hello from Cape Town!

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Wow I don’t really know where to even begin. I feel like the hardest part about this blog so far has just been figuring out where to start. I am so overcome with every kind of emotion it’s hard to articulate fully the experience that I have had the past couple of days.

My eyes are continually being open.

Cape Town has easily exceeded my expectations… and it’s only been a week. It’s a bit like a dream, I think that’s the best way to put it.

I’ve been to beautiful places in this world and experienced rich cultures, but there is something really unique about this place.

To start, the people. WOW.

I am a people person. I love to talk and observe. And I think that’s why I am so excited about the South Africans that I have met. They are people! They want to speak with you and learn and listen. They are GENUINE, kind and warm. Not to say that Americans can’t be all of that, but its obvious that the culture here values human decency much more than it seems to be valued in America, which is surprising when taking into account all the past issues. There also is this universal flow of pride in these people’s blood to Cape Town; all they want to do is talk about the city and you can tell from the way they speak how much they love being from here. There passion is absolutely contagious.

Health wise, (which I will obviously get into more detail in my other posts) the people seem to generally value wellness. I have not seen one obese individual and very few elderly. More to come on this later. Oh also, may as well add in here that everyone is beautiful… so there’s that.

Next: I’ve been blown away by the nature, the outdoors, the weather and the sheer beauty of whats around me. You know when people say that being connected to nature makes them feel whole and spiritual? Like they are at comfort with the world? I didn’t really understand that feeling, I kind of thought it was silly, but after some pretty awesome exploring these past few days and seeing my fair share of the natural beauty, I feel quite different. I have seen things that are up there with some of the most incredible views and images of my entire life. It’s open, its clear, its vast, its breathtaking. We went up Table Mountain, which is one of the largest mountains in Cape Town and the best place to hike with an incredible view of the entire city. I was speechless when I got to the top. I sat on a rock and watched the sunset; I felt so small.

The beaches are beautiful as well and the sand is SO soft. The weather is perfect, very warm, sunny and clear skies during the day and cold at night- a bit like LA.

Ahhh its so so so good.

CIEE, the program I am on, has had us jammed packed this entire week with get to know you events, trips, bonding activities and speakers. I feel like I really haven’t had one second to breathe, but I’m doing my best to stay alive and well. This is good because it keeps us all busy, immersed and looked after. I do miss my family and my friends, but being so far only makes me appreciate the amazing people in my life in the U.S.

I've met some amazing people so far. I really understand now how special bonds can be made on an expierience like this. I feel incredibly lucky with the friends I have made so far. I am on a coed floor and so far absolutely love the group of girls and guys I have been spending most of my time with. They are all such good people and so fun. Its interesting learning everyones reason for being here. Everybody has one.

I have had very minimal wifi so far, but it has really allowed me to be present and immerse myself fully into my new life here--so I thank it greatly for that. The wifi at our apartments is really not great, but once we become official UCT Students next week we get to use the unlimited wifi on campus and i'll hopefully be able to blog regularly. Campus is BEAUTIFUL, actually one of the most breathtaking universities I have ever laid eyes on…sorry USC (I still love you). I know I explain most things I have seen so far as "breathtaking" or "absolutely beautifully life changing," but thats only because it's the truth really and als because I am an intense feeler.

We did a huge walking tour scavenger hunt of campus and got the whole lay of the land. There is this road called “Lover’s Walk” on the way to school, which makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I'm a bit of a lover of loving.

I have so many feelings, thoughts and observations (!!!!) I'm continually being challengend, forced out of my comfort zone and continually examine myself and my unique place in the world. I think I am growing everyday, really. There is so much ahead of me. So much good. So much to learn. So much to embrace. A huge growing opportunity.

We have UCT international students orientation this week and next week I am going on a 4 day trip called the Garden Route.

Much more soon. I'm slowly getting my bearing of this gorgeous place.

As the locals say... cheers!