Adam's first blog entry

My experience is South Africa so far has been amazing. In my first few days here I was jet lagged and felt as if I was walking around in some sort of surreal dream world. I listened to people talk, I smelled the smells, and tasted the food yet none of it registered. Then after a few naps and a good nights rest I started to awaken a bit. The clouds drifted away revealing Table Mountain in all of its grandeur and all of a sudden the people and places became real.

I walked down Main Street in Rondebosch at first a bit startled by the mini-bus taxi hawkers leaning out the windows shouting the names of places like Wynberg and Belleville. Then after riding on these crowded mini-bus taxis a couple of times it started to become the norm. After becoming a little more acclimated to my surroundings I became more able to take in all of activities that were packed into orientation week.

I started to get the flavor of the real South Africa by visiting places like Swingers, Greenmarket Square, and the University of Cape Town. I started to discover a vibrant culture in places like Long Street and a Baptist Church, but soon saw Cape Town’s underbelly in the townships and the faces of the beggars on the streets. It was then that I realized that South Africa still has a long way to go.

I became more informed about South Africa’s history by visiting the Slave Lodge and the District 6 Museum. Robben Island proved to be an emotional test for some, but I tried to take it for what it was: a sad and unfortunate history. I attempted to focus more on South Africa’s future and not dwell on its past.

The warmth and hospitality that I have received from Vernon, Marita and Ben made me feel truly comfortable from the time I stepped out of the airport. Everyday I have learned or discovered something new. It is because of this that I know my experience in South Africa will be a life changing one.