Choices

 Life is about choices. 

Last spring I applied for a job with the American Conservation Corps (and got it) out in Estes Park, Colorado, doing trail work in the Rocky Mountains. Upon returning in the fall to Fargo, North Dakota to continue my architectural studies, something was just not sitting right with the current path of life I was taking. Up until the job I wasn't happy with school, and was unwilling to take an alternate route away from the 'standard' course path already set before me. After summers end, I made a choice (more like found the courage) to step back and take some time away from my architectural studies and enroll in some other courses. I had made a promise to my girlfriend late August that I would be somewhere else other than NDSU spring 2011 semester. Since catching the travel bug upon return from a two week  vacation in Germany back in 2008, I knew I wanted to study someplace of my choosing during my college years. Here was my opportunity. (As an architecture student, it is difficult to go abroad because of the strict curriculum path that one must pertain to.) Initially my eyes were set on India. However, things got mixed around a bit and rather found myself applying with CIEE, an abroad program at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. (Things go into a bit more detail than this, but this sums up most of it.)

Never in a million years would I have thought that this is where I would be a year ago from now. Ever. 

Taking time off of architecture was probably the best thing that I could have done for my own good. Coming here was also one of the best decisions I have made. 

I wanted my experience to be real. Thus, I decided last minute to request a host family. The benefits that have reaped from that are too long from this blog post. I know, however, this option has molded me as a stronger individual in terms of awareness, patience, values, and independence.  I love my host parents. They have been wonderful to me these last 5 months. I am really going to miss them.

I commuted via train this past semester to class; about a 20 minute ride each way. Public transportation, mostly the train, was my primary way of getting around (aside from Gavin's pick-ups past dark) and was  frustrating at times living further away from most other students. (I lived in Plumstead). Looking back,  I got to know another area of Cape Town a bit more than most other abroad students. I got to experience commuting to class via public transport, an opportunity I've never had. I felt more like a resident of the city, a college age student who lives at home and commutes to class every day. (This is how most locals here operate). Refining my patience was also part of the deal. (Trains don't always come every 5 or 30 minutes.) I also had Constantia at my fingertips,  an excellent area for great runs and splendid views Cape Town.  

The University of Cape Town is a highly regarded and looked upon school for academic learning. Writing essays and research papers, something I forgot how to do (I normally don't write essays in architecture school), getting used to an entire new academic system, a vastly different campus vibe, new forms of  patience, and a daily routine much different than my life in the states provided great awareness of how people operate differently.

I decided upon arrival I wanted to get involved on campus. I joined men's rowing, the Mountain and Ski Club (MSC), Wine Society, and volunteered with Young in Prison. I took advantage of the opportunities presented to me.

I also did a good deal of traveling. I got to see a nice chunk of South Africa along with a few of the neighboring countries to the north. These times of adventure also taught me a great deal about myself. 

If you think about it, it's crazy  the significance the choices we make have on our lives; whether they are big or small, conscious or sub-conscious. (On a hike up Lions Head the other day, I ran into a MSC buddy on top whom I also ran into 3 days prior on Table Mountain. Originally I was going to hike up today, rather yesterday.). We are constantly paving new directions  for ourselves without necessarily being aware of it all time. Deciding to stay an extra few days in South Africa after the abroad program had officially ended proved wise on my behalf. I feel more prepared to leave now than I would have last Friday. I have given myself a bit of 'me' time here that was necessary. (I'm not suggesting that leaving here won't be difficult, as I'm not a fan of good-byes and there are a lot of things I am going to miss here.) It is sometimes exciting witnessing the outcome of the choices we make. (This is not always true. Like I said, sometimes.)  I have lucked out on warmth and sunshine these last few days of mine, unusual for this time of year. I think Cape Town is simply wishing me a hardy send off. 

In the moment, I leave in less than 24 hours. Most of my bags are packed, yet none of this feels real to me yet. It's funny how these  are reoccurring thoughts from when I was preparing to leave the states back in January. Where has the time gone?  

I know it will be an adjustment getting back to life in the states, but I am prepared for it. I will be returning to NDSU in the fall to pick up my architectural studies. I am excited, refreshed, and ready. As for this place, I am leaving  with new outlooks, new experiences, new friendships, and new family. I've been lucky. I wouldn't have changed a thing. 

Cape Town, It's been real. 

"Your journey has molded you for your greater good. And it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time."-- Asha Tyson

Lions Head Sunset: 06-13-2011

University of Cape Town.

Life is Lekker at 22 Years Young

Greetings-

Time is of the essence on my behalf here- another chapter in my life is about to close (and begin) as I am wrapping up my 5 months here in the Mother City. There were two events  I thought about in my early stay here that would pinpoint my time in Cape Town would soon be over. One was Lea coming to visit and the other my birthday. Well, Lea left last Friday, and my birthday was yesterday. That leaves me with one final exam at 8:00am in the morning, and then I'm clear for take-off (Literally). It is unbelievable how fast the time has flown by here. More so, it's unbelievable that I'm 22 years young now. I feel no where near that age, nor do I have any reason to. 

Aside from studying for my final exam these last few days, I've managed to keep a steady pace in loathing in my surroundings as much as I can. Today, I went for afternoon 'High Tea' at the Mount Nelson, a 5 star hotel in downtown Cape Town. It is supposedly one of the best high tea experiences in the world.  I was reminded of flowery smells of Grandma Berquist's house upon entering the sun lounge.The atmosphere consisted of  British/Colonial feel that was highly elegant and quite enjoyable. I missed the  dress code of no shorts or slops (sandals), and was asked by the staff to put my sandals on after walking around barefoot. A bit out of my league in terms of formal dining but what the hell, it was paid for through my abroad program and a tea party sounded more appealing than studying.

Lea and I also had more adventures during the remainder of her stay here: Hiking up Skeleton Gorge and over to Table Mountain-despite the kak weather of rain/cloud, Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens, Renting a car and cruising to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, Sunsets, waterfront, and some nighttime outings. It was nice to spend time with her and show her my life here. 

Wrapping things up early tonight, for T-Minus 10 Hours before my I dominate UCT's goofy exam system. Enjoy the photos!

Jeff

Hiking down Table Mountain at sunset. Also a cable car option  to get to the top.

So hilarious. The bus loads of these people provided lots of  good laughs  amongst us all.

Lea serenading me with her lekker dancing skills. Scarborough Beach.

Jack Daniels Peanut Butter Milk Shakes!

Several  Baboons on our sea side cruise to Cape Point.

Cape of Good Hope! We Did It!

Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens- Not the best day for views while hiking but we managed.

Cape of Good Hope- Trying to be just as cool as our Asian friends!

My birthday cake Diane and Oma made for me. (Homemade and so good.) Fortunately my stomach was a bit more up to par for intaking solid foods than it was earlier in the day. A good birthday to say the least. 

'High Tea' at the Mount Nelson. June 7th 2011.

Where 10 of us Americans drank all sorts of flavors of tea, ate lots of really fancy desserts and appetizers, and played 'sophisticated' for a few hours while a piano man zenned  the atmosphere with classical music. 

Keeping Things Real at 22 Years Young

Greetings-

Time is of the essence on my behalf here- another chapter in my life is about to close (and begin) as I am wrapping up my 5 months here in the Mother City. There were two events  I thought about in my early stay here that would pinpoint my time in Cape Town is over. One was Lea coming to visit and the other my birthday. Well, Lea left last Friday, and my birthday was yesterday. That leaves me with one final exam at 8:00am in the morning, and then I'm clear for take-off (Literally). It is unbelievable how fast the time has flown by here. More so, it's unbelievable that I'm 22 years young now. I feel no where near that age, nor do I have any reason to. 

Aside from studying for my final exam these last few days, I've managed to keep a steady pace in loathing in my surroundings as much as I can. Today, I went for afternoon 'High Tea' at the Mount Nelson, a 5 star hotel in downtown Cape Town. It is supposedly one of the best high tea experiences in the world.  I was reminded of flowery smells of Grandma Berquist's house upon entering the sun lounge.The atmosphere consisted of  British/Colonial feel that was highly elegant and quite enjoyable., and . I missed the  dress code of no shorts or slops (sandals), and was asked by the staff to put my sandals on after walking around barefoot. A bit out of my league in terms of formal dining but what the hell, it was paid for through my abroad program and a tea party sounded more appealing than studying.

Lea and I had more adventures during the remainder of her stay here: Hiking up Skeleton Gorge and over to Table Mountain-despite the kak weather of rain/cloud, Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens, Renting a car and cruising to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, Sunsets, waterfront, and some nighttime outings. It was nice to spend time with her and show her my life here. 

Wrapping things up early tonight, for T-Minus 10 Hours before my I dominate UCT's goofy exam system. Enjoy the photos!

Jeff

Hiking down Table Mountain at sunset. Also a cable car option  to get to the top.

So hilarious. The bus loads of these people provided lots of  good laughs  amongst us all.

Lea serenading me with her lekker dancing skills. Scarborough Beach.

Jack Daniels Peanut Butter Milk Shakes!

Several  Baboons on our sea side cruise to Cape Point.

Cape of Good Hope! We Did It!

Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens- Not the best day for views while hiking but we managed.

Cape of Good Hope- Trying to be just as cool as our Asian friends!

My birthday cake Diane and Oma made for me. (Homemade and so good.) Fortunately I my stomach was a bit more up to par for intaking solid foods than it was earlier in the day.

'High Tea' at the Mount Nelson. June 7th 2011.

Where 10 of us Americans drank all sorts of flavors of tea, ate lots of really fancy desserts and appetizers, and played 'sophisticated' for a few hours, while a piano man zenned  the atmosphere with classical music. 

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).

'Austin Powers' Pizza with Avocado at Primi Blue, a restaurant Gavin and Diane took both Lea and myself to this past Sunday. - Blourbergstrand Beach. 

South African (Jackass)Penguins!

In the clouds: Exploring Kalk Bay caves with Ilana: round 1. (Photo courtesy Ilana Caplan)

The 'crew' at one of 5 vineyards. (Photo courtesy Ilana Caplan).

Here's many toasts. (Photo Courtesy Ilana Caplan).

Seidelberg vineyard. (Photo Courtesy Ilana Caplan).

Sums up the rest of the afternoon. (Photo Courtesy Ilana Caplan).

The 'crew': Shark Cage Diving: Somewhere near Hermanus. (Photo Courtesy Ilana Caplan).

We drank all of this.

Great white.  Proud to say I am the only one who never got sea sickness on the boat. (Photo Courtesy Ilana Caplan). 

Like sand through an hour glass, so are the days of our Lives

Greetings fellow blog mates,

I'm going to scale down what I had originally had planned to write on here, as my fingers are stiff, sore, numb, etc.. from the amount of essay writing this past week. I also have an essay yet to start that needs to be completed by the end of this week, so I must conserve my finger muscles as best I can. Fortunately after that I have 3 exams  spanning until the 8th of June. . These exams count for 50% of my final grade, and you must pass them to pass the course. They are essay based, and 2-3 hours long. Wish me luck. And then thats it. I can't even believe it.

I understand there has been a significant lapse from my last blog. Here's an update from a few weeks ago:

I pursued an unforeseen adventure over the Easter holidays to the Drakensberg Mountains--the tallest and largest mountain range in South Africa---, a 15 hour drive north and east of Cape Town. (Closer to Johannesburg.) There were a plethora of public holidays (workers day, Freedom Day, and Family Day) which gave me another 11 day vacation. (Jealous, I know.) It was me and 3 other Mountain and Ski Club members who pursued a 5 day Mountaineering/hiking trip in the 'the berg'. It was my longest mountain hiking trip yet, and arguably the most beautiful. At over 3000m, I was somewhat physically, but way more mentally tested, in terms of exposure and risk to serious  possible catastrophic consequences of doing myself harm. For example, the 3rd night we slept in Rolands Cave (the most epic cave ever. Ever.), but to get at it we had to navigate ourselves along the edge of an escarpment, or cliff wall, with no path, nothing to hold onto, and me and one hell of a drop below. Yes, I was shit scared., but I had never felt so much pure Ecstasy  and feelings of being alive. The views were incomparable to anything I had seen before. The mountains still had their lush velvet coating of green, as the rainy season was just coming to an end. It was cold, the waterfalls were already partially frozen, signaling winter is just around the corner. Since being back in Cape Town, I've been experiencing heavy doses of Mountain Fever. Lucky for me a hike in the mountains is only a train ride away.

I've acquired a new hobby in South Africa, drinking wine. I have been a devoted member to Wine Society at UCT, where the vineyards come to campus every Friday... and well, we taste wines. I was just at another vineyard today through the abroad program. Two weeks ago I went to 4 vineyards out in Stellenbosch and Paarl with some friends. As many of you know, South Africa is very well known for its wine, and in the Western Cape alone, there are 100's of vineyards that one can tour and sample various wines. As my palette continues to strengthen, so does my obsession. I plan on bringing a few bottles home with me.

I toured a township last weekend, Guguletu, and then headed to Mzoles afterwards, a must experience restaurant right next to the township that serves meat. Thats what you eat at this place, meat.Served on Giant plates, and lots of it. You also provide your own alcoholic beverages, and eat with your fingers. I had a great time being three years old again; eating steak  chicken, sausage, and pap with my hands. The eccentric,  atmosphere and experience is nothing like I've experienced before. That was Mother's Day.

Last weekend I also did some Cave exploration in the mountains in Cape Town. Who knew?! Another epic experience to add to the list.

There was a fire in Masiphumelele, another township, a few weeks ago. 1500 homes were burnt to the ground, displacing over 5000 people, who lost everything of what little they had. I thought I would include this because the majority of people living in Cape Town live in Townships, in poor and unsanitary living conditions lacking very basic needs. (I am learning so much right now about vulnerability and people's livelihoods related to vulnerability in my Sustainability and Environment class-- how they can be assessed, and adaptation strategies to improve their situation.)

Aside from academics beginning to wrap up (this last week was hell), I am fully aware my time left here on this end of the world is not long. I have roughly a month left in Cape Town. Ignoring the idea of leaving and saying good byes is unavoidable. I happen to find myself reflecting about my abroad experience and myself as a multi cultural citizen (along with a crap load of other things) more and more everyday. I won't go into specific details now, as my fingers are hurting again, and I'm tired.

Next week I have the lady friend (Lea Abrahamson) coming to visit, along with my new camera :). I'm excited to show her around and for her to experience a taste of a completely unique culture to that of the states.

One last thing:
For the first time (this past week) since leaving the states,  I've found myself wearing Jeans and a sweater. The leaves are changing colours, the sun is setting earlier and earlier, and the days are cooling off. With more and more days of clouds and fog, winter is almost here. I miss those warm days back in Jan-March. I am aware, however, my sense of cold has changed since living here, as I have fully acclimated myself in terms of what I consider warm/cool temperatures.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and the photos. Cheers!

South Africa's finest vineyards. Thank you Monday holiday for  yet more play time . 

Mzoles!

Drakensberg Mountains. Taken at the very beginning of the hike. We summited Cathedral Peak  at the top right corner of the photo, and then hiked the Bell Traverse afterwards. You can see the bell in the distance. This trip was surreal.

On top of Cathedral Peak (Over 3100m). We ended up summiting just after 4 PM. We were not able to spend much time on the peak because we had to get down, as nightfall was quickly approaching.

Nostalgia of winter time in the states. Never thought I'd be eating icicles in South Africa. 

Morning View from Roland's Cave.

Roland's Cave.

Guguletu Township. Most people's only access to water is through a communal tap where they have to walk distances to get water. On the weekends, the demand can be so high that the water supply runs out.