We got extra fancily dressed and went to an event at Clovelly Country Club in Cape Town, the first integrated country club in South Africa, in celebration of the work they do at the Ray Ackerman Golf Academy. It was a beautiful and magical evening. When we arrived, student greeted us and gave us tours…
Relaxation & (Meaningful) Retail Therapy
Today I decided I would try the salt water floatation chamber place next door to the hotel. I’ve seen friends do it on the internet, but I’d never done it in the United States. It was an hour of relaxation. You get a private room and have to shower before and after getting into the…
The Southernmost Tip of the African Continent…and PENGUINS!
Following up our amazing day at Kirstenbosch Gardens, we took a day trip to Cape Point and Simons Town, stopping along the way. South Africa is absolutely beautiful. I try pretty hard to keep my phone in my pocket and truly live in the moment. I’m so glad I decided to take a bunch of…
A Day in Cape Town
I was hesitant to visit the Slave Lodge. The name alone was a huge source of anxiety for me. I decided that it was an important part of South African history that I should explore and become familiar with. I also found it interesting that most people suggested the same local sites over and over…
Acting Like a Local & The Amy Foundation
We had kind of a late start this day (11am, yay!) so Zaire, Kelly, and I decided to go to the Post Office. I wanted to save myself some space and money for luggage by mailing some books I bought. Actually, a note on this quickly. Books in South Africa are a straight up luxury…
Just Your Average Sunday in the Western Cape
A small squad of us needed to do laundry. We had been in South Africa for well over a week and were running low on clean clothes. The drop off services closed early and one young woman working in the drop-off place across the street from the hotel was realllll clear. Our clothes weren’t getting…
Trauma as a Money-Making Industry
I have a lot to say about the District Six Museum and Robben Island. Our tour guide for the District Six Museum, Mr. Brown, was an old man and a kind of every-uncle, if you will. He was kind, funny, and most importantly, political. He did not mind sharing his opinions and speaking his mind. …
The Pinotage Youth Development Academy
I had no idea what to expect when we visited the Pinotage Youth Development Academy. I was weirdly under the impression that the academy was something like an alternative school for young people where they learn about wine. I wasn’t completely off base but what I learned from that program has sincerely moved me….
Vergelegen! & Dr. Jonathan Jansen
Stellenbosch is known for its wine. The climate at that location in the cape produces some of the best grapes in the world. Today we visited Vergelegen, a sprawling estate that encompasses a vineyard, restaurant, housing, gardens, and a wildlife nature reserve. We learned a lot about the estate–it’s run by a corporation and even…
Squaaaaadddddd
On Wed. the 18th, we had to travel from Jo’Burg to Stellenbosch. The night before…we stayed up until some ungodly hour talking about everything from internet dating to being broke to academic aspirations. It was such an inspiring conversation. I adore these people. Everyone was so open and vulnerable and funny. The younger students listened…
Ajua in (South) Africa 