Cape Town

Wow! My road trip across South Africa was very interesting!

Traveling from Zululand and the Durban area to the Garden Route and Cape Town is like traveling through different countries. In the middle is an area called the Eastern Cape which could be considered its own little country. Not only are the people different in each place, but the ecosystems and environments are different. Dialects, histories, languages, mannerisms, etc. all change. Suddenly, the way you've acted for 4 months becomes strange and foreign (well, being American is already foreign enough but still).

The Western Cape (where Cape Town is located) is obviously the richest/cleanest/safest province in South Africa. Afrikaans, not Zulu, is the main language; white people work behind convenience store counters, and the police inspire faith. Healthy foods replace KFCs. Walking at night replaces calling for security escorts. Even the poor dress better and/or play music to beg. Cape Town is definitely not the Africa I've come to know. It is such a different experience that it has to be compared in its own regard. I have to admit that I had my culture shock there and that CT was wayyy too touristy for my taste. However, the up sides were that interracial interaction was higher and eco-friendly things are happening. Now if the city (or country, for that matter) can get rid of cocaine, glue-sniffers, and harassment...

I'm glad that I studied in KwaZulu-Natal. I felt as though I received an "African" experience. Granted, I had some modern comforts but I felt closer to real and true South African life. In Cape Town, I feel as though it would've been like going to Europe or New York. It was a good way to end this trip here in South Africa. I'm being acculturated in time for my flight in less than 48 hours back to the States. It is difficult to sum the trip in words. Many emotions, feelings, thoughts, and memories surround it - positive and negative. I will have to say that the trip as a whole was great. I learned to live on my own, isolated from my family and all but one of my friends. I maintained my identity, discovered new interests and hobbies, and experienced a vibrant and thriving culture.

South Africa. A distinct and unique country that cannot be adequately defined by any particular race, religion, or region. It is an ambiguous term that attempts to describe a collection of people attempting to live together. Despite all of its problems, the country is progressing in various stages in its own time. It is full of potential. It has made amazing strides so far. It just needs to keep going and keep working. At least until three in the afternoon.