still left on my list....including trips to Stellenbosch vineyards and wineries (which we will hit up next weekend!) and many other destinations still to explore. I am even hoping to do a bit more traveling before it's too late! I'll be sure to share my adventures and I hope everyone at home is doing well! I love and miss you all and though I can't wait to see you, I still have some unfinished business here in Cape Town...I'll be home shortly after!!! ;)

A Desmond Tutu filled week!

I mentioned last time that I had heard a little rumor that Desmond Tutu was coming to the school where I teach, St. Mary’s on Tuesday. It turns out it was true! But the amazing week did not end there…I met him again on Friday!

On Tuesday, Desmond Tutu, former Archbishop of Cape Town, Noblel Peace Prize winner and an amazing inspirational leader for South Africa and in the world came to St. Mary’s Primary school in Nyanga township. All of my literacy students were invited to be there where he would read and speak to them…so it was a very small, intimate gathering, with about 30 students and 5 teachers. He came in with one cameraman and a journalist, quietly and humbly, and came and sat down in front of the students. He spoke to the students for a bit, tested their knowledge of the bible, and then read them the story of Noah’s Ark. After that he spoke to the students a little more about their education and asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. He explained to them that during the years of apartheid, they would have been legally limited in the jobs which they could pursue, they would have had to be one of a few things. But today, in the New South Africa, they have the right to be whatever they desire, and though its not easy, they owe it to themselves to work hard and to achieve their dreams, because it was made possible for them. He said to “shoot for the stars, for even if you miss, you’ll fall upon the mountain tops”.

Desmond Tutu’s stay with the children lasted all of an hour, and he was kind enough to take pictures with us afterward, for we were all very anxious for the chance to do so! My individual picture with him is on my facebook page!

As if I wasn’t already thrilled about meeting Tutu once…we were told Thursday night that we were going to mass at St. George’s Cathedral at 7:15am on Friday to see Desmond Tutu say the mass. Apparently he only says mass there about once a month because he no longer lives in Cape Town, but he was obviously here this week so he said the mass on Friday, and we got to go! We all woke up by 6am, still pitch black outside, put on our Sunday’s best, and headed to see Tutu. The mass was very small and intimate, with people from all over the world (but mostly from the US actually), all in South Africa for different reasons, gathered to meet Tutu. He was very welcoming and asked each group to tell him where they are from and what they are doing in Cape Town. He made sure to shake every person’s hand at peace and opened the floor for any questions or comments after mass. Then of course, pictures! And we got one with our whole group of 21 students…also on facebook. Apparently I have been accused of “hogging” him! I have two pictures standing directly next to him this week. I couldn’t help it!

I think the most amazing thing about Desmond Tutu’s presence is his laughter. He has this very high pitched, adorable, hilarious chuckle which, no matter what he is laughing about, sends everyone else into laughter. He smiles so much and makes the funniest faces at certain things people say. It is like he radiates joy, and in response to any comment at all, positive or negative, without thinking he responds with such a light-hearted, uplifting perspective. I wonder how a person gets to be like that. I wonder how someone can see so much bad and still never lose sight of the good, in God, in people, in this world, in their self. I wonder how we can be more like Tutu. He is truly an amazing man and I feel so fortunate to have been in his presence twice this week J

P.S. I have officially been here for THREE months! Time flies. Less than two left…ahh!

some thoughts on the power of Education

The past few days I have been engaged in a very interesting conversation concerning education. Of course being here I am grateful for the education I have had in my life and for the opportunities I have had in general. I have also seen first hand the limitations and obstacles faced in school systems here and how lack of education or access to education can affect a person, a people, a country. I find that the more I see and learn and understand about the issue, the more value I put on education, whether my own or others, and the more significant is the role that it plays in my life.

On Friday the group met a woman named Molly Blank, who came to South Africa as a Fulbright Scholar in 2005 and made a film called Testing Hope about secondary schools in South Africa, specifically about the Matric exam which is taken at the end of Grade 12 and determines…well…everything.

As we discussed Friday, the U.S. really has nothing like the Matric. There is nothing that carries such weight and significance, not even the SATs or ACTs. It is a completely differenct concept that we can barely relate to. Failing the exam means one cannot attend university. Even some passes scores do not qualify for university, but even worse, names of those who pass are published in the newpaper. The lists are public. Its not only a matter of acceptance into a University but it also carries with it such a strong emotional situation in which students assess their own value and the community assesses their intelligence, value and worth based on these scores. This is not just an exam. This is your one shot. This is your life, and if you fail, you’ve failed yourself and your family and your community. It must be devastating and terrifying.

Anyway, that is what the video is about. I’m not sure if its available in the U.S. but Molly is from there so I would assume it is…its not very long but its informative so if anyone is interesting take a look. Again the name is: Testing Hope. But since seeing that film and having the conversation with Molly, what I’ve really been thinking about is parents. We discussed parent involvement, or lack thereof, and the obstacle that this presents for students and for the education system here. It got me to thinking about my education, growing up with supportive and educated parents, and about what advantage that automatically gives a child. I am so fortunate to have had that, and I know that I want to give my children the same thing. It is an added obstacle for children whose parents don’t speak English or who did not complete school, for they might not have that support and help at home if they need it, and often they don’t receive encouragement and motivation from parents who appreciate the importance of education. Other times, parents do appreciate the importance of education, especially if they did not have the opportunity for it, but the only support they can provide is that encouragement and pressure for their children to do well, though they cannot offer substantial assistance. There are obviously more unique situations as well, and unfortunately here there are no PTAs or parent groups encouragement parent involvement. I know what a significant role that played in all of my schooling-and how integral it was to my education to have my mom always be the head of it! I wish that I could start something like that at my schools here, but unfortunately its not part of the culture, not to mention that it would be very hard for me to communicate with the parents, who only speak Xhosa. Its little things that make me realize how fortunate my upbringing has been and that we take things for granted at home. I can honestly say that I will never take my education for granted every again, even if I am complaining about papers and exams! I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to have gotten to this point…and while Grad School sounds terrifying and stressful, I welcome another opportunity to further educate myself and to pursue a career where I can someday use that education to help others substantially.

 Oh and P.S: There’s a little rumor going around that Desmond Tutu is going to be at St. Mary’s School, where I work, on Tuesday. I sure hope its true…meeting Desmond Tutu has been a dream of mine for SUCH a long time! 

An Easter I'll never forget!

Though I could not be home to spend my favorite holiday with family and friends, it still did not disappoint! This weekend was such an amazing adventure and I couldn’t have had a better time!

We all left on Friday at 5am. I managed to fit all of my belongings for the weekend into one backpack (impressive, for me, thank you!) plus my sleeping bag and mat to sleep on top of and some snacks/drinks for the weekend.

Friday was spent driving up to the Namibian border, which we finally reached by the afternoon. As soon as we got out of the van, we could feel the dry desert heat, and boy was it hot! Right then I was a little nervous for what was in store for the rest of the weekend, but the weather turned out pretty nice the rest of the time!

After we got through border control we were at the base camp in no time. We would spend the first night there and get on the river early Saturday morning, arriving back at the base camp Monday afternoon and staying there another night until an early departure for Cape Town on Tuesday.

Once we got to the base camp we put down our bags and headed off for a swim in the river! I wasn’t sure how I liked it…but I jumped right in and went under, and the strangest thing happened: there was no salt in the water! Now…if you had asked me before, I would have told you that rivers are usually fresh water, and I would have claimed that I had swam in fresh water. However, it came to my attention that I have never actually swam in fresh water because my mind was seriously blown that I could swim in water that didn’t taste like salt OR chlorine….and you can drink it! I loved it and really enjoyed my swim that day, deciding that I’ll have to do more swimming back in Cape Town.

After our swim we changed we had dinner, set up our sleeping bags in a circle on the grass (no tents!) and went to bed. Boy, were we surprised how cold the desert can get at night!

The next morning…bright and early we were up and packing the boats! There were two people to a raft, which were each loaded with coolers of food and drinks for the weekend and dry bags with all of the clothes and belongings we would need for three days! After learning how to paddle and some safety tips we were off! Luckily I was paired with Christine, a very fit and athletic housemate of mine, who is perhaps the strongest of the groups-males included! So we were right at the front of the group from the start and managed to stay there for just about the whole weekend! We made a great team and I have to say I did my fair share of paddling down the river! We had a really great time.

Each day on the river we would stop somewhere and go on shore to eat lunch. The first day we had a sandy spot, the second day a grassy one, and the third day we were on some huge rocks…so we got a chance to try out all the terrain! The food was fantastic, not just the lunches but the dinners as well! I’m a little embarrassed now by how I eat in my house after seeing how our guides can cook wonderful meals like that for us while we’re camping on the banks of a river! Very impressive. We had sandwiches, salads, some traditional South African dishes, lots of meat, vegetarian sausauge, delicious homemade vegetarian chick pea burgers! French toast for breakfast! Eggs..toast…even chocolate marshmallows eggs for easter! We were definitely well fed…and we needed to be. Paddling down that river for 6 hours a day was hard work!

The best part of rafting was definitely the rapids. We went through quite a few, though nothing huge…only category 3s. But they were a lot of fun, and we even got to swim through one! Even for a strong swimmer it is tougher than you’d think…but I managed just fine!

Sleeping and living outside for three days really wasn’t all that tough. It got cool at nights but that’s the only complaint I really had at all…and the fires we made took good care of that. The nature was so beautiful and seemed so untouched by humans that it really was a wonderful experience. The only wildlife around were baboons, cows, and goats and really cool birds. There were fish in the water but nothing major, and apparently there are leopards in the mountains but you’d never know it or see any.  

I’ll post as many pictures as possible, though like always, it won’t do it any justice. The entire trip was absolutely beautiful. Every time I got sick of paddling I would look up and it would take my breath away…the view alone was worth all the work, not to mention all the fun we had! It truly was an amazing weekend…and I can’t help but be proud of myself. It was a challenge, but I had even more fun than I expected…and I think I might actually consider camping in the future!!

Hope everyone at home had as wonderful of an Easter as I did!

Happy Easter!!!!

Easter is my favorite day of the whole year! I love the excuse to wear a pretty pastel colored dress, be totally girly, and eat chocolate and drink a mimosa for breakfast. 

For example:

(Easter 2010)

Not to mention the the time spent with friends and family as the weather begins to change, flowers start to bloom, and everything is beautiful and green! I totally love it, and I'm a little sad to be missing Easter at home. 

However, this year I will not be spending Easter in a pretty pastel colored dress, or drinking mimosas. Instead, I will be spending it a little more like this:

...rafting down the Orange River on the border between Namibia and South Africa, and sleeping under the stars! 

Sounds like me...huh? Haha its a little different from the first picture. Even so, I'm so excited for the experience...and the challenge that it will be. We are going to spend all day Friday driving up to Namibia, sleep at a camp, and then spend Saturday, Sunday, and Monday rafting down the river, sleeping on the banks with nothing but a sleeping bag! Then Monday night I believe we'll head back to a camp and then drive back to Cape Town on Tuesday. In total it is a five day trip, two nights spent on the banks of the river...there are about 23 people going...19 or so from the house and a few other friends of people in the group. It should be like no Easter I've ever had!

I want to wish you all the happiest Easter ever! I have a feeling I am going to feel quite homesick on Sunday when I realize what everyone at home is up to and that I likely won't even have cell reception to say hello! But I still feel lucky as ever and I am so excited for this weekend! Please send my love to all and make sure you enjoy the pastels, the easter eggs, the egg hunts!, and most of all the chocolate and mimosas! 

Finally! A blog about Spring Break

SO. I was away on break from March 16-March 25th. 

The day after I got back, I wrote this (on March 26, 2012…..)

WOW. I’m exhausted. “Spring” (its not actually spring here) break was fun, full of adventure and tons of driving, beautiful sights and lots of fun. However, I am happy to be back at the K-House, in my bed and out of a moving vehicle!

I will try to recap spring break the best I can, but the first few days seem like so long ago!

Day 1: Friday, March 16. Knysa.

5am departure from the K-House. As we walked out of the front door while it was still dark, we were greeted by the strangest looking vehicle we had ever seen. A cross between a truck, a submarine, and a military tank, it has windows so large that passing cars can see absolutely everything inside…down to the color of our socks! We all instantly knew this was going to be an interesting spring break to say the least. The first day we drove, and drove, and drove, which we would soon realize would be the majority of our spring break, but we saw so many amazing and beautiful sights along the way. We finally arrived in Knysa and spent the night at a very cool backpackers.

Day 2: Saturday, March 17. Bungee Jumping and St. Patrick’s Day!

We left Knysa early in order to get to _________, the highest bungee jumping bridge in the world. While I did walk out to it, I unfortunately could not bungee jump. I really wanted to, and I suppose I could have, but I was deterred by the large sign listing medical conditions that prohibit bungee jumping…with dislocations at the top of the list. Go figure. So while I would really like to go back and do it in the future, I wasn’t willing to risk ruining the rest of my spring break or putting anyone else in the group in the position to have to take care of me if something did happen. So I just walked out the bridge and watched 13 of my friends jump of a bridge! It was insane.

            Later that night we arrived in Chintsa at an awesome backpackers with a gorgeous beach and such an island vibe. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day big like Americans should and all enjoyed improvised Irish Car Bombs…or “South African Irish Car Bombs”….which include Jameson (the only irish whiskey in SA) Amarula, a creamy South African liquor to replace Baileys, and Castle (a gross SA beer) Milk Stout to stand in for Guinness.

Day 3: March 18: Chintsa to Coffee Bay!

After sadly leaving behind the beautiful town of Chintsa and the marvelous buffet meals served at the backpackers, we headed to my favorite place of the entire trip: Coffee Bay. Finally we had reached a destination where we would stay not one night…but two! I was happy to have at least one full day in one place, no time spent in the car, a chance to settle and relax at least a little, and Coffee Bay was the perfect place to do it! The little rural town is so small, unique, and beautiful. Where else in the world do you see dozens of cows lying on…the beach!?

Unfortunately my first night is Coffee Bay wasn’t as amazing as it could have been because I had gotten pretty sick with some kind of sinus infection/really bad cold, so I went to bed early, determined to make the next day better…and fortunately I did!

Day 4: March 19: Surfing!

I woke up pretty sick the next day, but that wasn’t going to stop me from my surf lesson at noon! I figured I could use a good salt water rinse anyway. So while most of the group went on a hike, I had a nice relaxing morning and waited for my surf lesson to begin. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I got up the first time I tried to surf and I got better and better and was feeling great…until I got really tired and then got worse and worse. By the end of the two hours I was completely exhausted and decided to call it a day, but I had the greatest time surfing and I honestly can’t wait to do it again. I have to say, I’m not half bad at it! After that I went across the street to a yoga/massage studio and had an Indian Head massage. It was glorious. I was so relaxed and ready for a nap, so I climbed some rocks that stretched out over the water and took a nap. What a PERFECT day, even with a sinus infection!

So…now this part I wrote today….April 3^rd:

Day 5: March 20: Coffee Bay to Durban

All I really remember about this day was driving, and driving, and driving. Eventually we got to Durban at night, and went out for a fun dinner with fancy drinks at an African restaurant called Moyo.

Day 6: March 21: Durban beach, drive to Joburg

Before another long day of driving, we got to walk from the backpackers to the beach in Durban. We had breakfast on the boardwalk and swam in the Indian ocean…which was SO warm. Though we spent very little time in Durban, I am glad to say that I have been there, and even just walking around for one morning was a really neat experience. Durban has a much different feel than Cape Town or Joburg. It has a very large Indian presence, which makes things feel a little less Western in some ways…and yet the areas which we saw seemed much more developed than some parts that we see down here in the Cape. It was also really really humid, which was gross, and of course hot, but this is Africa. Then after Durban we were off to Johannesburg!

Day 7: March 22nd: Joburg: Soweto, Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela House

We woke up in Joburg and had such a busy and amazing day. I have to say, having been to Johannesburg before, there were very few things about that day that I was really excited for. Another Museum? A tour? I didn’t feel like being a tourist. It might be inevitable…but it still gets annoying. So anyway, it completely exceeded any and all expectations. As I walked through the Apartheid Museum, I was instantly moved. I suddenly remembered why I am here. This museum that I didn’t even want to go into represents the entire reason that I am so fascinated with this place. On the brochure for the museum it says “Apartheid is exactly where it should be-in a Museum” and I think for anyone who knows the history of this country, that statement alone can bring a tear to your eye. Its amazing and inspiring and it makes me feel both grateful and hopeful. Anyway, the whole museum was so impressive and informative and beautiful in so many ways. I especially loved the exhibit about Nelson Mandela, a hero of mine and a hero of nearly ever citizen of South Africa. I wish I had had more time to buy things in the gift shop, I honestly think that museum was one of the coolest places I have been here in South Africa, to tell you the truth!

After the museum things continued to be intriguing and exciting. We had a tour of Soweto, the largest township in South Africa. We had the chance to go into Nelson Mandela’s house, which is now a little museum, and once again I couldn’t help but tear up at every picture, caption, or word on the wall. It was awesome. I think the highlight though was walking one block down the street to the front of Desmond Tutu’s house, and hearing our tour guide Sipho say “this is the only place in the world where you can find the home of two Nobel Peace Prize winners on the same street. Right here in Soweto is the only place in the world”. That fact alone is impressive, but even more so when you hear the history and conditions of Soweto during the apartheid. It’s simply amazing and I don’t think I have the words to describe it.

Days 8, 9, 10: March 23, 24, 25: KRUGER! The Big Five!

The next morning we awoke early to leave Joburg and head to Kruger National Park for safari for three days! Those few days run together because safari pretty much looks the same, but through the three days we were lucky enough to spot ALL of Africa’s Big Five: Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, Lion. Last time I was in South Africa we only saw the first three in the wild…Leopards especially are VERY rare to see…and we saw two! Together! It was really a once in a lifetime experience to see them so close and in the wild, we were very lucky. There’s little else I can say about safari though, the pictures are much more telling, although even they don’t do it justice or really portray how beautiful (and close up!) these animals are. Anyone who knows me well enough knows I’m not exactly an animal lover…while I think they are beautiful, I don’t really get cozy with them! But I do love a good safari! I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t…its just an awesome experience, so do it if you ever have the chance!

SO…in a very brief and hurried account, that was my spring break! All in all it was fun, it was an awesome experience and I feel so fortunate to have seen so much of the country and to have visited such beautiful places. It was exhausting though, and fortunately this weekend I got to get away and visit my family friends, the Wainwrights (Richard’s parents), who live about 30 minutes away in Durbanville. They take great care of me and allow me to have a little getaway weekend at their house, including bubble baths and unlimited internet, which means skyping home! Can’t beat it, I’m very lucky to have them here as well!

So sorry that I haven’t written in such a long time. I intended to but I much prefer living to writing down my life, so you’ll have to cut me a little slack! I have to say, the past few weeks have been crazy! Currently my students are still on break so I actually am not going to service for a few weeks…but that doesn’t mean things aren’t stressful! School started right back up after break and theres always something going on here! But amidst all the madness, I have to say that today, I am so happy. I am so grateful, for everything and everyone in my life. I can’t express that enough. So excuse my mess of a blog, but know that I love you and I appreciate you for reading this and for caring enough about me to do so!

PeaceJ

Back in Cape Town!

Happy to be back safe and sound in Cape Town!

Way too much to write about from my spring break adventures so please please bear with me and I will try my best to write some posts recapping the trip asap!

Here are some pics to hold you over in the meantime!!

Highest Bungee Jumping bridge in the world! I didn't jump but I walked on it!

The beautiful Western Cape! Saw views like this while we drove 8 hours a day!

Coffee Bay-my FAVORITE stop of the whole trip! SO beautiful.

YES, that is a leopard. Rarest of the Big Five to see and we saw two...WIN!

And a giraffe!

Stories to follow! 

Apologies for the long hiatus!!!

I'm really sorry to those of you who try to check/read my blog regularly! As much as I want and have been meaning to blog, I have been so busy and last week was such a stressful week that I really didnt wan't to retell of relive it!

Here are some updates/highlights:

I will be landing in the U.S. three months from yesterday, which is as exciting as it is devastatingly sad and scary! I am so torn between missing home and everyone there and feeling the need to stay here forever. I'm not sure that I could, but I also don't know how in the world I am going to leave these children.

I can now say that someone has written a song about me...a rap song that is. It is appropriately titled "White Chick", with my name in one of the verses and lyrics that allegedly say "She do things that nobody do". I have yet to hear the song, however, I hope to sometime soon and I hope to make it available to all of you. How and why did this happen you ask? Well, I met and talked to a young man when I was visiting the township Lotus Park (which I think I blogged about previously) and apparently he fell in love with me and wrote a song about it. So there's that.

Tomorrow morning at 5am I leave the Kimberley House and Cape Town to head off on our spring break adventure! 16 of us are headed up the Garden Route and will be traveling in a van for the next 10 days to Coffee Bay, Durban, Kruger Park and Johannesburg, which is where we will fly back from on March 25th! I am super excited/nervous for the trip, staying in hostels and such and pretty much living in a van for 10 days, but I can't wait to explore parts of the country that I have never seen and I am beyond excited for my second safari experience! I will be sure to post pictures and update my blog as soon as I return. I haven't had much exciting stuff going on lately, South African living, however awesome, has become my lifestyle now, and therefore way less fun to blog about. But after this trip I can only expect I will have much to say and share!

Hermanus – Volmoed - Reconciliation

This weekend was about reconciliation. The past three days were spent in Volmoed, a beautiful retreat center in Hermanus where I stayed in an adorable little cottage. We met and spoke with John De Gruchy, author of Reconciliation: Restoring Justice, a book which everyone on our program read. The book is about the role of Reconciliation and religion in the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) in South Africa. The TRC took place after the apartheid to deal with the injustices of the apartheid era and allow all ethnic groups to reconcile with one another and with the country’s past in order to progress into it’s future. It was lead by Desmond Tutu in his philosophy that there can be “No future without forgiveness”. However, that was not the only type of reconciliation that I experienced and explored this weekend. In addition to understanding a bit better the reconciliation of groups and individuals in South Africa, I also did a bit of self-exploration and reconciling with myself. So often I am easily caught up in worrying about the future, always wanting and needing to have a plan, to have everything figured out. The more time I am here, spending time in beautiful natural places like Volmoed, I begin to reconcile a little bit more with that which is unknown.  I begin to realize that all I really need to know is that I am here, living out my dream and doing what I love and that all I need to be concerned with is continuing to live in this moment, in the here and now. Unfortunately it is so much easier said that done and I must constantly fight the urge to always anticipate what is next and to know the ending and control the outcome, but I am making steady progress.

In the meantime I am learning more about South Africa and the TRC, which I find to be the most fascinating aspect of South African history, and I am enjoying hikes and waterfalls and baboon sightings (okay not always-but we did this weekend at least!) Now that we are back in the K house in Obz I am about to embark on my busiest week yet in terms of class work! I have to say I have been quite lucky to not have had too much thus far, but not it seems that it has all come at once! So while I have three papers and two exams this week, I am trying not to stress and to still just be here, now, enjoying this. After all, I am only receiving pass-fail credits this semester and which one of my aunts was it that said “When in Africa-get C’s”? I think I’ll take that advice! I can’t believe I am saying this, but there are more important things!