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| Emily L & Onna at Signal Hill |
It’s a forever and yesterday
feeling.” Marita said this in a conversation we had a few days ago and it has
never ever rang more true It has been a week since I’ve landed in this magical
land and I already feel so at home. Upon arriving at Cape Town International we
were greeted by our beautiful RA’s, Ben and Jessica, Marita, and Vernon with a
“welcome home balloon”. On the way to our house I grabbed the window seat and
became mesmerized as I watched the city pass me. At one of the robots a man was
sitting in a chair making animals out of small beads (a very popular work to
see on the sidewalks, and the beadwork is amazing). He looked at me, saw my smile and returned
the biggest, toothiest, most genuine grin right back to me.
I really don’t think that I’ve
stopped smiling since I’ve gotten here. We’ve already experienced so many
incredible views, people, food, music and it hasn’t even been a week yet. We’ve
visited the District Six museum where our new friend Joe explained his own
experience of being forced out of his own energetic, thriving neighborhood in
the middle of the city to another much farther way, simply because of the color
of his skin. His emotion was so present, but his hope and spirit shined through
everything. Later that night we ate at Mannenburg’s, a very yummy restaurant
with a jazz club. It turns out our tour guide Joe was the singer of the band
that night; he had a beauuuutiful strong yet gentle voice.
What’s really surprising me is the
incredibly contagious spirit of this town that has such a recent and harsh
history. At times I find myself frustrated of what these people experienced and
experience today; gang violence, poverty, judgment from outsiders. Yet the way
they react to it is constantly inspiring me. Cape Town, thank you for welcoming
me with these warm open arms; it’s almost like we’ve met sometime before this.
But, you keep surprising me and I can’t wait to explore everything that you
have to offer!
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| Onna taking in the sights at Maiden's Cove |
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