Vlog #2

Nothing says hello quite like a video of me squealing.

I miss you all, and hope you're doing well!
B

Re-Cap: Cape Town

This weekend I attended the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship Orientation in the lovely city of Cape Town, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. We hit the floor running on Friday morning, and the rest of the weekend was a flurry activity.

Friday
Once everyone arrived, we packed ourselves into two minivans and headed over to the Mvula School in the Nyanga Township where the students performed music, dance, and drama pieces. After their performance, I had the opportunity to spend time with some of the kids as they took me on a tour of the school. The children were incredibly welcoming and kind, and it was an awesome introduction to Cape Town and the wonderful people that live there.



After leaving the school we had the opportunity to meet Grant Haskin, the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town. Grant talked with us about the social and economic challenges the city is facing, and we had the opportunity to speak with him about the housing crisis in Cape Town, the economic impact of the approaching World Cup, and environmental initiatives in South Africa.

We ended the day by hiking Lion's Head Mountain and then taking African drumming lessons at the base of Table Mountain as the sun set. I am happy to report that the four years I spent as a pit percussionist in the high school marching band served as a pretty rockin' asset.





Saturday
The majority of Saturday was spent attending various sessions and lectures where we learned about South Africa, our role as Ambassadorial Scholars, and met with some extremely passionate humanitarian workers. Helen Lieberman, one of the orientation's presenters, has dedicated her life to empowering and educating South Africans, and I can honestly say that she is one of the most amazing women I have ever met.

That night, I went to a local community carnival and helped raise money for Rotary service projects by selling chips (or fries as we call them in the States). I left the booth feeling as if I had gone for a swim in a vat of Crisco. Cooking grease really does make the skin glow. I did have a great time meeting people at the chip booth, and after my duties were done, I approached a calamari stand and attempted to eat my body weight in fried squid. Mission accomplished.

Sunday
My dreams of competing in Olympic Dragon Boat Racing have been dashed. When the scholars woke up early Sunday morning, we were taken to the waterfront where we raced one another in Dragon Boats. Dragon Boats were created many years ago in China and hold a team of approximately 16 people. Dragon Boat Racing requires coordination, strength, rhythm, and the ability to pay attention, none of which I have. Sadly, that means that I will not live to see the day where I am a revered racer. I did, however, have an awesome time, and much to my delight, my clumsiness did not cause the boat the capsize.



We then went to visit the Red Cross Children's Hospital and were shown around by the volunteer coordinator. I am not quite sure how to describe my experience. It is incredibly difficult to see someone in pain. You question your faith, chance, the government, health care programs, and ultimately, you wonder what your role is within it all. I am not sure what I am meant to do, but I do know that I am meant to somehow help.

Sunday ended at Kirstenbosch Gardens where we had a picnic, walked through the the botanical gardens, and attended an awesome African music concert. That night, a group of the scholars went for a farewell dinner at a restaurant near the ocean, and I once again ate enough seafood to satisfy an entire school of trout.



Monday
I ended my time in Cape Town by spending my morning at Camps Bay beach. Though it was a bit rainy and cool, the beach was really beautiful and peaceful, and it was a perfect way to say goodbye to such an amazing city.



I hope you are all warm and well. Love,
B