It is hard to put my first couple
days in Cape Town into words. I think I came here with a lot of excitement, but
with absolutely no expectations. I had no clue what to expect from Cape Town,
all I knew that was it was going to be extremely different from Connecticut.
The thing that really strikes me
about Cape Town is that it has everything. There is amazing wildlife
(we saw eight animals driving around on our peninsula tour), Table
Mountain, the beautiful beaches, the city center, delicious food, one of the
best universities in the world, diverse culture, rich history, and that’s only
what I found out in one week. I know I really sound like a tourism
commercial but it’s true. I am so happy with my decision to come here
and have absolutely no regrets thus far. I thought I would come here and really
love the nature and the internship I would be doing, but I was skeptical about
everything else because I had no idea what it would be like. I am so happy to
say that I think this semester will be so much more than that.
On top of all that, the people we
have met, if only briefly, have been amazing. One of the most rewarding parts
of this week have been talking to the people that Marita and Vernon have
introduced us to, and those we have met around Cape Town. They seem to all have
amazing backgrounds and stories that have led them to their lives here. When we
went to the Ethiopian restaurant, Amelia and I started talking to the waiter
that was serving our table. We found out that he had spent 6 years in Cape Town
so far. He lived in the Congo throughout his entire childhood, and it is a
tradition in his culture for men to leave and find their “peace.” He said that
he might leave Cape Town soon, and he doesn’t know where he’ll go, but he will
leave at any time he thinks he can find more peace. I thought the way he lived
his life was really inspiring, and I hope that I can adopt some version of that
philosophical nomadism in my life.
Also, something I really like about
the people we have met is they all value social justice so highly. Back in the
United States, people tend to demean social justice advocates as people who are
doing an easy profession or activity. The people who I have met here, however,
are so passionate and determined in their causes and make me want to be the
same. They have lived through intense discrimination and inequality and
recognize where it still is prevalent in the world today. I want to be able to
bring their level of enthusiasm and outspokenness back to America even in the
face of people who don’t value social change.
I also am so happy to be getting to
know my co-educators. It is a similarly amazing experience to be able to be
around so many people who care about human rights and the state of the world.
At home, most people do not want to talk about topics like politics, poverty,
government structure, racism, etc., but here it is a common topic of
conversation. Everyone seems to be extremely genuine and good-willed, and I
think learning with them will enhance my experience here greatly, and foster
great friendships that we will take back to the US.
The past week has given me a first
look at Cape Town. Throughout the rest of this experience I hope to learn from
the amazing people who live and serve here, and take these lessons back home.
Although, I’m not sure if I’ll ever want to stay home again!
 |
| Jumping for joy at Chapman's Peak |
No comments:
Post a Comment