Becca is ready to explore the many different sides of Cape Town

It is crazy to think that this one city has so many different sides to it and I feel very blessed to be able to not only see it within my first week here in Cape Town but I constantly get to explore each of these sides while I am here. There is the beautiful coast lines that reminded so much of the ocean around New England and yet it was a totally new ocean where I can see and explore any time I want. There are also the vineyards in the north that cascade along the mountains that are beautiful and breath-taking. Going there felt like stepping out of reality and exploring the parks all the craft market was one of the best afternoons I have had here in Cape Town.   

Pottery at Guga S'Thebe Centre in Langa

Yet for all the beauty that I have encountered while in Cape Town, there are some unattractive aspects to Cape Towns as well. Take touring the Townships the other day was definitely a complete 180. Yes, there is a crisis with the housing with so many people living in very unhealthy living conditions, but just seeing them for one day, I could tell that the people living in the townships are some of the strongest people in the world. That strength clearly resonated in the church service that we attended in Guguletheu, with all the people dancing and singing through the church and people really engaging in the service. Not only that, but these people even push on to make their lives better by creating beautiful pieces of art too. Even though their lives are not easy, they keep going even against really horrible conditions and that is so impressive in my book.

And this is only the surface of Cape Town and what it really has to offer. I am excited that l will be able to explore the many different sides of Cape Town, especially with my internship at the Trafelsig Clinic. I think what I am most appreciative of is that I am not the only one doing it, that everyone in the house is going to be going through a similar journey to mine and that we can talk about what we have experienced. Even though there are going to be aspects of this life that I will be struggling with while living here in Cape Town, I find myself more connected to people than I have ever felt before. So come on Cape Town, let’s see what you got.