Aimee on authentic South African lifestyle

During the second week of February, our group went to Ocean View and stayed with a host family to experience more South African daily life and culture. I had no idea what to expect from the Ocean View homestay but I am so thankful for the great experience that I had there. I would love to learn more about how Chantel became involved with the program and how the families become involved with the program as well. It was very interesting to hear everyone’s different experiences of the weekend and how they spent time with their families. Starting off the homestay with a plentiful home-cooked meal at one of the family’s homes was so special. The view of the ocean not too far off in the distance was breath – taking- just like straight out of a movie or postcard. I was glad that these people could live near such a beautiful place because it seems like it would be an easy target for more public beaches, tourism, or wealthy developments. We played with some of the children in the neighborhood and I met two girls named Aimee! One of them even spelled her name like me so it was really fun to talk to her.

My host family consisted of a couple with a son and daughter and a foster daughter. They lost a son, while he was still a small child, when a car in Ocean View hit him. Unfortunately, speed bumps throughout the town still don’t prevent dangerous driving. This was very shocking to hear but it was even more shocking how positive the couple remained despite this tragedy. They are such loving people and have great attitudes about life. I felt as though I was a part of their family. They treat their foster daughter just like their biological daughter. I was often forgetting which daughter was the foster child because she fit so well into the family. I felt guilty that the son had to sleep on the couch while Audrey and I slept in his room for the weekend, but it was a humbling experience. I enjoyed talking to him about soccer and meeting his girlfriend. I was able to talk to Auntie (host mom) about her experience working in social work and counseling. She told me how hard it was to work with people who were going through such difficult times, but she could relate to many of their hardships. Audrey and I were also able to have great conversations and get to know each other better over the weekend.

On Friday, I enjoyed my day at the crèche spending time playing with children. I was very impressed at how such a small and rustic- like space was utilized into a room full of joy, color, singing, and education. The teachers were telling us about some of the families and the benefits of having a home day care center. The children are provided with food in the morning because many of them do not eat before they come. That evening, children from the area put on an amazing talent-filled concert. The dancing and singing talents were incredible and people had no fear to be musical and have fun together.

 I learned that most of the homes we stayed in had televisions, and watching movies and music videos is a common thing to do. American music artists are very popular among people of all ages here. I’m not sure if access to the media affects this, but my educated guess is that it does. I enjoyed discussing movies and music with my host family during the rainy Saturday we had. It was nice to relax, go with the flow, and to be a part of my family’s everyday life. The parents were not running around the house cleaning or doing errand and work, but rather bonding with their children and Audrey, and I. Our host uncle taught us how to cook pap and Auntie taught us how to make curry. I was pressured in to trying peri-peri sauce on my dinner and my mouth was burning! Strong relationships are valued so much in Ocean View like many other places in Cape Town. I also learned that many young teenagers are using drugs or getting pregnant at early ages. Some people we talked to mentioned that there are not many recreational activities for teenagers to do, so the weekends often consist of walking around and getting into trouble for their recreation.

On Saturday we also did manicures and took pictures. I was able to show then pictures of the snowstorm in Connecticut because they had an internet connection in their home. We were able to meet other members of the extended family who also live in Ocean View. The daughters were happy to have us walk around with them. On Sunday we went to their Christian church service. I can’t describe the experience well enough, but I don’t think I will ever forget it. The community was a big welcoming family and I felt at peace. We also went to the beach and took more pictures. It was very sad to leave Ocean View even though we were only there for a short time, but I know I will stay in contact with my family. I learned so much from them and about life here in Cape Town. I want to try to visit them before I go back to the United States. I would definitely recommend the homestay to anyone and I wouldn’t have changed anything about the experience. There is no better way to get a taste of an authentic South African lifestyle than by living in the beloved home of a South African family.