Wow! After a weekend like I just had, it’s hard to see it end!
On Friday I went to classes and then met up with the seminar crew to go to the Bo-Kaap to visit the museum and for a walking tour. It was down-pouring all day on Friday so we weren’t sure if the walking tour was going to happen- but after we arrived at the museum the rain stopped and the sun came out for a bit! Our tour guide has lived in the Bo-Kaap all her life (in fact she still lives in the house she was born in!) and so as we were walking around she knew everyone we passed! The Bo-Kaap is a “Muslim area of brightly painted houses where time is measured by the regular calls to prayer from the suburb’s many mosques” (Lonely Planet). Everything we learned was interesting and reliavnt as in my Relgion in Africa class we are learning about Islam in Africa. In fact we had a guest speaker on Friday who taught us about Muslim schools and how Cape Town is home to the oldest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere and then we were able to walk by it on Friday afternoon! Felicity surprised us by buying us all a Cooksister which is like a doughnut- it was DELICIOUS! When I got home later Friday evening, Margot was excited to hear that I got to try the Malay kind as she had just bought some Afrikaner Cooksisters for me to try!
bo-kaap museum
On Friday I went to classes and then met up with the seminar crew to go to the Bo-Kaap to visit the museum and for a walking tour. It was down-pouring all day on Friday so we weren’t sure if the walking tour was going to happen- but after we arrived at the museum the rain stopped and the sun came out for a bit! Our tour guide has lived in the Bo-Kaap all her life (in fact she still lives in the house she was born in!) and so as we were walking around she knew everyone we passed! The Bo-Kaap is a “Muslim area of brightly painted houses where time is measured by the regular calls to prayer from the suburb’s many mosques” (Lonely Planet). Everything we learned was interesting and reliavnt as in my Relgion in Africa class we are learning about Islam in Africa. In fact we had a guest speaker on Friday who taught us about Muslim schools and how Cape Town is home to the oldest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere and then we were able to walk by it on Friday afternoon! Felicity surprised us by buying us all a Cooksister which is like a doughnut- it was DELICIOUS! When I got home later Friday evening, Margot was excited to hear that I got to try the Malay kind as she had just bought some Afrikaner Cooksisters for me to try!
bo-kaap museum
on our walking tour
colorful houses!
amazing view!
sarah enjoying her cooksister!
more colorful houses!
Friday evening was pretty low-key. I got home around 545pm and Sarah was just getting home from her volunteering then as well. We all decided that Margot needed a night off from cooking (she really does a great job making sure we are all fed in the midst of getting Andrew to all his after-school/nightly activities. I am so fortunate!) so the four of us headed to Canal Walk, a huge shopping center just outside the city. It was great actually getting a feel for the “local life” as the mall isn’t that accessible so other CIEE students wouldn’t normally wander out that way. We walked around a bit in the mall and then decided to get some pizza at an Italian place called Panarotti’s. The food court area was incredible- I thought it was very busy but Andrew was telling me that that night actually looked like it was slow! It was three stories of resturants and food places- with tvs and places to sit and talk and eat. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this yet- but here in Cape Town, KFC is the place to go- it’s EVERYWHERE! But in the mall I was surprised to see my first McDonald’s here! The golden arch spanned the 3 floors!
food area at canal walk!
Before heading home on Friday night we stopped off at the video store and Sarah and I picked up the second season of the Office. Andrew had to get to bed as it was already 9pm and he had a chess tournament the next day! So Sarah and I stayed up a bit to watch a few episodes and then I was in bed by 12.
On Saturday I woke up at my usual time and went for a run around the Rondebosch Gardens- it was a bit chilly but I managed to survive! Then I came back to shower and get ready for a day of wine tasting!
We met at the res. hall at 10 and we were soon on our way to wine country to a vineyard just outside Stellenbosch called Nelson Creek. It was an absolute beautiful day & it was nice to try four different wines and have a delicious lunch. After lunch the owner of the vineyard, Mr. Nelson came to speak to us- it was interesting to hear him talk about how he bought the land back in 1994 as the previous owner filed for bankruptcy. Mr. Nelson admitted that he really had to idea how to get the vineyard up and running but he was able to hire workers and he made them the promise at the beginning, that as soon as they made the best wine in South Africa, he would give them a portion of the land for themselves. Then in 1996 Mr. Nelson was awarded the title of selling the best Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot in South Africa! A true man of his word, Mr. Nelson portioned off a section of his best land and gave it over to his workers- no strings attached. It was incredible to hear how humble he was, as we all began to clap when he said he won the title of best in S.A. but Mr. Nelson was adamant about letting us know if it hadn’t been for his workers- and their skills- he won’t be anywhere. It was incrible to listen to a white British middle-aged man talk about how 2 years after apartheid was abolished, he gave over a section of his best land to his black workers- for free, no strings attached. That new area of land continued to produce wine- Mr. Nelson allowed them to use his machinery/cellars/ equipment for a few years to help them get there business going. Now the vineyard, called New Beginnings, is producing it’s own wine- and we were fortunate to taste 2 of their wines. Mr. Nelson said he was impressed that we all decided to study in a country that continues its fight to move forward despite setbacks from its recent history. He encouraged all of us to enjoy our time here in South Africa and to never forget the people we meet here or the experiences we have.
Before heading home on Friday night we stopped off at the video store and Sarah and I picked up the second season of the Office. Andrew had to get to bed as it was already 9pm and he had a chess tournament the next day! So Sarah and I stayed up a bit to watch a few episodes and then I was in bed by 12.
On Saturday I woke up at my usual time and went for a run around the Rondebosch Gardens- it was a bit chilly but I managed to survive! Then I came back to shower and get ready for a day of wine tasting!
We met at the res. hall at 10 and we were soon on our way to wine country to a vineyard just outside Stellenbosch called Nelson Creek. It was an absolute beautiful day & it was nice to try four different wines and have a delicious lunch. After lunch the owner of the vineyard, Mr. Nelson came to speak to us- it was interesting to hear him talk about how he bought the land back in 1994 as the previous owner filed for bankruptcy. Mr. Nelson admitted that he really had to idea how to get the vineyard up and running but he was able to hire workers and he made them the promise at the beginning, that as soon as they made the best wine in South Africa, he would give them a portion of the land for themselves. Then in 1996 Mr. Nelson was awarded the title of selling the best Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot in South Africa! A true man of his word, Mr. Nelson portioned off a section of his best land and gave it over to his workers- no strings attached. It was incredible to hear how humble he was, as we all began to clap when he said he won the title of best in S.A. but Mr. Nelson was adamant about letting us know if it hadn’t been for his workers- and their skills- he won’t be anywhere. It was incrible to listen to a white British middle-aged man talk about how 2 years after apartheid was abolished, he gave over a section of his best land to his black workers- for free, no strings attached. That new area of land continued to produce wine- Mr. Nelson allowed them to use his machinery/cellars/ equipment for a few years to help them get there business going. Now the vineyard, called New Beginnings, is producing it’s own wine- and we were fortunate to taste 2 of their wines. Mr. Nelson said he was impressed that we all decided to study in a country that continues its fight to move forward despite setbacks from its recent history. He encouraged all of us to enjoy our time here in South Africa and to never forget the people we meet here or the experiences we have.
New Beginnings vineyard is just beyond the lake
allen had a little too much... haha he actually was just resting his head but we thought it'd be funny to put the wine bottles by him... he had no clue! 
mr. nelson himself- he had just gotten home from a bike trip
Although I’m not that big of a drinker (really Dad, I’m not!) I did decide to buy a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for only R45. After hearing Mr. Nelson speak and better understand how the vineyard has a started a school for the worker’s children- it seemed like R45 is the least I could spend to contribute.
After our vineyard visit was complete we stopped off at Spier- another BIG vineyard and hotel / tourist area. It was here that Sarah and I decided to spend R80 (which is roughly 11 dollars) to pet a cheetah! We ended up having to wait a bit longer than we expect because Joseph, the six year old cheetah we were going to pet, was a little hyper and didn’t seem to want to settle down. We were afraid that we were going to have to get our money back because we didn’t want to be left behind- but Joseph settled and Sarah and I were lucky to get the opportunity! It was incredible to be by such a large cat- and to pet it like OH NO BIG DEAL. It’s coat was beautiful and rather smooth- such a great experience!
Although I’m not that big of a drinker (really Dad, I’m not!) I did decide to buy a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for only R45. After hearing Mr. Nelson speak and better understand how the vineyard has a started a school for the worker’s children- it seemed like R45 is the least I could spend to contribute.
After our vineyard visit was complete we stopped off at Spier- another BIG vineyard and hotel / tourist area. It was here that Sarah and I decided to spend R80 (which is roughly 11 dollars) to pet a cheetah! We ended up having to wait a bit longer than we expect because Joseph, the six year old cheetah we were going to pet, was a little hyper and didn’t seem to want to settle down. We were afraid that we were going to have to get our money back because we didn’t want to be left behind- but Joseph settled and Sarah and I were lucky to get the opportunity! It was incredible to be by such a large cat- and to pet it like OH NO BIG DEAL. It’s coat was beautiful and rather smooth- such a great experience!
sarah & i and Joseph!!!
the girls decided to pet the cheetah, the boys decided to get their face painted
Then we caught the bus home and after a long day Sarah and I went back to her room in the res. to hang out for a bit. We decided we wanted to try and see Batman but realized we weren’t going to make the 530 showing. The British Sarah met us at the res. hall and the three of us (Sarah Jeffcoat, British Sarah and myself) headed into the city center to a place called the African Café. We’re heard it’s a touristy place but the food is incredible- they bring you 16 different indigenous dishes to your table so you get a chance to try an assortment of traditional African food. Unfortunately we got there at 6, and the first reservation we could make was at 630pm and then dinner was going to last 2 hours, meaning we wouldn’t get out of there until 830 when the movie was supposed to begin. So we decided to nix that idea- and instead hopped back into Sarah’s car (let me just say that she is driving a car from the clinic- so Sarah Jeffcoat and I switched turns riding in the back of the cab where the animals usually ride! It was quite the experience- as we managed to get a bit lost but made our way back to the restaurant by home called the Fat Cactus which is a Mexican restaurant/ bar! It was perfect- the three of us spilt a margarita jug and got some delicious Mexican food- that actually tasted like Mexican food!
sarah in the back of the pickup
sarah jeffcoat & british sarah at the fat cactus!
At 8- Sarah Jeffcoat’s South African friend, Ajith (pronounced A- jith) met us at the Fat Cactus and drove the 3 of us to a movie theater in Kenliwood, a town close to Rondebosch. By the time we arrived at the theater it was already sold out so we went with plan B and headed back into Rondebosch to Ajith’s friend, Allen’s place. We hung out for about an hour or so- somehow we managed to watch a British show called- TopGear- if u get a chance youtube it, especially the episode of the boat-cars going from Dover to France via the English Channel- but it was hilarious and Sarah Jeffcoat and I are trying to figure out if there’s anyway for us to get a bootleg copy of it someplace here! Then Ajith decided he wanted to take the 3 of us to Long Street because once he found out I had never been- he was shocked and asked what kind of study abroad student was I?
So we ventured out to Long Street- which ironically reminds me a lot of Bourbun Street in New Orleans. But definitely not as raunchy/ dirty. So first we headed to a bar/lounge called The Waiting Room- this place was cool as it is 3 stories and the view from the roof is incredible- I definitely see myself going back there when the weather gets better! After awhile we decided to check out another place, The Dubliner- HAHA oh man. There was a live duo (who ironically was the same couple from the Waterfront restaurant I went to my 2nd night in Cape Town) and we just sat for a bit and people watched/talked. It was a bit crowded and too smokey for my liking- but I couldn’t complain how they ended the night- with an Irish jig! As I was experiencing everyone attempting to Irish step I couldn’t help but laugh and think- wow- this is just like a more diverse Notre Dame event! And it made me realize that I’ll need Uncle Chris & Uncle Chuck to update me on how the football season goes this year! Alright well by this time Sarah Jeffcoat and I were getting tired- but we didn’t want to be party poopers- so we agreed to go to another place called Neighborhood. This place is also another cool spot that I see myself going to once it gets nicer out- the balcony overlooks the street- which lets u sort of see what’s going on in both directions at other places. It was really nice to have Ajith there with us as he knew what places were good/safe and was helpful in showing us places to avoid and tips about what we should/shouldn’t do. And in general here- it’s always safer to go out with at least one guy in the group, and even better if they are from here, as it helps to keep unwanted people away. It definitely helped to have someone who knew what he was doing/where we should go. Ajith was so sweet to be our personal chauffeur for the night and dropped us all off at our homes by midnight. Hah I know… you’re laughing… midnight…I was tired, though!
On Sunday I was able to sleep in until 930 and then had breakfast and was able to do some reading for Ethics (okay… so I’m just going to say this again…. Ethics- what the hell… this stuff is going WAY over my head… what’s moral/what’s immoral? How do you know if an action is right? What does right mean? Cultrual Relativism… ???????!???!?!?!?!? exactly!!!!) So at least I dedicated some time this weekend to trying to understand what the heck we’re learning- good thing I have my TUT this week so hopefully my tutor will be able to explain… I have a text in 2 weeks!!!!
Then at around 1130 I went for a nice run around the Commons. It was a GORGEOUS day out- not a cloud in the sky and bright & sunny. It was incredible! And especially after having rain for the majority of last week- it was nice to have the sunny weather!
Sarah Jeffcoat and I called moments when it hits us that we are in African a “African Moment” and I have had 3 this past weekend. The first occurred on Saturday morning when I was running around the Commons and at one point in my run I am running directly towards Table Mountain. It’s like BAM! right in front of you! So on Saturday as I was running- it started to rain. As my whole attitude about running right then and having to be out there in the cold rain was about to turn sour, I looked up at Table Mountain and saw this incredible complete rainbow straight ahead of me. It really was breath-taking to see the clouds covering some of the Mountain and then this rainbow right in front of it- and me running directly towards it…. Yes it was definitely an African Moment. And it was basically God saying “Jess- get over yourself, it’s just a little rain. Look around you- you’re in Cape Town. Enjoy it.”
So that was my first African Moment this weekend-
My second one came also while I was running on Sunday. Let me first say that here in South Africa people don’t really have manners. I mean they do to some extent- but you usually don’t hear “please” or “thank you” very often let alone “excuse me” ever. This has been one thing that has sort of been getting under my skin as you will be walking and someone will bump into you- and then just completely go on with life as if they didn’t just BUMP into them. And your just standing there being like “Ow? Excuse you?”
So as I was on my run on Sunday- I was at the part in the loop where it goes off-road onto a path for a bit. And two walkers are walking towards me. Now the path isn’t that big. And they see me coming towards them just as I see them coming towards me. As we get pretty darn close it becomes apparent that neither woman is going to budge- they are going to take up the whole path. So I am forced to go off-road off-roading and dodge into the high grass/swampy mud to get out of their way. And as I pass- I still have the curtosy to at least give a half-smile- one lady glares at me. As I pass trying to shake this experience off- although I won’t lie that I really was extremely pissed that they don’t get the concept of “sharing the roads” here- I looked up and just got this amazingly clear view of Table Mountain backed with a perfect blue, cloudless sky. It was breath-taking. And again it was one of those times when I realized that here I am in Africa, experiencing such a beautiful by running outdoors and I’m going to let 2 lady’s who won’t go single file ruin my day…. Heck no! so that was my second African moment of the weekend.
Then after coming back to shower after my run- I went out with Sarah Jeffcoat down to Main Road to rent the movie The Shining for my film class and to have lunch at CocoWaWa which is a restaurant that has wifi. Although the internet was painfully slow (welcome to Africa- you learn to have patience!) I was able to check my email and have some fruit & yogurt for lunch. Then Sarah and I ventured over to Pick-N-Pay to grab some food items- I really can’t say how fortunate I am to not have to worry about breakfast or dinners- that all I need to do is pack a lunch every day! So I picked up some healthy things I can munch on at school in between classes when I get hungry (or as they say here “ravenous” haha I still laugh when I here people use that word!)
Then I eventually made my way back home and mom and dad called me! Unfortunately I was just in the middle of starting to watch The Shining- but after getting off the phone with them Margot and Andrew arrived home- so we chatted a bit and then I tried to get some more homework done and resorted to watching the film later Sunday night.
British Sarah decided to drive around the Cape Peninsula today and when she arrived home at around 5pm, Margot took all of us up to Signal Hill to watch the sunset. This was my third African Moment of the weekend.
lions rump & twelve apostles
table mountain & devil's peak
sarah, andrew & me
robben island at sunset
sunset
sarah & andrew enjoying the sunset
beauitful
Well, we weren’t the only ones who had the idea of watching the sunset- because it was SUCH a nice day the sunset and view from the top of the Hill was incredible (I know I keep using the same words over and over- but I’m running out of descriptive words to use!)
We were able to see Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak on one side and then watch the sun set and see Robben Island on the other. It was amazing!
Then we were able to get down off the hill rather fast- thanks to Margot’s NO-FEAR motto and her ability to drive down half the hill in reverse because cars were seriously in a standstill and there was no way to turn around! But we managed to get home quickly- have a delicious dinner and have a relaxing night.
It really was an incredible weekend- unfortunately it’s ended but there are only more to come!
I really wish all of you could be here to experience this- Cape Town is such a diverse, fun place and South Africa in general is really a great country. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity to study here.
Until next time-
Love & miss u all
Cheers!
jess
1 comment:
oh honey What an adventure, keep 'em coming as I do live vicariously thru you! Dont worry about ethics - it is a good thing you are not taking LOGIC that one drove me nuts...loved the "image moment" SAfrican moments as you seem to describe what you see as if it was a movie camera...dont worry about the stream of consciousness in the writing- talked with Mom who was at airport headed Westward to home finally...Im doing laundry - what else does a massage therapist have to do on a rainy busy day in season here in Newport - as if people cant take yoga or a nap which is NOT what I can do as I have two more and just finished two - whew - but it is what it is...I pass these onto to my friends as updates...they love your comments - hugs, and being in touch, Auntie Eileen
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