Nicole on trying new things/outdoorsy extremeness!

So at this point Orientation is over and it is now time to use all the tools and knowledge we have acquired to set out on adventures of our own. In the past weeks we have learned how to use public transportation systems, such as the Jammie, minibuses and train. We have also been to every which corner of the city to explore different areas and become accustomed to the Capetonian culture, and in a way, to learn how to blend in as much as possible. (Although that can be rather difficult with group of twenty three very loud and excited American college students) In this past week alone there has been so much that has happened, from starting our internships to karaoke night. But since I cant properly explain everything that has happened, I want to focus on the adventures that I’ve experienced in the past two days. On Friday, a group of us decided to go Muizenberg Beach. We set out early in the day and had to take the train to get there. It was a little nerve racking that the at each stop there wasn’t an announcement as to where we were, so we had to pay close attention to how many times the train had stopped in order to make sure we didn’t miss our destination. Once we were at the beach, it was even crazier to see that there was a system in order to warn people about the sharks that could possibly be lurking in the water close by. A White flag is bad, and means that you shouldn I’t be in the water, and a Red Flag means that its okay to be in the water ( a little backwards if you ask me, considering red is usually seen as a sign of danger??) Anyways, once we were there,  a few of us decided to try to surf. SUCH a great decision! 

Nicole & Terri

It was SO much fun, and honestly, the thought that there could possibly be a great white shark close by, added to the experience.. Although I was exhausted by the end of the day, I will not be surprised if surfing becomes part of my weekly routine! To add to my weekend of trying new things/outdoorsy extremeness, Saturday morning we set out to hike Table Mountain. It had been decided that we would start our hike in Kirstenbosch Gardens and go up Skeleton Gorge to get to the top of the mountain. We would then walk the ridge of the mountain to get to the other side (by the Cable Car) and hike down the easier and more touristy trail. I cannot even explain how difficult this climb was, and I would be lying if I said there weren’t times in which I seriously doubted if I would be able to make it. The trail we had chosen, although one of the most scenic trails, it was also one of the most difficult trails to climb. I have to say that for those of us who aren’t experienced hikers, (myself included) at times the trail was a bit overwhelming and daunting. But I’m proud to say that everyone that set out on the 5 hour hike made it to the top and back down safely. It was such a sense of accomplishment, and honestly I believe it was a really good team building experience, there were times when each of us needed a little extra motivation, and it was nice to see that there was always someone willing to step up to the plate and offer encouragement. The experience really taught me a lot about the people with whom I live and spend my time with, every day while I’m here. I learned a lot about myself as well, I learned that I am able to push myself past a point of comfort, and still come out with a positive attitude. Overall the experience was wonderful, although waking up the next morning with my legs still shaking from the climb tells me that my body may not be as happy with my accomplishment as my mind is!