Before I delve into my day-by-day account, here are a few random observations and experiences:
1. I have TONS of bug bites on the left side of my body. Yes, only the left arm, left shoulder, and left leg.
2. I have begun to buy things that I do not need: a keychain shaped like a red pepper and a tapestry made in Zambia. Please tell me to stop.
3. I have used half of my 12oz bottle of aloe in the past three days.
4. Without any pots or pans, I actually fried an egg in a brownie pan. It was delicious.
5. The restaurant business is very laid back here to say the least. When we didn't have exact change one night, the waitress rolled her eyes and then replied that she would have to go to the bank.
Last Friday was the first of our many "vacation" days. We technically do not begin classes until the 18th of February, so besides the sporadic orientation events, we're on our own to explore Cape Town or wherever for the next couple of weeks. A few people have actually already taken off for a week trip to Namibia. While I've stayed around Cape Town, I have over the past week visited many beautiful beaches, museums, and I've even taken an overnight trip to the vineyards at Stellenbosch. Here are a few highlights:
Friday, January 25 - Muizenberg and Kalk Bay
A bunch of us took a half hour train ride down to Muizenberg, a beach on False Bay. After stepping off the train (actually jumping off because it apparently did no have time to stop) we were immediately stunned by the landscape: the enormous mountains one one side and the vast ocean on the other. We attempted to set up on the beach, but combination of gusting wind and dry sand soon quickly became quite painful. We then decided to walk along the shore to Kalk Bay, an apparently less windy spot. My favorite part of this walk was finding myself in a pool built into the ocean, complete with hand-railings and steps.
Saturday, January 26 - A History Lesson
After experiencing the luxurious and touristy Kalk Bay, we headed into town for a more education excursion. We first toured the Castle of Good Hope, one of Cape Town's oldest buildings. (Nay, I know if you've made it this far you are making that snoring sound. You can stop if you want.) We then continued to the District 6 Museum, an amazing museum focusing on apartheid. I especially enjoyed reading various snippets of newspaper articles from the 60s (when District 6 was demolished) and the 90s (when it was restored).
Sunday, January 27 - More Beauty
On Sunday we visited Camps Bay, another absolutely stunning beach. I was the only one to brave the very chilly Atlantic water, but it felt damn good. We later caught up with other interstudy students at Kirstenbosch, a weekly outdoor/picnic-style concert. We especially enjoyed watching the old folks dance to bad covers of Billy Joel and The Beatles.
Monday, January 28 - Bo-Kaap and Signal Hill
Let me just say that the Noon Gun Tearoom and Restaurant (where we had a delicious Malayan dinner) played "My Heart Will Go On."
Tuesday and Wednesday - STELLENBOSCH - more on this amazing trip next time.
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