End of the Road…for now…

Stellenbosch

It’s hard to believe I’ve come to my last full day in South Africa. After ten weeks full of travel, interviews, workshops, sightseeing, and coffee shop exploring, I’m now getting ready to board a plane back home to Chicago.The last week has been spent doing some reflecting, meeting with a few more contacts, and trying to soak up as much of South Africa as possible. I want to wrap up my travel blog with some of these final reflections. To start, since my trip was roughly divided into three parts in three cities, I want to reflect individually on each city.

Cape Town: Arriving in Cape Town, I had no idea what to expect apart from my general knowledge of South Africa.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

I did not know whom I would meet, what I would see, or how easy it would be to adjust to new surroundings. I think Cape Town was the ideal city to start my travels (I picked it—as opposed to starting in Jo’burg—because I would arrive in Cape Town after the last soccer match was held there, making accommodation easier). Cape Town is very tourist-oriented with lots of things to see and do outside of meeting with contacts; this made it very easy to slide into South African life. The city is also very easy to get around: most places were accessible on foot; an easy cab or train ride made anywhere else a quick trip. By the time I left Cape Town, I felt like I had a working knowledge of South Africa and that I had begun to sink my teeth into the questions I was looking to answer with regards to my research.

Pietermaritzburg: In terms of tourist activity, Pietermaritzburg was much smaller, so there was significantly less to do in terms of sightseeing (particularly without my own transportation).

Pietermaritzburg

However, there was plenty to do here in terms of my project: attending classes, conversations and meetings, and most importantly going out to different workshops with the Ujamaa Centre. When asked why I had chosen this project in this country, my answer was always some version of this: Reading Gerald West’s work on Contextual Bible Studies grabbed my interest and excitement, and I wanted to learn more about it. But unlike many ways of reading the Bible, studying this method requires an understanding of context; it cannot solely be represented in a book or an article. So, I wanted to see and learn about Contextual Bible Study off of the pages. After a month in Maritzburg, I feel like I got a great taste for the method and how it is done in practice and how this informs the academic writing done on it. I left feeling like I had seen what I was hoping to see; however, I also feel like there is still a lot more I could have done if I had more time. I think this is always a good way to feel.

Johannesburg: Johannesburg has been an interesting experience. In Cape Town, I felt like I was learning about the context in which I wanted to explore Biblical Studies. In Pietermaritzburg, I was digger deeper into the actual study of the Bible.

Jo'burg

In Jo’burg, I felt like most of my meetings were returning me to the “first step,” yet with the knowledge of what I had experienced previously. At times this was difficult because it feels like taking a step back. At the same time, I have met with some interesting people; stepping back has helped me to start reflecting on my experiences. Jo’burg has been lots of fun, and through the help of friends and contacts, I’ve managed to see a good bit. But transport in this city is very difficult without a car: I can walk to places in the area I am staying (basically, restaurants and bookshops), but to get anywhere out of Melville, I need a ride. You would expect that in such a place, taxis would be thriving; but the taxi system is very disorganized, and I have often waited twenty minutes for a cab to come. A small complaint for an otherwise great trip, but if I come to Jo’burg again, I would make arrangements to have a car in advance.

So, where am I in terms of my project? I feel like I have seen what I hoped to see; there’s a lot more I would like to have done, but this requires more time.

UKZN

I see what I’ve left undone not as a failure but as a reason to return! As I’ve demonstrated on the blog, I’ve found interesting new questions to bring to biblical texts, and I have seen and heard many interesting interpretations of the Bible. I’ve come to understand more fully West’s method of Contextual Biblical Studies. As I return home, one of the major questions that I am considering is how this method, which has been formed uniquely by the South African context, can be applied to my context in Chicago. I’m looking forward to considering this more, especially once I’m settled into my own context.

Finally, how has this trip impacted me personally? I’ve certainly learned a lot about myself, particularly about how I settle and adapt when I am on the move in an unfamiliar context. As I’ve moved out of my normal boundaries and borders, I’ve discovered which borders are important to me and which borders I need to cross more often. I’ve also refreshed myself: until this summer, I had not taken a real break from school (since I spent last summer in intensive Greek); ten weeks is the longest I’ve been away from Chicago since moving there. Breaking my routine has allowed me to become reinvigorated for the next year; being out of the classroom has made me ready to re-enter it. This summer has been a great and fun learning experience; I’m sad to leave (though already plotting the next adventure!) but also excited to return home.

Jo’burg: The Final Leg

It’s hard to believe that I’m now in the last portion of my trip; though I have seen and done a lot, it still feels like I have only just begun to scratch the surface. As I look back to the days before I left, I remember being concerned that I would get stuck, that my contacts could fall through, that it was going to be a long and lonely ten weeks. For the most part, it’s certainly been the opposite (to my relief!).

So, Thursday evening I landed (for the second time) in Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport…but this time, I got to leave the airport.

The sprawling city of Johannesburg, as seen from a hill at the Apartheid Museum.

I was picked up by Raymond, a friend of a good friend back in Chicago; Raymond is renting a house in Melville (a trendy area of the city) and works for the Jesuit Institute. He is kindly letting me stay with him while I’m here; it’s nice to stay somewhere that is not a guesthouse! Melville is also a great place to be, particularly for someone traveling mostly by foot. There are lots of good restaurants, coffee shops, and bars within walking distance. I’ve spent most of my time so far exploring the area.

On Saturday, I went to the Apartheid Museum, which charts the history of apartheid South Africa from its beginning through the struggle and liberation.

Ramp walkway leading to the Apartheid Museum. The stones are a reminder of the thousands of gold miners who spent their lives in Jo'burg. The city was populated due to the gold mines.

Having been reading the stories of the TRC, it was useful and profound to see the entire history mapped out. Through new reports, eyewitness accounts, photographs, and videos, the museum clearly charted how apartheid developed, refined, and maintained itself. The documentation of the struggles showed both the horrible effects of apartheid and how the struggle for liberation ultimately found success. I appreciated the clear layout of the museum, which made it easy to follow the history without missing a section (which creates gaps). It took a few hours to walk through the large museum, but it was definitely worth it.

So, what’s my plan for Jo’burg?

I have a list of contacts with whom I am hoping to meet while here, but I’m currently waiting for responses from them. In the meantime, I’ve been exploring Melville and meeting many of Raymond’s friends and colleagues, many of whom are Jesuits so have connections and knowledge about what I’m here for. I’m also enjoying the chance to debrief and process the past eight weeks, particularly my time in Maritzburg. Once I get home, I’ll have only ten short days before classes start. Now is actually the ideal time to process the trip and prepare for the transition back to school.

On a fun note, Raymond has been planning several dinners and asked me if I wanted to cook for a couple folks coming to dinner tonight. I jumped at the opportunity: I haven’t cooked in so long…and it’s something active to do during the day (as opposed to reading and writing). I’ve made some quiches and hopefully created a delicious Milk Tart, which is a South African specialty dessert. I found a recipe in one of the cookbooks I bought for myself.

Homemade South African Milk Tart!

A coffee shop update (for those who were curious): it’s looking like “Wish” may be the winner (at least right now). They have free wireless (no internet where I am staying, so this is somewhat necessary) plus good coffee and snacks. An added bonus is that it doubles as a bar/restaurant…so some afternoons I can relax with a glass of wine if I’m no longer in a coffee mood.

So there you have it; it’s crazy to think that I was leaving Chicago just eight weeks ago. I’m looking forward to posting some reflections on my time here and more on The Bible in Context over the next couple of weeks. Keep in touch; can’t wait to see y’all very soon!

Moving Reflections

As I make the move to Jo’burg today, some shorter thoughts I wanted to share:

• I have decided that I truly know a city when I have found a coffee shop that I love and an order that everyone at the counter expects. In Cape Town, it was a filter coffee, no room for milk at Milk, Bread, and Honey. In Maritzburg, it is the most-delicious-chocolate-croissant-ever and a bottomless filter coffee at the Bread Ahead. Jo’burg is to-be-discovered!

• A month seems like a really long time when you are just starting. A month seems like no time at all when you are looking back on it…

• When you can’t find a souvenir shop for postcards, the tourism office is a good place to try. (It only took me four weeks to think of that!) Nevertheless, if you were expecting mail from me, it’s about to be on the way…

• My experience with my friends at Emaphethelweni has raised some new questions that will stick with me…possibly forever: When is Palesa going to tell Lefa she might be pregnant? And what is the deal with Lefa’s mother? When is everyone in the office going to realize that Donna is using Wayne to spy on them? When will Paul figure out that Kenneth set him up for murder? And is Paul going to lose Dineo in the process? When are Ajax and Ozzie’s sister going to become an official item? And, most importantly, what is going to happen with poor Sara’s marriage?

• Yes, watching soap operas every night for a month can actually become (sadly) addictive

• I’ve been reading Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog, which charts a narrative of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (Krog was a radio reporter who covered the entirety of the TRC.) It’s an extremely moving and difficult read, but it has certainly given me a better understanding of South Africa. I’ve been particularly struck by the comments made by Desmond Tutu that Krog reports. This one brought a smile to my face yesterday:

“After the first political submission in August 1996, I interviewed Archbishop Tutu. ‘Weren’t you irritated that you had to listen to four versions of South Africa’s past?”

He spreads his four skinny fingers under my nose. “Four versions…four…exist of the life of Christ. Which one would you have liked to chuck out?” (Krog 172)

Hitting the Halfway Point!

So, here I am at the halfway point. Five weeks ago, I was stepping off a plane in Cape Town, wandering around trying to find my ride to my room (and a bed). Five weeks from today, I will again be stepping off of a plane, setting my feet back home in Chicago. It seems like time has been moving quickly, yet I also feel like I’ve been gone for a while. However, I feel appropriately at the halfway point: I feel like I have done a good deal of what I was hoping to do, and I still feel like I need (at least) a good month to finish what I came for.

Travel-wise, I think I am starting to wear a little. It’s a little bit like approaching the middle of the 1650 freestyle at a swim meet: you know you can finish (and finish well!) but WOW, you just finished swimming half-a-mile and that’s a bit tiring!

It’s hard to live off of one suitcase and carry-on bags for ten weeks. The other day, Annette (who is travelling in Ghana on the same grant) and I were lamenting being a little tired of wearing the same outfits so frequently: when I left, I thought I had packed too much because I wanted to be prepared for a variety of weather possibilities. This turned out to be a good idea! Cape Town was cold; my first two weeks in Pietermaritzburg were almost summer-like (70-85 degrees Fahrenheit). Now the temperature has dropped again (rare in the midlands), and we are all complaining about the cold. Of course, it is nothing compared to a Chicago winter!

It is also hard being a visitor: I’m on a different schedule (and at a different school) from the guys I live with. I’m learning the basics of South African life, but I am still an outsider (as anyone who hears my American accent can tell). While I’m able to fill a lot of my free time, I’m still finding that I often have a good bit of time that I have to fill myself—and there is only so much reading I feel able to do in one day! As an introvert, it is sometimes wearing to feel like I am constantly meeting new people but rarely getting to spend a lot of time with the same people. While I’m enjoying the adventure of every day being different, I’m also missing some of the comforts and regularities of home. This is not to complain, but I don’t want the picture of my travels to seem too rosy. (But most of it, so far, has been pretty rosy!)

The biggest advantage to my accommodation in Pietermaritzburg is that I am staying with a community of students who are close to my age and share theological study interests. Since we share meals as community, this means both that I always have people to eat with and that we generally have interesting and fun conversations. Sharing common space means that I have also been able to enjoy “Holy Hour” club: the group of guys who gather to watching the evening Soapies (It’s okay if you miss mass, but you better not be late for Holy Hour!). I’ve also enjoyed going out for some outdoor recreation in the form of Ping-Pong, soccer, volleyball, and/or tennis. Having people to hang out with has helped to keep me from getting lonely.

All in all, I am having fun, and I’m glad I still have five more weeks to explore, learn, and enjoy! Keep in touch, and I can’t wait to see y’all in five weeks!

Fear and the Beloved Country

“Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, not give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much”

The refrain of “Cry, the beloved country…” runs through Alan Paton’s 1948 book of that title. His book poignantly tells the journey of a pastor who travels to Johannesburg to find lost family only to find his only son being convicted of murder. But the book is really about fear: what fear causes people to do, how it affects everyone, and what can happen if one tries to confront one’s own fears. Paton later reflected on the above passage in his 1987 Introduction:

“This passage was written by one who indeed had loved the earth deeply, by one who had been moved when the birds of his land were singing. This passage suggests that one can love a country too deeply, and that one can be too moved by the song of a bird. It is, in fact, a passage of poetic license. It offers no suggestion as to how one can prevent these things from happening.”

Much has changed since Paton wrote his famous book. It was published at a time when racism was growing in South Africa but before the regime changing elections that ushered in apartheid. Paton died in 1992, two years before Nelson Mandela was elected president and at a time when the political landscape of the country was still in flux. However, the effects of fear that Paton reflects upon in his book still ring true in South Africa today.

I can understand Paton’s reflection; I have fallen deeply in love with South Africa from the view of Table Mountain and the blares of vuvuzelas to the dry flowing hills of Pietermaritzburg and the roosters leisurely walking along the sidewalk. Traveling alone and in a new context, however, brings its own sets of fears: getting around a city at night, calling a cab, taking the public train to Stellenbosch, picking up the phone and calling my first contact, meeting new friends, going to a new church alone. There are fewer “safety nets” to which I have grown accustomed, and sometimes it is all-too-tempting to stick to what quickly became familiar territory. This is especially the case when you read about crime in South Africa. Fortunately, the other advantage to traveling alone is that this familiar territory quickly becomes suffocating; within a day, I was ready to pick up the phone and call someone and was ready to hop a taxi and explore beyond what was close.

As my travels continue, I am very aware of my fears and the decisions I am prone to make because of them. Reading Paton’s book has helped me to become more aware of these fears and to be more willing to confront them. The results of acting solely based on fear are far too disastrous to allow fear to consume me. Paton’s description of Jo’burg made me fearful of setting foot in the city: the general idea being that Jo’burg is the city from whence no one ever returns. Pair that with the list of “DON’T’s” found in every guidebook entry on Jo’burg and I began to develop a growing fear of my three weeks in Jo’burg. But much of this fear simply has to do with the fact that Jo’burg will be my third arrival on unfamiliar turf, my third time of having to adjust to a new place. There’s a part of me that wants to go back to Cape Town, until I realize that once I settle into Jo’burg, I will probably learn to love it as much as I have grown to love Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town.

The other advantage to facing my fears has been that I have talked to others about my travels and concerns. This has been immensely helpful, especially when I was told that the area where I am staying is one of the safest. Further, people have said that while crime in Jo’burg is a larger problem, you have to always remember that most people remain safe and the majority of South Africans are good people. It’s exactly the same case as when I moved to Chicago! As long as you stay smart and keep your fear in check, everything should be fine…

A Whirlwind Welcome to Pietermaritzburg!

My time in Cape Town came to an end on Monday, when I boarded a plane bound for Durban, a large city on the East Coast. From Durban I took a shuttle (it arrived an hour and a half late!) to the Emaphethelweni Dominican House of Pietermaritzburg. Arriving in Pietermaritzburg was a huge shift from Cape Town: the first thing I noticed was the temperature difference—it’s much warmer here (about 70 degrees)! It’s also much dryer: winter is the wet season on the west coast and the dry season on the east coast. But the biggest change is moving from a big city to a small town: there is no longer a “Western” feel here, which is in many ways a welcome change: I feel like I am getting a true South African experience. I’m also staying with the Dominican brothers, which means I am getting to interact with students, many of whom have grown up in South Africa. It’s been a bit of an adjustment, but I feel like I am definitely getting what I came here for.

And that extends to my project as well! Within thirty minutes of my arrival, Dr. Gerald West came by to welcome me, give me some general details, and walk me around the campus. “You’ve come at a great time,” he told me, “because everything is just starting back up after the break.” He told me that thee should be lots to do and that if I ever found myself bored to just prod him or other staff members. Then, he introduced me to Skhumbuzo Zuma, who works with the Ujamaa Centre for Contextual Bible Study and is a student/staff at UKZN (University of KwaZulu-Natal); the next day, when Dr. West would depart for a conference in Germany, I would be going out with Skhumbuzo to observe a Contextual Bible Study in action. Things seemed off to a great start! [More on this to come!]

Dr. West then gave me a tour of the campus, showing me the library and eventually arriving at the home of the Theology faculty. As we walked, we ran into several students and staff members to whom I was introduced. Dr. West also suggested several classes that I could sit in on while I am here so that I can see how the work of Contextual Bible Study also makes its way into the classroom. I must admit that when I left Cape Town, I was somewhat apprehensive about having enough to do in Pietermaritzburg, but I felt welcomed with open arms. It was clear that there was a lot going on and plenty of things for me to do while I am here. Perhaps my excitement can best be summed up by one of the faculty members I met: “You’re only here for a month? That’s no time at all!” It was a relieving comment to hear after having the thought going through my head: “I’m staying in one new place for a whole month.”

So, I’m excited about the month to come. I’m really enjoying getting to know the brothers at the house, and I am slowly adjusting to the new pace of life. Moving from one city to another is difficult—especially when going from somewhere big (with lots to do outside of research) to somewhere much quieter. I had a slight moment of homesickness the other day, after returning from a busy day of Contextual Bible Study. It mainly revolved around my food situation: we had hot dogs and fried chicken for lunch, hardly vegetarian fare. So, I came home hungry and tired with the realization that I had no idea if dinner would be any better: at Emaphethelweni, all of our meals are prepared. This is nice because I can eat with a community, but it’s difficult for someone who has grown accustomed to planning and preparing his own meals. But, I am getting vegetarian options prepared to accompany my meals here, and now that I am operating on a fuller stomach, I have a bright and excited outlook for the month to come!

But on that note, do keep in touch. My internet is slower here (probably meaning no photo uploads), but I love hearing from you all!

Saying NO to Xenophobia and Other Updates

First: Apologies for the delay in postings. I have so many things I want to write about; enough to post daily.

Taken on a walk in the Company's Gardens

Unfortunately, it takes so much time to try to briefly and coherently get all of my thoughts down. And, in the meantime, I’m also trying to experience South Africa and make as much progress on my project as possible. By the time I do that—and then write my own personal journal…it seems like blogging just falls off the radar. Keep the comments coming; the more I hear from you, the easier it is for me to remember that writing is worth it! (Plus, it’s a little less lonely when you hear from loved ones back home…)

A follow-up to my last post: yesterday, I joined 1500 others in a fanwalk in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 92nd birthday and to say NO to xenophobia.

Gathering of marchers

It was a moving experience to join with so many others calling for a spirit of unity and peace to continue on from the World Cup. We gathered in front of St. George’s Cathedral, where in September 1989, millions gathered for a peace march against apartheid led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It was particularly striking to start our march at such a historic location.

When I arrived, we were told that we had to wait for the police, who were going to escort us and stop traffic.

Marching drummers

People were excited; some carried signs, some wore yellow South African football jerseys, others wore or carried the South African flag. As we slowly made our way along the fan walk, I spent some time talking with Scalabrini volunteers who were there getting signatures for their Unite as One campaign, which officially launched that morning. As we walked, folks sang, played drums, and blew their vuvuzelas proudly.

Myself (finally!) at the end of the walk. Thanks to Bianca for letting me borrow her sign and for taking the photo!

It was definitely an experience worth having! I spent the rest of the day enjoying lunch at the Ubuntu Festival in honor of Mandela’s birthday, and I joined the crowd in singing Happy Birthday and enjoying the delicious cake provided by Charley’s Bakery (who also organized the march). Then, I browsed the Slave Lodge museum, which was free for Mandela Day; I spent most of my time in the large exhibit on Mandela.

A saxophone player from Mozambique plays Happy Birthday as Jacqui from Charley's bakery leads the singing

So quickly, what else have I been doing to stay so busy?

Saturday, I went to the Neighbor Goods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill to enjoy a delicious outdoor market for breakfast and lunch. A quick photo journey of my culinary indulgences follows:

Breakfast: A Belgian Waffle (not pictured: a cup of iced Rooibos tea). Notice the awesome cardboard box table!

Lunch: Oysters and a beer (Dessert not pictured: chocolate croissant and an organic coffee)

Some other highlights from the past week: volunteering at the Scalabrini Soup Kitchen, attending two book launches at the Book Lounge (free snacks and wine and a book preview is a great way to end a long day!), a day trip to Stellenbosch to meet with Dr. Julie Claassens- professor of Old Testament (more reflection on this to come!), attended a two musical productions- Aesop’s Fables at the Fugard Theatre (named after the playwright who wrote Sizwe Banzi is Dead, which was performed at Chicago’s Court Theatre this spring) and Mad World- a production by the children of Lawrence House, a refugee home run by Scalabrini. And that’s just a taste, so, yes, I’ve been quite busy!

Scalabrini Guest House workers Antonia and Bianca at the march. They have both been great hosts here!

Mandela's Birthday Cake: I was lucky enough to find the front of the line, which meant I got a great position for taking a snapshot!

My First 48 Hours in Cape Town

I’m here! I’m (kinda) caught up on sleep! And I’m taking a blog break as I prepare for what looks to be a quiet evening in. Also, I have a phone: the number is (+27) 72-417-4141. As far as I can tell, I don’t pay anything for calls made to the phone…

My 40 hour plane trip to South Africa was uneventful, thankfully. I’m not going to rehearse any of that in detail, minus the fact that as I landed in Cape Town, I realized that the adventure was really beginning. For the past forty hours, I had been in the familiar (though certainly NOT comfortable) settings of planes and airports; as I landed, it was time to learn to navigate a new city, a new country, and new surroundings. My first challenge: getting to my guest house. Easy…minus the car driver carrying a sign with the name “Hocky.”

To backtrack slightly: I did hit the ground running on my project with a meeting in the Johannesburg airport. I had arranged to have a quick cup of coffee with Dr. Douglas Tilton, a PC(USA) missionary in South Africa. He had already sent me several promising contacts in Cape Town, and as I described my project and goals in more detail, he suggested even more. It was great to have a friendly, smiling face to greet me upon setting foot in a new place.

So, Cape Town: I’m staying at the Guest House of the Scalabrini Centre, which does work with refugee populations in Cape Town and works to combat xenophobia within the country. The staff here is very friendly and has been very helpful in advice for where to eat, get money, find coffee, etc. I also have access to a kitchen for cooking some of my meals (I’m already tiring of eating out three times a day!)

Yesterday morning, armed with eleven full hours of sleep and two cups of coffee, I ventured out to explore the center of the city. I made my way to Long Street, one of the main commercial hubs for the city, particularly in terms of coffee, drinks, and food. World Cup craze is everywhere. I wandered into stores and shops as I had interest, looking at books, clothes, menus, vuvuzelas. After eating lunch, I returned to explore the area surrounding my lodging (Long Street is about 5-10 minutes away), discovering churches and museums and the Parliament building. My final–and perhaps favorite–discovery was The Book Lounge, just one block from my room! It is a small, independent bookstore with a wide selection of authors, both South African and worldwide. The atmosphere is friendly and there is a great cafe/reading space downstairs. Definitely a place meriting a return.

After a long day spent walking, I was ready for dinner at a pizza restaurant called Diva, recommended by the Scalabrini staff. What I thought would be a quick dinner followed by an evening in turned into a great evening! When I arrived, they asked me if I was part of “the group.” When I said I was not, they asked me to sit in the corner, which was perfect for me–a great people-watching location. As “the group” arrived, it was clear it was a meet-up group of mainly middle-aged men. As my dinner neared its end, a woman approached me and asked where I was from. When I replied “Chicago,” she became excited because she was from Indiana where she worked with the Teaching Center at Auburn University. She had been in South Africa for the World Cup, seen five matches and was getting ready to head to Jo-burg for the final. She introduced me to her friend Garth, a local B&B owner whose hospitality she had been enjoying. Apparently, Garth offered her a place to stay when she arrived in Cape Town ready to book an early ticket home. Lonely and frustrated with the craziness of a new location, she was ready to leave. A month later, she was now telling me that she can’t believe she has to leave and that she is already figuring out how to get back again! I stayed for several hours talking with her and her new friends before heading back to my room for another good night’s sleep. As I heard her story, I made a mental note to remember it when I start to get lonely and to remember that a good experience is often only one conversation away.

By comparison, today was much less eventful. My plan was to hike to the waterfront, but rain changed my plans. I slept in, found coffee, changed rooms (I had been in a double room and now I am in a single), did some logistical work for my project, went back to the Book Lounge, and found the grocery store (always a fun adventure!). Now I’m off to enjoy my own cooking with a glass of genuine South African wine.

After only having airplane sleep for 48 hours, this was the best sight possible!

I couldn't get a full photo of this, but notice that the shower is not separate from anything. This meant the whole bathroom floor was wet after showering. My new shower has walls!

My new room: bed is behind me. Not huge, but comfortable.

My new phone and all the keys to get into my room (it takes six to get from the street to the room's interior).

I will get actual pictures of the outdoors soon! I promise I have left my room a great deal!

Safe in Cape Town!

I am safe in Cape Town after forty-plus hours of travel! Got in around 8:00pm last night, completely exhausted. Took a shower, put on fresh clothes, and went to bed. Getting ready to explore the city. Will have a more detailed post later, but wanted everyone to know now that all is well!