Aimee enjoying her final days in Cape Town

Aimee climbing to one of her most memorable experiences

One of my most memorable experiences yet was hiking Table Mountain. We were soooo lucky that the weather was nice because most days lately have been chilly and rainy. We started at Skeleton’s Gorge in Kirstenbosch Gardens. The climb was steep but it was so beautiful. We hiked up ladders, up waterfalls and rivers, and saw gorgeous views of Cape Town along the way. It was a great bonding experience and the group of us spelled out UCONN at the top of the mountain. I am so glad I got to hike one of the 7 natural wonders of the world- it had been at the top of my list for weeks!

Aimee on top of Table Mountain

The time to return home to Connecticut is drawing closer and closer and I can sense myself feeling anxious about returning home. The feeling is so bittersweet. I have been trying to make the last few weeks meaningful now that I know this experience actually is going to end. I need to keep a positive spirit and spend time with the people I have met here. The weather during the week of April 14^th was not very pleasant. It was rainy and cold and the news about the Boston Marathon dampened some moods as well. I appreciated being able to talk about the events happening at home during Marita’s class on Tuesday. We have to be sure not to associate entire groups of people to this one crime. It is hard being away from family during times like these but we were all going through it together and we supported one another. We watched a video in class called I AM about problems with the world today and how we should live our lives. All you need is love and relationships. My time in Cape Town has helped to reinforce that belief that I try to hold so close to my heart. Your heart is so powerful and can take you to great places in life. Co-workers at my internship have been so loving and open during my time here. I honestly don’t know how they do it. They have treated us like a part of their family.

In Vernon’s last class this week we had a speaker talk to us about traditional healing and medicine. He studies public health and how to combine traditional medicine with western medicine. It was very interesting to learn about the benefits of public health and why people value it in their culture. In Vincent’s last class we reviewed material for our exam. Some of the topics we have to study are the Anglo-Boer War and what led up to the apartheid, the four pillars of struggle, South Africa Bill of Rights, the Trust and Reconciliation Commission, and Gear vs RDP economic programs. After Vincent’s last class on Thursday I ate at the Royal Eatery (delicious burgers) and shopped for my last souvenirs at St. George’s mall.

I enjoyed my last full weekend in Cape Town and was able to do a few last minute things. On Friday I went out to lunch at The Kitchen where Michelle Obama ate before! The servers and cooks told us hoe friendly and wonderful she was. The Kitchen is in an area called Woodstock and is not famous or wealthy by any means. She was strategic in picking where to eat and what restaurant should get good business. The food was amazing and the quaint kitchen is a hidden gem. On Saturday I went to an arts talent show in Nyanga that some UConn students planned for their activist project. The kids were so talented and they enjoyed displaying their dancing, singing and acting talents.

Saturday night we had a braai with the neighbors. We invited the whole UConn group and other friends we made here. It was such a fun night of eating meat, dancing, chatting and enjoying each other’s company. Sunday after going to church I squeezed one last beach day in! It was beautiful weather at Muizenburg and we even bought some of the best falafel for lunch. For the evening some of us went to Camps Bay to enjoy the breath-taking sunset and eat seafood at the Codfather. I think it was the most expensive meal I have had here yet. Now that the last full weekend had come to an end, I am preparing myself for my last week and hoping that goodbyes won’t be too hard. I am going to soak up Cape Town and enjoy my last few days here as best as I can. 

Aimee, Erica & Andrea