We are just passing by Madagascar today! If only we could stop there :( I can almost hear animals singing and dancing :/ In an attempt to catch up on my blog, I will try to recap what happened the last few days in South Africa. On Day 4, I went out and explored the Cape Town area with Eric. We walked from Mouille Lighthouse for about an hour and picked a random restaurant to go to. It was called La Perla, and it seemed really classy. We ended up splitting a bottle of wine and mussels, which was absolutely delicious. There was some really weird, interesting looking artwork on the walls. One piece was of a naked woman and a horse, and there seemed to be a ghost riding the horse? And the other piece was bright pieces of neon cloth that were thrown together and framed...? Interesting to say the least. On our way back, we ended up walking past a hedgemaze called "Serendipity: A maze for the delight of Ladies and Gentlement." We decided we had to check it out. The entrance fee was 20 rand, which amounts to about $2.50. I had to start on one side, where Eric had to start on another. I made it to the center of the maze with ease, but Eric was beyond confused. It was hilarious, and the old man that was running the maze was so charming. We ended up chatting with him about everything after we made it out of the maze. He was giving us life advice, and we touched on a number of topics such as astrology and family. We then headed back to the ship. Later that night we went out to Mitchells again, which was the hot spot for SAS students for the entire duration of South Africa.

 

On Day 5 I participated in Operation Hunger, which was ultimately eye-opening. We traveled to Khayelitsha Township, which is an informal settlement that was constructed to house the displaced people during apartheid. We met Clement, the regional coordinator, who brought light upon the situation of malnourishment in South Africa, and particularly Cape Town. He talked of Operation Hunger, and how many families do not like to be associated with the program because there is a stigma of poverty that accompanies it. The landscape of Khayelitsha was heart-wrenching. The informal settlements were clustered together and composed of all materials imaginable; broken glass, plywood, metal, and plastic were all mixed together in an effort to create the façade of a home. Clement spoke of the few bathroom facilities that were in poor condition and the water pumps that only sporadically worked. As we toured the township, anxious faces solemnly looked out from the windows and doors, while others smiled in welcome. It was bewildering to know that we were only a half hour bus ride away from the stunning waterfront. The contrast from the beauty of the waterfront and the desolation of the state of this township was baffling. These people didn’t care about the Ferris wheel or movie theatre. They weren’t planning on going on a safari or taking a helicopter tour. They were struggling to SURVIVE. How could so many people live like this, while just a short ways away many lived in luxury? Suddenly, the beauty of the waterfront seemed superficial to me. It seemed tainted, almost as if it was a smokescreen. These townships, these people, were the real South Africa. We ended up playing with the children for most of the time, as well as weighing and feeding them. I had brought stickers, and I was bombarded with children when they saw them. It was truly an experience that I won't soon forget. Towards the end of the trip, we were taken on a small tour of the township, and got to catch a glimpse in a few of the homes. We heard stories of the people who owned them, and it was unbelievable to see how they lived. The first woman whose shack we were able to explore had one room. Cluttered together in one corner was a couch and a dresser, while in the other corner there seemed to be a makeshift kitchen. She pointed very proudly at the one framed photograph that occupied her home, and said that it was taken of her when she was a teenager. With tears in her eyes, she then talked of how she was unemplyed and had to give up her 3 children and send them to the east coast of South Africa with strangers, so they could perhaps lead a better life than she. On the way back, the tour bus was quiet, as everyone was in contemplation and exhausted from all that we had seen and done.

 

Day 6 I went to Tygerburg Children's Hospital, but unfortunately didn't get to interact with any children. We were told that they were in very fragile condition and very sick, and that it would be detrimental both to them and to us if we were exposed to each other. Instead, we listened to an illuminating talk conducted by a German Catholic priest named Stefan Hippler. He had started Hope Cape Town, which was an organization helping to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. By his appearance though, you would have never guessed him to be a priest. He wore a black leather jacket, had studs in his ears, and chains hanging from his pants. One of the most non-traditional priests if I have ever saw one. We had all brought toys and stuffed animals that we left with a nurse, and she promised to send pictures when our items were given to the children. We got back on the ship, and later that night we were introduced to Desmond Tutu. He had the most animated laugh, and was a very interactive speaker. It was great to hear him talk, he had many interesting points and stories. After our briefing from Desmond Tutu, we left the city of Cape Town with heavy hearts. I had truly enjoyed my time there. It was a country that I won't soon forget; both in my head and my heart.

 

It has now been a few days since we left Cape Town, and we are expected to arrive in Mauritius on October 4th. We have picked up speed because one of our Lifelong Learners (senior citizens) has encountered a medical condition that needs immediate medical attention. We weren't told any other details other than that, except we may arrive in Mauritius a day earlier in order to allow the passenger to get to a hospital quickly. I can't believe how fast time has been flying. And then sometimes it feels so slow. The time on the ship is so confusing. If you don't see someone for a few hours on the ship, it feels as if it has been days. No one ever knows what day of the week it is, or even what day of the month. We live from A day to B day, since that is how our classes alternate. It has really going to be difficult to adjust back to regular life when we get back to the US. I can't imagine how different next semester is going to feel compared to this semester.

 

Anyway, hope all is well :)

To my Chi O sisters, I miss you and can't wait to meet all the new baby hooties!!!! :D