Derek's multiple realizations within the first week

Derek's arrival in Cape Town

Within the first week of orientation I had multiple realizations, which ranged in emotional impact, that I was actually in South Africa. There were the fun and innocent occasions such as the casual appearance of flamingos, zebras, and baboons outside the bus window (internal monologue - wow this is Africa!). And then there were dark and realistic times such as the University of Cape Town tour. Yes, it was the most gorgeous campus I have seen (or will ever); however, it was a single line from our guide which turned the experience. As if it was but a second thought, he mentioned the HIV/AIDs testing and counseling center that was available on location. To me, this resounded (internal monologue – oh wow this is REALLY Africa). The comment (and its tone) affirmed the prominence of such a serious disease within the country; a concept that was understandable with the stereotypical picture of Africa, but this was a campus for typical kids like me – how could it affect them just as well?

Moreover, once the impact of all the differences set in, I began noticing how similar life here was to life in the States. BMWs line the streets, zebras are just striped horses, and ostrich tastes just like beef. Similar to SA, there is an obvious economic disparity between regions in America, particularly Connecticut, and over a million people are currently infected by HIV. I believe, these exotic and barbaric expectations that we blanket over Africa serve to further the notion that we will be handed a life-altering experience simply by stepping foot in the country. It was at the Malay restaurant – looking over the balcony to a spectacular view of a lit up Cape Town – that I first acknowledged the similarities between the two countries. I commented that all the attractions and sights we had seen throughout the week wreaked of beauty and meaning, and while this is true, the States could hold just as much beauty but we’re just not venturing out enough (or taking the time) to notice it. To put it shortly, I realized the importance of my actions here in Cape Town and how I am fully responsible for distinguishing my time here from a simple term at Storrs.