Another Week, Another Adventure

Molweni!

That's Xhosa for hello. If you didn't know, Xhosa is one of the eleven co-official languages in South Africa. I think that for the remaining twelve weeks, which means twelve remaining blogposts, I'll say hello in one of the different co-official languages in South Africa. Today in my tourism class I learned that even though South Africa recognizes eleven languages, there are even more spoken in this country. One language, of which I forgot the name, is only spoken by two elderly woman in a rural village in the Richtersveld, in the Northern Cape. 


As per usual, a lot has taken place since I've last written. It seems as if I never have a free moment to just "chill." I think it's better this way. When I think of home, and what it would have been like if I didn't come to South Africa, the first thing that comes to mind is boredom. Many of my contemporaries have tried to make me feel bad that I'm missing out on the bonding experience that is the end of the senior year and the summer before we all go off to college. In reality, I'm having a bonding experience of my own with new people, whether they are part of my [host] family or just new friends. As some of you may know I am horrible with names. Even so, I can say that I've seen and/or met a new person everyday during the last two and a half months. Nothing can parallel the experience I've had so far.


Many people ask about family life. I get questions such as "what time do you get up?", "what's the food like", and "how do you and your host family get along?". Since these questions are commonly asked, I'll answer them. I get up every morning at six. Even though this has become a ritual for several weeks, it still amazes me that I can do it. If any of you know me, regardless of where you are from, I cannot "do" mornings. My dad would always say that I'm "allergic to mornings." The food in South Africa greatly varies, just as it does in American. Certainly, there are uniquely South African dishes. Bobotie, the South African equivalent of meatloaf with a Malay twist is commonly found throughout the country. My host family enjoys cooking meat, potatoes, roasted vegetables, and pasta. In my opinion the food I eat in this home isn't noticeably different than that of my American home. My host family and I get along very well. We have disagreements, misunderstandings, and cultural clashes just as any host family and student would. My host mom and I spend many evenings after dinner having coffee and rusks discussing our days and learning about our different cultures. My host dad is also interesting to converse with, especially during our car-rides or at meals. 

Here is a picture with my and my host family, along with their friends with whom we have dinner every Monday night. We eat at our house bi-weekly and do the same at their home.

If you have made it this far through the post, you will be treated to some amazing pictures.


Saturday, I made my way to Robben Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned until 1982. Many other political prisoners, including Sobukwe, spent time on the island. I woke up to a gray and misty Cape Town morning, but that didn't stop me. On the ferry ride to the island from the waterfront I had the opportunity to speak with people from England, France, the United States, and Argentina who had come to Cape Town on vacation. It was interesting to hear their insights on South Africa from a tourist's perspective, and to share my perspective as someone who has spent a few months in South Africa. 


Here are the pictures of Robben Island:

 Nelson Mandela's Cell

Yours truly on the ferry back to Cape Town.

Saturday evening I went to a rugby game with my host dad. I had never been to a Rugby game, so it was a unique experience. I had a great time. Thanks Colin!

At the Stormers (rugby) game!

Sunday, my host family and I went to the top of Table Mountain. It was a spur of the moment decision, but we all had a great time. Afterwards, we had lunch in Hout Bay, a peaceful fishing village still within the city limits of Cape Town. 

 Yael and me on the cable car up to Table Mountain.

 View from the Top!

 On my Blackberry, of course! haha

 Hout Bay

With Yael in Hout Bay.

It has been a very busy but exciting week! I'm sure I'll be up to some equally exciting adventures during the next few weeks! Less than three months until I'll be back in Chicago. Hard to believe, really. It feels like yesterday I decided to fill out the application to go on the program!

Cheers,

Danny