Anna struggles for words to describe 1st impressions

Anna at far left at Chapman's Peak

I am Sociology and Political Science major, graduating in the spring of 2014 if all goes according to plan. My desire to be a part of this program, stems from my dream of one day managing a non-profit. The classes that we are taking here as well as my internship will hopefully help me to one day make that dream a reality.

I'm struggling to find words to express my first impressions upon arriving. I'm still in disbelief that I am actually in Africa, that I'm living in a pool house, and can walk out my door to a pool and plantain trees, I may never get used to waking up to the vast beauty of Table Mountain. From the moment that the 29 of us stepped off the plane, we've been asking each other “Is this real?” Every new sight we see or experience we have leaves me asking the same question. We have only been in Cape Town for four days, and I can confidently say this is the most beautiful place I have ever been.

These first two weeks of orientation are packed with activities to show us what Cape Town has to offer, and orient us with the city before we begin our classes and internships. We drove to Cape Point on Sunday, stopping at various points along the way to take in the breathtaking mountains and beaches. Upon arriving at the point, we were warned not to carry any food on us and to beware of baboons. We ate lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant where I tried ostrich for the first time. We then took a trip to Boulders Beach, and “swam” with penguins. Yesterday we toured the University of Cape Town's beautiful campus, sitting in the shadow of Table Mountain, and drove to the top of Signal Hill for some incredible views of the city and the mountain range known as “The 12 apostles.” Last night for dinner we went to one of Marita's favorite Jazz club, to listen to some South African musicians. It's been a whirlwind of new experiences, I can't wait to see what the coming weeks have in store!