Crosstown traffic in Cape Town by Alex and Luci

Seisoengroete…Izilokotho Ezihle Zamaholdeni…Ditakaletso tse molemo… Ditumediso tsa sehla sa maikhutso… Ditumediso tsa setlha… Tilokotfo letinhle kulesikhatsi semnyaka… mikateko ya masiku yo wisa… Ni vhe na nwaha wavhudi… Imibuliso yelixesha lonyaka… Izilokotho ezinhle zamaholide

Or Seasons Greetings (being it is winter here)

Yesterday was another early morning which is beginning to take its toll on all of us. We had to wake-up in order to make our flight to Cape Town. With the usual cereal and yogurt for breakfast we proceeded to make the six hour bus ride from Botswana to Jo’burg. Many of us took this opportunity to sleep, when we really should have been reading the five books that are past due. Soaking up the Lion Kingesque African landscapes, we arrived at JNB airport where some of us indulged in what we thought would be an American meal (at Subway, but ended up being nothing of the sort. Once on the plane, we settled into our seats and scattered all over the plane. Having been immersed in the culture for a week, we were able to develop friendships and engage in conversations regarding history, culture, South African philosophies, etc., transforming an otherwise boring plane ride into an insightful experience.

Once in Cape Town- the most beautiful city on earth, as proclaimed by our new bus driver, we rode in a combi to our mansion on the beach. When we say mansion, we literally mean five-star accommodations for up to 32. The world became smaller to each of us when we were welcomed by our team mom, Danielle, a native Nashvillian. After receiving our rooming assignments, we all filed in to the dining room for our family-style dinner where Denman and Madison assumed the roles of father and mother taking position at the head of the table, while the rest of us played the roles of their rambunctious children (we being the favorites- Luci and Alex).

Unfortunately, this morning we had to rise before the sun… yet again; however, we did have really exciting plans for the day. We made an excursion to Robben Island (the prison that held Nelson Mandela and other influential leaders and political prisoners during the struggle for independence).  We saw Mr. Mandela’s cell on the island… and some friendly creatures- penguins!! J After the choppy ferry ride back we headed towards Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Sadly the tram (gondola) was not working, but we decided to trek as far as our exhausted legs would allow before we reached rock climbing terrain. Needless to say, it was a very rewarding climb because we could see the entire peninsula of Cape Town.

We took a different route home- Chapman’s Peak Drive (GOOGLE IMAGE THIS!) It was breathtaking. Sorry but the dinner bell just rang so we must leave you- or else mom will get mad.

Totsiens…Usale kuhle …Sala hantle… Sala gabotse…Sala sentle… Sala kahle …Salani Kha vha… Sale zwavhudi…Sala kakuhle …Sala kahle

Or goodbye

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUTTON!!!- LOVE BESS