First off we got to finally get off the ship. The fact that it took eight days to cross the Atlantic Ocean and we had five nights where we had to set the clocks back an hour was not pleasant. The lack of sleep and just having to be stuck about the ship was really starting to make the entire shipboard community a little cranky. Of course when we rolled into Cape Town there was major fog and they shut the port down forcing us to anchor a few miles from the coast. So we could see land but just couldn’t get there. I was thinking about swimming for it but then a few of us noticed about a six foot shark swim past the smoking deck and I thought better of it. When we finally cleared immigration at around 1400 (2pm) everybody was so eager to get off the ship there was a line down each hall.
So what did you do in Cape Town you ask? I discovered Castle beer is delicious. With an entire week and no trips planned I figured on getting a lot of relaxing time and the bar scene in CT was pretty tight. I don’t want it to seem like I spent the entire time drinking but the best stories I have come from nights at the bars. Then again it’s that way back home too.
When I wasn’t spending my Rand (South Africa’s currency) on Castle I did get out and explore during the days. I hiked to the top of Table Mountain, about 3000 feet, with the former Mayor of Cape Town. The view from the top was incredible and I took my customary picture with my Terrible Towel looking out over the ocean. The hike took about four hours and we had to go up the back of the mountain because two weeks earlier there was a giant fire on the front because some bloat from England didn’t put out his cigarette properly and almost burned down the whole mountain. I could still smell the ash in the air.
I spent one day traveling with a student down the coast by train to a small naval town called Simon’s Town to go check out the naval cemetery. Kaylee had to go check it out for a class assignment and I told her I’d go with her so she didn’t have to take the train alone. It ended up being really fun. Simon’s Town was really peaceful and quaint and a nice change from the busy downtown of Cape Town.
Of course I went to Robben Island to see the former prison the held political prisoners like Nelson Mandela. Our tour was guided by a former prisoner who basically was imprisoned for trying to demonstrate against the racist and corrupt government of South Africa before the nineties. South Africa’s history is fascinating because they have generally moved past the in-fighting among the races by using hope. Families have forgave those that killed their family members all in hopes of moving forward and finding a solution to the problems that created the circumstance where hate ruled. It is something the world should look at as an example of what is possible if we ever want peace and justice for all.
Anyways, I spent a lot of time hanging out and getting close to a lot of the staff and crew from the ship. I have made a lot of friends form the left coast including a very special someone who is something amazing. But I’m not getting into that here. Just know that I am very happy right now and I think this may have been one of the best weeks of my life.
There were a few unfortunate things that happened in Cape Town. We had to dismiss two students for drug use and we had a third student leave for medical reason. We almost left one student in port because he was passed out in the bathroom of one of the tequila bars that was just off the ship. Four of us student life members were searching through the bathrooms of the bars trying to find this guy who was left by his friends. It was a fun little night and I was actually having fun running around.
So we are back at sea now and I’m busy planning for the Sea Olympics which are on March 4th. We only have about a week left and with three days in Mauritius there isn’t much time left. It’s a good thing I thrive on the pressure of a deadline.
Alright I’m off to supervise pub night. I basically watch the students drink and make sure they don’t act too stupid. Sound like fun, huh? It’s getting me around the world though so it’s totally worth it.
Peace
PS Yes, the water does flow in reverse direction in the southern hemisphere but we have jet propelled toilets in our cabins so I can only because of the sink.
PSS I got to see the super bowl the night after we left Cape Town. A big group of students and staff watched it in the Union on the giant TV. The game wasn’t that great but at least we are champs. I almost cried.
PSSS I tried to put my pics up but the computer screwed me and I’ll have to try at some later port. I only have 15 minutes left on the web.
No comments:
Post a Comment