My South African Thanksgiving and Kite Lab

Happy late Thanksgiving everyone! I have now officially hosted my own Thanksgiving feast, and can’t wait to do it again. Honestly, it was much less stressful than I expected…and maybe the most relaxed Thanksgiving I’ve ever had! Alan picked up two 7 pound turkeys for our main course, and I got to work figuring out all of the sides. Our entire menu was comprised of: 2 turkeys, my grandma’s rice stuffing, green bean casserole, sour cream mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato biscuits, a cheese and fruit platter, two pumpkin pies (libby’s! Thanks mom J!!) with homemade cream cheese crust and an apple pie with a big KL on it for Kite Lab to celebrate Alan’s success. I spent most of Wednesday in the kitchen as well as all of Thursday, but it was well worth it. Thanksgiving was spent with two of Alan’s instructors from the UK, Paul and Gabby, and friends Jeanne and Jacques. Despite being only 6 people total, we managed to devour almost everything on the table (but luckily still have one pumpkin pie left). It was everyone’s first Thanksgiving, except Jacques, and no one had ever had pumpkin pie before –they all loved it :].

My birds!

The Turkey Day Crew

Alan with the Kite Lab Pie

Besides stuffing myself with Thanksgiving dinner, I’ve spent the last week working at Alan’s shop, Kite Lab, which he’s establishing as his own brand. The shop specializes in kite and surf gear as well as kite surfing lessons. Langebaan is one of the top places for kiting in South Africa because of its strong summer winds from the Southeaster and the lagoon waters. Besides helping out with logistical shop work, I’ve also been the KL photographer. My job basically consists of me photographing people during their lessons, as well as other kiters out in the water, and then telling them to head back to the shop to check out the photos. It’s all a publicity scheme, and it’s working J. I sold my first cd today, so I’m even more motivated to keep going! Although, after seeing Alan kite surf today, I’m not sure how entertained I’m going to be if I keep photographing beginners during their lessons…

Kite Lab

Also just had my second lesson yesterday and, once again, it was SO much fun!! I got on the board for a bit, but didn't get too far...Unfortunately we had to call it a day because of the high tide and the setting sun, but til next time!

Program End and the Beginning of My Next Chapter

I haven't really had an internet connection for the past few days...so the first half of this post was from Thursday!

It’s been two days since my program ended and everyone hopped on their return flights to the states, and I’m still in a bit of denial. I’m staying with a friend from my program at the house of two of our mutual South African friends, so I’m not entirely on my own, which I think helps with the transition. What I’m most in denial about, is that four months have gone by, just like the blink of an eye. The departure of almost 170 Americans, and the gradual emptying of our house made me realize just how much has happened since we arrived in the country on July 12. All of the adventures and new people and traditions that we experienced feel as if they, too, have been packed away and are truly part of the past. I’m already feeling nostalgic about a time and place that I’m still a part of. Now, it is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my stay in South Africa, and I could not be more excited. I’m spending this week at my friends Ceri and Pieter’s home, and then will be moving up to Langebaan for the remainder of my stay. It’s a bit odd for me to be saying goodbyes to my local friends in town, since I’ll still be in the country for three more weeks, but I won’t have time to drive back into town during that period.

On another note, during this last week I have gone to the Mount Nelson Hotel twice for both morning and afternoon tea and can say that I’m quite comfortable with this becoming a regular occurrence at some point in my life J. 

The "lighter" version of Afternoon Tea

The Mount Nelson is a historical luxury hotel right at the top of Long Street in town, with an entrance marked by massive Greek columns and a row of palm trees. The morning tea was delicious, and I spent it with one of my closest friends on the program as a bit of a send off. Wednesday, however, my friends (Americans who are spending an extra week here) and I dished out for the afternoon tea and all I can say is that it was more than worth it. 

One of Many Plates during the Buffet Style Afternoon Tea

The afternoon tea comprises of bottomless tea as well as bottomless food…This is clearly a very dangerous situation for me, since I can never seem to eat enough food. Maybe I can call it a warm up for my South African Thanksgiving feast. There was a beautiful center table in the salon filled with tea sandwiches and elegant pastries, cakes and every other finger dessert imaginable. True bliss. After spending over two hours stuffing ourselves with all the Mount Nelson had to offer, there was really no room left for dinner that night.

Last Time on the Dreaded Steps to Campus

Another Day at Clifton....

 I’ll be spending the next few days exploring town and doing some things on my own. I really do enjoy having a bit of alone time wandering through cities, as I can absorb everything at my own pace and without another’s influence. I’m doing my best to cherish each and every day that I spend in South Africa, as I know that my days are limited. I can’t wait to return home, but I’m in love with this country, and I’m afraid for my bittersweet departure.

I’ve spent the last couple of days exploring Long Street and Kloof during the day, as well as hiking Lion’s Head on my own to have one last grand view of Cape Town. It’s been nice to wander around at my own pace and try out different restaurants that I’ve had my eye on for the last four months. Now that I’m on my own, I feel much less like a visitor, and I have no problem with that J. The weather has been incredible (averages of 80 degrees), and it seems like it’s here to stay. It was a bit of a trek to walk to Lion’s Head from my friend’s house, but totally worth it. There really are no words to describe the breathtaking views of the city once you’ve made it to the top. With two nights left in town, I’m doing my best to always be out, so that there are no regrets. Catching a bus up to Langebaan Monday morning, can’t wait for beach time! 

On the way up Lion's Head

Last Time I'll have this View....til next time CT!