Week 2

Hectic. That is the best word I can used to describe the last week! It was a very good, but busy week.

I decided to enroll in one of the Stanford classes on Global Project Management. It is a very interesting class and will allow me to work on a planning project towards the end of the quarter. I will have to fill in those details in the future.

Over the weekend we did a tour of the Peninsula that ended with a hike up to Cape Point which is just an amazing view of the ocean and the supposed location where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. It was spectacular and the weather could not have been better.

Also on that tour, we swam with some penguins at Boulder’s National Park, had some fresh fish and chips at Hout Bay, walked around Kalk Bay and drove over Chapman’s Peak. Needless to say it was a very full day of activity which meant a fairly calm and quiet Sunday. I did manage to make it to the pub to watch Manchester United.

In other news, I saw Desmond Tutu on Friday, as well as a great photography exhibit on wildlife animals. Also, walked the Company Gardens and had a great “American” dinner. My friend had a friend visiting and she made a homemade apple pie and lasagna—both tasted amazing and started a game night off well!

This week should be a little less hectic. This coming Friday we will be doing a group community service project which I get to coordinate and organize and on Sunday I will be kloofing with some of the students. Should be a great day in the sun and waterfalls!

Orientation Week

Well it is a quiet afternoon here in Freeland Lodge. The cloudy day and quiet Sunday neighborhood have made it a productive day and a relaxing one which was much needed after a very VERY FULL week of orientation.

All 23 students arrived by Tuesday and we wasted no time showing them Cape Town. This started with an orientation about the program and how to use public transit which included a brief lesson and location tour and ended with leaving the students in the middle of the city without any adults for them to make their way home. I am happy to report that all returned safely!!

We did a city tour the next day which included the colorful Muslim Bo’Kaap neighborhood, the vibrant District 6 area including the museum and the delicious Charlie’s Bakery, a quick walk around the government gardens, long street and finally ended with a Cable Car trip up Table Mountain for a sunset picnic!

Finally on Friday we did a tour of the townships looking at historical places like the Gooks 7 and Amy Biehl memorials as well as Vicki’s Bed and Breakfast. We talked to many residents and organizations before we made it back home to change for dinner. Dinner was at Solms Delta wine estate in Franschhoek. It was a beautiful venue as the sunset behind the Dutch architecture and we enjoyed a wine tasting and three-course meal.

Saturday, I made sure to show the students one of my favorite places: Old Biscuit Mill where I enjoyed a Kudu breakfast burger---YUM!
This week should settle more into a routine—but we will see about that!

(Pictures on Shutterfly!)

I have arrived simultaneously with 2011

I have arrived safe and sound back in Cape Town and have already made my new room “home”. No that does not mean all my clothes are scattered across the floor or still in suitcases. Just the opposite. All are nicely folded or hung. Pictures are also brightening up the place!

My desk could certainly use some organizing, but generally all is good. I have the house ready for student move in which is good because well they have already started to arrive.

Contrary to my expectations it is raining here and cool. I cannot say that I am too disappointed. As I hauled bags from my former address to my current residence, I got a glimpse of the brutal sun and after a month of shivering I have to admit I was a bit sweatsy…it takes a bit of adjustment.

Prior to semester preparations, and literally just after arriving, I was able to ring in 2011 with the appropriate glass of champagne atop Signal Hill. We were over looking the Waterfront and Cape Town Stadium as fireworks lit the night sky. It was then swiftly off to bed.

And that is the update for now. More to follow!