The Beginning of the End

Hello everyone!

I know it has been an eternity since I have written in this blog. Rather, it feels as such for me. I received communications from readers in both America and South Africa asking me to post. My reasons for not keeping to my formerly regimented schedule of blogging are the same as those of any other AFSer who blogs. Simply put, there just isn't enough time to sit down weekly and organize my thoughts into an informative yet readable blogpost. As my English teachers at North Shore taught me, it is important to write with the audience in mind. When I started my blog, I considered my audience to be family, friends and perhaps a few curious teachers of mine. I had no idea that the scope of the audience now would be so broad. However, so be it. I feel so rewarded that people from literally every corner of the world read this blog. I hope that I have inspired other students to make the leap to go abroad and to give those who cannot travel a window into my life abroad.

Since June 9th, which was the last time I posted, a lot has taken place. I feel like I say that frequently, but it's true!

Now I am not only officially a high school graduate, but I have finally finished my senior year of high school abroad! It felt so strange going to school in mid-June, but that's what you do in South Africa. School here runs from January to December. Currently we have a two and a half week vacation period. Therefore, I am officially on my second "winter break" of this academic year. Confusing? I sometimes think so. They days in Cape Town are much shorter than they are in Chicago now. The sun rises at about 7:45 a.m. and sets promptly at six. It is a far cry from seeing the sun bright at six and shine until eight. Perhaps that is what I miss the most about home--the seemingly endless days of summer.

Last week Thursday, my high school here had our Matric Dance. For those of you non-South Africans, a Matric Dance is the equivalent of senior prom. Just like at home, we met at someone's house for pictures before the affair, went to an event hall for the dance, and then had an after party. It was a really nice affair and all of my classmates ensured it was a special night for all. They even made a special mention of the fact that I won't be going back to school for third term, and that they will miss me. Thanks again, SRC for doing that!

Other than my end-of-school related matters, life here has been relatively monotonous. Since I'm on my school vacation now I have had the opportunity to relax for the last few days. The remainder of the holidays will be spent doing some community work, sightseeing with other AFSers, chilling with my school friends, and then going to Phalaborwa to visit my AFS friends from Switzerland. Once in Phalaborwa I will have the opportunity to go to the Kruger National Park. For those of you who do not know what the Kruger Park is, you must look it up. It is one of the most iconic places to visit in all of South Africa.

As June is coming to an end, I only have one full month left here in Africa. As much as I have moments during which I'd like to be at home, it will be hard to say goodbye. I will miss everyone here in South Africa and will never forget them. It's certainly not over yet, but I am well aware that the time is going to "fly" from now. 

Cheers!

Danny

Summer in South Africa

Long time no write, everyone! I apologize for not keeping to my weekly habit of posting to this blog but it has been yet another hectic week and a half here in Cape Town.

First of all, I would like to congratulate the North Shore Country Day School class of 2012. Our graduation ceremony was yesterday and although I wasn't in attendance I spend the whole day thinking about it. I thought to myself, "why am I missing this?"After a few hours of thinking and several emails, facebook messages and wallposts, I finally realized that I made the right choice for myself to come to South Africa on my AFS exchange. Sure, I would have liked to be in attendance at the ceremony but luckily with this day and age of technology I was able to hear my name called via a video my mom recorded. Thanks, mom!

Now, back to the southern hemisphere. Since I last posted I explained that I will be spending the balance of my time here doing community work. I spent the last week and a half volunteering for Equal Education in Cape Town organizing and preparing books to be put in school libraries in townships. Last Friday I had the opportunity to visit the township of Khayelitsha to deliver the books. Although my time in the township was limited to a few hours, the short time I spent reaffirmed why I came to South Africa. I had an experience within an experience to see how the "other half" lives and to make a tangible difference to the community. The principles of the schools we visited were very gracious to have us and were extremely welcoming. I found the teachers and the administration of Sosebenza, Manyano, and the other school of which I forgot the name to be some of the warmest and nicest people I have met in South Africa. To say the least it was a very worthwhile experience.

I remember starting this blog about two months before I left and I remember writing about how I had no idea what would be in store. When I wrote that blogpost I was sitting in the senior homeroom on a bleak monday morning in December during A block when I should have been doing my Pre-Calc homework. Now, about two months remain of my time in South Africa and I am more than aware of the fact that the time will fly. Therefore, I must enjoy it.

The timeline of events until August 10, my last day in Cape Town, is as follows:

This week: Continue to do community work here in Cape Town

Next week: Go back to school for Matric day (sort of like seniors' day) and a field trip with my tourism class, and then the Matric dance!

Following week: Holidays start until the 16 of July. During that time I'll be hanging around Cape Town with friends and various visiting exchange students. I'm going to Phalaborwa, Limpopo one of those weeks to visit a fellow exchange student.

The remaining three or so weeks before I leave have still yet to be determined. Most likely I will do a mix of sightseeing and community work until I leave. Even though two months seems like a long time from now it really isn't as I have a lot planned.

Here are some pictures of my trip to the township of Khayelitsha:

Cheers!

-Danny