Full Day: Touring the Cape

Today was such a full day.  Started with a tour at 9am of the Langa Township, the oldest Township in South Africa.  We drove around a bit to get a feel for the area and then went to Guga Sthebe, an organization that works with youth to train them in different crafts so they can later produce and sell their own goods.  We got information on how pottery was handmade in their workshop, then got to try our hands on some drums singing along to a local song.  We sounded pretty good if I do say so myself!

Afterwards we toured the township a bit more, walking around the streets, all the while seeing lots of kids and their families.  (The kids, btw, were adorable and readily giving out free hugs.  One clung on to my leg Full House style.)  

It was a little jarring to see the houses where migrant workers who were not allowed to live in the cities lived in, having read so much about them.  Makes you think about how much we live with (and still complain about) and how little other people get by with.  Also felt a little weird to be walking in to people's homes--a little invasive--wonder how these tours get arranged and what the protocol is for figuring out which homes to visit?

One of the things that struck me most in one of the homes we toured was a graduation photo that hung on the wall- one of the only things hanging-presumably of the tenant's son.  Nice to see those little glimpses into family life and values.

Some of the homes were permanent structures and others looked like the makeshift ones photographed below.  (Reminded me a little bit of Mumbai, as described in Behind the Beautiful Forevers.) Regardless of where and how they lived, what they had or didn't have, the children in the township all seemed happy, playing soccer, singing, dancing, and jumping around-which is something that I'll remember long after this trip has ended.

Homes in the Langa Township

After we left Langa, we headed to Table Mountain.  We'd been admiring the views here for the last few days, so was nice to get up close and see it.  The views were astounding.  Not much else to say about that, would have to see it for yourself.  Take a look!

View from Table Mountain

After a stop for lunch at "Fish on the Rocks" (clearly not my fav meal of the trip, haha) we came across a seal- who we promptly named Lucille Teboho Klim.  She was fantastic, hamming it up for our camera.  Pictures of Lucille to come in a future post.

Up next was a drive down to the Cape of Good Hope- spotted some ostriches, sheep, horses etc.  The scenery there was amazing.  I'd say it was my favorite moment of the trip, but it's really only been two days, so I guess that's not saying much, but again, it was breathtaking.  We took about a gazillion pictures there, will spare you and just include this one.

At the Cape of Good Hope

Up next was Cape Point and the lighthouse there.  Jessica (my roomie) and I took the funicular up to the top and again took about a gazillion pictures.  Everything we saw today was prettier than the last.  Barely turned my camera off for fear I would miss something!

Lighthouse at Cape Point in the distance

On the way back we ran into this guy...

A baboon!

...then hit Boulder Beach to see some penguins!

After driving back to Cape Town we came back to the hotel, regrouped, and went to our local haunt Vovo Tello.  Curried butternut squash soup.  Amazing.

Now, up in the Harbour Lounge reflecting on the day and counting my many blessings.  Am so lucky to be here taking part in this trip, surrounded by great people both in the program, and throughout our journey here.  Lucky to have been given a glimpse into how people on the other side of the world live and how the best days can be ones simply enjoying the beautiful sights the world has to offer.  Will surely not forget this one!

Maura