"Do it All" by Branden Bosler

As I look back on my last 4 weeks in Africa, I realize that this trip, without a doubt the greatest I’ve ever taken, has been a culmination of some of the most amazing and memorable times of my life. I did things I never imagined doing when I swam with great white sharks. I conquered fears I once thought unconquerable when I jumped off the world’s highest bungee bridge. I met people I had only ever read about in books when Ahmed Kathrada, Nelson Mandela’s cellmate and political confidant, gave us a tour of Robben Island. I interacted with animals only before ever seen on my television when I got to hold the trunk of an African elephant and then the next day go on a safari. I met and befriended people with whom I never thought I’d cross paths when I spent time in the township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. I slept in places I never imagined sleeping when I in turn, slept with my new friends in their homes. I experienced love from complete strangers in this same place. I drank more wine than I ever imagined drinking when I toured vineyard after vineyard in the towns of Franschoek and Stellenbosch. I ate food I never thought I’d eat when I ordered ostrich steak and then the next night ordered kudu. I climbed mountains I once thought impossible when we hiked Table Mountain. I saw sights that took my breath away when I watched the sun rise over the city from the top of Lion’s Head. I saw the most beautiful sunset of my life when that same sun that I watched rise, set over the Atlantic Ocean as I looked on from the shores of Clifton Beach. I was immersed in sporting events only ever seen on TV with World Cup mania. I rode in more taxis than I ever want to again as I zipped all over the city on a daily basis. I partied later than I’ve ever partied, dancing in the clubs of Long Street until 5am. And above all, I shared all of this with once complete strangers, who have since become incredible friends.

"Top 5" by Jeanna Courter

Cape Town has been one of the best experiences of my life. I never thought I would have the opportunity to do some of the things we have gotten to do and meet some of the people we have had the chance to meet. Since there is so much to tell, I decided to make a Top 5 of experiences of Cape Town so far:

Cooking Dinner for my Family- This past week we were given the opportunity to cook dinner for our families. My group decided that we were going to turn our dinner into a celebration of the time we have spent together. We bought balloons, masks and noise makers and had the family wait outside while we got the house ready. We then made them close their eyes and walked them into the house. The family immediately started crying and told us that they had never experienced a celebration like that before even for a birthday. It meant so much to me to be able to provide a surprise like that to them.

Cape Point, Boulders Beach, and Cape of Good Hope- Today we took a trip to three well known places in Cape Town. Our first stop was to Boulders Beach where we got to see African Penguins. The second stop of the day was at Cape of Good Hope. The views here were absolutely stunning, and there were rocks and boulders that we were able to climb. Our last stop of today was visiting Cape Point. Cape Point is the point where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet. We took about a 15 minute walk up to a lighthouse where we were able to see this point. The view from the top was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

Wine Tour- Last weekend we took a trip to a vineyard about an hour outside of Cape Town. While there, we learned about the different grapes grown there, how to taste wine properly, and finally taste three different types of wine. We enjoyed the wine tour so much that tonight we are heading to Stellenbosch to have another wine tasting tomorrow. We are planning on heading to three different vineyards.

Bungee Jumping- Before coming to Cape Town, I had decided I would not be participating in bungee jumping. I am scared of heights, and also my mom begged me to not do it. After arriving at Bloukrans Bridge however, I decided I would regret this if I did not jump (not to mention everyone else was doing it to, so I could not really back out). Walking on the bridge to the bungee jumps was probably one of the scariest moments of my life. We all stood on the bridge and cheered each other on as one by one we jumped off. I am so glad I ended up jumping.

Sunset Champagne Cruise- The first Sunday after our adventure week, we went on a sunset champagne cruise where we got to see Cape Town from a water perspective. Since there had been two different groups throughout this trip, one who went on adventure week the first week and one that went the third week, it was a great time for us to get to know other people on the trip we had not met yet. We drank champagne and cruised around while enjoying the beautiful city of Cape Town for an hour and a half.

"Top 10" by Alli Frank

The Top 10 of Cape Town

• Skydiving
• Visiting the Wine lands
• Going to Robben Island
• Serving in the Township
• Jaw dropping scenery
• Sunrise hike up Lions Head
• Adventure week.
• Cape Point
• Stellenbosch
• Making wonderful new friends.

"Africa, WHAT UP" by Meghan Deere

Having been here for almost THREE weeks already, how can I truly put my experiences into one entry? I tried coming up with clever ways to make my blog stand out (including a failed attempt today on the bus to think of a rap… I guess I’m just not reppin’ my ATL roots) but there is no other way for me to even begin to express my time here without a simple list. But hey, at least I’m trying, neh? (‘neh’ is my attempt to fit in with the locals…) So here are some trip highlights so far…

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• BEING STUCK IN AMSTERDAM. Yes, it’s as crazy as they say it is. After being delayed in Atlanta for 3 hours, a small group of us quickly realized we would be stuck in Amsterdam for the night. (Team Amsterdam for life!) Naturally, we explored for the day and saw the, ahem, interesting sights, sounds, and smells of the city. It was a good time considering that we were delayed getting to Cape Town!
• ADVENTURE WEEK. How I miss staying in amazing hostels, meeting amazing people, never really knowing when we were going to get out of that van, and driving through the beautiful Garden Route of S.A. to new adventures! I loved being able to see more of S.A. outside of Cape Town and do things- like BUNGEE JUMPING- that I probably will never get to do again! I only wish it had lasted longer!
• SIR LOWRY’S PASS. How can I put this place into words? I cannot get over how generous and happy these people were to welcome us into their homes. I have had so much fun going back this week and getting to know my host family better and being able to play with the most badass kids around! Just be sure to know all the words to Justin Bieber songs or you will be shown up by a 2 year old…
• TABLE MOUNTAIN. Curse you Table Mountain!! You were a beast to climb, but once I made it to the top (see Dad I’m exercising!) it turned out to be the best view in all of Cape Town! Definitely worth it!
• ROBBEN ISLAND: Learning about the history of this country is so important to my being here. I cannot understand anything about South Africa without knowing its history, and I am so glad we got to go to Robben Island to see it first hand! And having Mandela’s cellmate give us a first-hand tour wasn’t too shabby either.
• MAMA AFRICA. Deliciousness wrapped up in great food, great atmosphere, and a band that likes to pull as many girls up on stage at once as possible! It’s quite an experience being able to taste all the different food like Ostrich and Warthog. Feel free to try everything, just make sure to stay away from the flaming shots!!
• FRANSCHHOEK: Napa Valley, Smapa Valley. These vineyards are set in the most beautiful mountains I’ve ever seen! I loved getting able to taste the different types of wines (and possibly have purchased some different types as well…) and walk around the quaint town of Franschhoek!

Just being here soaking up the amazing culture and scenery was all I wanted out of this trip, and all of these things have just added to my experience. I’m never going home!

PS- HEY MOM AND DAD. IGNORE THAT LAST SENTENCE. XOXO

"See Everything Possible" by Lauren Shuler

Top Ten Things You Must Do While in Cape Town:

1. You must hike up Table Mountain. Yes it is a struggle, but the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.

2. You must dance to the song “Stereo Love” at a bar Long Street. Everybody goes crazy when this song comes on.

3. You must try springbok. While it sounds gross at first, it is actually delicious and taste like pot roast.

4. You must bungee off Bloukrans Bridge. It is the world’s tallest bungee and an adrenaline rush like nothing you have ever felt.

5. You must visit Robben Island. With the apartheid being such a big part of South Africa’s history, you must go see where Nelson Mandela spent most of his time imprisoned.

6. You must ride an elephant. It is amazing to see these massive animals close up. Riding one is a chance of a lifetime.

7. You must visit the Green Market. It is full of great souvenirs. It has everything you could imagine from tapestries to funky tribal jewelry to fun colorful African tunics. Make sure to bargain well with the vendors.

8. You must go eat brunch at Manna Epicure on Kloof Street. This local bakery is decorated so cute and the eggs are to die for. Also they have great homemade bread. YUM.

9. Enjoy an amazing cup of African coffee. Everywhere I go the coffee is so good I can’t get enough of it!

10. Go to Franschhoek wine lands and visit a vineyard. It is a such a cute little town and the drive from there to Cape Town is something out of movie it is so beautiful. It is such a neat experience to get to see how all the wine is made and tasting it is fun too!

"My Top 10" by Emily Roach

My Top 10 Favorite Memories from Cape Town Week 2:

1. Reaching the top of Table Mountain, and being greeted with a slushy from one of my friends. The slushy and the view fostered an environment perfect for reflection and a new found respect for my foreign environment.

2. Watching Rugby in a local bar. I met a student who attends my university, and loved watching a thrilling, aggressive, sport.

3. Meeting Nelson Mandela’s former cell mate on Robben Island. He opened up and shared with our group the ways he smuggled news into the prison, and the mindset he kept in order to survive. His story caused me to reflect on how blessed I am to live in such a wonderful and free society.

4. Spending the night in Sir Lowry’s Pass. My house mom, Miss Sus, was immediately hospitable upon my arrival. She withheld no information and cooked an incredible pasta dish for supper.

5. Meeting an extremely smart 12-year-old boy in Sir Lowry’s Pass. He had interests in my home, reading, and the sounds of New York City, that I often forget to cherish. He was different from the other children. He hated rugby, and said he had more fun learning. This is rare in American children, and we should all learn from his passion.

6. Going to the vineyard in Franschhoek. We met the owners of the vineyard, and learned the proper way to taste wine, and differentiate the various tastes. My group, the Bafana Bafanas, bonded while tasting the unique wines.

7. The Darius Goes West video. If you haven’t seen Darius Goes West, you should. Seriously, YouTube it. The video is inspiring, and will make everyone reconsider the way they treat others.

8. Bartering in the Green Market. Today, Monday, I went to the local market where vendors sell souvenirs like soccer jerseys, jewelry and tapestries. My dad is a lawyer, and my mom has always said that I am clearly my “father’s daughter.” Today, I understood our similarities. I loved bartering with the locals and working the vendors down to my desired prices.

9. Watching the sunset from my balcony at Lagoon Beach. Two of my favorite things are the beach and boating. This week, I have a point to pay more attention to the sunset. Last day, I saw a sail boat fading into the distance and the sun slipped behind the horizon. While it sounds cliché, it was one of the most poetic scenes I have ever witnessed.

10. Seeing the entire global lead group out at Cubanas. Cubanas is a “salsa dancing” bar in Cape Town. While I never actually saw people salsa dancing, I saw every person from Global L.E.A.D, and finally realized that I have made one hundred new friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

"Vinos and Cheetos" By: Claire Shurley

Today was a beautiful day from start to finish. I woke up early enough to enjoy the serenity of an incredible sunrise from inside my apartment window. And again as I arrived home after all of the days events, I along with two others was stunned by the breathtaking orange and coral painted sky right before our eyes beyond the horizon and above the frothy waves that crash and cover the beaches here in Cape Town. Gorgeous. And a perfect way to end such an elegant day of wine tastings and cheetah viewings. This morning we Springboks got on the bus at ten and drove out to the Haut Espoir vineyards in Franschhoek. As we passed vineyard after vineyard, perfect row after row of grape plants plastered set in a background of rolling hills that lead to the beautiful peaks of South Africa, we noticed the stark contrast of our surroundings here from the valley of the township that we spent our time in these past four days. I and many of the others agree that we are so glad we ventured beyond to the more touristy side of Cape Town after our service week with the amazing people of Sir Lowry's Pass. We had a much broader perspective now, not only of the diversity of this city, but also of the real life situations and actual lifestyles of the people in and around the city. And with these new understandings we were able to fully enjoy and appreciate every little aspect of the wine tastings and tours as well as the cheetah viewings... and for the lucky few... cheetah pettings :). Everything is looking beautiful here in Cape Town!