Last week in Cape Town

Let the panic set in--it's my last week in Cape Town (I'll actually be back the last week of April and first week of May, but that feels so far away).  I'm terrible at making lists and by terrible I mean that I make them and then can't stick to them and then the last week rolls in and panic sets in over things I've not done.  Calm down, I tell myself, I've had an absolutely amazing two months, and if I'd done everything on my list by now, I'd have no reason to return, and I simply must return to this city.  So here's a breakdown of what I've done the last few weeks.

I finished up my internship at Crossroads Community Health Center, and overall it was an amazing experience.  At times I felt slightly underutilized but the opportunity to observe doctors, sisters, and patients in the public health care system in South Africa was not only unique but also reaffirming.  My passion for public health and providing quality medical treatment in under served areas has deepened.  I know that going to medical school is the right next step for me, and I am eager to return to the U.S. to start school in August.

View from township flats outside of Cape Town

I really valued my drive to and from Crossroads everyday.  So many people do not get to experience Cape Town outside of the city proper.  Living in a township is reality for the majority of South Africans and driving through it everyday allowed me a sneak peak into their daily lives and routines, from driving past the freshly slaughtered sheep ready to be skinned and grilled, to watching the "mamas" carry the children on their backs (I'm still trying to get a picture of this but I get a little photographer-shy taking pictures of random people).  This drive everyday is also bittersweet--you see Table Mountain in the background, yet so many South Africans will never have the opportunity to hike or cable car to the top of this "new" wonder of the world.
 
Besides working at the clinic, my life here in Cape Town has been hectic and wonderful.  I've made great friends and met such intriguing people.  I wish that I had had the opportunity to dive a little deeper into the South African culture, but unfortunately, I don't think that two months is long enough to get to know South Africans.  When I was abroad in Argentina, the people were so friendly and were so interested in talking to you.  South Africans are very different.  I have found that they are very genuine people, and the ones that I have become friends with I hope to maintain our friendships for many many years; however, in general, South Africans are more reserved and less likely to exchange in random conversation with foreigners.  I am very interested to see how it goes while I'm actually travelling around--we'll see if I get to interact with South Africans on a different level outside of Cape Town.

The girls and Kyle for his birthday braai

Some friends back home have requested to see a little bit about my daily life, so here goes.  I live in a group house in Observatory, a suburb of Cape Town.  At any time there are about 10-12 people living in the house, which is a fairly transient place.  Currently in the house are three South Africans, five Americans, three Germans, and an Egyptian.  It's been an amazing place to mingle with all sorts of travelers and locals.

View from outside my house

Our front gate from the inside

My cozy room

When I'm not working at the clinic, I've tried to spend as much time enjoying Cape Town as possible.  This means a lot of beach time, some surfing and hiking, and a lot of eating--I'm definitely getting a little too "soft" in Africa.

Wine Tasting in Constantia:  Constantia is an suburb of Cape Town with some beautiful vineyards.  With VAC, we visited two wineries for a Friday activity.

Wine tasting in Constantia

View of a nunnery from the vineyard

Cape of Good Hope: The southwestern most point of Africa.  Driving there, we had the opportunity to pass a group of baboons, which are actually very dangerous.  They can even open car doors, so we had to lock up the car and stay inside for a bit.

Passing some curious (and very dangerous) baboons on the way to the Cape

Surfing in Muizenberg:  I've been surfing a lot more, trying to get better before I head out on my trek through South Africa and Mozambique so I'm not completely embarrassing.  I'm currently down to an 8' board, and it's proving to be hard work.

Nellie and I at Muizenberg--can you tell who is the beginner?

Many people associate South Africa with shark attacks, so they've developed a shark watch system.   I've only ever seen black or red, black meaning, you're on your own because spotting conditions are poor, and red meaning there's a high risk for a shark.

Shark warning flag.  

Great braai at Mzolis:  Mzolis is a famous restaurant in Guguletu (a township outside of Cape Town).  A few of us ventured out there on a late Sunday afternoon which apparently is the most hectic time to go.  After waiting an hour and a half to pick out our meat and have it cooked, we finally were able to chow down on a street curb--by the time our food was ready the picnic areas had turned into a full-fledged dance party.

Holly, Tegan, and I with our bucket of meat

Signal Hill: A few Saturdays ago, Holly, Kaye, and I decided to "hike" Signal Hill.  Most people don't think you can hike it (it's just a small little hill compared to the rest of the mountains) but we found/bushwhacked a trail from upper Bo-Kaap neighborhood to the top and the finished the hike off with an ostrich burger (top 10 burger in my book) at Old Biscuit Mill.

View from Signal Hill

Ostrich burger from Old Biscuit Mill.  A MUST eat in Cape Town

Robben Island:  Robben Island is the prison that Nelson Mandela spent about 18 years as a political prisoner.  Before touring Robben Island, I was told to read the book, A Long Walk to Freedom, which I did in my first month here.  The book sets a great base for understanding the Apartheid system and Nelson Mandela's role as a leader of the ANC and its role in eradicating the apartheid.  The trip to Robben Island was a great way to finally put a place and image with Madiba's story.  

Such an incredible and bittersweet view from Robben Island

The solitary cell of Nelson Mandela (Madiba)

Our tour guide, an ex-political prisoner who spent 7 years on Robben Island

I feel torn about leaving Cape Town.  I love my friends and the city itself, but I am ready to get out and really get to explore South Africa and beyond.  This upcoming Friday, I set off on a 6 week trip around Southern Africa.  I'll be starting off from Cape Town and heading southeast through the Garden Route and Wild Coast.  From there, roughly, I'll be heading to Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.  I have friends lined up to meet me pretty much the whole trip which is a huge relief for me (and my worrisome parents).   After Namibia, I am heading back to Cape Town and then to Afrikaburn, which is South Africa's take on Burning Man.  I hope to update the blog from the road but if not, I promise to update when I return!

I miss you all back in America (or wherever you are)!