Amelia learning about herself and humanity

After 15 hours of almost painless flying we finally arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa to board our second flight into Cape Town. After checking our luggage half of our group headed upstairs to go to security. As soon as we got upstairs a swarm of men rushed our group trying to help us with our bags and I remembered Marita saying something about people helping you then looking to be compensated for that help so I declined.  However, my roommate didn’t and was so confused when they asked her for money even though they barely touched her bags. Overall the airport was pretty overwhelming but I was just relieved to make it here safely.  

During my time here I’ve noticed the beauty and the beast of this place. We’ve seen the amazing beaches, the beautifully tall mountains, unique animals, handcrafted items, delicious restaurants, and incredible people. However we’ve also seen townships (which are small communities that consist of tiny shacks) up close, endless people begging for money, people on all sorts of drugs, bathrooms where you were given toilet paper and hand soap at the door, and just an overwhelming glimpse into the life of poverty. It’s clear to see that the people of this beautiful country are divided into two groups; the haves and the have nots. It’s unfortunate because I personally feel guilty at times because as a visitor I fall into the category of the haves and with the exchange rate being so insanely high in my favor the life I live here can be viewed as lavish and this puts me in a strange position.

Amelia (3rd from left)

Also dining here is an entirely different experience. In the States we’re used to eating out for maybe an hour and a half with extremely fast service usually before or after an event. In South Africa dining is the event. It could also be because of the size of our group but it generally takes 3-4 hours for each meal, especially at dinnertime. It’s nice though because in addition to none of us being able to use our phones it gives us an opportunity to talk, learn more about each other and our waiters and bond with the people around us. My favorites so far have been Addis, an Ethiopian restaurant, and Mama Africa, a traditional African restaurant. Addis was amazing because I’ve never had Ethiopian food so I didn’t know about the 4 courses it serves but they were all delicious, especially the coffee ceremony we have at the end where we’re supposed to share our feelings and thoughts. I also liked the African place because it was decorated beautifully and there was a live band and I tried food I never imagined I would. I ate springbok, kudu, ostrich, warthog, crocodile, African sides, and lamb. Being as I was always the girl who stuck to her chicken and French fries, this was a ginormous step for me. I’ve only been here a few days but Cape Town has taught me so much about myself and about humanity as I’m able to witness the contrasting differences between people and the structures they put in place.