There’s a first time for everything.

After weeks of putting off blogging, I have finally had time to sit down and let my thoughts run onto the page…well blog. Tomorrow morning at a lazy 5am, a group of us will be off on the adventure of a lifetime down and up the coast of South Africa stopping along the way to Bungee Jump from the world’s highest Bungee, to visit beautiful coastal cities like Coffee Bay, and to spend time in Kruger National Park, one of the largest nature and animal reserves in the world. All in 10 days. So before I go, I thought I would take a look back at some of the “firsts” I’ve accomplished so far in my month and a half abroad. And what better way to do so than a list!

1. The first time I ran up and down a mountain in South Africa. I developed a love for trail running before my time abroad, but this past weekend while on retreat in Hermanus, I had the opportunity for some solo runs up the mountains on the retreat center property. The thrilling rush of coming down the mountain is something that’s hard to put into words, but with every step down the mountain, I am present in the here and now of my life. This very presence is something I’ve been longing for since going abroad.

The view from my first run of the weekend.

From halfway up the mountain, a panorama of the valley and rolling hills below in Hermanus, SA at Volmoed Retreat Center

2. My first time whale watching in the Southern Hemisphere. This past weekend while on retreat, we also had the opportunity to go into the coastal town of Hermanus. And who knew that Hermanus was the whale capital of the world? As I sat down for lunch at a restaurant precariously perched on the rocks above the ocean, I looked in amazement at whales breaching in the water just a few hundred feet away. The sheer size of their tail fin was enough to take my breath away, let alone the whole left side of one.

On the coast of Hermanus

3. My first time ocean kayaking. One of my housemates, Abbie has a passion for all things involving kayaking, so when she found out it was possible to do down here on the coast, she excitedly got all but 2 in our house on board. Our group spent a Sunday afternoon travelling to Simone’s Town by train and kayaking the coast of Boulder Beach. The very beach where there are penguins. YES. Penguins in South Africa? I didn’t believe it either. But as we approached the beach, there they were just hanging out on the shore, along with the seals that swam next to us. Never did I think I would kayak in open water, or see penguins in South Africa. To experience this in one fellow swoop? Unheard of.

4. My first braai. It’s okay, I had no idea what that was either before coming here. It’s South Africa’s version of a BBQ but better and with meat I’m unsure how to pronounce. A couple of Sundays ago, Kimberley House put on a braai for our university friends and service learning sites. All day, the house was filled with excitement, cooking, and lots of embarrassing dance moves. We made ‘salads’ or side dishes for the meat consisting of fruit salad, penne pasta salad, avo caprese salad, and LOTS of Mac and Cheese. The braai was a success, complete with a variety of guests, one who happened to be a DJ, who so conveniently brought his speakers and music with him. This only added to the electric atmosphere of the party! The night ended with a group of us saying ‘yes’ to the invitation of karaoke by a woman and her boyfriend who worked at a service site in the area. Before we knew it, we were swept away by our two new friends listening to a karaoke competition late into the afternoon. By the end the four of us were singing Beyoncé on stage.

Two of my favorite women I have had the opportunity to meet here. On the left is our RA, Kholeka. On the right is Bhuli, the wife of our program director.

5. My first time sitting on the beach enjoying the sunset in this country. With good company, and some wine, we sat on the rocks at Camps Bay and watched one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. This started off one of the most fun nights of the trip, with our whole group ending up at the Hout Bay Market for dinner and live music. 

6. Our first birthday celebration here in Cape Town. What a coincidence that two of my beautiful have the same birthday! Sarah (20) and Leyla (22) celebrated their birthday with our group over dinner and drinks with Sarah’s parents who flew in for the week to see this beautiful country. As time goes on, I am continuing to fall in love with our house and the willingness to do whatever, and go wherever for each other.

7. My first time completing the three peaks here in Cape Town. This past Monday, I finally had the chance to climb the last of the 3 mountains, Lion’s Head. With clear skies driving there, the weather took a turn for the worst and the mountain was surrounded by thick fog the whole way up. But that didn’t stop my new friends and me from climbing to the top, and trail running down. By far one of the most fun mountain hikes I’ve done!

8. And finally….my first tattoo. I wasn’t going to mention it, but I thought hey, whoever reads this blog I’ve probably already told about it. A couple weeks back, my friend from school and I decided we were finally going to act on our idea, and made an appointment at Cape Electric Tattoo. After 2 years of consideration and deliberation, I walked out with a small anchor on the inside of both my feet, a constant reminder to anchor myself in my faith. Sure it’s cliché, but from the moment the tattoo artist started, I haven’t regretted my decision one bit. I never thought I would get a tattoo. Let alone get a tattoo in a foreign country, but it’s a decision I am completely sound with. Whenever I took down at my feet I won’t just remember the meaning of the tattoo, but the place where I got it. 

 

And with that, I’m off to explore more, and to write another post! 

 

Blessings to all.