Here it Comes

It is now Thursday, January 25th, and I have lived for two days in Cape Town, South Africa. In that time, I have decided that my blog will be completely uncensored, true to experience, and honest. I've also decided that wine is delicious, and I am going to school in the most gorgeous place in the world. Pictures to come.  

So, let's start from the beginning, shall we?

Monday, January 21st was a stressful and sad day, as I finished up some packing and said goodbye to my family and friends. My Mom and I drove to the airport (Kennedy, for those who are curious) and set aside plenty of time in case of typical New York traffic. All went well, and I arrived very early.  There were a bunch of kids from my program waiting in the airport already, so I got a chance to meet some of the people on my flight, which was comforting.  The flight itself went really well; it was an initial 8 hours across the Atlantic to Dakar, Senegal.  On this leg of the flight, I was fortunate to sit next to a really awesome, fascinating girl from Senegal who now goes to school in Canada. For those of you who have seen Fight Club, she was by far the best "single serving friend" I have ever had the pleasure of sitting next to on a plane.   The plane was big; about seven seats across, and there were little consoles for each chair with a choice of games, movies, and TV shows.  My new friend and I shared food, watched movies, and laughed at the funny little airline packs of bright orange socks that we were given.  As she got off in Dakar, it was just sunrise.  We landed in pre-dawn, among a beautiful and swollen moon giving a startling, magnificent reflection over the Atlantic. 

I wanted to get off the plane at the tiny airport and stretch my legs; perhaps granting me the ability to say that I have been in Senegal. I had now at least touched on African soil.. a fact that made me both exhilarated and terrified.  An hour on the plane spent reloading and refueling prepared us for a 9 hour flight from Dakar to Johannesburg, South Africa. The people on the plane were fascinating. I was sitting behind a family of Hasidic Jews who read and practiced before every meal we were served. I wish I knew more about their religion, a lot of the customs seemed older than time, and were completely foreign to me. On this leg of the flight, I sat next to a black man in a white pinstripe suit and a black cap. He seemed very nice, and seemed to speak little English, only saying "thanks" when the stewardess would come by. I noticed my initial discomfort when I found out he was sitting next to me, and I felt embarrassed of my quickness to judge.  

This flight also seemed to go by very quickly. We were fed often, some meals more questionable than others.  Oh, airplane food. 

Landing in Johannesburg was thrilling. As the plane touched down, I knew that my life was forever about to change. I did not realize how quickly that would happen. 

Plane lands smoothly. Everyone stands. Single file out, as usual. Nothing strange here, just a walk I have made thousands of times before. Now up the ramp to the gate, as whitewashed tile boast and gleams. It seems lovely and new, at first. Further in, to baggage, to customs, to the gate.  My baggage came quickly, and I was relieved to have my friend Evan with me as I hauled my bright orange suitcase off of the baggage claim, in the midst of scaffolding, construction, and tarps. You see, as you continued down the hall, the airport lost more and more of its methodical glint and took on a hot, sweaty, crowded feel of a market.  Once you have your luggage, you head towards customs, where your bags are lightly screened, and you are instantaneously swept away by airport attendants looking for tips. Nothing new, but a lot more in-your-face.  Off to the terminal. But, where is it? Outside and through a parking garage.  You'll wander around like a lost and helpless ex-pat for a good twenty minutes before it becomes clear.  The white tiles return, and you find your gate; a little unnerved, but no worse for the wear. 

Hello, Africa. Nice to meet you. 

A quick flight from Jo-burg to Cape Town seemed interminable.  I couldn't wait to get there. When we finally did, my baggage came right off of the plane, I felt the warm breeze, and all was well.  We made it to our flats. I live in 10 Kendal Court, with a sophomore from Villanova named Ian and a junior from Colgate named Matt. I could not be more excited to live with guys. I feel safer, and it's easier than living with girls. Our apartment is an interesting amalgamation of finished and unfinished; of granite countertops and cockroaches.  We have an amazing view of Table Mountain. I'm going to love waking up to that huge, HUGE mountain.  It's got a life of it's own, and living right on the foot of it, the weather's always changing.  Must say I'm sporting a nice, awkward sunburn in the shape of a v on my chest. So much for my cheap Hanes t-shirts. my first morning here, Matt and I took a quick walk around the suburb of Mowbray where we live.  A quick note, Cape Town is divided into what are known as "the suburbs" once you get to the south of the city, where University of Cape Town is located. My flat is on the corner of Mowbray and Rosebank. I live in a neighborhood mixed between locals and Interstudy students.  If you go to the left into Mowbray, it is less wealthy than the suburbs going towards Rosebank. As you go further, you really feel like you are pretty much in the United States. In some ways, that is what has become the most bizarre to me. In one minute, you are in a posh plaza, and in the next, you are being begged for money. We are constantly reminded about safety and vigilance. In one sense, it's frightening. In another, it's just the way of life in the city- most any city.  I think it will be the push I need to become street smart and educated in the ways of the world. The rich- poor divide is apparent and glaring. What is interesting, though, is how intermingled it is. Apartheid's effects are still resonating a scant twelve years after its abolishment, and Cape Town is a city that celebrates the difficulties it has in the present moment. 

More to come later, but now it it nearly 4am and I am tired.