Having my family in this other world of mine was
definitely an adjustment for me, but it was so great to see and spend the week
with them. Given that my sister was here three years ago, our plans for the
week were also based off things she remembered doing, which was a nice
combination. I normally hate vacations that are strictly planned with no room
for flexibility, but this trip is one where I kind of wish we had more of a
structured schedule. We weren’t able to do everything that we wanted to; there’s
just so much to learn about, see, and do here in Cape Town that with a big
group it’s hard to fit everything in. I’m not too worried though because I know
my parents are already planning on making it back here some day soon. I’m so
grateful that my family was able to see my new home (and my sister’s, since
they never visited when she was here) and fall in love with it in the short
time that they were here.
We had a crazy, busy week that left us all super
tired (but thankful). A few of the things we did included hiking Lions Head,
taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Old Biscuit Mill, the
community tour with Vernon, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek, visiting the Independent
Electoral Commission or the IEC (where my sister interned when she was here in
2014), and going to Kirstenbosch for the Acoustic and Folk summer concert.
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| Kirstenbosch Summer Concert |
We
went to some amazing restaurants this week! The Cousins Trattoria in the city
center is an Italian restaurant owned by two male cousins from Italy. All of
the pasta is homemade and absolutely delicious. Before you order, one of the
cousins gives a fifteen minute explanation of everything on the menu and why
dishes are made the way they are. Apparently chicken or meatballs with pasta is
an Italian crime, who knew! Die Strandloper in Langebaan has a breathtaking
view and a great environment; it is definitely worth the hour and a half drive
or R1000 uber ride. Dinner consists of a ten-course seafood meal, cooked fresh
right in front of everyone. There is a beach bar there, but most people are
encouraged to bring their own drinks (I brought my own food too, since I hate
seafood). When I say the restaurant is on the beach I don’t mean it’s just
overlooking it, it is literally on the beach; the sand is the floor. Good vibes
radiate amongst everyone there, you can see the sunset and walk around on the
rocks by the water, and there’s more food than one can even eat. They make
homemade bread and it is to die for. Honestly, worth it to go just for that and
the view. I really want to go back to Langebaan itself and explore the area, as
we only went for dinner Saturday night.
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| Die Strandloper in Langebaan |
Dinner at Marita’s, with Maddy’s family, was a
wonderful way to wrap up our week together. Bongi ended up coming which made
things so fun and interesting, to say the least, and Marita cooked/baked so
much delicious food. I said goodbye to them last night after dinner as they got
an Uber back to their apartment, but ended up running home across the commons
from my internship today so I could give them one last hug as they were off to
the airport. It felt like orientation week again and was so great sharing my
life here, but I know I’ll see them in two short months. It’s definitely bittersweet,
but I’m ready to go back to the reality of my life here in South Africa.
Sending them my love and wishing them safe travels back home!!
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