So Cultured

It sure has been an exciting past couple of days!

Yesterday, we had a full day of learning all about our next five weeks. We got to know everyone and also got to know Cape Town pretty well. We traveled in charter buses and drove from landmark to landmark- in order to better understand the city and its culture. We were able to visit museums, and also we were able to hear from a local's perspective.

Our tour guide was able to tell us a substantial amount of information about the apartheid because he was very much a part of everything that was happening. He grew up in District 6- an area that the government took over from blacks and colored Africans in order to create more room for whites.

I found this picture on Google, but I thought it helped back up my information. In short, the government sent the colored and black Africans away from District 6 and demolished their homes and neighborhood. Our tour guide described his experience as a young child. They were forced to move from their home and within less than an hour- their home was demolished. We visited the District 6 museum and there was an awesome mural on the ground that depicted what the area once consisted of. The first picture is another one I stole from Google, because my picture (the 2nd photo) doesn't allow you to see the whole mural. Basically, it was a map of what the neighborhood looked like.

Close up, you can see that families have written their family names where their old houses once stood. 

However, not much happened with this stolen land. We drove past District 6, and this is all we saw:

The land was never put to use, and still caused many families much loss. Not only of their homes, but also of family members. Our tour guide and other locals told us that when sent away- many families were split up and separated from one another. We also learned that District 6 was a very blended community, full of many different races, but all lived closely together as one. When they sent these people away, they intentionally separated people of different races and religions from one another. This caused many Africans to lose their homes, family members, and close friends.

Overall, out tour was amazing and I learned so much about South Africa and its past/present. I promise the whole tour didn't consist of just this, but it was something that really interested me and I was eager to share!

We also learned that Snoop Dogg (aka Snoop Lion) was coming to town! Too bad I missed out on that concert...

After our long, adventurous day of exploring Cape Town, we topped it off with a "cultural" restaurant. That is what our leaders kept calling it, and I honestly don't know if that's a thing and everyone calls it that.. or just tourists. Anyways, Taylor described it as "the African Rainforest Cafe" lol. But really, it was all-out, crazy. SO much fun! Although we didn't sit outside, just look at these tables. They are surfboards! And yes, that is water under the benches. We were really intrigued to find out if your feet dangle in the water while you eat. I can't say I would be quite into that. Doesn't sound very sanitary.

Long story short, we had some really interesting food and a really good time at Moyo.

http://www.moyo.co.za/  --- here is the link if you are interested to see more about the restaurant. 

Now on to today!

We started off the morning with a panel from a few South Africans who have also been here for quite some time, and were able to tell us a lot about the culture. I was really interested in hearing each of their stories. We got to understand better the perspective of a white African, a colored African, and a black African. I was especially interested because each panelists seemed to bring up the aspect of education. They each had totally different education experiences, but it seemed to be important to each man. It was really cool for me to better understand education- while looking at it from a completely different standpoint. However after talking with Mohammed, I realized it was more similar than I had imagined. 

After the panel, we had our own time to do whatever we pleased! So we headed to V&A Waterfront:

We walked around and scoped everything out, until we found a fun restaurant. I didn't take a picture, but I really wish I would have. No worries though, because I think I will be spending a lot of time in this area. I will have plenty to show later on I'm sure! It was so fun and such a beautiful day. We sat outside and enjoyed the view, while feasting on the freshest of fish. I had AMAZING salmon!

After eating, we had to check out the mall. Like duh. It was extremely nice, and had REALLY fun stores! I wish we could have spent more time here, but like I said- I know I will be back there relatively soon. Maybe tomorrow! It was funny to me because we got groceries- in the mall! We also visited Top Shop and Zara and saw some really cute clothes!

Overall consensus- I'm never leaving!


Thanks for reading :)
Ellen

I HAVE ARRIVED! Finally....

After 24 hours of airplanes and terminals, I have finally made it to Cape Town!

We are staying in apartments really close to the beach, and we have a wonderful view from our balcony! Considering it is 1:42 AM in South Africa right now- I can't really get a good picture of the view right now. I will be sure to upload a picture of it soon, though. Our apartment is the perfect set-up for four girls! 

Here is a picture of my room!

And this is our bathroom! For just Taylor and me. 2 bathrooms- SWEET!

And one last picture- our living room area.

That's kind of a sloppy picture, but now you get the idea of the layout!

I am EXTREMELY happy to be here and I am looking forward to these next five weeks so much. Keep checking back to see and hear more about Cape Town!

Ellen

After waiting five long months, the day is ALMOST here. On Saturday, I will board a plane to South Africa. I will spend five weeks in Cape Town. According to Wikipedia, Cape Town is known for many well-known landmarks.. So we will just have to see about that! There are many important things that must take place before I can take off to Africa.

One being..

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS! This is my favorite meal that my mom makes, so it was crucial to eat before I leave for five weeks. And it is already safe to say, diet starts when I get home from Cape Town. I have heard so many wonderful things about the food, that I am afraid chicken and dumplings is going to be the last thing I need when I get back!

I will be sure to upload my favorite South African dishes throughout my weeks!


Which brings me to...

Packing... While eating my delicious dinner, I described to my mom the troubles I was having with packing. I described that packing for five weeks in under 50 pounds is IMPOSSIBLE! Just talking about my troubles seemed to give my sister, Katie, quite a bit of anxiety.

After questioning some packed items and moving things around, my suitcase went from 58 pounds to 51 pounds. Now my only hope is that the person who checks my bag is in a good mood and will let me slip by one pound overweight.... Read next time to find out if Ellen's bag makes it to Cape Town.

I am proud of myself for this packing job, though. For three reasons:
A) The suitcase is so huge that it already weighs 40 pounds on its own.
B) For once, I really didn't overpack.
And C) I did a pretty good packing job- and saved room for souvenirs.
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I honestly have no idea who is going to read this blog- I just am so excited that I can barely sleep. I thought this would be a good way to occupy my time. However- whoever you are reading this (Mom), thanks. I'll keep you updated as much as possible. (I love you, Mom).  One last thing to get in the African mood...

Ellen