This week has been so
amazing. We spent the beginning of the week touring everyone's internship
placements. It was hard not to want to work with every organization because
they all seemed so outstanding. I definitely learned a lot and I am excited to
hear about the experiences people are having. This internship component is so
important because it helps to expose us in a real way to another aspect of Cape
Town that is often not advertised but it is still a huge part of the culture
and community. At the end of the week, we had a day off and we took a day trip
to the beach! It was really great to relax and have fun! The fun kept coming
all weekend with trips, dancing, shopping, eating and a bit of resting. The
best part of the weekend was just arriving and we didn't even know it!
After a long week of
learning and adventures, we went too our professor Vernon's home for a
traditional South African Braai. A braai can be compared to an American
barbeque. It is a social gathering where food is cooked by the men on a grill
and the women typically entertain the company. Many meats are served such as
chicken, sausage, and lamb. The food is usually seasoned with a special mix of
spices or marinade that make this occasion special and out of the
ordinary. He so graciously opened his home to us and welcomed us
with great food and drink. This was definitely the best welcome we could have
had to our new home for the semester.
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| Vernon the braai master cooking chicken and sausage! |
When we arrived at
Vernon and Esme's home we were so excited for the braai to finally be here. Two
weeks ago this essential event seemed so far away but after tourism tales,
travel adventures, and great fun our orientation was over and we were ready to
experience "the braai". We snacked on chips and crackers while
we talked with the guests and some people helped prepare the salads. Vernon was
hard at work cooking the meat and the delicious smells made us hungry, that's
for sure! Everyone was enjoying the weather and the company and after a short
while the food was ready!
Unlike
any barbecue that I've ever attended, we did not just "dig
in" to the food. Before we began to enjoy the immense meal that had
been prepared, we all gathered in a circle holding hands for a memorable
moment. Vernon then explained to us the concept of Ubuntu. It means, I am who I
am because of you. This is a widely held belief in South Africa and it is
exemplified every day by everyone's actions and words. Vernon shared with us
how happy he was that we were guests in his home and at that point he welcomed
us into his family. He told us that we were welcome at any time to visit
and come in and that we should be comfortable in this home too. It was touching
and really beautiful. After such an amazing week this small gesture bundled up
in an overwhelming concept, Ubuntu, definitely made Cape Town special. As a
community we showed appreciation for the food and the celebration through
prayer and then it was time to eat!
The table was set with
more food than we could have expected. There was chicken, sausage, lamb, fish,
salad, pasta, pizza, and more! We were practically in heaven. Although I did
not taste many of these foods, here's what I gathered: everything was outstanding
but the lamb was exceptionally good! My favorite part was the Snook. The Snook
was cooked in the traditional South African way in the oven and baked with
tomatoes, peppers, and lemon. It was delicious and flavorful! We ate almost all
the food and savored every single bite until we were stuffed to the brim. We
sat for a long time and I was thinking that this was the most full I could ever
be. We got tired from being so full but once dessert was served the excitement
kept going. We played games and had great conversations. For dessert ate a
South African milk tart and pudding. A milk tart is a classic dessert served in
South Africa. It is a sweet pastry crust containing a creamy filling made
from milk, flour, sugar and eggs. Esme's homemade milk tart was excellent!
Everyone loved the taste and we were all wondering if it would be excessive to
take seconds and even thirds! Although we were guests in someone's home we were
also family now so we all served ourselves and helped to clean up the kitchen
when the meal was over. I was happy to see us all working together and we had a
great time too!
After chatting with
friends and meeting new people our night was complete with hugs and "thank
yous." I was so happy to be invited to Vernon's home and meet his friends
and family. This was a wonderful South African experience and I am so
appreciative for everything I've seen and done these last two weeks. On Monday
we start our internships and before that we will be attending Vernon's church
to hear him preach. I am feeling motivated, inspired and ready because of the
incredible welcome I've received. It's time to get to work and I know I can't
wait another minute!
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