I flew into Cape Town about almost two weeks ago. The flight was long but I slept 9 out of the 11 hours and I sat next to a girl who is also on this trip so it was lovely! We didn't have to go through customs which was a blessing. And then we met Mpumi who is our RA in the house we are staying. Unfortunately she just flew home today because she has pneumonia and the last time she had it she was in the hospital for 2 months. Wishing her nothing but the best of luck in recovery!
And then we crammed all of luggage and 13 people into a little van- lets just say that was the beginning of our bonding. We then had an hour to unpack and then we went grocery shopping and went out to dinner at Coco Wah Wah which was delicious! Their coffee is supreme.
Over the next few days we had a tour of the University of Cape Town and got to know in detail the program we had signed up for.
Orientation was long, but we also went to the black township Langa. These townships were formed because the government deemed it unacceptable for people of different races to live together. Majority of the black townships are extremely under developed living out of shacks with no clinics and no running water. Langa was an example of the lack of resources this community had. But on the bright side they made the most of their situation with using sheep as a staple in their diet. I consumed sheep tongue and brain which I felt horrible about, but TIA (this is africa) so you have to!
It's hard seeing so many people with a small fraction of what we have in the states. If people only saw how little people have here I think they would be shocked- most only earn R1,200 a month which is $120. Imagine having to feed your family and live the life you're living on only $120.
The other township we have visited is Mitchell's Plain/ Heinz Park. Heinz Park is a colored township which means the people there are half black half white. Their community living situation is a little better than Langa. They have a new community building, a new school and park, and a few actual roofs on houses. But most are still living in man made shacks. There's trash all over and children roam free. We visited Mama Rosie who is the core of this community. She's a warm-hearted woman who opened her house to house 8+ orphans. This children had no where else to go. These kids were amazing. So full of joy and potential. The unfortunate thing was that most of this kids had HIV/AIDS and probably won't live to be my age. It was hard because the children asked us to take them with us. What is even more depressing is that the AIDS treatment wouldn't have much of an effect on the children because they are so malnourished that having food would benefit them more than medication.
I will post the pictures of Heinz Park and more photos later! My laptop is going to die soon.
Love and miss you all!
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