That's a wrap, UCT.
Yesterday I successfully, and painfully, completed my last final exam. All I have to say is, I burned a lot of my materials, donated my textbooks, got the heck out of UCT, and not looking back.
I went out with some good girlfriends for some celebratory drinks with dinner, then out to the typical Wednesday night spot where we were joined by many other American friends. Great night out to conclude a ridiculous semester of academics.
Today was probably one of my favorite days in Cape Town. However it got off to a very rough start...
When I booked my flights to and from South Africa, I scheduled it from Washington DC to Johannesburg then to Cape Town. When I leave South Africa, I will already by in Joburg. I called the airline over a month ago, before I started planning my last adventure, and I was told not being on the Cape Town flight wouldn't be a problem, all I had to do was go to the airport ticket sales and tell them. I called the airport this morning to double check the protocol, well apparently not. I was told I couldn't miss my Cape Town flight or I'd be bumped from all of it. Clearly I had a problem. After a little arguing and calling back fifteen minutes later to speak to a different representative, I was told I could just go to the airport and even though it was against protocol, they would take care of it for me. So, that's what I did. Spent my morning all around town running errands, and also going to the airport. What a relief to have that taken care of!
I got home and my housemate Joe and I and a couple of buddies headed to the beach. All of us were done with finals and had the day to just relax. Clifton is a great beach town with an appeal for the younger, white, wealthier demographic. You don't see many ferraris in Cape Town, and I saw one in Clifton. The sand is just pure white, and the ocean water is a gorgeous green-blue. With Lion's Head peak sloping into the town setting a great backdrop, it is absolutely one of the most beautiful parts of Cape Town. Of course numerous yachts cruised by as we all stared and wondered if we made the effort to swim out, if they'd let us on. As the day progressed more and more people from our program came to join, bringing in a really great crew. Playing frisbee, jumping into the freezing water, telling stories, sharing beers, it was an awesome day. Days like today I wish I had more of while I was here in Cape Town.
And now, I'm packing.
It's a crazy feeling I'm actually about to leave this place. Words can't really describe how I'm feeling, but I still struggle wrapping my head around the fact that I lived in Cape Town, South Africa for four months.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Day 119
Election day. Quite an interesting experience observing the hype from another continent. The gym is definitely the local hotspot for people to ask me about U.S. politics. The TV screens all around the gym were featuring election coverage, even before most Americans were awake. Everyone here seems to have an opinion, even if they're only supporting Obama because he's "black". It's really interesting though what people have to say about our politics, especially since South African politics are really messed up. The think the democratic party is the obvious choice and that all republicans are stupid. I might slightly agree with that, but there is a lot more behind the scenes about how the two party system works and the good points the republican party does make. They also don't understand the system of checks and balances. I was trying to explain to someone how the President can't do whatever he wants because Congress has to sign off on it, so even though the Democrats are in office doesn't mean everything will be dictated as so.
I ran on the treadmill today watching the coverage of Barak and Michelle greeting crowds and Mr and Mrs Romney walking through their parade of reds, very tempted to throw my hands in the air and cheer, but I didn't.
People here are very interested in asking how we, as Americans plan to vote. First of all they don't see that as a personal discussion that is generally not publicly discussed, but South African's have little shame in general so it's not surprising they don't understand the cultural difference. But every time I say I support Obama, I get a very positive reaction. My favorite though was when someone asked me who I was voting for in the U.S. election, I said Obama, and then he asked me if I was from Canada. Someone missed their basic geography lesson. Actually I get asked if I'm Canadian a lot. Apparently it's because of the accent. Go figure.
It's a little after 7:30 PM, and I always know when it's 7 because I hear the Muslim prayer a couple blocks over. Don't get much of that in Edina.
I ran on the treadmill today watching the coverage of Barak and Michelle greeting crowds and Mr and Mrs Romney walking through their parade of reds, very tempted to throw my hands in the air and cheer, but I didn't.
People here are very interested in asking how we, as Americans plan to vote. First of all they don't see that as a personal discussion that is generally not publicly discussed, but South African's have little shame in general so it's not surprising they don't understand the cultural difference. But every time I say I support Obama, I get a very positive reaction. My favorite though was when someone asked me who I was voting for in the U.S. election, I said Obama, and then he asked me if I was from Canada. Someone missed their basic geography lesson. Actually I get asked if I'm Canadian a lot. Apparently it's because of the accent. Go figure.
It's a little after 7:30 PM, and I always know when it's 7 because I hear the Muslim prayer a couple blocks over. Don't get much of that in Edina.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Day 117
Yesterday marked the beginning of the end.
From here on out, every day in Cape Town is my last of that day.
On Friday night, a few of the housemates wanted to go out to dinner. I wasn't at all hungry, but I thought I'd enjoy the company so I decided to join them. We went out to this delicious hole in the wall joint in Observatory, here known as Obz, just one neighborhood over. The conversation at my end of the table focused on travel and outdoor adventures, sharing stories from our trips to Montana, Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, etc. Definitely made me miss our family trips to Alaska, yet really reminded me how thankful I am for having experienced these adventures.
Once we got home majority of the house was just hanging out in the living room, chatting and listening to music late into the night. It was one of those nights that made me realize though I find myself very different from the rest of my housemates, we are all extremely different from each other and can learn from our differences.
Saturday morning was my last trip to Old Biscuit Mill. Even though every time I go it's a similar experience, it somehow never gets old. Moving from vendor to vendor eating nearly three whole meals in just a morning is a guilty pleasure I couldn't overcome. After OBM I retreated home to hit the books in preparation for my last two final exams.
Today, Sunday, is more of the same. Reluctantly studying away. I hope to climb Lion's Head, a great hike in Cape Town tonight, but we'll have to see if that's in the cards given the priority of school work.
From here on out it's just tying up the loose ends. Once I finish school on Wednesday I'm going to try to squeeze in a few more activities and try to get my life in order before I set off on my trip. Things are just about booked, all 8 hostels, necessary shuttles, flights, et cetera. What a huge weight off my shoulders to have that figured out! Trip planning: not easy.
I feel like I took my time in Cape Town for granted, but looking back, I really took up every opportunity that came my way if I thought it was appropriate. The one unfortunate thing though is that I don't feel like I made a difference or an impact here. Maybe it's because I wasn't involved in any extra curriclars, actually, that's exactly what it is. I just wish there was more I could have done to leave feeling I did something great, and not for myself. I don't think I ever wasted a day here, or did anything I regret, time just flew by so quickly. I'm starting to get sentimental about my life here. Even though there was a lot I have to complain about, I was able to live in another country for four months and call it home. Not many people get that opportunity nor the resources to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. I think now more than anything it's the change that scares me. This was my life for a long time, and in a matter of just three weeks, I'll be back in the glamourous California in the privileged SCU bubble.
Life takes you on crazy journeys. It's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and taking the jump (or at least that's what I did walking off a cliff in Zambia), adapting to changes, and not forgetting who you are I'm still trying, but I think I'm getting better at it.
From here on out, every day in Cape Town is my last of that day.
On Friday night, a few of the housemates wanted to go out to dinner. I wasn't at all hungry, but I thought I'd enjoy the company so I decided to join them. We went out to this delicious hole in the wall joint in Observatory, here known as Obz, just one neighborhood over. The conversation at my end of the table focused on travel and outdoor adventures, sharing stories from our trips to Montana, Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, etc. Definitely made me miss our family trips to Alaska, yet really reminded me how thankful I am for having experienced these adventures.
Once we got home majority of the house was just hanging out in the living room, chatting and listening to music late into the night. It was one of those nights that made me realize though I find myself very different from the rest of my housemates, we are all extremely different from each other and can learn from our differences.
Saturday morning was my last trip to Old Biscuit Mill. Even though every time I go it's a similar experience, it somehow never gets old. Moving from vendor to vendor eating nearly three whole meals in just a morning is a guilty pleasure I couldn't overcome. After OBM I retreated home to hit the books in preparation for my last two final exams.
Today, Sunday, is more of the same. Reluctantly studying away. I hope to climb Lion's Head, a great hike in Cape Town tonight, but we'll have to see if that's in the cards given the priority of school work.
From here on out it's just tying up the loose ends. Once I finish school on Wednesday I'm going to try to squeeze in a few more activities and try to get my life in order before I set off on my trip. Things are just about booked, all 8 hostels, necessary shuttles, flights, et cetera. What a huge weight off my shoulders to have that figured out! Trip planning: not easy.
I feel like I took my time in Cape Town for granted, but looking back, I really took up every opportunity that came my way if I thought it was appropriate. The one unfortunate thing though is that I don't feel like I made a difference or an impact here. Maybe it's because I wasn't involved in any extra curriclars, actually, that's exactly what it is. I just wish there was more I could have done to leave feeling I did something great, and not for myself. I don't think I ever wasted a day here, or did anything I regret, time just flew by so quickly. I'm starting to get sentimental about my life here. Even though there was a lot I have to complain about, I was able to live in another country for four months and call it home. Not many people get that opportunity nor the resources to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. I think now more than anything it's the change that scares me. This was my life for a long time, and in a matter of just three weeks, I'll be back in the glamourous California in the privileged SCU bubble.
Life takes you on crazy journeys. It's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and taking the jump (or at least that's what I did walking off a cliff in Zambia), adapting to changes, and not forgetting who you are I'm still trying, but I think I'm getting better at it.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Day 112
It's amazing how even when I'm not a student at SCU, I'm still dealing with issues at SCU.
What's even more amazing is how whenever I have finals or something I really need to put my attention to, a hurdle comes up and I feel like the world is going to end.
With just a month before I'm back at Santa Clara for a quick visit, I have to find housemates for my senior year or I'll lose the lease on my house, plan classes for my next four quarters, decide if I want to pick up another major or minor, apply for a position on Associated Student Government.
Dealing with housing at SCU is always a pain. Last year I somehow made it work, landed a great house and fun roommates. Now apparently my landlord has the house released and I only get priority if I find three other housemates and apply for the house before Thanksgiving. Yikes. Not something I want to be dealing with from the other side of the world.
As for academics, I'd rather not think about how little time of college I have left.
Student government - whatever gets me best prepared to run for ASG President in the spring.
I turned in my research paper about the Izala movement in regards to Salafi/Wahhabism in northern Nigeria. Thank goodness. And now spending my time preparing the best I can for the three finals keeping me from freedom.
I really don't understand what some of my housemates are doing with their time during these weeks of preparation for finals. They all have tests next week, and are doing absolutely nothing but going to the beach. Foreign concept to me. Oh well. My beach time comes when I'm done with finals and traveling along the beautiful South African coast! Yay! 11 more days.
What's even more amazing is how whenever I have finals or something I really need to put my attention to, a hurdle comes up and I feel like the world is going to end.
With just a month before I'm back at Santa Clara for a quick visit, I have to find housemates for my senior year or I'll lose the lease on my house, plan classes for my next four quarters, decide if I want to pick up another major or minor, apply for a position on Associated Student Government.
Dealing with housing at SCU is always a pain. Last year I somehow made it work, landed a great house and fun roommates. Now apparently my landlord has the house released and I only get priority if I find three other housemates and apply for the house before Thanksgiving. Yikes. Not something I want to be dealing with from the other side of the world.
As for academics, I'd rather not think about how little time of college I have left.
Student government - whatever gets me best prepared to run for ASG President in the spring.
I turned in my research paper about the Izala movement in regards to Salafi/Wahhabism in northern Nigeria. Thank goodness. And now spending my time preparing the best I can for the three finals keeping me from freedom.
I really don't understand what some of my housemates are doing with their time during these weeks of preparation for finals. They all have tests next week, and are doing absolutely nothing but going to the beach. Foreign concept to me. Oh well. My beach time comes when I'm done with finals and traveling along the beautiful South African coast! Yay! 11 more days.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Day 110
Birthday festivities have come to an end. Unfortunately that only means school work is getting down to the wire, and I have less than two weeks left in Cape Town. Not a whole lot of excitement coming from me for a while; paper due tomorrow (I'm currently 700 words in out of 4000 and starting to burn out.... not good), final exam this Thursday, then finals Tuesday and Wednesday, then I'm out! Crazy to think about, and very intimidating I have that much to do in a short amount of time.
Even though I'm having an experience of a lifetime here in Cape Town, being at home in Minnesota is becoming increasingly appealing. I think first and foremost its the stress of finals that make me want to be home more than anything. But here are a few things I'm looking forward to: not doing school work for a month, eating normal food, not having a roommate, seeing family, snuggling with Izzy, living in a quiet house, listening to good music (my housemates somehow think that everyone likes their music... not true), the holiday season, and going to Santa Clara at the end of November to see friends and start moving in.
Less than a month left in South Africa and I certainly don't want to take it for granted. But I am ready to get out of Cape Town and explore what the rest of this country has to offer.
All from me for a while. Back to the books.
Even though I'm having an experience of a lifetime here in Cape Town, being at home in Minnesota is becoming increasingly appealing. I think first and foremost its the stress of finals that make me want to be home more than anything. But here are a few things I'm looking forward to: not doing school work for a month, eating normal food, not having a roommate, seeing family, snuggling with Izzy, living in a quiet house, listening to good music (my housemates somehow think that everyone likes their music... not true), the holiday season, and going to Santa Clara at the end of November to see friends and start moving in.
Less than a month left in South Africa and I certainly don't want to take it for granted. But I am ready to get out of Cape Town and explore what the rest of this country has to offer.
All from me for a while. Back to the books.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Day 108
Well, today is the day. I turned 21.
Last night I was thinking to myself how different my celebration is going to be in South Africa, compared to Santa Clara. Here's how it would be if I were at SCU:
Since the eve of my birthday was on a Thursday night, I probably would have had ample drinks handed to me prior to walking just a few blocks to the Thursday night bar, blinkys, where I would enjoy my "first" legal drink there. Probably would end up getting far more drunk than enjoyable, and having someone escort me home. Friday would be a struggle to rally, but would include a meal with close friends and another night of alcohol.
Here is what I'm doing instead,
I spent last night in the UCT library, made it home just in time to turn 21 in the comforts of my own home, rather than by myself in the library. Went to bed around 12:30 and to my surprise was woken up by my roommate singing happy birthday with a bottle of champaign in her hand. We went down to the kitchen (at 2 am), popped open the bottle, and shared it among the girls in the house.
This morning I got up and headed to the gym. Came home to do some homework, left the house again to get a hair cut. Nothing like a great head massage to say happy birthday! It turns out the lady who cut my hair is entering a before and after competition through this company that has a new hair color solution. It's not a dye, not highlights, like a color amplification? I'm not really sure. But it doesn't cause damage and grows out light summer high lights. Anyway, she asked me if I wanted to be her model for it, free of charge, and will be calling me sometime next week! Not bad.
As for tonight, I absolutely hate large dinner reservations because it just turns into chaos and leaves no room for intimacy. So I messaged about 30 friends here to join me in celebration by going to a bar / lounge / restaurant for cocktails and apps before going out into town. Another guy on my program whom I share a birthday with heard of my plans and decided to collaborate. Forty Americans celebrating two 21st birthdays in Cape Town? I'm okay with that. Should be quite a good time tonight!
Thinking of you, Dad. Promise I won't celebrate too hard.
Cheers!
Last night I was thinking to myself how different my celebration is going to be in South Africa, compared to Santa Clara. Here's how it would be if I were at SCU:
Since the eve of my birthday was on a Thursday night, I probably would have had ample drinks handed to me prior to walking just a few blocks to the Thursday night bar, blinkys, where I would enjoy my "first" legal drink there. Probably would end up getting far more drunk than enjoyable, and having someone escort me home. Friday would be a struggle to rally, but would include a meal with close friends and another night of alcohol.
Here is what I'm doing instead,
I spent last night in the UCT library, made it home just in time to turn 21 in the comforts of my own home, rather than by myself in the library. Went to bed around 12:30 and to my surprise was woken up by my roommate singing happy birthday with a bottle of champaign in her hand. We went down to the kitchen (at 2 am), popped open the bottle, and shared it among the girls in the house.
This morning I got up and headed to the gym. Came home to do some homework, left the house again to get a hair cut. Nothing like a great head massage to say happy birthday! It turns out the lady who cut my hair is entering a before and after competition through this company that has a new hair color solution. It's not a dye, not highlights, like a color amplification? I'm not really sure. But it doesn't cause damage and grows out light summer high lights. Anyway, she asked me if I wanted to be her model for it, free of charge, and will be calling me sometime next week! Not bad.
As for tonight, I absolutely hate large dinner reservations because it just turns into chaos and leaves no room for intimacy. So I messaged about 30 friends here to join me in celebration by going to a bar / lounge / restaurant for cocktails and apps before going out into town. Another guy on my program whom I share a birthday with heard of my plans and decided to collaborate. Forty Americans celebrating two 21st birthdays in Cape Town? I'm okay with that. Should be quite a good time tonight!
Thinking of you, Dad. Promise I won't celebrate too hard.
Cheers!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Day 106
There was a time when I wish time would pass faster and the end of my life in Cape Town would end so I could have freedom to travel the country. I'm really regretting I wished time to pass. There are so many things I have yet to do in Cape Town, and with academic rigor progressing, I see no possible way for me to do it all.
But, I'm making the most of what I have time for.
Last Friday a few of us in my house went to a market in Hout Bay, another little beach town attracting tourists. In the market setting, I basically try to eat as much variety as possible, sampling and splitting with others to cut cost and portion sizes. And boy is it delicious. Had probably the best venison sandwich in my life and drank Pear flavored cider. Yummy. There were plenty of vendors there as well selling either their own creations, or something mass produced they're passing off as "authentic". Either way, it's a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts.
But, I'm making the most of what I have time for.
Last Friday a few of us in my house went to a market in Hout Bay, another little beach town attracting tourists. In the market setting, I basically try to eat as much variety as possible, sampling and splitting with others to cut cost and portion sizes. And boy is it delicious. Had probably the best venison sandwich in my life and drank Pear flavored cider. Yummy. There were plenty of vendors there as well selling either their own creations, or something mass produced they're passing off as "authentic". Either way, it's a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts.
The rest of the weekend was spent doing academics, unfortunately.
Monday rolled around before I knew it, which concluded my last day of classes at UCT.
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| Friends I traveled with on Spring Break and to Stellenbosch, Rachael and Sarah |
On Tuesday night we had our final CIEE dinner with a full meal, awards, speechs, and dancing. The event was titled "A Black and White Affair in Africa" I think a lot of people overlooked the obvious connotation. So the house of Malleson got all dolled up, the boys actually pulled ties out of their suitcases which really surprised me. Many photos taken, we got on the coach bus, and headed to the country club for the event. It felt a lot like a high school dance. Awkward social circles forming, the obviously too drunk people, segregation, no one paying attention to speakers, girls in heels and dresses, men in sport coats, a lot like high school. But it was a very nice time, very surreal my time with CIEE is quickly coming to an end.
Even though I have a 4000 word essay due Monday, I decided to go to Muizenberg beach with a housemate. A famous spot in South Africa, I just had to make it here before I left, even if it was for a couple house. So we hopped on the train, enjoyed the 80 degree weather, got a hot dog, which a homeless man asked if he could have as I was taking a bite, and headed home.
Now, back to the books.
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