Life in South AfriKa: Keeping it Classy, Cape Town

Woah! I'm going to say it again, sorry for leaving those in limbo who are wondering where my life has been lately. My mind is flustered right now in trying to put something together in this blog; so much has happened these last couple weeks: exams, Lea in town, goofy weather, locals taking advantage of my Americanism, good company, caving...Let's put it this way, I've been adventuring in my own back yard here. Not to mention it's all been one hell of a good time. Heres some news in the latest through a mind that tends to think about things too much.

Weather: So long days of warmth and sunshine. Today was the first real wind/rain storm of the season. Things have cooled off, cloudy days are now a common reality, throw in rain and lots of wind, and we've got ourselves a Cape Town winter. I often find myself cold now. My South African tan is fading, jeans and long sleeves are my new wardrobe (although I hardly packed much of this.) However, my sandal usage won't change, despite my cold feet. Nope, Doesn't feel like summer here anymore, although temps. still range in the low/mid 60's day and low 50's high 40's at night. I hope to be greeted my warm(er) Minnesota temps in just a couple weeks.

University: No more essays! Whew, wasn't sure if I would pull through with the amount of writing that was choked down my throat. (We all know how sensitive my stomach is.)- But, I have learned a lot through the process this semester.- I have already taken 2 of my 3 exams. FYI: Exams here are ridiculous, they're 50% of your grade. Essay based. 2-3 hours. I don't understand why they weigh so much of one's grade in one sitting. I feel it is the progress and development/work ethic and work done through the semester that should play more of an emphasis. In my opinion, that is when most of the learning is taken place. Anyways, I have one final 3 hour exam next Wednesday. Then I'm all done.
Exams are 3 weeks long, much more spread out than the states. (UCT also rotates lecturers every 3-4 weeks, so one will not have the same prof. the entire semester.). This new system of final exams has given me lots of play time aside from my studying.

Lea's Here!: Lea arrived last Sat. night; my host family here threw a welcome braii (barbeque) for her. I also cracked open a bottle of 2011 Sauvignon Blanc from a vineyard I cannot remember the name of. It has been challenging to balance my studying and adventuring around town with her here, but the brunt of things is over, and her presence has been enjoyable thus far. Gavin and Diane (host rents) have also lent a hand in playing tour guide while I played good student and studied. We've done a lot, however, since her arrival. Caving in Kalk Bay, vinyards, shark cage diving, touring campus and everywhere else in Cape Town, dining with the host rents, playing with penguins, night life, etc. She's here until Friday- and the itinerary for the week is packed. (Another blog post soon to follow.)

Vinards: Toured 5 more vinyards (hardly remember the names of them), 28 varieties of wine, great company, lots of laughs, wine, and memories most of us can't remember. Things got a bit out of control come vineyard 4 and 5. What an experience last Monday was!

Shark Cage Diving: Epic.

Cape Town: Well, I was 'mugged' 2 Fridays ago. I pulled out a map in Cape Town to find a store I was looking for. BOOM = Tourist = Lets rob them! Well, I told the guy who claimed he had a gun under his jacket t there was no gun- rather it was his hand. I caught him in the act. (I gave him 10 Rand before I knew this.) Afterwards, I should have just beat the S*&% out of him rather than let him walk. Oh well.

This afternoon, on the train ride home from Penguin Colony (Boulder's Beach), 3 Capetonians approached both Lea and myself. They were hackling us- exclaiming they are going to take our bags and a bunch of other jargon that I couldn't understand coming out of their mouths. (In the meantime, my expensive camera was resting in my backpack, frightened for its life). After some edgy moments, we gave them a few rand, which is what they wanted. This was the first time I had ever had trouble riding the train here in Cape Town. Afterwards, I realized what I had done wrong: These people were sitting near Lea and myself while we waited for the train. They had overheard our American voices as we were scrolling through pictures/taking pictures on Lea's camera. We had exposed our American identity (which shouldn't really matter, but in Cape Town, one must be careful especially around public transport areas where one can easily be robbed/mugged.) Americans are targets for theft, as we often have money and valuables written all over ourselves. All is good, camera is doing fine. (Oh, and so is Lea).

I feel as though I've become a tourist again, trying to do and see as much as I can before I leave in only 2.5 weeks. That short amount of time hasn't hit or phased me yet, as I feel like I live here now. I've settled in, and I'm content with my life here. I'm anxious about returning home, I've been trying my best to prepare. However, as the days come nearer, I find myself more and more not 'ready' to leave quite yet. (This comes contrary to just a few weeks ago, where my excitement to return to the states was higher.) On the flip side, I'm looking forward to seeing the family, the dog, mom's cooking, the cabin, and more sunny days and warm weather. I'm also going fishing when I get home, which will help the adjusting process. I really am going to miss a million things about this place though- including my new family here.

I'm going to blog a couple more times before I depart the Mother City. Keep an eye out for more frequent updates. Enjoy the plethora of photos, I couldn't help but showcase a scrapling of the good times that are being had on my side of the world.

All the best.

Fall/winter is here!

In the caves, thousands of bats everywhere! - Round 2 (Photo Courtesy Lea Abrahamson).

Kalk Bay fishing Harbor. (Photo Courtesy Lea Abrahamson).

My host parents, Gavin and Diane Van Schalkwyk.

Stormy seas at Bloubergstrand Beach. Table Mountain in the far distance.

Remember Home Alone 2: Lost in New York? The crazy Bird Lady? Well, Lea and I found her, I mean him, hiding out in Company Gardens downtown Cape Town.

Cookin' crapes for the family.

This little guy and I were playing tag; he'd run after me, then I would do the same for him. The whole thing continued for 5 min. or so. (Photo Courtesy Lea Abrahamson).