Africa Day 1

We arrived in Cape Town very early in the morning, before sunrise. As we pull into the harbor in each port city, most people get out of bed and take pictures of our arrival at sunrise. Cape Town was no different other than we had to wait longer for the sun to rise. As we sail into the harbor, the view of Table Mountain is all you really notice. It’s a gorgeous site at sunrise (and sunset). After we docked, I went to breakfast and then to our diplomatic briefing. Then I took a nap for two hours before hitting the streets of Africa. I walked around for a bit, exchanged money, and then left for a trip to BUSH Radio. BUSH Radio is a radio station that was started in efforts of fighting HIV and AIDS and reaching out to the community it served. It has since developed more into being very community oriented and serves several outreach programs to its community. We got a tour of the station, watched some videos about the history of the station, and some of us, myself included, were even ON AIR around 3pm. It was a good trip, but it was more/less required for the class I am taking on HIV and AIDS. Upon returning to the ship, I left shortly after for another trip. This one was called Township Music and it was so much fun. After being driven through a township on a huge tour bus, we went to some random building to participate in a drum circle. The man leading it was very enthusiastic and entertaining. We drummed with him to several rhythms and then he taught a few guys some African dance. Then it was the ladies’ turn. As the guys drummed, all of the girls got up and danced. WE WERE HORRIBLE, but it was a really good time. From there, we left and went to a restaurant that was closed for our group. We were served a traditional African cuisine before being told what it was. The appetizer was sheep intestines and main course was chicken feet (nails included). It wasn’t too bad, really. I tried it, swallowed it, but didn’t finish all of it. I don’t think I will be ordering the sheep intestines again, but they really weren’t too bad. After dinner, we were each allowed a free drink from the bar and then it was out to the patio for live music and dance. The band was fun and excited to play for us. There were three African women who led us in dance and also sang occasionally. They were all thrilled to be hosting us. Over the street-side fence, neighborhood children were peeking and dancing in the streets. They really wanted to be invited to our party, but the owner wouldn’t let them in. PRIVATE PARTY means private party apparently. We headed back to the ship around midnight.