Just keep climbing.

What a beautiful Saturday morning. I woke up to kids playing next door and a baby crying, heh. Did the dishes. Just made some toast, cut up a fresh apple, pressed some coffee and now I’m enjoying it all on the patio with little Rastafarian (my neighbors black kitty). She’s just playing with the leaves that have fallen off some of the trees and asking me to share my breakfast with me… ☺

Yesterday was a great day- very tiring, but very awesome. We had registration yesterday, which wasn’t the most eventful, and waiting in very long queues forever! Step after step I became a registered student- I enrolled in four courses that will award me with 14 credits when I return home, that means only 15 more I think until graduation in May. Power, Media, and Culture; Print Journalism Production; International Politics; Christianity, Muslim and Islam are my courses I chose for the term. I tried to take a load of well-rounded courses. It was difficult to get into the media courses without having taken any of their pre-requirements. I was going to take another one but I had to go to the Prof for permission—so being me, I did try to find him.

I went to the Film and Media Centre where I had no idea where to go but after being a lost dog, I found what I thought was the reception area, where two adults were conversing—so I approached them and said, “Excuse me, but I was looking for Dr. Chumo’s office, do you happen.,.” and I was cut off. The gentleman (who was far from one) stormed out muttering that he can’t stand how rude people can be and the woman was like, “are you an international student? I suppose we need to teach you some manners so you can bring them home with you. You’re American, aye?”

The thing about South African attitude that I’ve found is that they say it all with a great smile and still somehow make you feel like your two inches high just because you’re American or whatever else. I again proposed my problem and she said, “That man that just stormed out is whom you need to speak to but I suggest being polite when you speak to him.” I thought I was polite! Anyway I found rude man and knocked on his door as I was instructed and the only thing he said, “American, you’re following me! WHY??” Oh god, I just decided to take another course instead of another journalism course, my time hadn’t started off very well and I was concerned that he may be one of my professors. I do not want to start off that way so I apologized, played the ignorant-I’m-from-New-York card and called it a day. Registered for some other interesting courses.

I also decided that I am going to do Mountain and Ski club where they arrange different trips around Cape Town to go hiking and exploring—so it’s a good way to see more of the city and not just be stuck around the University. I’m digging out my adventurous side that I got from who knows where and use it to my advantage. In Upstate New York there really aren’t many places to express that side of you, when you’re bogged down with assignments and responsibilities. I’ve found some dividing differences living in New York and living here. While here you’re not totally void of a social conscious, you want to do so many things—the stress and pressure doesn’t hinder over you like a black cloud ready to burst. It’s much more of a mindset of assurance, that it will get done and that you just don’t have to worry about it—it’s more about having more faith in yourself than leaning onto others for an approval.

Life is about living, not worrying about how to live.

After the paperwork yesterday morning--- a bunch of us got together and went hiking. It was perfect yesterday, a slight breeze and warmth in the sun. There are so many hiking paths on the campus that lead you onto Table Mountain or Devil’s Peak. There are so many that it’s hard to choose what path you want to take. We really didn’t have a plan per say, so we just went for it. We saw the Rhoades memorial built right next to the school—well there many, but this one was awesome. It had Egyptian like lions kneeing in honor of him and a plaque under Cecil that acknowledged he was a genius. It was interesting as you got higher into the hike to see the city shrink in size but expand with perspective. By the time we reached the finishing point, which we were hoping we would get to Devil’s Peak, but the sun went against us and decided to set a little. At where we stopped, you could see the two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, Hout Bay, False Bay, Cape Town Airport, the University and so many other things. It was time stopping. All the work to get up there was totally worth it and completely worth any hardships in life—it erases all the bad times, those time you felt down about a bad grade, a bad relationship, an underprepared for bill, whatever ills your mood—this took it away and reminded you that you have life in your hands and that this in front of you in yours to capture and take advantage of. While having that power it also reminds you that remaining kind to nature is just as important—having all of that beauty right in front of me, the naturally gorgeous energy that pumps through Earth’s veins places an importance in my everyday life not only to take time to remember it’s there but also to respect it whenever possible.

On top of the mountain the wind took me over and I legitamatley thought I was going to fall off a cliff- but it was such a force of nature that kept me feeling comfortable. It was almost as if Mother Nature was having fun with us, letting us experience the power and energy that the Earth has. Truly a magical adrenaline rush.

Today is up in the air, maybe figuring out how to use the washing machine—I should have paid more attention when the cleaning lady was showing us. None of us can figure it out so I don’t feel so bad. I have caught some light cold but it’s annoying to being trying to do things with a runny nose. Maybe take a jog around the canal will jumpstart me a bit.

I have two days left of summer vacation! I might as well make use of it because in a few weeks time, if it’s anything like home- I will be praying for time off.

More soon.
Ciao,
*Mel