Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wrapping Up A Mostly Relaxing Week
It's a bit weird for me. I think most people at UW are preparing for midterms, and I start classes tomorrow (Friday). Actually, scratch that, the first day of lectures is actually on Monday. But here at UCT classes "meet" tomorrow, on Friday. And someone said that by "meet", they mean that you follow your Tuesday schedule... but lectures haven't actually started. I don't really understand, but I'm just going with the flow. When in Rome...
And since classes haven't started, I've been a real bum. I've been spending time in the pool everyday. It is the only way to stay cool! I mean, what is it, summer in Africa here? I've even found a hobby. I like to clean the pool. We have a vacuum that attaches to the filter, and I really enjoy using it to dive and suck up leaves and dirt. It is therapeutic and productive. As a result, I've been crowned the Pool Doctor. I'm not sure if this is true, but I heard that they don't use the term 'pool boy' here in South Africa because of the wildly negative historical connotations with the word 'boy'. Either way, I am now the pool doctor. And I do good work.
In other news, I got my wallet back. And I'm now thoroughly convinced that I was pick-pocketed. I was down on Lower Main Street at a restaurant, and went up to the bar for a moment. My wallet was gone shortly thereafter, but luckily with no money in it. I was contacted by a woman about a mile away that said one of her employees found it. So yes, I got everything back, and no they didn't get any money, which is satisfying. My first experience with crime in South Africa? Probably, and luckily it wasn't very eventful.
Also, our landlord is having people come tomorrow to spray for cockroaches in the kitchen (pesticide doctors, if you will). I'm a bit worried about all the chemicals, so we've all moved our food and dishes into our bedrooms, but I suppose that is of little comfort. I am way sick and tired of seeing cockroaches, though. I don't even try to kill them anymore. I don't want to deal with it. They aren't nearly as cute or amusing as the movie Wall•E would have you think.
I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the sun tonight also. I spent another day at the beach surfing today, and got a bit burned. The problem is that no matter how much sun screen I put on, even waterproof, it washes away pretty quickly from the salt water. And my scalp is burned now, to which there is little that can be done. Surfing went way better today. The waves were better, my wet suit fit better, the board was nicer... things were just all around more legit. I got up for my longest time ever, and rode a wave for quite a while. Cowabunga!
I suppose that is it. This has been mostly a hodge podge update, but it is probably in order. I've been craving a Chiptole burrito a lot today. Also, I'm not sure what to expect for my first day at school tomorrow. For now, I leave you with this random South African fact: Instead of calling them traffic signals or stop-and-go lights, the things at intersections are called "robots" here. They even have ROBOT painted on the road as you approach them sometimes. I think Matt would like that.
And lastly, here is a long exposure photo that I took of our backyard tonight. It looks pretty lit up, but it is actually quite dark. And yes, that is the moon in the sky, as well as stars. I love our backyard! Good night, friends!
And since classes haven't started, I've been a real bum. I've been spending time in the pool everyday. It is the only way to stay cool! I mean, what is it, summer in Africa here? I've even found a hobby. I like to clean the pool. We have a vacuum that attaches to the filter, and I really enjoy using it to dive and suck up leaves and dirt. It is therapeutic and productive. As a result, I've been crowned the Pool Doctor. I'm not sure if this is true, but I heard that they don't use the term 'pool boy' here in South Africa because of the wildly negative historical connotations with the word 'boy'. Either way, I am now the pool doctor. And I do good work.
In other news, I got my wallet back. And I'm now thoroughly convinced that I was pick-pocketed. I was down on Lower Main Street at a restaurant, and went up to the bar for a moment. My wallet was gone shortly thereafter, but luckily with no money in it. I was contacted by a woman about a mile away that said one of her employees found it. So yes, I got everything back, and no they didn't get any money, which is satisfying. My first experience with crime in South Africa? Probably, and luckily it wasn't very eventful.
Also, our landlord is having people come tomorrow to spray for cockroaches in the kitchen (pesticide doctors, if you will). I'm a bit worried about all the chemicals, so we've all moved our food and dishes into our bedrooms, but I suppose that is of little comfort. I am way sick and tired of seeing cockroaches, though. I don't even try to kill them anymore. I don't want to deal with it. They aren't nearly as cute or amusing as the movie Wall•E would have you think.
I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the sun tonight also. I spent another day at the beach surfing today, and got a bit burned. The problem is that no matter how much sun screen I put on, even waterproof, it washes away pretty quickly from the salt water. And my scalp is burned now, to which there is little that can be done. Surfing went way better today. The waves were better, my wet suit fit better, the board was nicer... things were just all around more legit. I got up for my longest time ever, and rode a wave for quite a while. Cowabunga!
I suppose that is it. This has been mostly a hodge podge update, but it is probably in order. I've been craving a Chiptole burrito a lot today. Also, I'm not sure what to expect for my first day at school tomorrow. For now, I leave you with this random South African fact: Instead of calling them traffic signals or stop-and-go lights, the things at intersections are called "robots" here. They even have ROBOT painted on the road as you approach them sometimes. I think Matt would like that.
And lastly, here is a long exposure photo that I took of our backyard tonight. It looks pretty lit up, but it is actually quite dark. And yes, that is the moon in the sky, as well as stars. I love our backyard! Good night, friends!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wanted: One UW Credit Union Debit Card
If found: please return to me! Ugh. I can't find my wallet. And I don't know where it is. Luckily it only had my one debit card, my driver's license, ISIC card, and insurance card, all of which I have copies of on my computer.
I canceled the card. Now I hope I find the wallet. I bought that at Target with Kyle, David, and Eric so long ago... it was such a good wallet. Eff.
-----------------
Developing (8:11pm): It has been found! I had a pretty doldrums day after losing it, and apparently someone found the wallet and my UW Housing business card inside. She emailed my Housing account, got my Out of Office message, and talked to Mike, my boss. This is awesome! No word yet on whether the debit card is there, but it's already been canceled.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Day of Surfing at Muizenberg Beach
I went surfing today!
I still don't start class until Friday, so we've been taking advantage of the time off by seeing and doing! We got up at 9am this morning, and headed off to the Observatory train station. I've not yet taken the train, but have heard stories. It is very cheap, and a good deal during the day... but you don't take it after night (unless carrying your glock). We bought our round trip tickets for a little over a $1 each, and hopped on about 20 minutes later.
It was about a half hour ride to Muizenberg beach, where we heard there is good surfing, as well as rentals at a nearby surf shop. There was lots of graffiti everywhere on the train and along the route. After getting all prepped, it was time for an obligatory pose photo...
A word on wet suits and the African summer sun: I've been in our pool a lot this week. Like everyday, because it has been very hot. And since I have arrived, I've been wearing a lot of sunscreen. Like, 30-50 factor even to go toward campus. And I'm sick of wasting sun screen, because I'm sometimes not in the sun much! So, I didn't wear it the other day while in the pool for a few hours. I got quite red, particularly on my shoulders and neck. Scared of a beach with reflective sun, I put on a lot of sunscreen today to surf. Somehow I forgot that I'd be wearing a wet suit, but whatever. So, no, I didn't get burnt today for the most part. But the salt water washed off the sunscreen from my hands, and they got very red. And I look like I have red gloves that stop at my wrists. It is a bit irritating.
Two hours of drinking salt water was enough, though, so we headed home. I noticed along the way how much security is out to combat crime in the city. It seems that not only the city government has people out, but it is also common to see (I think) neighborhood watch volunteers with green vests on patrolling with walkie talkies. There were about 14 train stops between the beach and Obz, and I saw a security person at every stop. And on the way there we had an armed Police Constable riding with us. Similar to the security system on the house, I am comforted to have them around, but not sure if I should be nervous by the need for so much patrol and enforcement.
In any case, surfing made for some nice photos. Here are the rest. I'm so glad I bought my waterproof camera a few years ago. It is pretty jacked now, but still takes great photos, and can handle the salt water well!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
A Saturday Braai at Nyanga Township
Late last week, Andrew, and employee from our landlord's company invited us to his place for a braai. He posted a sign-up on the fridge for anyone interested at the various houses in the area that they manage. At $15 a person... the price seemed a bit steep. After thinking it through, though, we realized that it covered transportation there and back, all the food, and all the drinks. Only three of us decided to go... not sure what to expect. Kara and I figured it was definitely worth it to attend at least once, so her, Justin, and I went.
Definitely the best thing I've done since I arrived. It was at the Nyanga Township, a 20 minute drive from where we are. As we arrived, it was pretty obvious that most of the houses were shanties, with poorly pieced together metal, wood, and whatever else they had. It was pretty busy with people in the streets, different vendors set up along the roads. Despite being a van of white people rolling in there in a big converted Sprinter van, we got lots of waves and smiles. I felt very welcomed for the most part, as well as struck by some of what I saw.
When we got to Andrew's house, we were greeted by a woman named Ivy and lots of adorable children. She welcomed us in Xhosa, and introduced us to the house, township, and family. She said something like "Thank you for coming! We want you to have fun, be comfortable, and enjoy your time here. Feel free to look around, but don't leave this street without asking one of us to show you around. Food will be ready in a while, and later on you'll be treated to a Xhosa song from some of my students. Most of all, be comfortable! Let us know if you don't like something, and ask any questions you want!" So that was pretty neat. I don't want to give the wrong impression, though, this house was pretty well off. It had a big stereo, TV, laptop... a nice house. It was the only one of the block, though, with bars on the windows. So I was trying to get a sense of how well off people were. A lot of the children weren't wearing shoes, and the ground was pretty hazardous. Not sure if that was preference or not, though.
What ensued was over five hours of dancing, eating, and playing with the children. I got to know most of them, and even showed off my backwards legs as an icebreaker. They loved everyone's digital cameras, and borrowed them for like and hour to take pictures of everything. I deleted lots of odd photos, but kept lot of others.
The food was great (for Jacob). I've been to something like six or seven braais this week (omg South Africans love to braai), with varying degrees of delectability. Some were good, others were sketch, this one was bomb. There were carrots in a sort of African curry sauce, potatoes with a honey mustard sauce and what looked like sesame seeds, chicken, beef, salad, and pop. Pop is a cornmeal type thing, which is made almost like instant mashed potatoes, by stirring the mix into boiling water. Quite plain, but a good staple food.
Strong as hell.
By the time we left, the children were giving hugs and saying goodbye. One of the frustrating things about the last few days, which was expected, is that we've done so many things it has been difficult to focus on one. It's been a survey, of sorts, of many activities. Here I got to hang out for a long time and actually connect with people. Before I left, I talked to an old man named Joe who, to start with, reminded me that Bush and Blair have ruined the world. But then went on to say that although Obama isn't actually black, he thinks he'll do good things. Next month there will be an election in South Africa, and he'll be voting for the third time since the fall of apartheid. He said, "I've voted three times, and nothing has changed for me. The government gave me this shanty, where I live, and nothing has changed for me."
A South African friend that was over at our house, Siya, put it into perspective: People think that as soon as you defeat apartheid there will be quick results to end poverty and what happened during its oppression. The people of South Africa could have revolted in the 90's and forcibly removed people from their expensive homes, but they chose peace, and it has its price. The government can only do so much, and simply voting won't change things, as many expect.
It was interesting to see and hear. Despite the situation and conversations, though, it was awesome to bridge barriers and spend the day together. Joe finished with hugging me and welcoming me again to the township, and invited us back for another party. Here are some photos from the day:
Clicking on a photo will bring you to a larger version.
Definitely the best thing I've done since I arrived. It was at the Nyanga Township, a 20 minute drive from where we are. As we arrived, it was pretty obvious that most of the houses were shanties, with poorly pieced together metal, wood, and whatever else they had. It was pretty busy with people in the streets, different vendors set up along the roads. Despite being a van of white people rolling in there in a big converted Sprinter van, we got lots of waves and smiles. I felt very welcomed for the most part, as well as struck by some of what I saw.
When we got to Andrew's house, we were greeted by a woman named Ivy and lots of adorable children. She welcomed us in Xhosa, and introduced us to the house, township, and family. She said something like "Thank you for coming! We want you to have fun, be comfortable, and enjoy your time here. Feel free to look around, but don't leave this street without asking one of us to show you around. Food will be ready in a while, and later on you'll be treated to a Xhosa song from some of my students. Most of all, be comfortable! Let us know if you don't like something, and ask any questions you want!" So that was pretty neat. I don't want to give the wrong impression, though, this house was pretty well off. It had a big stereo, TV, laptop... a nice house. It was the only one of the block, though, with bars on the windows. So I was trying to get a sense of how well off people were. A lot of the children weren't wearing shoes, and the ground was pretty hazardous. Not sure if that was preference or not, though.
What ensued was over five hours of dancing, eating, and playing with the children. I got to know most of them, and even showed off my backwards legs as an icebreaker. They loved everyone's digital cameras, and borrowed them for like and hour to take pictures of everything. I deleted lots of odd photos, but kept lot of others.
The food was great (for Jacob). I've been to something like six or seven braais this week (omg South Africans love to braai), with varying degrees of delectability. Some were good, others were sketch, this one was bomb. There were carrots in a sort of African curry sauce, potatoes with a honey mustard sauce and what looked like sesame seeds, chicken, beef, salad, and pop. Pop is a cornmeal type thing, which is made almost like instant mashed potatoes, by stirring the mix into boiling water. Quite plain, but a good staple food.
By the time we left, the children were giving hugs and saying goodbye. One of the frustrating things about the last few days, which was expected, is that we've done so many things it has been difficult to focus on one. It's been a survey, of sorts, of many activities. Here I got to hang out for a long time and actually connect with people. Before I left, I talked to an old man named Joe who, to start with, reminded me that Bush and Blair have ruined the world. But then went on to say that although Obama isn't actually black, he thinks he'll do good things. Next month there will be an election in South Africa, and he'll be voting for the third time since the fall of apartheid. He said, "I've voted three times, and nothing has changed for me. The government gave me this shanty, where I live, and nothing has changed for me."
A South African friend that was over at our house, Siya, put it into perspective: People think that as soon as you defeat apartheid there will be quick results to end poverty and what happened during its oppression. The people of South Africa could have revolted in the 90's and forcibly removed people from their expensive homes, but they chose peace, and it has its price. The government can only do so much, and simply voting won't change things, as many expect.
It was interesting to see and hear. Despite the situation and conversations, though, it was awesome to bridge barriers and spend the day together. Joe finished with hugging me and welcoming me again to the township, and invited us back for another party. Here are some photos from the day:
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Video Slideshow Update
This has been a pretty packed week. As I mentioned, the first day of our orientation was a coach tour of the peninsula, different areas of Cape Town, the penguins on Boulder's Beach, as well as the famous Cape of Good Hope. The last few days have mainly consisted of lots of speakers... on many different topics. We've covered safety and crime in Cape Town and on campus, the libraries, technology, HIV/AIDS, information about registering for classes, as well as some general welcome addresses from UCT representatives.
I thought it would be interesting to see how the campus addressed the HIV/AIDS issue, since by some estimates, 28% or so of South Africa's population is HIV positive. I haven't really encountered too much obvious educational campaigning in the city. That being said, they've got a pretty active group on campus that works on education, information, and testing.
To finish the lectures off yesterday, we had two volunteering groups from the university speak to us. SHAWCO and Ubunye are both groups that work with youth in area high schools and townships... and I'd like to get involved with one of them, just not sure which yet. Afterward, we got on buses to visit a SHAWCO township site. Kara and I went to the Kensington site and saw a music school, as well as an elderly center, and a day care for parents that work during the day. The children woke up from their naps to sing Patty Cake, Patty Cake for us. It was probably the most adorable thing in the world.
Anyhow, I've been giving some thought to the best way to present photos, etc here. I decided to make a photo slideshow with some of the highlights of this week. I took something like 400 photos since I got here (all on my new camera), but here's the abridged version.
Click here to watch in HD!
If you'd like to look through the photos more closely, or see the explanations of any of them (I've got captions), you can go to this album. Higher quality, and explained!
I still haven't gotten used to the roads and opposite lanes, I look the wrong way a lot. And I keep jumping back and forth between a feeling a paradise and a feeling of third world country. There is such a divide between classes, race, and privilege. I'd like to explore that a bit, a maybe take a relevant class. I schedule tomorrow morning, so I should figure that out soon! Hope everyone is well! As they say in Cape Town... Life is Good!
I thought it would be interesting to see how the campus addressed the HIV/AIDS issue, since by some estimates, 28% or so of South Africa's population is HIV positive. I haven't really encountered too much obvious educational campaigning in the city. That being said, they've got a pretty active group on campus that works on education, information, and testing.
To finish the lectures off yesterday, we had two volunteering groups from the university speak to us. SHAWCO and Ubunye are both groups that work with youth in area high schools and townships... and I'd like to get involved with one of them, just not sure which yet. Afterward, we got on buses to visit a SHAWCO township site. Kara and I went to the Kensington site and saw a music school, as well as an elderly center, and a day care for parents that work during the day. The children woke up from their naps to sing Patty Cake, Patty Cake for us. It was probably the most adorable thing in the world.
Anyhow, I've been giving some thought to the best way to present photos, etc here. I decided to make a photo slideshow with some of the highlights of this week. I took something like 400 photos since I got here (all on my new camera), but here's the abridged version.
If you'd like to look through the photos more closely, or see the explanations of any of them (I've got captions), you can go to this album. Higher quality, and explained!
 |
| Welcome To Cape Town |
I still haven't gotten used to the roads and opposite lanes, I look the wrong way a lot. And I keep jumping back and forth between a feeling a paradise and a feeling of third world country. There is such a divide between classes, race, and privilege. I'd like to explore that a bit, a maybe take a relevant class. I schedule tomorrow morning, so I should figure that out soon! Hope everyone is well! As they say in Cape Town... Life is Good!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Panoramic Photos!
So, yesterday we did an all day tour of the city, the Cape, and the Ocean's View township. I don't have time to post a lot of photos yet, but I did want to share something that I worked on last night. When I went on Western Field Studies, I was always frustrated by how the photos that you take on top of a lookout do no justice to what you're actually seeing.
Yesterday, I got to the top of the lighthouse lookout at Cape Point, and wondered if I could do a panorama. I took the necessary photos, and came home to do some research and make it happen. Well, I did. Here are some panoramas from yesterday.
First, this is the 360 degree view from the top of the old lighthouse at Cape Point. It was absolutely beautiful. If you click on it, you should get a bigger version in another window that you can scroll on. It consists of 9 different photos.
Next, this is the view from the actual Cape of Good Hope, or at least as I was a few hundred feet from the top. It is the southwestern most point of the African continent, and the view is also stunning. Another 9 photos.
Lastly, I already posted photos of my bedroom, but used it as a testing ground for the panorama work. Keep in mind that each of these are 360 degree photos... my room isn't actually this big. :-)
Most of the photos are over 20 megapixel all stitched together, which is just mind boggling. Good news though, I'm starting to get back on a normal sleeping schedule, which I am pleased about. I'll try to get some photos of my adventures yesterday up... I saw the penguins on Boulder's Beach, and also saw baboons! I'm now off for a full day of orientations, but the less exciting type. Today will see speeches, a placement test, and other great things I'm sure.
Edit: The panoramics should be working now. Also, I realize that the lighthouse one could have been stitched a bit better... I was in a hurry the other night. Hopefully I'll go back at some point and reconstruct it. You get the idea though.
Yesterday, I got to the top of the lighthouse lookout at Cape Point, and wondered if I could do a panorama. I took the necessary photos, and came home to do some research and make it happen. Well, I did. Here are some panoramas from yesterday.
First, this is the 360 degree view from the top of the old lighthouse at Cape Point. It was absolutely beautiful. If you click on it, you should get a bigger version in another window that you can scroll on. It consists of 9 different photos.
Next, this is the view from the actual Cape of Good Hope, or at least as I was a few hundred feet from the top. It is the southwestern most point of the African continent, and the view is also stunning. Another 9 photos.
Lastly, I already posted photos of my bedroom, but used it as a testing ground for the panorama work. Keep in mind that each of these are 360 degree photos... my room isn't actually this big. :-)
Most of the photos are over 20 megapixel all stitched together, which is just mind boggling. Good news though, I'm starting to get back on a normal sleeping schedule, which I am pleased about. I'll try to get some photos of my adventures yesterday up... I saw the penguins on Boulder's Beach, and also saw baboons! I'm now off for a full day of orientations, but the less exciting type. Today will see speeches, a placement test, and other great things I'm sure.
Edit: The panoramics should be working now. Also, I realize that the lighthouse one could have been stitched a bit better... I was in a hurry the other night. Hopefully I'll go back at some point and reconstruct it. You get the idea though.
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