Robben Island

This last Friday the weather made for a perfect day and even more, a perfect day to visit Robben Island. For those who are unaware of Robben Island, it is kind of like the Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. It has been in existence since the Dutch settled into the Cape and has been used for everything from a prison to a hospital for leprosy. It is most well known for the time during the Apartheid Republic of South Africa, 1961-1994. During this time it was used as maximum security of political prisoners and criminal prisoners, including President Nelson Mandela. My adventure at the island was incredible and I walked away having tremendous respect for those who were held at Robben Island during the Apartheid time. For a period of time I was given the opportunity to talk with an actual prisoner during that time. It gave me goose-bumps when he spoke of his time and what he went through and gained from the island.   

After the tour of Robben Island I stuck around the waterfront and was able to explore and eat some awesome fish and chips. The waterfront may be my new favorite hang out place due to the fact that they have REAL American ice cream, they have pirates ships, and aboard the ships they have people dressed as pirates. Awesome right? Right!

Just a side note… Good job Utes, what a game!!

Cheers!!!!

Another Exciting and Adventurous Week

Work is never a disappointment; once again I was meeting important people and being involved in important conversations. The most thrilling part of the week for me was when I was able to meet with the youth director for the DA. She was so passionate about her work with the DA and with the youth of South Africa. Here in South Africa there is a big problem with unemployment and unemployment with the youth (ages 16-25). They are the future of the country and with this being such a barrier the director of the DA youth is putting a main focus on ways to help and improve the unemployment and barrier’s they are facing. When I was listening to her explain what she does and wants to do I kept thinking to myself, “I have to find a way to work with the DA youth program” and to my luck when we were wrapping up our conversation she mentioned that she was going to ask my supervisor if she could use my help for a research topic. I will keep everyone posted on the DA youth and continue to cross my fingers that I will be able to help out.

In the two weeks I have been studying in South Africa I have loved every minute of it. However, I sure do miss home. It is hard to hear the voices of my loved ones and know that I won’t be able to hug them for 3ish months… Bahhhh makes me sad. BUT what does not make me sad are penguins!  I had no idea that South Africa had so many penguins!!!!! Saturday I traveled about 40 minutes to Simons Town. Once there I was welcomed by HUNDREDS of cute penguins! The best part is I was able to sneak and pet one of them. You are not supposed to pet the penguins because they bite, but I was lucky enough to catch one off guard; don’t worry I still have all my fingers.

Up the road from Simmons Town there was this exquisite sea food restaurant. I decided to give it a try and wow, it was good! The food in South Africa is very different than back home and sometimes a little frightening to try but once I give in I do not regret it.  From the restaurant I made the 15 minute trek to the Cape of Good Hope (the southernmost part of Africa). This place was unexplainable… I really have no words other than, who else can say that they have seen and put their feet in two oceans at once? Beautiful and breathtaking.

To sum my last two weeks up, below is a list of some of the things I have done…

1.)    Johannesburg

2.)    Apartheid Museum

3.)    Got Lost on the freeways

4.)    Meet a few amazing south African families

5.)    Snuggled a lion cub

6.)    Ran on the beach

7.)    Started work with the DA

8.)    Explored the Sea Point area (Where my apartment is)

9.)    Got Lost

10.) Taught some of my new South African friends how to play American football

11.)  Ate at some bomber restaurants

12.)  Shopping J

13.)  PENGUINS

14.)  The Cape of Good Hope

15.)  Feel in love with South Africa

Hope you all enjoy the pictures and wish you were here with me!

Cheers!!

Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho it is Off to Work I Go…

Last Monday I started officially working as an intern for the Democratic Alliance in Cape Town, South Africa. My first week and a half has flown by and I cannot wait for the many more I have to come.

My first day at the DA has been the most memorable “first day” I have had in my working career. It began a little hectic but only because there was a press conference that was being held by the DA that day, in fact it was held an hour after I arrived. I was briefly showed around and then told that I was to attend the press conference. Attending a press conference my first day was something I had never thought about, so being invited with one on my first day was extremely exciting. In brief, the DA called for a debate with President Zuma on the growing list of state deals that have been beneficial to President Zuma, his family, and friends. I loved every minute of the unexpected press conference and am awaiting more.

 

After such a bomber first day I craved more and the DA has done a phenomenal job of educating and welcoming me and the other new interns. I have gone on tours of the parliament, met with many of the MP’s and Whips of the DA, and even had a briefing with Athol Trollip, Parliamentary Leader of the DA. My first week and an half has not been disappointing!

As for my time in Sea Point, Cape Town, where I am living, it has also been eventful and not a disappointment. I am starting to feel settled in; I know what my favorite grocery store is, where I like to take my run, understanding that driving on the left side of the road isn’t really the “wrong” side, and even where to go to get the dinner deals. My favorite dinners are Wednesday’s and Saturday’s. Every Wednesday I walk down the street to a pasta joint that has buy one get one free pasta, so so so good! I get the pasta and a glass of pineapple juice that beats any meal in the states (minus Mexican food, one thing that SA doesn’t have). To let my stomach rest from all the excitement I wait until Saturday to go to my all time favorite place so far, Camps Bay’s Tuscany Beach. However, due to the changes in weather they have raised their prices, forcing me to go every other week.

Since I have gotten caught up living in Cape Town I hope to explore the culture and surroundings to my fullest. Cannot wait to update again! Enjoy the pictures, hey!

Cheers!!

Lunch outside :-)

Joined the team...

Awesome dinner I made

Going to see coldplay here in a few months!

Flowers in Cape Town = AMAZING!

These are all over the place! They are HUGE!

Ohh how I love my front yard... :-)



My little friend