Collette warming up and looking forward to amazing opportunities

Well here we are, finally in Cape Town! Like most of us, arriving here was the most amazing feeling (and not just because it meant getting to escape the torture device that modern English refers to as “a plane”). Just kidding…kind of. The view from the airport was astounding, even through the hazy tint of the coach bus windows. Table mountain looming in the distance, flanked on both sides by two peaks, one of which I soon found out to be the famous Lion’s Head peak. Upon arriving in the house, we were all amazed. I imagined we would be packing in like clowns into a two-door at the circus, yet it was quite the opposite. Not only is my home for the next 15 weeks spacious, but it is also enveloped by absolutely lovely landscaping, and even comes equipped with an adorable little Yorkie named Molly (my favorite member of the house, by far [sorry guys!!]).

Thus far we have sampled many types of cuisine, ranging from Thai to local favorites like Nando’s (think a healthier KFC). I have to admit though, my favorite meal was just at a local coffee shop, ordering a nice BLT and an iced latte. There’s something so perfect about a midday caffeine buzz, especially when our days are so packed, and the days can get pretty hot (Africa in the summer, who knew). Another thing worth noting is how long every meal takes. Of course it can’t be easy serving thirty plus people along with regular patrons, and add that to the slower pace of life that Cape Town seems to follow, and you’ve got quite the wait ahead of you. I’ve adopted the strategy of bringing a snack with me on the ride to the restaurant, so as to prevent myself from quietly passing out at the dinner table.

I know that we were warned this would happen from the beginning, but I swear there’s something special about the group of students I came with. I promise you, I’m really not that outgoing of a person (some might even say cold, but hey, I just take a little warming up!), but when dinner rolls around, I can strike up a lasting conversation with everyone around me, and then some. It’s not just when we eat, either. I think we’ve all silently agreed that we’re going to sit with new people each time we get on the bus. There isn’t one person yet who I haven’t had a conversation with, and many who I’ve already found myself forming bonds with. I guess Marita was right when she said this group is always a good one, I should’ve known not to doubt her!

Writing this right now, sitting next to the open door with a fantastic breeze blowing in, I really can’t see anything wrong with these next couple of months. I think we’re all so excited to see our own, and each other’s internships, not to mention the other amazing opportunities that Marita and Vernon have planned for us during orientation. I am very lucky to be here, and thinking about everything that lies ahead brings nothing but good vibes and positivity.