Hello, all!
Firstly, I should admit to you that I do know that I’ve become a terrible blogger. My only excuse is that I have been so busy- exams on top of last minute excursions on top of the biological need for at least a couple hours of sleep a night have left you without regular blog updates from South Africa.
Today is the culmination of an entire childhood’s worth of dreams- I am going to a tea party. High Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel is one of the ‘must do’ things here in Cape Town and I could not be more excited. It’s a little goofy (and I know that), but what could be more fun than getting dressed up with good friends, drinking multiple kinds of tea and eating cucumber sandwiches with the crust cut off?
As for the title of this blog post- Time, Time, Time- there never seems to be enough of it does there? I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off in an attempt to soak up as many remaining experiences as I can. I’d like to think that through what I’ve already experienced in life I would have learned to appreciate the little things and not take anything for granted. What my experiences in South Africa have taught me is that each moment is an opportunity for something beautiful. Things can change so quickly (remember the people in Masiphumelele who were sleeping and suddenly everything they had built was up in flames) and it is important to keep reminding myself, in particular, that little annoyances or unfortunate circumstances will pop up, but there is no need for me to completely beat myself up over them.
The girls and I have been talking about what we’ll do when we get home. We’re all kind of nervous that people who knew what we were up to will ask, “How was your trip?” The problem with that question is that this was so much more than a trip. We actually lived in a foreign country for nearly half a year. My entire lifestyle changed! I was just telling my mom that I can’t imagine coming home to a closet full of clothes. I’m excited, though, because I’m sick of looking at the one suitcase’s worth that I brought here. How can I possibly communicate what this experience has done for me?
Thankfully, I’ve had time to reflect lately. I feel so tied to this country that six months ago I really knew nothing about. I had learned so much. Let me repeat that. I have learned so much. I’ve learned about the politics of South Africa, it’s history, and the effect that international actors have had on it. I have a better understanding of the issues that the country is facing and where it hopes to go in the future. South Africa is truly a very strange combination of the 1st and 3rd worlds. As one of the most unequal countries in the world it is no wonder that such a huge percentage of the population is living in abysmal conditions.
As far as inequality goes, I continue to be shocked by the attitudes of some of the people here. On multiple occasions my friends and I have been having conversations with people who we soon realize are openly nasty, racist pigs. As an informed American I absolutely understand that racism still exists in the world. After all, I come from an area where there is little to none diversity. That’s certainly not to say that everyone who isn’t exposed is racist, but I have encountered such attitudes in America, just like here in South Africa.
The transition into democracy wasn’t an easy one for South Africa. The process began in 1990 and the first free and fair democratic elections weren’t until 1994. Apartheid is such a recent reality that many of the people alive in the country today participated in the oppression of the majority of South Africans. What continues to just shock me is how cruel and hateful people can be. My only hope is that as time goes on, South Africans will realize that race is nothing but a social construct to create separation.
I’m living in a strange sort of limbo right now. I am most definitely looking forward to going home- I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve seen my friends and family. But I’m also hesitant to leave. This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life and I am continually shocked by how happy I am here. It’s probably a combination of the new things to learn, the company I’m keeping, and all the new experiences I’m having. My South African friends keep asking me if I’ll be coming back. I want to say, “Yes! Next month!” But I know that isn’t realistic. I have so much going on at home and one year left of college. Who knows what will happen after graduation… I just pray that I will, sooner rather than later, find myself with the means to return to Cape Town- perhaps with one of the people that I have come to love here.
It is comforting to think that I have made friends with people who go to American University with me. That really does reassure me- I know that I will have people close by who have experienced the same things, know the same jokes, and share the same kind of ideas.
I will try to update once more before I leave- perhaps Friday afternoon after I’ve said goodbye to Sydney and Diane.
Elsha leaves this evening- we will miss her so much.
Well, folks. I guess that’s it. Cape Town has definitely left a mark on me and I hope that I have made a good impression on the people who I’ve met and interacted with- particularly those that I worked with.
Onward to new adventures.
Be safe,
B.
