July 2016 – Summer of Shanley

You Deserve the Best

I arrived in Durban yesterday to the weather forecast of 100% chance of rain every day I am meant to be here. Come to Durban they say, don’t forget your shorts and sunscreen they say, yeah not so much this time around. When I got to where I was staying I was a bit concerned for my safety. It wasn’t so much the people ,but the place was more like the next location for a slasher flick than the B & B that I was looking for on my last few days in South Africa. My room is partially connected to the bathroom by a “door” but it might as well be a piece of paper. Honestly, I think some man died in there last night with the sounds he was making. My first day/night in Durban was kind of like that part in a movie after the montage of all the happy moments when one thing goes wrong and the happy ending feels doomed. But alas, my happy ending came in the form of my visit to the Ethembeni School today. It was quite honestly the perfect way to end my trip here in South Africa.

Great things happening behind this wall!

If you will entertain me for a bit, I will give you a quick description of the school and how I was blessed to get to know about it. The Ethembeni School is a boarding school for primarily Zulu children who are Visually Impaired (both partially and fully) and or have physical disabilities most commonly caused by Cerebral Palsy. There are a few other children who have been in accidents and have motor impairments or cognitive impairments as well. Many children at the school are albino. In some parts of African culture albino children are considered a curse and sometimes are tossed aside or locked up. Even the children that attend the school are still on high alert when they return home on holidays as their body parts are highly sought after by witch doctors. Seven or maybe it’s eight years ago when I started running with Fleet Feet, I found out about the Ethembeni School. Brett and Kim the owners who I’m now lucky to call my friends have been committed to supporting the school since 2006. Hearing about the school from them and being a part of some of the fundraising running events has always left a mark on my heart and I knew if I came to South Africa, I’d very much want to see the school.

The Ethembeni School staff and community welcomed me with open arms. And I mean that literally. Every room or office I went into I was greeted with a warm hug and smile. The positive attitude of the staff is radiating. I was lucky enough to be at school today for their Monday Morning Assembly. Today they were celebrating with Organization Jump Start on receiving the organization’s 16,000^th wheelchair. Obviously not all 16,000 of Jump Start’s wheelchairs have gone to the school but many of them have. These wheelchairs have given the children of Ethembeni their independence.

Dancers getting ready to perform at assembly

At the assembly, there was the dance group, the choir, some prayer and some announcements. I will include my videos of the dancing and singing. But I wanted to tell you how the prayers began. It began with a teacher starting a quiet chant that turned into a louder chant and then subsequently into a song. She was chanting “You deserve the best.” And hearing the children all chanting and singing warmed me to my core. I truly believe after being at this school that that is what these children are getting. Their school is fully accessible, they have 3 OT’s, 2 PTs, 2 SLPs , 3 nurses and 1 social worker, they have a life skills group and most importantly they have each other. They are all Learners at a school.

Today I witness some of the most determined children getting their work done. Something like the printers are down or the Wi-Fi not working can totally throw my game off and I start to grumble. But here some of the children have no upper limbs or use of them and they are still doing the same exact work. They’ve just been taught or have figured out alternative ways to do it.

Using an adaptive device to do his Maths

He used to just hold his pencil in his mouth but now is using part of a bottle so it's more hygienic — He used to just hold his pencil in his mouth but now is using part of a bottle so it’s more hygienic

Every teacher at the school can read the braille that the students produce.

The respect the students have for their teachers was quite enchanting. When myself or another teacher entered the room, the students would stand right up and say “Good morning visitor/teacher.” And then ask how you were doing. I visited every class today and by the end I was able to say Hello, How are you, Good-bye and Thank you in isiZulu. The children were very excited to help me and I also think they thought it was equally as exciting when I messed up. Thankfully I had one student that would whisper the answers to me if I got stuck.

If you watch these videos* and look at these photos and your heart is not just filled with joy and pride for these students then I’d suggest going straight to your doctor because I think you might be broken. If at some point you’ve run with a Fleet Feet San Francisco event that has benefitted Ethembeni please know you’ve done a wonderful thing.

Last but not LEAST…HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!! I know you are one of the few reading this so I know you’ll see this:) Cant wait to celebrate on the course with you!

XOXO

*videos will need to go up tomorrow when I get in better service.

Last Day at The Learning Vine :(

Today was my last day at The Learning Vine School before I head to Durban on Sunday. My day was filled with so many emotions. First some disappointment when my special friend David was not at school because he has a bad cough. Then it was enlightenment because I realized that’s why I probably didn’t feel too well;) David has a way of putting his hands all over your face just to make sure you are still there. Next up it was compromise. My 5^th and 6^th grade group begged me to play Monopoly with them and I HATE monopoly. It’s honestly one of the worst games out there, but it was the perfect excuse to spend more time with this group I’ve gotten so close to. And if anyone knows Monopoly can last forever. From that point on, it was bittersweet. The kids get dismissed from school at 12 o’clock on Friday and for the next two hours we danced, hula hooped, played tea party, played hairdresser, had a dance party and went wild with the snap chat filters. We were having so much fun , but I couldn’t shake the fact that I was leaving them. I will miss hearing the kids calling me, “Ms. California”. Most of their images of California are Hollywood and one of their favorite things to do was ask me if I’d seen this celebrity or that one “live”. Which means in-person, not in concert. It was hard convincing them that my life is not that glamorous. I will also miss all the different ways they referred to me; Miss, Mum, Auntie, Teacher and Sister. All of which are terms of respect and some of endearment. I will miss our games of Simon Says during recess breaks and my dance parties with Azola. That girl can dance (see the Whip Video)

But what I will miss the most is their smiles when you remembered their name and said good morning or said yes to another game of Simon Says or when you tell them “Good Job.” On Wednesday one of the students told me, “You wont remember me. You will go back to your family and just forget me.” I tried to convince him that I would never forget him or this experience. I didn’t tell him that I could never forget the boy that showed up to school in his pajamas and bare feet in 40-degree weather, but it’s the truth, I will not forget that little love bug or the rest of them that have truly wormed their way into my heart.

My buddy Ryan who has dreams of becoming an inventor

I won the hula hoop contest if you were wondering.

Making a difference from such small acts

my hairdressers giving me the royal treatment

The fearless leader of The Learning Vine School and the other volunteers.

Updates, Adventures and Mandela Day

Updates

A small, yet heart-warming update from my last entry where I was left feeling less than adequate trying to help people. Some good news is that I’ve received emails back from almost all the people and organizations I reached out to for the young man with the cleft palate. It doesn’t mean anything will happen yet, but the young man’s mum is now in conversation with one of the Cleft Palate team members at Pretoria Hospital. And although a conversation still doesn’t feel like enough to me, someone told me that the things I do here in South Africa are like drops in a bucket. I might not fill that person’s bucket, but I’ve made a start. The day after I met the young man and his mum she sent me this email.

It was an absolute honour to meet you.
You are an amazing person.
Thank you so much will surely follow up.
I have Also contacted Smile again through facebook.
I appreciate all your effort and I thank you for wanting to help XXXX and I.
Thank you for allowing the tears.
Needless to say I am emotionally drained.
I keep playing those words around in my head.
You reminding me to be proud of what im doing or trying to do.

No-one Has ever told me That.

Thank you.

Much love and light and may God guide us to the correct solution for XXXX.

XoXo

I included some of it, not to brag or say hey look someone thinks I’m amazing, but to point out that until now, no one has ever met this mom with the words “you’ve done good.” Or “you should be proud of your efforts.” Instead she’s been told she’s being bitchy or crazy. Parents in general are amazing, but I think parents of children with special needs are true heroes and should be reminded of this often.

Adventures:

If we are friends on Facebook or Instagram your feeds have probably been filled with the pictures from my adventures this past weekend, but two of my favorite readers do not socialize through media so just a few words and photos to tide them over until I get home. Saturday I awoke at 5AM and drove out to a Private Reserve where animals are left in their natural habitat.

How can you not fall in love with those eyes?

While at the reserve you are able to get “somewhat” close to the animals but it’s by no means a petting zoo. I felt comfort in this fact that they weren’t drugging their animals so that some silly human can wrap their paws around it, take a picture, then post it to their Tinder account thinking it will impress all the ladies. I’ve never quite understood that phenomena …but if you don’t believe me it’s so real. See Tigers of Tinder . Sunday it was up again early to chase the sun while trail running through the Groot Constantia Vineyard.

I’d never run through a vineyard and I quite liked channelling my inner Keanu Reeves when he’s running through the vineyard in “A Walk in the Clouds” to save the day. To nobody’s surprise except my flatmates here in South Africa who think I’m a running machine, I did not win. I did however manage to pick up some swag in the form of a little bottle of South African Sauvignon Blanc .

For an 11 dollar race fee, wine for everyone is a pretty great deal!

Last but not least, after my race I jumped in the car to head off to Table Mountain for Absailing. In the US we would call this rappelling…I think. It was out of this world. At first, I wasn’t looking around just focusing on my foot placement as I was bouncing down the side of the mountain, but then I thought, shit I’m up here might as well. The view was indescribable.

i'd like to say I don't sweat i sparkle but that's clearly not true — i’d like to say I don’t sweat i sparkle but that’s clearly not true

Mandela Day!

Since 2010, Mandela Day has been an international holiday. While it is Nelson Mandela’s birthday and that in of itself is something to honor, the Mandela Day movement asks people to go out and give 67 minutes of their time to honor the 67 years that Nelson Mandela fought for social justice. I know I volunteered more than 67 minutes at the school today, but that’s like my job. All the volunteers at the house and I wanted to do something more. Tonight there was a Full Moon Beach walk that was benefitting the DOT box project (Do One Thing). We came and walked out the beach for 30 or so minutes then walked back 30 plus minutes. They asked that if you can afford it, to bring an item for the 1000 children that the DOT boxes will end up helping. This giving was a no brainer for me. Wouldn’t we all be better off for doing just one thing?

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.- Nelson Mandela

XOXO

If only I could take them all back…

This week I’ve been meeting more families and getting to see a few of the ones from last week again. On Tuesday, I met a family that made me wish I could leave all my things here and pack them in my suitcase instead to come to America and get the help they not only need, but deserve. The whole family came to a session for their youngest daughter who will be turning 6 soon. The lovely girl I speak of is primarily non-verbal with vocalizations, “singing” and some sporadic words (She does use “dammit” correctly). When the parents shared that she liked singing I busted out my best Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She was unimpressed. Mom started to sing and it was like angels had spoken. I saw why my tone-deaf version of the song did nothing. This young girl showed her excitement for things by screeching. During our session the dad got up and walked out holding his ear and I thought he was taking a phone call. Turns out he has hyperacusis and his own daughter’s “vocalizations” are causing him extreme pain. The dad used to work in construction but can no longer due to the noise. You’re probably thinking well at least the mom can work, but she can’t because she had to quit her job to homeschool her daughter. This mom is in no lesser terms a Rock star. The main reason her daughter had made any progress over the years was because of the work she was doing with her. She shared with me concerns or questions she would take to doctors or professionals only to be told that there was “no such thing” or that her daughter was “fine.” I’m no medical doctor but I have worked with enough children to say that her daughter was not fine. The services they were given was a visit 1 hr. per month to the special needs school where their daughter would sit in a group and as mom described it “just sing songs.” I would never knock another’s treatment plan but it was clear that the parents were not happy paying for something that they could and would do at home with her. The mom shared with me that she was made to feel crazy by the doctors when they would dismiss her ideas. While I don’t know how much my words meant, I told her that her concerns are not only valid but they were spot on. The things she was observing are very much a real thing and even if they are a taboo topic, I told her she was courageous to bring them up and she was the best thing that could happen for her daughter. The mom asked if she could stay in touch with me through emails and if I could send her the “proof” that these things exist. I’ve never in my professional career wished more for a parent to email me.

Today I was the classroom teacher for 7 girls ranging from ages 12 to 2 years. I’ve only ever taught a whole class of children for short periods of 30 minutes to an hour but today I was the HBIC for the whole day (that’s Head B in charge in case you didn’t know). I was the classroom teacher , the lunch lady, the yard duty, the P.E. teacher, the music teacher, the art teacher oh and the Afrikaans teacher. That was the one I had to fake it til I made it the most. There were no sub plans so I just had to channel all the amazing teachers I know and wing it. While they all differ in age, there wasn’t as vast of a difference in their ability (with the exception of the 2 year old) as you might think so that made it a little easier. For P.E. we of course did a dance class and for art I put my adult coloring pages to use! These girls were so well-behaved and were excited when I answered yes to their question, “Are you going to correct our work.?” All of the girls in this class live in a house called Peace Home. It is a foster home for children who have been abused in one way or another. The woman running the home has taught them structure, respect for adults and to show pride in their work. These girls have lived things that adults should never have to see but here they were, working for just the approval of their teacher for the day. They didn’t need a sticker, a caught being good or a prize, my praise was prize enough.

Some of my students today. I let them start with coloring:)

We made it to the end of the day with smiles

I tried not to cry during my last afternoon speech session, but I was unsuccessful. Another mum brought her 15-year old son into see me. I quickly realized that I really couldn’t help the boy by doing speech therapy but I’m going to try any and all the resources I know to help him otherwise. This young man was born with a Cleft Palate and sometimes when the structures are not functioning no amounts of speech therapy will do anything. It was repaired when he was 4 months old and as mom describes it, you’d never know he had the surgery as he had progressed so well. At 4 years he had grommets (what we call tubes) put in his ears and that doctor decided to also remove his adenoids. Unfortunately often times with children with soft palate clefts they rely on their adenoids. Soon the boy’s speech became hyper-nasal and unintelligible. It was even hard for me and I’ve got a pretty good ear for these things. He’s gone through multiple surgeries of removing rib bones and fat to attempt to repair the damage done, but none of them have worked. Again I was faced with a mom who has spent all her money and more time than she has on trying to help her son. She admitted that she knew I couldn’t help her, but said it was just nice to talk to someone that would listen and understand. I could not promise them anything but I’ve now taken on trying to contact every operation smile, smile train, Cleft Palate South Africa email address I can find. I have reached out to my Facebook speech groups and I have to think that any new resource is a road that the mom hasn’t taken and if nothing else it might bring her to a name or number of someone she can talk to. I reminded her that she needs to put her oxygen mask on first sometimes and take care of herself because while she is the best medicine for her child if she is run down it wont be as easy to help him.

It’s going to take a lot of cake and ice creams to put this heart back together after this trip.

Sunday in South Africa

Today I had two very separate but equally fascinating experiences while visiting South Africa. I started my morning off by visiting the Langa Township. During the apartheid era, black people were evicted from properties that were in areas designated as “white only” and forced to move into segregated townships. Langa Township is one of the oldest townships. My new friend Sam took me on a walking tour through the township. I saw where people lived sometimes three families to a room, no hot water but there was electricity and one bathroom to share for 16 families. There were other parts of the township were illegal sheds were built when people wanted more privacy and didn’t want to be living in a room with so many other families. And while they get their privacy it comes with a whole lot of other troubles. No plumbing, electricity that you rig on your own and roofs that leak. I also was shown a part where people are now allowed to buy their own homes if they make enough money. Even within the 2.7 Kilometers of land that makes up Langa there was huge disparity.

On my tour I visited their Sheebeen or local brewery. A Sheebeen was originally an illicit bar or club where excisable alcoholic beverages were sold without a license. The term has spread far from its origins in Ireland to South Africa. One giant jug of beer is 30 Rand, which equals about 2 dollars US. I imagine if you bought a beer that size back home it would be at least 25-30 dollars. Originally Sheebeens were run by women and women and men would sit separately but now everyone intermingles. I asked my tour guide if they stopped talking because I was in there and he said yes and no. They know that the tours do bring in money so they try to be respectful.

I visited their traditional doctor. This was the only time on the tour that I felt scared and not because of where I was but because of the fact that it was very dark and there were quite a few animal feet and faces staring at me. The Doctor asked me to take his picture and that is why I’m including it. I did not fee it was my right to show pictures of the people and town.

The best best best part of my visit to the Townships was Church. According to Sam 90% of the township practice some form of Christianity. They feel that they are able to meld their traditional African beliefs with the views of Christianity. Once inside the church me as an outsider was welcomed with smiles and handshakes. When the music began you couldn’t help but be lifted out of your seat. I did take a very short video but it doesn’t capture even a portion of the feelings in that room. As I looked around I noticed that everyone in church was dressed up, singing and praising their god. These people have what I would consider next to nothing, but they still have their faith.

I was curious as to how the people of the Township felt about strangers and especially white strangers coming into their homes, their churches and their places of business. He shared with me something that I know I will cherish for a very long time. He told me that they had different belief systems and it was more about their “uluntu” or humanity. He shared their saying “A house without visitors isn’t a home.” And that not wanting people into your home says a lot about your personality;)

I ended my day with a luxurious (okay maybe luxurious isn’t the right word, maybe more like breathtaking) Helicopter ride above the scenic Cape Town. All the places I had just visited were mere spots below me. The views were outstanding and I felt like I was on top of the world. While work has been exciting in it’s own way, my weekend adventures are allowing me to see more parts of this town.

File_002

XOXO

So many feelings…

It’s been about a week since I landed in South Africa and today was my fifth day “on the job”. There are so many different feelings swirling around in my head and heart right now. In the past few days I’ve met so many families and different children who are in need of something here in South Africa. Some of the families came to see me to see if there really was a concern and should they spend their hard earned money on a speech evaluation. Some came because their child doesn’t speak at all and wanted ways to communicate with them at home. Others just to have someone listen to them. Today I found myself doing a phonics and reading lesson. I’m technically not qualified to do any of that but thankfully, I’ve worked with many an amazing Resource Teacher, Reading Specialist and Special Day Class teacher to have some tricks up my sleeve. I even pulled out some of my Occupational Therapy knowledge that I’ve soaked up sitting in meetings the last 10 or so years. After that lesson the mum asked me “So he’s not bad right?” And my heart broke. It’s as if learning differently would suggest that he’s bad.

I find myself getting so frustrated at how families with students with any type of need are treated here or how the children themselves get treated. I will spare you most of the horror stories, but one darling darling little boy was locked in a toy box at his school because they didn’t know how to work with him. That same boy sat with me yesterday and we chatted, did activities and played games and I could have stayed chatting with him all afternoon if I didn’t have another family coming in right after. Parents have shared that schools tell them “it’s not their problem if the child can’t read.” Me “So then what the hell are they there for?” Honestly I’ve gotten so upset that I’ve even forgotten my manners and used some cuss words when talking to the parents. Yesterday, I worked with a young “man” of 16 years. He brought it upon himself to make an appointment to meet with me. I will quickly share his story and then move on to something a little lighter. The boy showed up and he was dressed in his rugby uniform from just having come from practice. He quickly shared with me that he wanted some tips to help him not stutter. I sadly don’t have anything to make anyone “not stutter”, it’s a strategies thing and speech therapy is not a cure for stuttering. I told him I’d try to help him with strategies. I first asked him to tell me a little about himself. I learned he does well at school, has friends, plays on the rugby team and is really comfortable at home. I followed up and asked if his friends were patient with him when he stuttered and he initially shared they were. I praised his friends out loud to him. A few moments later I asked him, so you’re smart, have friends, play sports and are comfortable at home what bothers you most about the stuttering. To which he answered, “Well actually my friends do tease me and I’m getting embarrassed.” Me : Mothereffers!!!! (Dont’ worry I kept that one in my thought bubble) . Together we tried to strategize how he could have more success at school and I wanted him to try and find a trusted teacher. This was not an easy task. He shared they don’t really stop the teasing. I could not hide my sadness for him and honestly wanted to walk right up to that school and start taking names…but really I know it wouldn’t matter if some silly American girl gave her opinion on how they should run their school. At the end of our time, I told him very frankly that his “friends” are shit and if they were his friends they would not tease him about something like this. Yes I get that boys and friends all tease each other most times out of love but when it cuts it’s not cool. And then some swears did slip out of the thought bubble and told him to tell his friends just “EF Off”. I left that session and quite a few others feeling helpless. I knew I wasn’t going to be solving any major world problems here, but I felt as if I had nothing to give. I’m quick to suggest something only to realize my suggestions only work in a country that values special education. Must continue to think outside of the box!

In case you were wondering I did not come to South Africa and get boobs all of a sudden...I'm on the bottom right;) — In case you were wondering I did not come to South Africa and get boobs all of a sudden…I’m on the bottom right;)

On a lighter note, I let the young kids in the house take me out partying last night for what is called First Thursdays. If I didn’t feel old before I sure as heck felt old last night. I know I’ve always hated techno but man my 37 year old self hates it even more;) I did manage to stay out until 2AM and still get up for work at 8, but it was nothing in comparison to the ones that stayed out until 6:30. I’m totally ok with being the grandma and coming home early. Well it’s about to get dark and I want to get home before it does, so I will sign off for now. This weekend I will post a few of my adventures. Sorry for the ranting today:)

XOXO

July 4th and 5th!

First, missing you all and loved seeing all of your 4^th of July posts. For me, yesterday was just another Monday, but in South Africa of course, so not really just any old Monday. The most patriotic I got yesterday was wearing my stars and stripes socks, my Patriots shirt and listening to the National Anthem when I was live streaming Evan’s Hockey Tournament. Funnily enough I convinced one of the British girls in the house to come get burgers and dogs with me for dinner. Clearly we can leave our past in the past;) Next year I will get after it again.

It was a whopping 36 degrees as I went for my 4th of July fun Run.

Burgers and yes that's a coke for the girl who said no more cokes once in South Africa! — Burgers and yes that’s a coke for the girl who said no more cokes once in South Africa!

Proud Auntie and Patriotic moment. Go Junior Bs

Me pretending it was warm sitting by the pool. It was lovely, but not quite pool weather.

And Second, even when you are aware of your privilege and your access to resources in the United States, it never quite prepares you for the injustice in other areas of the world. It turns out that while I will be helping some of the children at the Learning Vine School, it’s also been put out into the community that there is a very FREE Speech therapist in town and people can make appointments. I’m not quite sure what I can even do for some of these people that have made appointments, but if I can leave having just helped one that will have to be enough.

Yesterday I went to visit the home of a little Congolese boy and was saddened and quite shocked to find out that because of his disability (non-verbal autism), his mother who was out of resources and options had to lock him in the their apartment when she went off to work and his sister went off to school. And before you start judging and thinking how terrible and they must not care about him or love him, it’s just the opposite. There was nothing but love for this darling little boy and when faced with make money to keep her house and feed her children or stay home because no school would take David decision, she chose. As people and as parents we make choices every day, but I honestly can’t imagine having to make one like that. Just FYI this boy now attends the Learning Vine School and from what I hear is making great progress.

Today I started to put together a basic Picture Exchange System (PECS) for that same boy and it was a true labor of love. Something that would have taken me 10 minutes to do back home took me two hours and I’m not even finished. At least I now know how much time to dedicate to some of the materials making. I guess I’m just having a hard time wrapping my head around just how much harder it is here. And I don’t mean for me making the pages, but just how the access to things for these children and adults with disabilities is almost non-existent save for a few self-less people who themselves don’t have a ton and give more than they have. Tomorrow I have another appointment and I’m hoping for the best.

Just came in from a run in the rain with another girl in the house. It is great to have a running partner here and especially since she’s quite a few years my junior, she’s pushing me to my limits. But now it’s time to warm up in the shower before curling up with my book. Hey Cousin Matty you were right, the book Brighton is great so far!

I've found a running partner!!! — I’ve found a running partner!!!

XOXO

Settling in in South Africa

The pictures are a bit out of order, but as you’ll read the Internet is a bit rubbish here.

Stopping for a breather before heading up further

Strike a pose there's nothing to it — Strike a pose there’s nothing to it

Settling in Quite Nice

It’s only been a few days and honestly I’m still not quite sure what time it is as my body has not adjusted to all the time changes, but as I sit here eating my post hike snack of Pot O’ Gold peanut butter and Tastee Treats Saltee crackers, I think I’m going to be ok here for the next month. The two worst things I can think of about my stay are that it’s bonkers cold in the house and the Internet is rubbish. So as I type I’m locked up tight in my Patagucci, scarf and blanket. I do believe it’s colder in here than outside. They told me it was because the house was built for summer not winter. And the Internet, well that will just force me to be social and pretend like it’s 1995 or something.

Bottom of Table Mountain. A little chilly this morning.

I’m staying in a little suburb of Cape Town. While I’d love to be staying right in Cape Town this is where the school is located. It’s kinda like when people say there are from Boston and they live in Everett;) Or when you think you are going to be staying in San Francisco because that’s where your hotel is and you realize oh wait that’s San Mateo or South City. All is well as they have an extremely efficient bus system that is really quite cheap. It’s only like 10 Rand a trip and that’s like 66 cents US. And not that it’s too shocking but they also have Uber here and it too is super or should I say uber cheap. The house I’m in feels somewhat like a sorority house. Or what I imagine one to be like. Lots of girls sleeping in large rooms, a kitchen with six refrigerators and a nice common room. I feel a scosh like the house mom as I am probably a decade older than most these girls, but as someone said I’m young at heart so I should get along just fine. Most of the girls are from the UK, Canada or France. I’ve been spending most of my time with the girls from the UK and I noticed in my writing that I keep saying quite and rubbish…just wait til’ I start saying “posh”.

Yesterday was my first full day and I spent the morning at the market trying to buy food that I would like. I stuck with the basics for now, but I sure do like all the names they give the food out here. The lead favorite is “Smackeroos” and if you had to guess wouldn’t you think it was some sort of cross between Smuckers jam and a Dunkaroo…nope fish nuggets! After my new friend Sarah and I cruised down to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Here there were a lot of cool little shops and stands. This felt like an upscale version of Fisherman’s Wharf or something similar to Faneuil Hall Marketplace. I have to admit having some things that remind me of home make it less likely for me to get homesick.

Today we hiked Table Mountain. That was quite a feat. We picked one of the harder routes apparently and I was honestly feeling like a champ until this power couple comes storming past me running the darn thing. After I got over myself it made me smile to think of some of my favorite power running couples back home. I will let the pictures speak for themselves; I need to jump in the shower to warm up.