Living the tourist life

As people are coming back and I'm slowing easing into the social life, I feel a whole lot better. I'm too much of a social person to be lying in bed all day by myself going crazy about the internet that wouldn't let me log on.

I moved into the house that I'll be living for the next two weeks, with Wesley the RA and Megan, my housemate. They are so outgoing and funny, they make my day everyday. Every nights when we all get home, we will all be sitting at the kitchen counter, eating dinner and having our laptops open to share the stories of our lives. It's only been three days but I've already felt a homely atmosphere among the three of us. It makes me feel at ease, like I have nothing to worry about cuz I always have Wes there to help me out. He gives out the feeling of an older brother and a friend at the same time, I'm going to miss him so much when I have to move out in two weeks.

I went out the first time on Friday night and met the rest of the people in the same program. The majority of us are from Rochester, and it was a relief to see some familiar faces. Although, it makes me secretly wish that I have had dragged some of my good friends from Rochester with me, then we can double the fun of the experience. But actually, when I think about it carefully, it's better to make more friends.  The night life here can't get any better. There are clubs and bars everywhere we go, from the most high class, luxurious Latino ones to the most sketchy ones, from strip clubs to gay bars. I feel like this city never sleeps. One can run into any types of people here: tourists, locals, students, workers, etc. and from any races Americans, Europeans, Africans, Americans, etc. It makes the clubs interesting because they serve such a wide range of population. They play every types of music from techno, electric, hip hop, R'n'B to ouse, latino, etc. I've never heard that much Shakira played at clubs in my life.

Sunday, we spent the entire day on a tour around the island. Now I truly understand why Cape Town was given the title "one of the places with the bluest sky". The ocean and the sky here are unbelievably blue it made my heart aches. I can also say that I've been to the most Southern tip of the Africa continent. We passed by many towns and cities on our way and my observation earlier was confirmed. This city is the combination of British, African, Mexican, Indian and French culture, reflected through the architecture and also the food. I love how the houses are built along the hills and along the beaches. I have seen many of these in architecture magazines and catalogues but this was the first time I see them with my own eyes. Also, the cafes and restaurants along the beaches gave me such a Mexican/Florida feeling. I made a mental note to myself that at some point during this trip, I shall come here for a leisure Sunday brunch or dinner to watch the sunset. It is kind of  a waste the the water is fairly cold for any activities. Being here actually gave me the feeling of being at different parts of the world at the same time. There is the luxurious life with all the breath-taking view and the amazing buildings, and there are also the less developed towns that we all imagine of when we think of Africa. We got to watch a performance put together by a bunch of local kids. There wasn't any costumes, fancy stages or expensive equipments. However, their dances had so much fire and attitude, they blew my mind. This place has so much culture, art and music, I feel like it never sleeps.

I met this guy who lives next door and who writes fusion hip hop music and also lyrics for rap songs. A conversation with him gave me all the essence of his trip in Cape Town and it made me looking forward to such a great experience myself.

I know there will be all the culture shock and there will be moments when I get frustrated with schools, stressed with classes and fed up with people, but I know in the end it will be all worth it. This time for Africa, let's live it :)

 [az]