Saying Good-bye to Cape Town

The planned portion of our trip was over as of Tuesday afternoon.  All of the students had earlier decided to stay on in Cape Town for some free time over Easter weekend.  Jim and I were heading back, as Mark and Beth's plane was leaving from Port Elizabeth on Friday afternoon.  But, before I completely bid farewell to Cape Town, I want to mention just a few more memories ...

Poli Sci rules! (Pun intended)

Parliament.   We had an official tour of Parliament, but were under-whelmed.  We think the guide there was used to giving presentations to fourth graders, and didn't adjust her delivery.  So, we learned pretty basic facts about the processes of Parliament.  It was interesting, though, to consider that they have interpreters doing simultaneous translations into all 11 of their official languages.  Each session would be like a mini-United Nations!

Here's a picture of all of our Political Science majors in front of Parliament -

 Jubilee Church!  We went to a township worship service on Sunday with our Mamas.  The music was great, and the joy ran deep.  One Xhosa phrase they used that I loved (and asked them to write down) was: khulula ibatyi yakho, wonwabe nathi or "Take off your jacket.  Come be happy with us."

Young church goer

Who says North is Up?

They had a unique map of the world hanging on the wall at Jubilee.  It had the heading: "Who says North is up?"  It was the same map as we often see of our world, but "upside down."  When looked at that way, it seems more apparent how much of the world's surface is covered with water, as well as how big a continent Africa really is.  I loved the view created from "turning the world on its head"!  (Try it sometime.)

Shopping.   Monday afternoon, we had a bit of free time.  And, our hotel was on Long Street, a street known for its small cafes and good shopping.  Jim and I didn't buy very much, but it was fun to poke around.  Here's a great picture of some of our collegiates trying on the traditional African Dashik shirts for size.

Danika, Isaak, Ryan, and Margaret
in Dashik shirts, symbol of pan-African unity

Mama Afrika's Restaurant.  On our last night in Cape Town, we all went out to Mama Afrika.  The food was good, and the music better.  I even got to dance with Jim!