I swear I’m falling in love with
this place even more and more every day, if it’s even possible at this point.
The people and the atmosphere of Cape Town is not something that can be
replicated.
Monday through Wednesday, I’m having
the time of my life at the aquarium; I’m being left to more responsibility and
I feel as if I’m making a real difference there. Today was a rather slow day
(as Tuesday’s typically are), but even on a lax day I was able to create copper
sulphide and citric acid compounds for water quality, manage in the kitchen for
several sectors for feeds and help educate a new intern on the morning rush. My
coworkers are absolutely amazing. I have never been so immediately close with a
group of people in my life. They have the brightest attitudes and we all seem
to have an understanding of each other as “animal people”. The tea times, lunch
times and beers on the roof after work create the best kind of bonding.
Thursdays are classroom days, which
in comparison to everything else are a bit bleak, but I am truly glad to
understand the history of everything as it applies to everyday life in Cape
Town. I have come to realize that everyone has an opinion. Cab drivers,
coworkers and civilians all have their unique take on the lifestyle and
history. They all seem to care very deeply about the subject matter of race and
politics, where in America it doesn’t seem as urgent of a topic. The articles
and class discussions all are important on reinforcing these points, and
to have support during conversations with people is absolutely necessary.
The weekends always hold such
amazing promise. Just last weekend was absolutely one of the best of my life. A
large group of us went on the Garden Route and spent Friday through Sunday
exploring the Kango Caves, interacting with elephants, canoeing down wilderness
reserves, bungee jumping and going on safaris. Everything was breath-taking.
The bungee jump was something that was completely out of my comfort zone which is
why it was so significant. My parents actually didn’t believe me when I
expressed to them my interest, never mind my actual following through of
jumping. They both seem to understand the importance of this place to me and
are so happy that I am so happy. I really feel as if I belong here.
I’ve talked to some people about the
options of traveling and careers in order to find myself back here after this
trip is done. Two people at the aquarium mentioned that perhaps teaching
English as a second language could help provide work. I am also going to look
into graduate school at UCT if the future allows it, along with the possibility
of missionary work. But if there’s one thing that this trip has taught me, is
to go with the flow. One of my goals with coming here was to unwind from my
rushed lifestyle and to become casual with life’s ebb and flow, which I feel,
has happened quite a bit. There’s an adventure every day it seems, and may I
say cheers to that.
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