Hey, have I mentioned how beautiful this country is? I did? Well too bad, because this country is freakin' gorgeous!! Just when I thought we had done all the touring and sight-seeing that Cape Town and the surrounding area could offer, we saw more. Oh, so...so much more..
Our day began with a long drive around the Cape Peninsula. The low-lying fog gave the hillside and ocean an eerie sort of effect. I was completely taken by the steep rocks rising up around us as we weaved through the narrow roads. It was a solid drive that took at least 45 minutes. Then we arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, a Table Mountain National Park. First, we enjoyed a super swank lunch at their restaurant. Sidenote: I had the Fish of the Day -- Blue Nose. Needless to say.. Ah-may-zing. We then walked it off in spades on our trek to the far end point of the peninsula. Many burned calories later, we made it. And if I may say so, it was exquisite. Eventually, descriptions and pictures will be shared. But I apologize, nothing will do it justice. A total "you had to be there" moment. We literally made it to the end of the continent. And the view? Infinite.
We also made a venture to check out the Cape penguins. A charming, ridiculously cute bunch of stout animals that live in this temperate climate. We were so close, we could touch them. Apparently they bite though. boo. I think that I took more pictures of those damn penguins than of anything else on this trip so far. figures..
Most people's great disappointment of the day was that not a single baboon appeared for our amusement. Well, their amusement. Quite honestly, after the descriptions I've read and the stories I've heard, I have little to no interest in coming in contact with the tourist-hating creatures. 5-feet tall? Fangs? Purse stealing? Sorry, I'll pass.
If there were a list of the top ten most romantic places in the world, I think I have seen at least 7 in the past two weeks. This land is unbelievable, well-preserved and protected. There is clearly pride in the natural beauty that South Africa holds.. and rightfully so. To taint this place with acres and acres of beige cookie-cutter homes and mega malls, would be to steal away and destroy a natural, perfect gift. I acknowledge that the US has a great number of fantastic sights and scenery, but I also believe that we have let our capitalistic tendencies get in the way. America is a beautiful land, but I'm finding that others, such as South Africa, seem to hold a greater value and love for theirs. Bold statement, perhaps... but my experience thusfar is pushing me towards this opinion.
The next three days will be pretty busy. Heading back to Delft to help at MaAfrika, with class in the afternoons. I feel like it'll be intense, as the majority was last week. But that remains to be seen. As much as I'm feeling homesick and missing Danny and Dweez terribly, I know I need to tackle this service-learning head-on. It's an irreplaceable experience that has already taught us all so much. So I'm looking forward to it. Onward to Monday!.....
