Emily "Cape Town even more amazing than imagined"

Emily at Signal Hill

It is too ironic to be writing my first blog entry poolside, in the blazing African sun when I just left a 3 foot snowstorm back home only a few days ago. Not only am I experiencing a bit of culture shock but also a lot of weather shock. Going from 0 to 85 was an amazing feeling I think I could get used to. Knowing I won't see snow for nearly a year is one of the best feelings possible. When we were flying over Cape Town looking down on the mountains I knew I was going to love this place, it looked amazing. The access to cheap, fresh foods is unimaginable and the wine is the most authentic tasting I've ever had. The city is a bustle of noise whether its a minibus taxi driver shouting to give us a ride or a car honking at some poor pedestrian who mistakenly thought the traffic would stop for him. In Cape Town the rules are all different and its cars before people here. Although the city is big and crazy its relaxing too, with the beautiful mountains always looming in the background and the blue ocean water crashing on the shore, its impossible to be stressed out about where you need to be. The Capetonians call it being on Cape Town Time. 

We have such a great group of people here which is possibly one of the biggest pluses for this trip. Everyone gets along with each other and we all LOVE to talk, thats for sure. Going to Robben Island and Signal Hill have been my most favorite activities of the week. Being able to see Nelson Mandela's jail cell is one of the coolest thing I can now say that I've done. The view from Signal Hill just really shoves it in your face that you are in a beautiful country on a beautiful continent and remembering that your here not just for a two week vacation, but a four month stay, is amazing. I can't wait to begin my internship and my classes at our gorgeous campus, find favorite local places to grab lunch, go to the beach and become familiar with all the locals. Cape Town is even more amazing than I imagined it would be and I know I will be getting SO much out of this trip.