The Perfect Moment

I just briefly want to share one of the more beautiful things that has ever happened to me in my life.

On Monday morning, I was walking to class, feeling particularly groggy. On my way, I saw a group of about 40 adorable black children, probably 4 or 5 years old, waiting for a bus with their teacher. Being that I have been a counselor so many times, I consistently act as though I know all kids, and I waved to them as I approached. One smiled put up their hand for a high five. I high fived with enthusiasm, and all of a sudden, I was completely swarmed with hands waiting for high fives, as they all screamed HI at me in their loudest voices. Feeling completely elated, I high fived every single hand, and one very tiny boy ran up to me and hugged my legs. As I walked away, they all yelled BYE! and didn't stop until I was out of sight.

I have never seen these children before in my life, I likely never will again, but the pure innocence of that moment will never leave me. Though you might have been thinking, why did it matter that they were black, it mattered a whole lot. I have been learning over and over in every class here about apartheid and its evils. That moment I had on Monday morning would never have happened twenty years ago. The world is certainly not a perfect place, and South Africa has a lot of work to do, but at the very least, there is beauty and wonder all around, if only you happen upon the right street corner.

The Homestay

This past weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to stay with a family in Ocean View. Ocean View is a town about a half hour away from where I’m staying in Rondebosch. The town was created in the early 70’s, during apartheid, when people of color were run out of their nearby homes, some beautiful and grand, in great neighborhoods, and forced together to a completely undeveloped area, forced to attempt to recreate their lives.

From the minute I met Crystal, my mother for the weekend, I knew I would love her, and likely her family. She was incredibly welcoming. She had had students stay with her many times before, and told me how much she loved the experience. Crystal grew up with ten siblings, and had lived in Ocean View her entire life. Crystal herself has four children, a 22 year old son, an 18 year old son, a 14 year old daughter Bridget (who is feisty and awesome,) and a 5 year old foster child named Jason.

here's me, Crystal, and her husband Cedric

Their home, though not spacious, is filled with love and positive energy. When Bianca (the other CIEE student who stayed with Crystal’s family) and I arrived at the home, we were met with three very excited men in the kitchen; Crystal’s husband and his friends. They were preparing for a braai master competition the next day, and lucky for us, we were their taste testers. We drank red wine, held very interesting conversation, and tested their delicious seafood offerings; limpets, mussels, and lobster. All of it was to die for. Over this food, the men explained to us that in Ocean View, no one ever has to starve, as for a cheap permit, all residents have access to what the nearby water has to offer; thousands of fish. So long as no individual over-takes their allotted amount per day, each night, the residents have access to an essentially free gourmet meal. The entire time I was at this homestay, I was spoiled with food and wine, and bloated beyond belief.

            I also learned that the residents of Ocean View all know each other. Though violence and crime (notably alcohol and drugs) are still issues, they are lightened by the fact that should a neighbor commit anything in public, everyone would know exactly who it was. For this reason, the residents don't want Ocean View to expand, as the communal vibe keeps the town running.

Here Jason is imitating a camel. I do love children.

                The home I stayed in was small, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a small living-room like space, all for 6 people and 2 dogs. However, there wasn't a moment  where my family seemed distressed about their situation. Crystal, a hairdresser, has worked with elders and loved her job for many years. She has a loving marriage and kids who she loves deeply as well. Though clearly the family isn't well off, they are rich with love. I found it beautiful that despite their cramped living quarters, the family had the heart to take in a foster child, Jason, who's mother had been a drug addict. There is always room to give, and this family embodied that spirit, hence my Saturday.

While the men competed in the braai master competition, Crystal took Bianca and myself to the Shavathon. This is a day long event (8am to 4pm) in the center of a mall, where men and women pay to have their head shaved to prove solidarity with those who have suffered from cancer. Women with long enough hair could also donate their pony tale. Also, kids can pay to have their hair sprayed fun colors and patterns. For instance, here I drew a South African flag on a kids head! All of the money goes to research. I was shocked at just how many men AND women signed up for it. It was really beautiful, and an emotional moment for many. Crystal (the hairdresser) shaved the heads while Bianca and I helped spray paint. It was a long day, but a great one.

                For dinner, we went to Crystal's sisters house. We all sat around, had a great huge meal, and sipped wine, resting from the long day.  We played a Jenga game that involved drinking, and sat around talking while MTV videos played in the background. I wish I could convey how much I learned in this one post, but there is just far too much. These people are so kind, welcoming, and frankly; normal. They love their family and life itself. They are happy just to sit around and converse with one another, grateful for everything they have. 

Sunday we rested, watched a few movies, ate even more (did I mention I was bloated?) and finally made our way back to the school to send us home. I can't say enough what an amazing time I had, and I feel so lucky to have been placed with my family. I really hope to go back and share another meal with these beautiful people. Regardless, it's times like these, surrounded by people whos concerns are beyond the relative lack of material, that put life in perspective for you. Every day, we should all be grateful, not for what we have but for who we have. Crystal told me a big thing she taught her kids was the difference between want and need. You need your family and that's what counts. I can't thank the Cotton family enough for taking me in! Love you guys

Me, Bianca, our parents, and Jason

The Garden Route!

Hello friends and family!

Many of you may have seen photographs of me doing adventurous/dangerous things and been wondering, "what is she doing?" where is the study in her abroad?" "was the elephant comfortable with her petting him?" etc. I have your answers. (except to the elephant one, but he seemed fine.)

 You see we were given a week off before clases began. During this week off, nearly every American student here decided to go on the Garden Route, a five day long adventure along the South African coast. Some students took guided tour buses, but my group rented two cars, booked our own hostels, and picked our own adventurous itinerary.

The first day, Monday, after a four hour long drive, we arrived in Mossel Bay. Our hostel was located directly on the beach, and it was really interesting because it was an old train they had basically just added beds to.



Right behind this side of the train was the beach!

We threw our stuff in our cars, got on our bathing suits, and began kayaking in the Indian Ocean! We were led by a young guy named Francois who we all thought was gorgeous and nice, though he kept tipping us over in our kayaks. After some pina coladas at the hostel bar, he showed us a great place to get fish and chips in town. After that, we sat by the beach, watched the stars, and were lucky enough to have Adam sing and play guitar for us. Here we learned that Francois was not only very annoying, but also a horrible racist, which we were warned might occur. Since South Africa is only in a newly post-apartheid state, many haven't changed their mindsets, which is awful, but more about that later.

Anyway, here's our group having pina coladas!

The next day we got up very early for animal day! We first stopped at Monkeyland, where we saw soo many beautiful baby (and regular sized) monkeys, and though we disappointingly were not allowed to touch them, we all had a great time taking a tour of the reserve. We had to basically hide our valuables because apparently they are very sneaky, and will steal the sunglasses off your head even! I was really pleased with our guides interest in the monkeys, his love for them, and the humane practices they use to save these monkeys lives. Also,  how can you not love monkeys.

This lil monkey has a baby on its back!

After that, we visited Knysna elephant park! We were all a little disappointed that they were all booked out of elephant rides, but we were too excited to touch the "ellies" and feed them, to really care. We bought a bucket of fruits and vegetables before taking a ride over to the ellies at the park, this one had 9. When we got there, they lined up and waited to be fed. The minute any of us held out food, the elephants trunk made its way on over to us. It's amazing how powerful and beautiful they are. Plus they're vegetarians like me, so points for that.

Here I am feeding probably the most greedy elephant.

I really loved them, but also felt terrible that they were constantly forced to stay still so we could take pictures. Though the park is a reserve, the guides held sticks to discipline the ellies. Though of course this is necessary at times, and the practices are humane, it still hurts to watch an elephant or any animal treated with anything other than love. We went out for dinner by the waterfront and I got my first good South African sushi. It was long awaited, and freaking delicious.

After this, we went to our hostel, the Highland Backpacker. It was nice but quite roudy, there was some French band (probably not very good) up late at night. I was fairly exhausted so I fell asleep, anticipating the next days insanity.

And it was. Day three we drove over to TsiTsikamma, where the highest bungee jump bridge in the WORLD is located. It has always been a bucket list item of mine to bungee jump off a bridge, ever since I saw that really bad Mandy Moore movie called Chasing Liberty. But if you had told me I'd be jumping off the tallest one, I can't say I'd have believed you. When you arrive to the location, they have a huge sign that reads

FEAR IS TEMPORARY, REGRET IS PERMANENT or something along those lines. Great marketing, and I needed it because I was freaking out.

After walking to the center of the bridge, which by the way is the scariest part, because you are walking on a cagelike thing forever trying not to look down to the fall you will inevitably take. Ah I don't even like thinking about it.

Anyway, here was my face right before the jump

I was unashamedly one of the most nervous. Thankfully, many had gone before me so I knew what to expect. When I reached the edge, though I was really terrified, I didn't let myself think and I just jumped. For the first second my mind was wiped completely, and when I came back up I remember just looking out and all I could think over and over was "oh my god." Others cursed, so I'm proud I was a bit more tame and kept my thoughts to myself. After the jumps end, they kind of have you dangle there for a few seconds too long. I was shaking I was so overwhelmed and scared that my feet would come out of the bungee thingies. But it was also quiet and beautiful laying there upside down.

Finally some beautiful man came and saved me from shaking and such, and lifted me back up to sanity and the realization of what had just happened!

And that's how that happened! I also bought the video, which I will try to figure out a way to upload.

After the total exhileration of this experience, we all sat and had a quick bite, before we made our way over to the next big thrill activity: zip lining above trees and waterfalls. They harnessed us up, gave us a water bottle, and sent us on our way. It's incredible how the people here really don't check your health or physical ability before sending you on your merry way to do these activities.



Here I am ziplining. Many years at Perlman Camp had me ready for this experience, so I wasn't scared at all, just enjoying the scenery as I went. And maybe a little tired.

This night we went to my favorite hostel of all of them. It was set in a very quiet, quaint village with no street lights, only beautiful hills and the stars were exceptionally bright. We all went out for dinner, then came back to the hostel bar and met our bartender, and had a really good time. I fell asleep around 11, before pretty much everyone else, because I was absolutely exhausted. It happens.

Day 4 was the kayaking, liloing, and cliff jumping tour. We arrived and first got into kayaks, which I was nervous about merely because I have a serious lack of upper arm strength issue. Thankfully it was pretty tame, and once we arrived to a river surrounded by a HUGE cliff, we exited the kayaks and got on lilos, or these floaties.

being between the cliffs felt a lot like that scene in Lord of the Rings... Other than that I can't explain it. It was beautiful, and when I meditate, I will likely go here in my mind.Then we cliff dived, don't really have a great picture of it, but compared to bungee jumping it was fairly tame but still a thrill.

After this we dried up and drove to Oudtshorn, our final stop. The hostel was beautiful, it was called Backpackers Paradise. We went out for my best dinner yet, with delicious wine (it's so good here! I will soon be a wine snob!) and yet again we sat around a small bonfire and had Adam sing to us with his guitar. The next morning, we went off to an ostrich farm. Ostriches are honestly the most strange, underratedly frightening animals of all time. They are totally deadly, like if you see one you shouldnt even run, just lie down so they can crush your ribs instead of clawing you alive. This is what our guide told us. Some people got massages from the ostriches, some rode them, but I was a bit too freaked out by them to partake. I will likely have ostrich nightmares.

Here's Sammie getting an ostrich massage.

After this we drove to Cango Caves. If I thought I was freaked out by ostriches, I had no idea what was next. Cango Caves are absolutely beautiful and majestic. One room type thing in the cave is so large it used to hold concerts, but then concertgoers began graffiting and ruining the cave, so it's now only open for adventure tours. On said adventure tour, they have you crouching, climbing, crawling on your stomach through very tight and enclosed spaces. Though it was physically draining and frightening, the sights were absolutely worth it. It's amazing that sights like the ones I saw this past week exist at all, let alone that I've had the opportunity to see them all.

After this, we drove home. By the way, there are "gardens" on the garden route, just incredible greenery on either side of you, with views of the ocean, mountain, animals EVERYWHERE usually horses cows or goats, and more. Kind of like this

I apologize for the length of this post, if you've made it this far then thank you for caring! There's really no shorter way to explain my jam packed vacation. It was amazing, and I am so lucky that it's all only the beginning!





T.I.A- This Is Africa

Hello World!
Hope you haven't missed me too much, and if you have feel free to download whatsapp to your phone and text me. My house only got internet last night, so thus far my access has been limited to internet cafes. But here I am, alive and well in the most beautiful city in the world, Cape Town South Africa.
Since I have gotten here, everything has been a whirlwind of meeting people, adjusting to the new norms here, drinking great wine, seeing breathtaking sights from every angle, and falling madly in love with this place.
For the first 5 days, everyone on the CIEE program was placed into dorms, where we all ate together for each meal and attended orientation sessions together. For our orientation sessions, we did things such as tour the UCT campus, climb Table Mountain and watch the sun set, tour the city of Cape Town, visit the Southwestern-most point of Africa, and visit a beautiful winery in Stellenbosch where an all you can eat buffet was provided for us (most of its contents being meat of course.) I can see how important this blog is going to be, as memories blur into each other already.
During the night time, we have been free to explore the nightlife. The first night for instance, a few new friends and I went to Pig and Swizzle, a casual local pub. Meeting South Africans has been the highlight of my trip so far, as they all have interesting perspectives on Americans, politics, and race issues especially in South Africa (as we are in a somewhat recently post-apartheid state.) The South Africans are all extremely friendly and eager to get to know us and it makes nights out that much more entertaining.
In the past week we have explored more, gone to the V & A Waterfront, a Boston-like harbor, visited Green Market Square and shopped, gone to the beach and gotten some very strange and intense burns.
We were finally separated into our housing on Saturday, and I am living in Wolmunster. It is an off campus house and it is absolutely stunning, the nicest residence I have ever had (sorry SDT house.) The rooms are huge, and it feels like my castle. I have a roommate named Devra and she is absolutely lovely. The people I live with (15 girls 5 guys) are incredibly friendly, last night we all sat around our picnic benches outside, got a guitar, and had a sing along to songs like Beautiful Soul and Why Georgia. Needless to say I am in heaven.
I will post more as the semester continues about the physical beauty of Cape Town, safety issues, race issues, nightlife, food, perceptions of Americans, Real World situations my house gets into, and other intriguing aspects of Cape Town that make it what it is, as these circumstances are weaved deeply into my trip. Until then good friends, hope you are well and thanks for reading!

Jambo!

Jambo is not even a word in Xhosa or Afrikaan, the two most spoken languages in Capetown, other than English of course. However, I have watched Mean Girls enough times to feel the absolute need to start off my blog with such a title, since it’s off to Africa I go in about 3 days time! And yes, it was hard to avoid titling this blog “waka waka ey ey: this one for africa” but I really hope to avoid the rest of the most obvious cliches.

Many have asked why I’ve picked Capetown, since it’s not the typical choice for students going abroad (aka it’s not Europe.) And to quiet all of that confusion, I figure I can bundle my real reasonings with a statement of purpose.

1. Frankly, I want a unique experience. Now plenty of people have gone to Capetown for their semester abroad experience, it’s not completely off the map. However as much as I absolutely adore my friends from school and elsewhere, I wanted to go somewhere completely my own, where I would stay. I will certainly visit Europe, but how often do people get the chance to really LIVE in another country? Which leads to 2

2. I didn’t want to be forced to play the travel game, and miss out on a feeling of true understanding of my home city. I completely respect a lot of my friends desires to go to Europe, and to visit each friend in a different country during their time abroad (running from Italy to France to Spain would certainly have it’s benefits.) But instead of such pressure to leave, I want to take that time to marvel in the smaller details of the beautiful region in which I will reside. I want to feel like Capetown is a home away from home, and I really hope I accomplish this goal.

3. No matter where I went, I knew performing service would be a main consideration. While there is plenty of good to be done in America and anywhere really, there’s no doubt I will gain wonderful service experience in a place as diverse, rich in recent historic issues, and complex as South Africa. I have heard of multiple programs which I’m interested in participating in once I arrive, one being a Youth in Prison Program. I know I will actively seek out as many service opportunities as I can manage, and I can’t wait. Essentially, I don’t want to thrive on just the “good” or “easy” parts of Capetown life, but I hope to delve into the deeper, harder issues.

And we’ll end at 3 (even though there is so much more I could share, darn my English major ways,) the absolutely beautiful landscape, the warm weather, the flowers, the style, the penguins, the largest bungee jump in the world, safari potential, the fact that English is spoken/understood, the fact that they love avocados there, and of course, the accents.

I anticipate that I am in for an experience like no other, and while I am certainly fearful of the unknown, I am thrilled to get there and begin my journey.

My next post will be post-flight (where I have a feeling I will be groggy from a sleepless flight, worried about my lost baggage, and completely out of my element, all in the absolute best way.)

Until then, wish me luck packing my life into 2 suitcases! I need it. Badly..