I had another extremely busy week again, getting sent on all sorts of new excursions every day. I tried surfing for the first time, took a sunset ride on a pirate boat, walked Sea Point and Chapman’s Peak, and got to know a few more local South Africans. I turned 21 on the sixth and had an amazing celebration the night before with nearly all of my new friends here. All of the VAC interns seem to have a similar drive to explore and try everything possible which makes for a high spirited atmosphere. I’m thankful for all of the birthday wishes I received from those abroad as well!
The ocean was a big reason why I chose to come to Cape Town over other cities, and this week and had a nautical time. I tried surfing at Muizenberg beach and loved it. I was able to stand up a couple times, but always after the wave had pretty much ended. Nevertheless, I understand the appeal of surfing now. After a few hours I was driven to finally catch a good wave, it’s a similar hunger to getting that perfect line down the mountain on a powder day. I’ve got plenty more to learn, but I’ll definitely try it again a few more times while I’m here. I had a big platter of sea food afterwards to complete the afternoon.
The pirate boat tour is usually very corny and for kids, but we did the sunset cruise where the whole crew was popping champagne at each other with a live DJ on deck. A huge group came with me to celebrate my 21st and we all got to watch the sun set over the city. Usually we watch it set over the sea, so it was cool to watch it from another perspective. My actual birthday was pretty relaxed compared to the night before. I spent it grabbing food with coworkers and friends, walking about Observatory and playing some pool. The day after I walked the Sea Point area with a couple friends. We checked out some tide pools and grabbed food on the strip there.
I got to know a couple local South Africans better this week, which has been a goal of mine since the beginning. I’ve been living in an international bubble with my VAC friends, which is fun and amazing, but I feel like it’s time I get to know some real locals. I met Sive at Stones last week, and we grabbed some food and drinks at a coffee place in Obs and chatted for the afternoon. He’s a very interesting guy I look forward to getting to know better.
Friday was a really big day. I drove down to Chapman’s Peak with Katie and Taylor early in the morning and walked along the mountains above Hout Bay. I rushed to town afterwards to buy the camera set up I’d been eyeing then zoomed back to Obs for the weekly activity. We visited the Khayelitsha area for the first time this week, which is a poor area known to be often dangerous, but we got to see just how happy people are despite. Mama Suli cooked us a huge meal of pap, salad, and meat. As the neighbors joined us we ate, drank, and danced in the street.
February 5
Highlights
- Surfing for the first time
- Taking a surfing lesson
- Seafood and ice cream on Muizenberg beach
- Riding a pirate boat with 20+ friends
- Turning 21 popping champagne on a boat with pirates
- Watching sunset over Cape Town
Popping champagne on a boat (motherfucker).
Posted by Jackson Crawford on Monday, February 6, 2017
February 6
Highlights
- Celebrating my birthday
- Lunch with Kalahari group at Jerry’s Burgers
- Touring Observatory with Jim’s Air BNB landlord Chris
- Food and pool on Lower Main
February 7
Highlights
- Walking Green Point and Sea Point
- Searching through tide pools
- Thai food in Sea Point
February 8
Highlights
- Regular old work day
February 9
Highlights
- Meeting up with Sive at Cocoa Cha Chi
- Discussing South Africa and the U.S. over coffee, beer, wine, and burgers
February 10
Highlights
- Buying a new camera and gear
- Winding along Chapman’s Peak Drive
- Hiking to the base of Chapman’s Peak
- Taking the wrong trail
- Time lapse over Hout Bay
- VAC organized braai in Khyelitscha
- Dancing with the neighborhood
- Dinner at a Touch of Madness with Katie, Taylor, and Tia
February 11
Highlights
- Missing the boat to Robben Island
- Brunch and wine on the Waterfront
- Camp’s Bay with a big group
- Rugby and football (not the American kind) at The Scrumpy Jack
