My underwater debut

What a gorgeous Monday it was. The mountain in fine form with not a cloud lingering above it, a magnificent sunset from a balcony table for two setting that could have been a vista from Lake Como, Italy. I spent most of the day inside however, writing about urban agriculture. A 2000 word essay was due, on top of 500 word essay, on top of a 1000 word essay last week, and looking forward to a test friday and more work monday.

I didn't come to Africa to have my waking moments dominated by word documents! But I shall not complain any further, academics here are worth while.

I am getting scuba certified here in South Africa. It is international and life long, so nothing will be lost in translation.

This is a transcript of an email sent just after I returned from the first day of pool training (after my fingers thawed):

Oh my goodness, what I am not paying in $ I am paying for in physical discomfort. 8am, we got our gear and headed to the pool, excuse me, the unheated pool. In order to

begin we had to swim 200m and show that we could tread water for 10
mintues. The pool is about 50 degrees. It is unheated water subject to
little sun and CPT weather. The ocean, yesterday surfing was not that
cold. So, hypothermia set in and somehow myself and everyone else got
through it.
Following that we assembled and disassmebled our kits several times
before heading to the baby pool d to the baby pool (about 4 ft deep)
then we practiced the necessary skills of scuba, how to retrieve your
mask, your regulator, how to clear the mask and hoses. It took a while
in the freezing water (still freezing even with 7mm thick wetsuits and
hoods and boots) because several of the participants had troubles.

But I love the scuba! I enjoyed the underwater sensation of weightlessness and the colors of the light reflecting in the water, walking on ones hands, dolphin kicking as much as my heart desires, making funny faces/signals at fellow scubas... And the best part, my new scuba name: SCUBA'STINA!

Will hopefully post a picture of scuba soon. For now, this is clouds gathering around Table Mountain a view fro the 16th fairway of the Mowbray Golf Club

Women's Day Weekend

Hello Hello! Moora-- in Afrikaans. A few new developments since I have last written: some uniquely South African experiences this weekend including a hike up Lion's Head Mountain, a round of golf with all South African flare (golf carts are not backwards however!) a SA vs. Aussie rugby game, part of the annual tri-nations tournament and, the purchase of a genuine South African automobile!!!

I shall start with the scaling of Lion's Head. This mountain is perched on the Atlantic, dividing several suburbs of Cape Town. It rises steeply into the clouds that pour over the mountain like dry ice. The rock of this mountain is some of the oldest in the world-- this piece of land has been around, unmoved for a very long time. The rocks at the top were spotted like cows sort of, lichens had died and dried on these rocks, giving them a speckled look that I had never seen before. Lion's head was a strenuous hike near the top, lots of navigation underfoot, chains to scale a vertical face at one point, and some bouldering. The pictures are: a view of Camp's Bay and beyond

+ the Atlantic, looking back at Table Mountain,

Kaja (Norwegian friend!) myself and Mary Kate (Bostonian!) and me at the top of the mountain, which was socked in with fog.

Next: The rugby game. It is indeed like a religion here-- from the facepaint, to the flags and the braais (bbq) and the beer something about this rough and tumble sport really resounds in the hearts of SAfricans. We were at field level!

And finally, the car. This fine automobile is born the year of the dragon, 1988, just like myself. It is a rare breed-- an automatic Citigolf antique. I am the proud half-owner with my surfing amigo, Brandon (pictured below).

The hope is for this fine machine to last five months without mechanical failure or theft!!

And finally, your African moment of Zen. This is a sunset from my balcony looking out at a ridge with a pleasing Sarenghetti esq. treeline. Savor, sip and enjoy!

A dance with the seasons, does not a seasoned dancer make!

Aloha one and all. Pronounced Moor-a is an Afrikaans good morning greeting. That is perhaps a bit better suited than Aloha, although I find my thoughts wandering back to that beautiful archipelago, isolated in the pacific and known for its nice warm climates nearly all year round. Nearly all this year I will be chasing winter. So far I have had a winter-spring-sum---cut off! back spin! winter--spring (to come)-- summer and once again my pursuit of sun light will be snatched from me. As a cosmopolitan kind of lady, I consider this to pose no problems, inhibit my life not-at-all because I know that in time I shall chase summer round the globe : )

A few words about Cape Town: As I walked into a mall accompanied by 8 or so of my international commrades I noticed that like America, movie ticket prices were high, concessions (the true source of income from movies, consult The Economist) were through the roof, and commercials played prior to previews offered that Standard Bank was the only bank to help the newly wed couple buy their first flat, to help Cindy-Loo Asian advertise for her small bussiness, to make all these dreams a reality.

Where have I heard that before?

Another commercial featured Japanese manufacture Toyota trucks driving around South Africa--kicking ass in wilderness locations and creating a community of same-truck driving adventure seeking harmless thrill-seekers. Country music played and eventually two South Africans halt their train to let a Toyota Truck cross the tracks.

One (black) says to the other (white): Do you reckon its safe here?

Culture fushion in the third degree!

I love mutton curry and the way they really tenderize meats here. Plus the Dutch, English influence gives rise to fine pastries and tea time.

More pictures to come.

Love, lethargy, and lozenges and canned legumes

from

Ms. Tabacco of Table Mountain