Erica reflecting her values in the choices she makes

Last night, after a wonderful day at Muizenberg beach, a group of five and I decided to venture to Camps Bay for the sunset. Though this was not part of my evening’s agenda, I felt that, within this last week, I must seize every opportunity. This mindset is not always effective when there is work to be done, but I think I have finally learned how to balance these values. So, off to Camps Bay I went!

It could not have been a better night to see the sunset. Without a cloud in the sky, the blue hues started quickly changing into soft yellows. From there, pinks and purples filled the sky as the sun disappeared. Perpendicular to the ocean sat Lion's Head, a neat sight from other side of the mountain. After gazing into the sky, the group and I decided it was time to eat. We headed over to a restaurant called The Codfather, which is notoriously known for being one of the best seafood restaurants in Camps Bay. Needless to say, the restaurant lived up to its expectations, as we all happily enjoyed our meals. We left at a reasonable hour so that we could get back early to finish work and get organized for the week. This helped me to realize that though I do value deadlines and getting my work done, I also enjoy spontaneity, good company, and good food. In life, we will always be asked to make choices, but it is most harmonious when those choices reflect our values. This trip has taught me how to be more aware of my values and thus the choices I make. This consciousness is now forever apart of me, but a practice in which I must put effort into. May we all be conscious of the values we have the choices we then make! 

Sunset on Camps Bay

Lion's Head at sunset

Erica found a new hobby

Another incredible opportunity the group and I got to have while in Jo’burg was volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of South Africa. Though I’ve heard about this organization back home, I had never truly looked into it. I regret not getting involved with it sooner, as I found it to have such an incredible mission. The BGCSA focuses specially on the out-of-school experience during the crucial, unsupervised hours, when vulnerable, at-risk youth are neither at home nor at school. The organization, which works to provide a safe, positive, and fun after school environment, centers on youth 6-18. This then leads to an environment where the older kids serve as role models for the younger ones. The group and I were lucky enough to meet the kids and get involved with the projects they were working on. There were many activities to choose to help with- soccer, painting, crafting, and dancing. While these all sparked an interest, I decided to help with gardening, and to my surprise, found myself a new hobby!

Erica discovering a new hobby at the Boys and Girls Club in Soweto

Though I’ve helped my mom with her garden and used to work on a garden at my summer camp, I haven’t been truly involved with it for a long time. However, when I was at the Boys and Girls club, I found that I truly enjoyed it and wanted to pursue it as a future hobby. It was so rewarding to see the transformation of the garden turn from a weeded patch of dirt to a beautiful sanctuary. As I planted a few rows of basil, I found that I enjoyed getting my hands dirty and seeing the new life entering the ground. Though I wouldn’t be there to see the long-term effects of the garden, I still felt proud about my work. This sort of struck me as a metaphor for my experience here in Cape Town- a time of growth and development, nurtured and cultivated by a challenging yet supportive environment. I know that by being here for only a short amount of time, it is difficult to see the immediate effects of my work or how this experience has impacted me. However, I know that this special time will always be apart of me and has ultimately planted a seed of curiosity. I plan to continue to tend to this, just as I intend to start a garden of my own once I am back home. Peace, love, and happy earth day! 

Erica on anohter amazing weekend

Last weekend a group of us travelled to Plattenberg Bay to see what The Garden Route is all about. The eight-hour drive proved to live up to everything we had heard- beautiful mountain ranges mixed with gorgeous shorelines. Though it was a quick trip, it was one of the best weekends I’ve had in Cape Town. Then again, all of my weekends seem to be pretty amazing, but this one stood out for a very special reason.

Erica getting a hug

After cave spelunking and visiting an elephant sanctuary, I thought I had fulfilled all of my adventurous cravings. This proved to be just the tip of my exploratory weekend, as I decided to partake in something I swore I would never do- bungee jumping. I had a nervous, sick-to-my-stomach feeling the entire time leading up to this feat, but somehow overcame this (very rational) fear. As I signed my life away, I realized that though I was extremely scared, I knew it was something I had to do. I knew that if I hadn’t gone, I would have regretted it forever. That being said, I took a deep breath, and decided to put my harness on. I then proceded to follow my fellow co educators on a terrifying walk over a bridge, in which was enclosed yet completely open. You could see for miles to your left and right and then 700 feet down. I hardly looked down, as I felt a heat of panic overcome me. I decided to look straight ahead, and hold very tightly onto the railing on either side of me. Finally, the bridge was over and we made it to our destination: right underneath the world’s highest commercial suspension bridge. My troubles seemed to fade instantly once I was reunited with the group. We were all so supportive of one another and helped to pump each other up. The DJ certainly helped, as the loud, electronic music gave us even more adrenaline. Andrea was up first and went ever so gracefully. After that, it seemed like clockwork for the rest of the group as one bravely jumped after the other. It was finally my turn and though I had been excited to do this, my fears set in again as my toes reached the edge. In that moment, I felt that I would not go through with it, but again, knew it was something I needed to do. 5…4…3…2…1… BUNGEE! 

Erica's jump off the bridge

And just like that, I had jumped off of a bridge. The first few seconds were a blur, but as I came down and the bungee started working, I felt an overwhelming sensation of ease. As I came up and down, I felt completely Zen. It was a very unique feeling- to be completely turned upside down and only suspended by a cord, but I enjoyed it. I felt very serene in the air, as I focused on how quiet and peaceful the world around me was. A few seconds later, I was escorted up and brought back to reality. I think I would have enjoyed a few more moments in the air, but I was very thankful to be back and standing upright.

I found that, because of the moral support of the group and the people working on the top of the bridge, I was able to do something daring. Without this encouragement, I don’t know if I would be able to tell this story. I feel so lucky to constantly be supported in my endeavors, even if they include jumping off a bridge. Now I know how the phrase, “If your friends jumped off a bridge…” came about, as I feel that I certainly would not have been able to do it without them! 

Andrea, Kelsey, JR, Carolyn, Carl, Ethan, Allie, Melissa, Wylie, Larissa, Aimee, Morgan, Vara, Sharon, Erica

Erica learning through the arts

When the group and I traveled to Johannesburg, I felt so fortunate to get the opportunity to see where so much history had taken place. We were able to visit the Hector Pietersen Museum, Nelson Mandela’s home, the Soweto Memorial, and The Apartheid Museum. While it was important that we visited these historical places, I found that I got the most out of seeing a play called Curl Up and Dye.

The show had been written in 1989 as a commentary about the apartheid era and the grey area that existed for all races. Though the cast was only made up of five actors, it was a very powerful performance. It showcased just how complicated and confusing the apartheid era was but more importantly, how much it had affected the relationships people had with one another. This struck me, as I deeply value the relationships I have with people. I could never imagine not being allowed to associate with someone, just because of his or her racial background. This tension was perfectly encapsulated in the play, which ended up making me feel uneasy. However, when the group and I stayed back for a Q & A session, we learned that the purpose of the performance was to make the audience feel uncomfortable. The point was to make the audience feel just a slight bit of discomfort in comparison to what people living through apartheid actually dealt with day in and day out.

 This powerful affect reminded me why I love the arts and how much it serves as a learning tool. I feel that by being involved in the arts, people are able to express themselves, while teach others, in a creative yet peaceful way. I have noticed that within Cape Town, there are so many talented people- singers, dancers, musicians, artists, actors, etc. Perhaps this creativity comes from a place of pain and struggle, as a result of the apartheid era, but regardless- it is important so that people are able to learn about the past and are thus more informed when making decisions for the future. Ultimately, this experience resonated with me and has  made me realize just how much of an impact the arts can make. 

Erica celebrated Human Rights Day

Erica, Andrea & Elise with Africa Unite folks

I was fortunate to celebrate Human Rights Day with some old friends from Africa Unite. Our day was filled with singing, dancing, mural painting, and marching through Nyanga to spread awareness about gender-based violence. It was a very rewarding day, as I truly felt part of the community. I was in awe of how many young people attended the event, and the work they had prepared for it. Many of the kids had songs, dances, and short performances to express how they felt about this issue. It was inspiring and encouraging seeing how much love and support there was from all members of the community- men, women, children, and adults. The day ended with trying a South African speciality- chicken feet! I was unnerved at first, but eventually ended up trying it and even sort of liking it. My apologies go out to my vegetarian mother! I hope to continue my involvement with this issue as well as the relationships I have made within Africa Unite.

Erica enjoys (?) chicken feet

Erica on panel discussion on sexuality and spirituality

On Wednesday night, Melissa and I ventured into town to hear a panel discussion about sexuality and spirituality at the Holocaust Centre. It was quite an experience! The panel consisted of five religious leaders- Reverend Laurie Gaum, his father, Reverend Frits Gaum, Imam Muhsin Hendricks, Reverend Judith Kotze, and Rabbi Sam Thurgood. Facilitating the discussion was Marlene Wasserman, an internationally trained Sex and Couple Therapist. After introductions, the panel was asked an extremely important question of whether religion can be a place in which society can trust. It was interesting to hear the responses, as most replied that sexuality should not interfere when practicing a religion. However, a comment was made that implied that homosexuality does not correspond with the values of religion. This was not well received by the audience, as a person’s sexual orientation is not a value but rather a part of who they are. Though values help us to navigate our identities, they can always be changed or modified; sexuality is not as concrete, especially for those who do not fit the hetero-normative standard. As many from the panel were not heterosexual, they understood that religion should embrace and support this diversity, instead of shunning it.

Reverend Judith Kotze brought up a point that I really liked in that religion should be about integration, inclusion, and moving forward. While I personally do not consider myself to be very religious, I do not think that human rights should ever be in conflict with practicing spirituality. People should not be excluded or denied from any religious affiliation on account of their sexual orientation. This discussion of injustice should continue amongst religious leaders, as they are of major influence on our society. If sexuality can be discussed openly and supportively in our religious communities, perhaps our society will become a more tolerant and accepting place. 

Erica on reflecting with someone special

Reflecting with a special someone

Last week, my boyfriend and fellow Cape Town study abroad alum, Dan Ratner, came to visit! I have been so excited for this, as Dan was a huge influence in helping me decide to come on this program. It seems silly to think about it now, but at first I was extremely hesitant to come on this program. I had a very active life at UConn, and was somewhat afraid of the unknown. Luckily, I had Dan to convince me otherwise. Once my decision was made, it wasn’t long after that Dan had booked his ticket to come visit.

           

Erica and Dan at Kirstenbosch Gardens

Though Dan’s visit was short, we were very fortunate to do a lot of different things. The first day we delivered the books that he had collected from home to Sithemeble Matiso in Nyanga. This was extremely exciting, as Dan had sent out a Facebook message encouraging friends and family to drop off books just days before coming to Cape Town. The response was overwhelming - he was able to fill up two huge suitcases full of books! It was very rewarding to know that we made a small impact on such a wonderful project.

Erica and Dan delivering books at Sithemeble Matiso School in Nyanga

The next couple days were extremely adventurous and were filled with hiking Table Mountain, surfing at Muizenberg, and even skydiving from 9,000 feet in the air. It was incredible to share all of these experiences with Dan, but perhaps the most significant aspect of his visit was the final day. After going skydiving and being filled with adrenaline/motion sickness, we met up with one of Dan’s friends, Ronni. It had been four years since the two had seen each other, so just being able to witness their reunion was special enough. Midway through lunch, Ronni had expressed that he has had a tough time this past year with battling HIV and more recently, losing his home to a fire. Of all the tragedies that have struck him, losing his cat in the house fire was the most devastating. He also explained that because of how sick he’s been, he hasn’t been able to work and is thus struggling financially. Yet, despite his hardships, Ronni is hopeful and actively looking for a way to turn things around for others by spreading HIV awareness in schools. It was absolutely incredible to learn Ronni’s story but more importantly, to hear how unbelievably strong and selfless he is.

This conversation was so significant, as it helped to remind me how incredibly fortunate I am. I ended up feeling guilty about all the things that Dan and I were able to do the past week, when there are so many people suffering. Dan helped to reassure me that it’s a constant battle of being aware and appreciative at the same time. It was so nice that I was able to reflect with Dan about this and brainstorm about how we could possibly help Ronni. I feel extremely lucky that I could not only share an incredible time with Dan, but that I can also discuss issues of inequality with someone so understanding.