This will be my last post from Cape Town. Tomorrow is the start of my weeklong vacation. My mom is flying in tonight so we can travel together. We plan to go to Kruger Park near Johannesburg to do a safari for a week. I am so excited to see her. After everything I have been through in the last two months it will be great to see a familiar face .
The last few weeks have been so amazing. I have experienced such a mix of emotions: excited, enthusiastic, happy, depressed, frustrated, angry, helpless, empowered, and confused. Cape Town is an amazing place with a history of inequality, poverty, reconciliation, change, growth and uncertainty. It isn't a place that is easy to convey in words. I have met some amazing people from extremely diverse backgrounds who are so open to communication and dialogue. At the same time, I have encountered a lot of racism, hate, violence and anger during my time here. These are the things that are hardest to deal with. It is very difficult to encounter poverty, illness (HIV/AIDS, TB), and violence at such a personal level with people who suffer each day. But out of these encounters i have been inspired by people's courage, strength and resilience. Being in Cape Town has opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities where people can rise out of amazing struggles and grow. I hope I can bring the inspiration and hope I have witnessed here with me when I return home.
I am sad to be leaving the Bo-Kaap because I have grown so close to my family. I will miss my host sister so much. I can't image what it will be like to say bye to everyone who I have grown so close to and who have been so supportive of me the past few weeks. I am dreading the good byes but at the same time I am relieved to be starting my vacation. After next week I will be on a plane yet again to go to Buenos Aires. I wonder what adventures await me there.
This is a bittersweet good bye to Cape Town. I have had so many amazing memories: the food, shopping, weather, beaches, mountains, children, friends and family. It will be hard to say bye but I know I will be back again some time. Sorry for being so sappy but I am realizing that the first half of my semester is over. I am starting a new chapter after today. I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog so far. I will try to put up more pictures (especially of the safari) when I return.
Take care!! keep reading!!
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1 comment:
glad to hear that you are well.
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