Anna has never been more at peace

Anna (far left) arrives for the Human Rights Weekend at Goedgedatch Olive Farm

We spent this past weekend on an Olive Farm in Malmsbery with Africa Unite, an organization started in part by our Politics of South Africa Professor. Again, as with the homestay, I went into this weekend mind open with no expectations not knowing what exactly our experience would be like. We arrived at the conference center about an hour and a half away from Rondebosch, to beautiful rooms, beautiful views and amazing people. We spent the weekend with about 20 other members of Africa Unite from across the continent. Some were immigrants from other African nations, others were native South Africans. It was fascinating to have discussions that included personal anecdotes from the people who have lived the history that we are just learning about. Our days were filled with exercises and discussions meant to educate us as well as help us educate each other on human rights. Every individual at the conference, regardless of nationality, ethnicity and so on, had a unique history that lead them to be here and came from a different place when sharing and speaking. However, we were able to come together and unite on the basis of being human, and the idea that we are granted a set of rights, simply for being human.

           

We learned a great deal as a group through exercises and “classroom discussion,” however my favorite parts of the weekend were the two nights that we spent stargazing. The second night, we decided to climb half way up the mountain behind the conference center. With very little light pollution, except for the light pouring out of the nearly full moon, in sight of the clear and visible milky way and shooting stars, I have never been more at peace. This entire Cape Town experience still seems like somewhat of a dream, this night more than any other.

           

In reality I have not had an actual dream in years, until a few weeks ago. Many of my peers have made similar comments, describing the strange dreams that they have been having since being here. I don't know why this is or how being here has inspired a number of us to dream again. It may be our body's subconscious reaction to the roller coaster of emotions that we are constantly on, or our brains reaction to being highly stimulated everyday. Regardless, Cape Town is changing us, whether we want to admit it or not, whether we can see it in ourselves or not, its there. My dream was of our return trip to the US, a daily topic of conversation and concern. The 29 of us have grown into a family, sharing experiences that will never be able to be fully explained or understood by those not here with us.