An experience all my own

So far in the past 8 days that I have been in South Africa, I have woken up early nearly every day and set out on some exciting adventure, whether it was to a fascinating site in Cape Town or to UWC. While I have thoroughly enjoyed myself through most of it, I have to say that today was the day that I liked the most, the day that I finally returned to feeling like me, but a better me: me on a new continent.

This morning a whole group went out to brunch at a café I will surely have to try in the future. However, I decided to sleep in, until 11am, which was absolutely wonderful and much needed. When I finally arose, my housemates were preparing to go to the aquarium in Cape Town, which I also politely declined. I may or may not get back there in the next few months but even so I was not interested in leaving the house or spending that money today. So, I proceeded to sit outside in the beautiful sunshine, work on my tan and catch up on some readings for class, followed by a glorious cold shower, after which I made myself a nice lunch. To top off my personal day, I attended a 5pm yoga class at a wonderful yoga studio down the street, and splurged on a three-month membership!

Finally, for the first time here in South Africa, I feel like myself. I may not have had the most exciting day but it was a beautiful and very enjoyable one for me personally. Living with 20 other people and being in one of the most beautiful cities in the world with so much to do creates a lot of pressure to get out there, to go places and do things, to make the most out of these five months. While I am more than willing to have a great time and experience all this city has to offer 5 days out the week, I am still going to take 2 (at least!) when I do whatever is that I want to do. I have to remember, and am trying to remember, that this experience is my own. I cannot compare it to those who have been part of this program before me, nor to those that I share a house or a room with now. I have come to Cape Town, South Africa for my own reasons and to fulfill my own passions and dreams. I need only to live up to my own expectations and achieve my own happiness. And that is precisely what I plan to do.