Isabel's full week

I have so much to say about the last week, but first, I want to start with a story from a couple weeks ago I left out.  During my internship at Surplus People Project, there was a meeting between two communication officers of one of SPP’s large donor companies in Sweden and the staff here at SPP’s offices in Cape Town.  The officers were describing the project they were working on here and the struggles they were facing with it.  They titled themselves “White Elephants” a lot during their presentation.  To clarify, they meant they stick out so much as “White Elephants” that it interferes with their work here in South Africa.  I thought this was a very valid way of putting things because it is a feeling I experience daily.  I catch people staring at me as I step onto a minibus probably thinking “why is she here?” “is she lost?” “white people don’t usually ride these”.  It is a learning experience to become a minority.  That feeling is something I will take away from this time here in South Africa because it has taught me that acceptance is a very intricate part of society.

           

In other news, a group of us all went down to Clifton Bay on Thursday evening for some sunset yoga thanks to Trista and her master find on Facebook.  Little did we know we would be thrown into high level poses such as headstands and one legged bends.  The view was incredible though, and Clifton Beach has been on my Cape Town Bucket List for a while now.  It felt good to check that off and spend some time with people I don’t normally see much during the week.

Friday morning we took a trip out to Bo Kaap and ate at this great café called Batavia (I highly recommend).  After some caffeine, we toured the colorful streets of Bo Kaap - Malay Quarters.  The houses were vibrant and there were many alleyways to explore.  On the way home, we all received an in-depth history lesson from our Uber driver who was born and raised in this area of Cape Town (Always, always talk with your Uber drivers – they know it all).  I questioned why the houses in Bo Kaap were colored and if there was any cultural significance and he answered, “To be completely honest, those colors are trendy bull****”.  He went on to tell me that Bo Kaap was the only region during British rule of Cape Town that was not claimed as “white” land.  It is still a mystery why Queen Elizabeth allowed this beautiful spot to remain “coloured” property.  He also explained that the color of the houses started about twenty years ago as a tourist trend and they have kept up with it ever since.  Gotta appreciate an honest lesson from a true local!

Friday night I welcomed my childhood friend from the states into Cape Town!  Even with a 26-hour travel day prior, I made sure to show Kate all Cape Town has to offer.  We explored the food-filled markets of Old Biscuit Mill for breakfast on Saturday and then went straight to Lion’s Head for a hike to the peak.  If that wasn’t exhausting enough, we then went out to Cape Town’s Carnival and Long Street to finish off her first day in ZA.

 

  

The next morning a group of us all made the trek back to Ocean View to visit Imoff Farms.  Kate, Maria, and I all went out on horseback to Noordhoek Beach.  The experience was very indescribable.  Kate has been riding since I’ve known her and she went off with the trainer to canter along the beach and really enjoyed herself.  It was my first time on a horse, but I found my rhythm and even trotted some.  We all crashed on the train ride back and welcomed those who went on the homestay home when we arrived back in Rondebosch.  Cannot wait for another adventure filled week and to show Kate the rest of this beautiful country in the upcoming days!