...meanwhile, In South Africa

Reflection

I’m now back in sunny Columbia, South Carolina. my first thought was that I was not expecting this heatwave. Second thought was to get some sleep! That comes with travelling halfway across the world, two days of living in airports.

Now, I’ve had some time to  gather my thoughts and elected to share an exerpt from the personal journal that I kept during the trip:

“We will never be in this moment again. I’ve said my goodbyes and shed just a few tears and I am now alone—just like how I arrived. I realize that I wasn’t quite ready to leave, but this is necessary. It is all in the process. I am so fortunate to have had this experience and I know that the people arewhat matter. I find that I am less of a cynic now; through some of our conversations, I realize that I believe in humanity.

I have also learned that if I shut my mouth and open my ears 1) I’m more pleasant to be around and 2) I learn so much about people and their stories. 

I think the biggest nugget that I will take is that every person is a unique, unrepeatable individual—each with his own story and his own truths. And everyone is an expert on their own lives. I really, really appreciate Grant for emparting such words and such wisdom within me.

I’ve demonstrated to myself that I am strong and independent. I am most proud that I have made an impact on people’s lives and I’ve inspired people. I’ve cared about something bigger than just KJ, 

I’ve learned ubuntu. I am because you are. Thank you, South Africa”

The Garden Route

So, from July 15 to July 20, I traveled much of the Western Cape. Here are some highlights:

Beer tasting at Birkenhead Brewery

The most delicious fish and chips I’ve ever had

The ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn

(Damn it, I didn’t take pictures of the ostrich steaks we had for dinner. Believe me, it’s GOOD.)

The Cango Caves

The Elephant Sanctuary!

Bungee Jumping from the Highest Commercial Bungee Jump in the world. 216m from Bloukran’s Bridge. Will dedicate an entire post to that one, though.

Monkeyland Sanctuary

Atlas the Ape on a super long hanging bridge

White Rhinos during a Safari

I couldn’t possibly begin to explain what this trip has meant to me. But it was absolutely AWESOME.

I’m home.

oh boy. I am about to start posting pictures from the last week of my trip.

It was pretty awesome.

But first, I think I have to sleep again. It’s 9pm, but my body says it’s 3am.

quickly, while I still have interwebs

Here are a few pictures from me wine tasting at Spier

I’m such a white wine person. 

tomorrow, I leave for the Garden Route tour.

So, I won’t be online until I get back in the US of A, as they’re shutting off our internet access today.

I’m gonna keep journaling, and just post them all when I get back.

That’s my ‘accomplished’ face ^

I had just gotten a PHENOMENAL grade on my group presentation, went wine tasting, and was in line to see HP7.2. See you guys later!

so, two milestones in my life:

1: I finally went for a wine tasting. I tried three wines with chocolate pairings. A cabernet souvignon, syrah, and a sauvignon blanc. Crazy that I’ve never gotten around to do this more often. I thought it was awesome, and I was around a few non-enthusiasts… So I had about 5 glasses, and Rachel had about 7. In all, R30 was an awesome price and I got a nice little afternoon buzz.

2: I SAW THE FINAL HARRY POTTER
IN SOUTH AFRICA
EARLY!
and, my ticket cost only about $6. And they assign seats, which was awesome!
needless to say, I feel like a large portion of my growing up has come to an end.
I’m really sad that I’m missing the midnight showing with my friends back at home. Pay the $20, get there several hours ahead of time. It’s the final hurrah. I clapped when Mrs. Weasley screams “NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!” etc etc.

I look forward to seeing lots and lots of HP posts in the coming few days (or weeks… or months. whatevs.) This is huge. 

TODAY IS CRAZY DAY!

presentations are tomorrow. Everybody is very high strung.

Whatever.

I’m seeing Harry Potter tomorrow. (two days before those of you back in the US)

Okay, I’ll stop boasting now.

I’ve never before club or bar-hopped. I usually pick a place and stay there. So, Long Street in Cape Town was an incredible first experience.

First, we met this American guy at the hostel that kinda showed us around, bought us a few drinks, and was a great dancer. For the purposes of framing this experience: imagine a gaysian from CA in a rugby jersey. He was so chill.

I’ll recall the night as concisely as possible:

• Black Label at Long Street Cafe with dinner
• Black Label at Dubliner Irish Pub
• Two apple sours and a red bull + vodka at Space Bar 
• DANCE a ton. (our racy dancing created quite a scene)
• 1st Irish Car Bomb back at Dubliner
• Fail at sneaking into the hottest club—Zula with the R80 cover
• DANCE at dodgy place next to Stones
• R10 shot at Bob’s*
• 2nd Irish Car Bomb at Dubliner again
• DANCE at Stones.
• Back to the hostel, across the street from most of this. Wasn’t the best idea to call the top bunk. But, I woke up feeling fantastic.

*funny story about that bouncer at Bob’s: the stupid Stellenbosch student IDs don’t have our pictures on them. And naturally, mine says “Miss” on it before my name, a problem as I’ve been being perceived as male all night. He says that it’s not my ID, “it says miss” (which is ridiculous that he’d even card us; we all look at least 18 years old). And I yelled, “would you like to see my genitals!?” And he let me in… I still can’t figure out if it was clever as fuck or really stupid.

…so, there it is. All of the stamps on my arms have been washed off, but I still have had an unforgettable night in Cape Town.