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Published: November 8th 2009
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wine tasting
The girls (timer photo) at the crest of a mountain on the way home from wine tasting Well everyone...that time has come, I will be home in 5 days!
It is unbelievable how quickly my time here in South Africa has flown by, I never imagined a semester could go by in the blink of an eye.
So, here it is - - one last blog entry to summarize my last few weeks, and some pictures to share.
Since I wrote last our group had settled down for finals and last minute projects. I wrote 3 final exams, and had many-a-paper to deliver. I took my last exam this past friday and am now home free for the next week.
Besides finals, Natalie's best friend from school who is studying abroad in Florence this semester came to Stellenbosch for her spring break for a week, so we had a great excuse to do some touristy things that we have forgotten about living here for so long. On the last day she was here we took a wine estate tour and went to 4 different vineyards, followed by a delicious dinner at Reuben's restaurant. It was a beautiful sunny day and a great time with all of the girls! I will post a few pictures
Grand Bech Vineyard
one of our stops on our wine estate tour a few weeks ago from that outing!
Nat, Lex and I also went to the top of Table Mountain a few weeks ago - - it was spectacular! We went up at about 11 am on the most gorgeous day, you could see for miles in every direction. Bradley, our program director, accompanied us to the peak, he has taken the journey almost 40 times now in his 20 years living here and he said that he has never been up on a day better then the one we had. I will also attach a few photos from that adventure (one of which was a giant sculpture telling us how far away we are at the top of the mountain from most major cities, including NYC!)
Later that afternoon, we rented a car, and Lex, Nat, and I, proceeded to drive along the coast for a while. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful drive. We ended our excursion in Kalk Bay which is an adorable little beach town. We walked in and out of the shops and had a delicious dinner at a sea food restaurant. That afternoon meal took an abrupt turn for the worst when Natalie realized she
Top
Me, Lex and Nat on the top of Table Mountain -- quite the view was having an allergic reaction to the tuna (we assume it was the tuna) that she had ate. So, we got her to the nearest hospital, which was an adventure, and she thankfully was rushed right in to get treatment. 3 hours later she was all better and cleared to go. But, you will all be proud (knock on wood) that no hospital trips have been made for me on this trip! Surprising, I know..
We had a terrific string of weather since I wrote last, and spent many a days beach-side and pool-side at a good friends house near Stellenbosch. Sadly enough, the weather has also taken a turn for the worst and our last 5 days here are forecasted for rain, rain and more rain, which is a true bummer. I suppose it will make it easier for me to leave at the end of the week though!
Aside from that, we had our group "farewell" dinner on Thursday night at a amazing restaurant called Moyo. It was an insane experience - - a huggee complex encompassed with tents. There was live "african" music and dancing, as well as face painting and authentic food like you
New York!
Only a few KM away.. would never believe. It has been a terrific semester, and our group got along better then most groups. Thankfully we all meshed very well and it made for a great semester. The dinner was a great chance to reminisce about the unforgettable time that we have all had together -- and plan our reunion state side!
The last things on our agenda are: Natalie's birthday on Wednesday, and then Thursday we are spending the night in Camps Bay. Camps Bay is a resort town right outside of downtown Cape Town. We had planned this little trip weeks ago before the weather went downhill, but we all wanted to spend on last night together outside of our dorms. So, we have splurged and rented ourselves a suite at a nice hotel. We will cook a delicious dinner and share one last night of laughs. Then, Friday we will all board our planes and head home. I am scheduled to land around 8pm in Syracuse on Saturday, the 14th. Cross your fingers because the majority of my traveling will come on Friday the 13th! :-X
It has been an amazing trip, and I would not change one thing but it
will be nice to be home.
I hope you all enjoyed reading my blog throughout the past four months - - thanks for keeping tabs on me!
I cannot wait to see all of you over the holidays, which are right around the corner!
I miss you all and love you -- see you in a week!!
Cheers!!
xoxo-Aub
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Grandma
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Homecoming
Hi Aubrey, What can I say. I am glad you had a wonderful time and glad also to have you coming home. Don't worry about traveling on Fri the 13th. As good Catholics we are not superstitious!!! Have a safe journey and we will see you on Sunday. Love you, Grandma and Grandpa