One issue I have been interested in
and following in Cape Town is the MetroRail torchings. Many MetroRail trains
have been torched this entire month, although the news articles never quite
explain the reason why. I use the MetroRail trains to get to my internship, and
at first this didn't affect me; it mostly affected the train lines around areas
like Kraaifontein (where one of my co-workers lives actually). But the past few
weeks have been different; all MetroRail trains have been affected,
and some have even been torched in Woodstock, a huge stop right before the
city. There are so many delays and cancellations all the time, and I'm often
late or waiting awhile. The trains are not reliable anymore so I've been using
minibus taxis. This issue has been affecting so many people. In the office,
it's now normal for people to come in late and for that not to be a big deal,
as it's understood that transportation is a huge problem right now.
This past Friday, Molly and I
went to a fashion show fundraiser held by one of Africa Unite's school clubs,
Simunye High School. We took a minibus to Cape Town, and from there a minibus
to Delft. I like the minibuses as they are so much cheaper than Uber or a taxi
and they go to so many areas. It was only R12 for the 35-40-min drive, which is
insanely cheap. I'm happy to say we've become quite knowledgeable and
comfortable using various modes of transportation here. It is definitely
something I was worried about in the beginning, so it's cool to see how much
has changed.
The fashion show was a great success! Hundreds of students and children came to watch, and people were very energetic and excited. I helped make the posters, nametags, and more for this event too, so I was glad to see how well it turned out. Props to the students in the school club for organizing such a big event!
The fashion show was a great success! Hundreds of students and children came to watch, and people were very energetic and excited. I helped make the posters, nametags, and more for this event too, so I was glad to see how well it turned out. Props to the students in the school club for organizing such a big event!
One theory (or rule of thumb) I've
learned from this trip is to always go for new experiences and opportunities
when they are presented to you, even if you are hesitant or feeling neutral
about it. I've been trying to experience new things, and when I find something
that I'm only half interested in or not feeling too much, I make myself go
anyway and it almost always turns out to be good. And even if it isn't, I still
take away something from the experience. I'm glad to say I've been branching
out more this way and taking new opportunities. I hope to follow this notion
back in the US because I'm learning and experiencing a lot more from it.
Yesterday, Molly, Charity and I went to Kalk Bay where we had the BEST fish n' chips I've ever had (Kalk Bay is known for having the best fish n chips in Cape Town)! We shopped around and got some last gifts for our families/friends too. This weekend we also went to a rugby game which was really cool to see. It felt like a real sporting event like you'd see in the US. where people are so excited, rowdy, and loud. This is the second rugby game I've seen and I think I'm starting to understand the rules more. I love going to sporting events and being in that energetic environment so it was really fun! This is our last week in Cape Town so I'm just trying to live in the moment and enjoy little experiences like this.
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