Cape Town Bound

Hello there! I am sorry for my delayed blogging, things here have been pretty hectic lately, but in a good way! To give a quick run-down of what I have been up to, I have compiled a short list of my experiences in the last 10 days:

1. I have been appointed Food and Entertainment Representative of Celeste Hall. My love of food and social activities (in lieu of studying or cleaning), is apparently a characteristic recognizable in all cultures.

2. Rhodes University recently hosted their organization and society night, and I was able to sign up for quite a few volunteer organizations, which is incredibly exciting. I have also been searching for a local NGO which focuses on women's rights and health initiatives, and I was recently able to pass my contact information along to several service coordinators in Grahamstown, so I hope to begin volunteering soon!

3. I have discovered that a local bar has poker night every Wednesday. I have begun to plot my entry into the seedy underbelly of Grahamstown (aka, I will be drinking water at a bar and playing cards with the elderly inhabitants of the town).

4. Vagina Monologues. That's right, it's an international production, and I have been cast in the Rhodes University play! I am performing the monologue entitled 'The Flood', which is from the perspective of an elderly woman. The monologue is incredibly funny and poignant, and I feel very fortunate to have received the part. The production's goal is to raise awareness about women's rights, experiences, struggles, and triumphs, as well as to raise funds for local women's programs.

5. I have managed to lock myself out of my room twice this week. In fact, during one of my accidental self-imposed lock outs, I was wearing a skirt and a bra. Only. So that was interesting.

6. I start Tae Bo classes next week, which should be a riot.

So as you can see, things are going quite well here in Grahamstown! Tomorrow morning I am headed off to Cape Town for the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Orientation. During the four day orientation the scholars will have the opportunity to volunteer at both a local children's hospital and at the Mvula School in the Nyanga Township, as well as speak with the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town. I will be sure to take tons of pictures and make the most of this incredible opportunity. Though I love my master's course and feel that I am learning a lot, I am excited to get out into the community, engage in service work, and travel around Africa.

Another important note: you all should see me ride my bike around town. I can now pop a miniature wheelie off of the speed bumps in the road. I've got mad skills.

I hope you are all happy and healthy!

Love,
B