Blogs from Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa - page 4

The Matric Dance is an exclusive, extravagant dance only for matrices (seniors). Max asked if I would be his date. Since then I have been franticly looking for my perfect dress. With only a week left, I found a boutique. It was almost impossible for me to choose my dress because they were all amazing. Armed with my perfect dress, I was ready to have a marvelous night. Max picked me up at a friend’s house where we headed out to the pre-drinks party. The food was fabulous (duh), but the dresses were breath taking. We watched the sunset over the mountains and wine vineyard then headed out for the school. For an entrance couples can come together and rent a limo or find another way to impress the crowd. Max, proudly from Scotland, he wanted ... read more

I am spontaneously inspired to buy unneeded food when I am walking up and down the aisles in the grocery store. Today I saw a box that made burritos, and I could not resist. It is hard to live without Mexican food if u=you are accustomed to having it a couple times a month. I miss it. After I cut up the chicken, tomatoes and lettuce, I walked up to the cafeteria. The chef was more than happy to help me cook my chicken. Unsurprisingly, I was disappointed by the burritos. It was a like a South African was trying to make Mexican food… duh. However, the quesadilla I had for breakfast was incredible. Hooray for Mexican food!... read more

I do not have the appreciation for seeing the sun rise. All I see is the fact that I, once again, am up too early. I saw the sun rise both Tuesday and Wednesday in order to drive to Cape Town for Artscape. While there, I watched a comedian, 3 plays, 1 contemporary dance company, 1 dance/play/comedy, and attended three workshops. The actors were amazing, but the contemporary dancers frequently forgot parts of the routine, and I did not find their moves entertaining or intriguing (maybe it was because they had profound African influences in the dances and I could not fully appreciate it). Two of the plays were depressing and confusing plots that left everyone feeling confused, upset and depressed. On the upside, the dance/play/comedy was amazing. My workshops had potential, but psychotic drama teachers ... read more

Children now need to learn English to have a good chance to succeed. That is why the Xhosa Reading program was founded. It brings together fluent English speakers with children who are just beginning to read. Since I have been here, I have been part of this program. I could not imagine a better way to spend my Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Today was special. Nick was leading Simon Says then he laid down… in mud. We all started laughing at him because he had mud on his back, and he began freaking out. The best part is when Helanka smeared her fingers in the mud and wiped them on Nick’s back. She did this twice and then the kids decided to join. They ended up swarming him then he ran. Not the best move. 30 ... read more

What do you know? You do learn on weekends! Sunday the South African and Zimbabwe under 20 Cricket teams came and played at Bridge House. Max taught me about the game while they the teams played. The point of the game is to get "runs." One gets a run by hitting the ball then running back and forth between the wickets. Wickets are three posts linked together that the hitters bat in front of. There is a white circle around the field, and if a ball rolls over it the running team gets 4 runs, if the ball is hit over the rope the team gets 6 runs. A hitter can get out when they the ball with the back of their bat. The players is also out if their ball is caught or the ball ... read more