People asked me before my trip many questions but the main one was always, "aren't you scared or nervous...." About getting along with my sister, maybe, but I knew they meant for my safety. Honestly, I believe in the heart of humans and the good of people, and after four or so days in South Africa, that has shown through tremendously, which has started our trip off on an excellent foot.
One of my best friends worked on a cruise ship and met a girl from South Africa. After facebooking with this girl, Petra, she and her family agree to host us, but they did so much more than that. They made us feel at home, they picked us up from the airport, they fed us, they showed us around, they made Cape Town feel like our home away from home.
Day one we run errands, relax, and get introduced to her family which consists of three sisters - all around our age, her sisters' boyfriends, one very cute little brother, and her two loving parents. Their home is right outside of Cape Town and very beautiful, Makayne and I get our own room which is right down the hall from our own bathroom, outside is a pool and a view of Table Mountain.
Day two we go visit some of Cape Town's famous wine farms. Petra's sister is dating a very nice young man named Simon, he takes us to his family's wine farm to end the day. I know in the US I don't eat much meat but in South Africa they do, they call it a Braai which is similiar to a BBQ but over an open fire. We eat and drink all day with Petra's sisters and their friends. Then we go out and dance, and have more fun. Then...the next morning...we climb a mountain! A great cure for not only being jetlagged but also hungover ;)
Day three - oh Table Mountain, google image it now, everyone who knows me knows I love hiking and this is the most amazing hike I have ever done. So beautiful. Waterfalls along the way and sometimes you feel as if you are going straight up, when you get to the top, you are short of breath but it is more because of the view than the hike itself. I was really proud of Makayne because I know hiking isn't her thing but when you can see the whole city and ocean below, and the clouds are hanging right near you, you forget about the three hours of climbing. Makayne and Adele (Petra's sister) took the cable car down, but Petra and I walked, I am feeling it today!
Day four - Yes mother, we got our Malaria meds today so no worries! And now we are nice and cozy at the hippest little backpacker place in town, sad to leave Petra's family but happy to find a new family like atmosphere here where we are going to be hosted for two days for free. Makayne and I have spent maybe $60 since arriving in Cape Town so anyone who thinks they can't afford travel just needs to be smart and use couchsurfing.com! In a couple of days we will travel about one hour to Hermanus where it is whale watching season and a woman there is going to host us for free as well. We are getting very lucky with accomadations and our meals, we may have extra money to go shark diving or bungee jumping ;)
Love and peace to you all!
2 comments:
Did you just say you're going to do some Whale Watching?! Ahhhhh, Chelsey that is sooooo cool. And I super jealous! One day I'll be able to experience that. College is going great at the U of M TC and I am eager to read more from your blog about your South Africa Journey!
Your AP Student Michelle!
Hi Chelsey! Your story has me captivated so far. Hopefully, I will actually figure out how to post a comment! The trip sounds amazing so far.
Love,
Auntie Andi
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