We are in the midst of orientation week and there are
countless thoughts, feelings, and questions running through my head. We have
done, seen, and learned about so much in such a short amount of time which was
so informative and enlightening. We first started with a security briefing by
the Captain of the South African Police Services which most definitely stopped
me in my tracks. I was aware of the dangers of being in a foreign country as
the members in my group and myself would be seen as a possible target of violence, but
not to the extent of which crime takes place in South Africa. Most Americans my
age feel invincible, but I now know how important it is that I no longer have
that mind set here.
Our first day out of the houses was incredible. I’ve never
seen so many beautiful views in my life. In a big tour bus, we traveled all
around the peninsula stopping at Fourth Beach, Hout Bay, Cape Point and ending
it with Boulders Beach with all the penguins. Every which way you turned, there
would be a mountain view and most likely a beach to go with it. The day after
that we ventured to the magnificent University of Cape Town which took everyone’s
breath away. The Dutch influenced architecture covered in vines was definitely
a different feel from what I’m used to at UConn. One of my favorite experiences
so far is the opportunity to eat at various restaurants that serve delicacies
from different cultures residing in South Africa. We started with Ethiopian
cuisine which was incredible. The atmosphere of the restaurants we’ve visited
have been better than any other place I’ve eaten. Usually I am not an
adventurous eater, I stick with hamburgers and pasta but at these places I
completely stepped out of my comfort zone. Our next dinner was at a place
called Mama Afrika’s which was by far my favorite meal. I decided to eat the
ostrich steak with traditional African side dishes. After eating that, everything
that I’m used to seemed sub par. We were also lucky enough to have been there
while a live band was playing traditional African music which got everyone in
the dancing mood.
Our next stop was Robben Island, the Island off the coast of
Cape Town where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. That was the extent I had known
about Robben Island before we actually went, but on the tours there I learned
much more. People suffering from Leprosy were also sent to the island to be
kept in isolation as well as people who were “diagnosed” with mental illnesses.
Our tour guide was very informative and told us all about each countries
contribution to the anti apartheid movement and freedom of the people of South
Africa at the time. After long days of touring and learning, my favorite part
is going out to eat with live music, especially all the jazz. It is very rare
that young Americans my age get out on the dance floor at a restaurant and
dance like no one is watching. That was
one of the best nights with everyone in the group dancing and having such a
good time together.
The next day was a little more challenging when we traveled
to many of the different townships in the area. These areas were where the
local people were removed from there homes under the Group Areas Act during Apartheid and were forced
into horrible living conditions. These places were also classified by race at
the time; white areas, black areas, or coloured areas. While traveling to these
townships, I was shocked by the amount of poverty and actually how little these
families have. It truly made me grateful and appreciate everything I am blessed
with and makes me want to help the people of these townships in any way I
possibly can. We visited an after school program in Manenberg People's Centre which touched my
heart. There were about 30-40 kids ranging from 5 years old to about 21 years
old who were in this after school program to avoid gang violence. Gang violence
in unfortunately very prevalent in that township but it was nice to see so many
kids not falling into that trap and having higher aspirations for themselves.
These kids seemed to be so happy and excited to see us and talk with us,
especially asking questions about why we were there and what we will be doing
with our time in South Africa. Seeing those kids gave me such an inspired feeling
to get more involved with that afterschool program and learn much more from
those kids.
So far, orientation has been an amazing learning and
exploring experience and I cant wait to see what comes next!
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| Alex & Caroline at Maiden's Cover |
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