where am i?

Drinking coffee as a bedtime snack? At midnight? Probably not the smartest decision I've ever made. I guess caffeine really does affect me after all. Huh. Perhaps it's for the best though, as I am now updating my blog - something I have neglected for some time. Cool beans.

and then there were four

I remember thinking not long ago, "Wow! We only have THIRTY days left in Africa! That is insane!"

... and now, there's only four. Four days. After three very long months that absolutely flew by, that is all that is left.

cape town

Alarm systems, swimming pools, movie theaters, black maidservants, lectures, and sightseeing. These are only some of the many things that are a part of our lives here in Cape Town. Being here is so different from any other part of our trip. For the first time, we are more of traditional students and tourists than we are simple house-guests.

beginning of the end

It's so hard for me to believe that this is the last month. Am I really in Cape Town right now? Wow.

We finished up free travel just a couple of days ago and have reunited as a group once again to embark on our last homestay. I'm really looking forward to meeting my new host family in a couple of days, but am also nervous that there's no way they'll be able to compare to the last two I have had. Cape Town has already proved to be quite incredible; a good number of us decided to venture around downtown today to check out the sights. The african markets are just bustling with life and calls of "Hello! You are welcome; take your time. It is free to look and touch. I will give you a very good price!" I don't even know where to begin when it comes to buying gifts for my friends and family back home. Another fun thing about this area is the variety of restaurants we can go to! I don't think I've ever been so excited for food... after coming out of Lesotho, anything is luxury. Back to Cape Town though - it is simply beautiful here. Our backpacker is situated right at the base of Table Mountain, which towers over the entire city. Also, there's a cute little park not too far away. It's really nice to walk through.

plett

Quick update! Right now we are staying at the Albergo lodge in Plettenberg Bay. Tomorrow is the first day of free travel, which we are all very, very excited about. Say hello to beaches and restaurants! woo hoo!

Also, today I JUMPED OFF A BRIDGE!!! Seriously. I bungee jumped off the highest commercial bungee jumping spot in the world - 216 meters. It was the most surreal experience... I don't even know how to describe it and I can hardly believe I actually did it! And I'm still alive!

What a great day.