It's been 4 days since our return from the beautiful city of Cape Town. It seems like a lifetime ago now. I have quickly readjusted to my Minnesotan life but have found that my health seemed better off in Cape Town. It seems that the winter cold has already beaten my immune system down and the stress of school and work aren't any help. I want to be back in Cape Town more than anything in the world. It's been difficult explaining to friends and family about my experience in South Africa too. A question I often get asked is, "what was the weirdest thing you ate?" Though at times I found some of the meat questionable, that question is not what I want to be asked. I want people to understand exactly how I felt through experiences I share with them but I know it's impossible. I have found comfort in those who went on the same journey I did and I know I can talk to them anytime.
The other thing I have realized in these last couple days is that my energy is always drained. No matter how much I sleep I am always tired the next day. In Africa, I could get only a few hours of sleep and have more than enough energy for the next day. Life in Africa showed the simplicity of life and really pointed out how stressful mine is.
I loved South Africa. I would go back in a heartbeat but for now I will relive my experience through pictures and share stories within our group.
Until next time Cape Town!
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Our lived experience of time here in Africa has constantly baffled me. I cannot believe I am going back to the States in only a few short days. I feel like there is still so much I must see and do and with time running out, I am starting to become flustered. With both our first few days in Delft and our trip to Table Mountain today, I am starting to look closer at the little things in life. Whether it be breathing in refreshing air on the edge of Table Mountain or playing a pick-up game of soccer with the children in Delft, the little things in life are so powerful.
Table Mountain was a breathtaking site and the view will be instilled in my memory forever. It was refreshing and while sitting and looking over Cape Town, I looked at my busy stressful life. I wish I could have more free time to just look at the beauty in the world. I must remember that there is beauty everywhere in the world and even around the University of Minnesota I can find a place of comfort to relieve my stress. Though I have not found that place, I have faith that it's there. Comfort can be found in the smallest things and it's something that needs to be remembered.
In these next couple days I hope to learn in Delft. Learning is truly about questions, not answers. When questions are given, the thinking stirs, but when answers are given, the thinking often stops.
Until next time!
Unfortunately, I have not blogged as much as I had hoped to in these past two weeks. Our trip has been a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions and has truly been an experience of a lifetime. Even yesterday, I never would have thought I would be taking a safari trip in South Africa. AFRICA! Nor did I think I would ever see a soccer game at the World Cup Stadium in Cape Town! We have been constantly moving and cramming as many memorable moments into our brains as possible. Truthfully, I am exhausted. However, I don't want it to end. At all. Though a small part of my reasoning may have to do with the drastic temperature change that will occur upon our arrival in Minneapolis, the knowing that I probably won't be back to Cape Town hits me constantly. I won't dwell on that now though. I must live in the moment and appreciate what I have, which is something this trip is drilling my brain with.
My first eye opener of our journey was the trip to the township near Hout Bay. Not only were people living in small shacks, but right across the street, there was huge houses that the township people have to look at daily. It was very disturbing and I wasn't exactly sure how to act. However, not only in the township but in the last couple weeks together I have noticed the positive attitudes in those with very little. I admire these people greatly. I have been so privileged and yet I always complain. I want to learn and I know that through this journey I need to stop taking so many things for granted.
Tomorrow we start our work in Delft township and I have many mixed emotions about it. Overall, I am very excited to see and learn, but for now I have to catch up on sleep. Until next time!
There is one
thing that I am set on doing throughout my life: travel. I want to see
everything and learn as much as possible. Living in my sheltered suburban home,
I feel underexposed to the world around me. Don't get me wrong, I have loved
everything that has been given to me in my life and I am truly blessed, but I
want to see what the rest of the world has to offer. Whether it be a life
lesson or just a new song or dance to learn, I want to come back knowing I have
changed in some way. I have always wanted to go to Africa and I knew this trip
was for me. Although I am not studying Family Social Science, I know this trip
will be a great opportunity to learn culture and understand the world better.
I truly
cannot believe I am traveling to Africa in two days. When I think about it my
stomach turns to knots. It's both a nervous feeling as well as excitement for
what is to come. Throughout our journey in South Africa, I want to open myself
up for the culture to seep in. I want to see and learn and hopefully change. I
don't mean that in the sense that I have done wrong, but I hope to see and take
life in a different way.
As for the 20+ hour flight, I am honestly not looking forward to it. I have yet to decide what I will do with myself sitting in a seat for that long of a time period. It also doesn't help that I don't often sleep well on planes.
All in all, I have a
bundle of emotions going forward. I am anxious and excited, but when I get
there I hope my worries are pushed aside.
I have my
Chacos on and I'm ready to go. Here I come, Africa! Open my eyes!
Anna Slick
12/26/12
