You Know, You Need To Slow Down...

Today's May 30th. I have exactly 15 days until I leave. WHERE did the time go? In all honesty, I'm pretty terrified about leaving- in many ways, it feels as if I have lived here forever, known these people and these places all my life. I can't imagine the shock I'm going to feel when it turns out that this was truly just a break from real life- a quick five month adventure, and now it's time to go home. Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited to see all of my family and friends, but I have a sinking feeling that reverse culture shock will be hitting me where it hurts.

Knowing that I'm leaving in just a few weeks makes me want to savor every moment. Unfortunately, that's tough to do when schoolwork kicks in with the force of a Mack truck. I had three 15 page papers due within 24 hours, and I don't know how I managed to turn them all in, but I did, and now I will begin to study for my 4 exams- each of which will count for 50% of my final class grade. This isn't the best news for an English major who is used to writing papers in lieu of taking tests. Hopefully they will go okay and I will return to the States having passed all of my classes. 

There has been a recent outbreak of violence here, due in large part to the influx of refugees from bordering countries like Mozambique and Zimbabwe. There have been many xenophobic riots and acts of violence towards these people mostly in and around Johannesburg, but there have been a few attacks on the outskirts of Cape Town. I am perfectly fine, as the violence is only targeted towards these refugees, who many South Africans fear will come and take away jobs and sustenance in a country that is already feeling the sting of poverty. I haven't really seen any physical manifestations of the outbreaks for myself, but UCT and its organizations have sponsored many anti-xenophobia rallies and protests to try to bring a stop to the violence. 

Many of my friends with a significantly lighter work load took this week to travel. They went all along the Drakensbergs, the Wild Coast, and Namibia. It was quiet and a little lonely without them here, but I'm glad that they all had a wonderful time on their adventures. Now, I'm in my bed about to start reading a new book and watching the rain fall outside. It seems like the calm after the storm, during the storm.