After the mid-semester trip and two conferences, I spent three full weeks as a visitor to South Africa. It was not until this weekend, that I realized how much Cape Town has started to feel like home. After that whole flurry of activity, I was in much need of sleep which I managed to catch up on and realized that I no longer had the same sense of urgency I had during the first two months in the country. This is not to say that I sat around all weekend, because I didn't, but my activities took a bit of a different form.
Friday night, a couple of my housemates and I went to dinner at another American students house. We did our best to make a South African dish--Babotie--which came out quite well (if I say so myself) as well as enjoyed some Malva Pudding which I have come to thoroughly enjoy! This was a much needed relaxed evening. On Saturday, I did the usual chores, laundry and tidying up the room before going to the beach in the afternoon.
Llandudno Beach is one of many beautiful beaches near Cape Town. I went with an American friend as well as a South African and a Zimbabwean. We had a little picnic, played frisbee, climbed some boulders and watched the sunset as surfers caught the final waves of the day. Again, it was very relaxing and fun.
Sunday, I woke up, went to church and then to the grocery store. Again, mundane tasks that make one feel at home. I then went to dinner with all my housemates to Judy Mayotte's home--she founded the program and is still involved. We all enjoyed getting to know her a little better and of course the delightful meal she had prepared!
There was nothing extraordinary this weekend, except that I realized how much this place feels like home. I still have many activities to do and places to visit, but I enjoy the everyday flow here; integrating as a community member as opposed to just being a tourist passing through.
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