Week One

Greetings from Vredehoek, Cape Town!

I know y'all have been waiting on the edge of your seat to hear from me (right? riiiiight?). I need to go meet Jennifer at the hairdressers soon, so I'll write as much as I can until then.

We left early Monday morning for JFK airport. I said good-bye to my Dad at the airport, had an uneventful security check (no body scanners!), and then a quick coffee before boarding. Typically on SAA each seat has an awesome little media center so you can individually watch lots of movies, listening to music, see the flight map, all for free. Unfortunately for us and a few other rows of passengers, our screens were broken while everyone else's were working. Though I typically enjoy flying SAA, I was rather disappointed with how this was handled from a customer service standpoint. Thankfully, Jennifer and I had plenty to talk about on both flights (the first to JHB and the second to CPT), and we survived fairly well!

Tuesday afternoon (SA time) we arrived in Cape Town and were dropped at my new place in Vredehoek (a suburb up the hill from the city center). I will try to upload pictures soon, but they aren't able to capture the beauty. Across the street from me is Table Mountain (literally across the street) and from our very large bedroom window and balcony, one is able to look out over the city as well as the water. The apartment is a good size, too. Thomas did a great job of flat hunting!

So far we have done a lot, despite jet lag and not having a car. We have done two half-day tours, each with the same company, though one experience with the excellent customer service, and one that was disappointing. If you are ever booking tours in Cape Town, ask me about it and I can tell you our experience. The first tour was to the Cape of Good Hope and Simonstown. Our guide was excellent and the vehicle was comfortable, shared with about seven others. During the incredibly scenic drive, the guide explained the history and background of where we were, including the vegetation and wildlife. We were glad to have done that tour on our first full day, as it was a great introduction to the peninsula. Wednesday we did a winery tour with folks from the UK and Kenya. The vineyards were unbelievably gorgeous and the wine (and chocolate!) tastings were delicious. I can't believe I waited until now to see that part of the Cape Town area!

Additionally, we have visited many restaurants, bars, done shopping including purchasing a fridge (delivered today AND it was on sale--hooray!), investigated public transportation to get me to school, and now Jennifer is having her hair done to test out the local stylist. :)

One surprise has been the discovery of the "Cape Doctor"--the VERY strong winds that come through our area. It has its name because it is believed that the wind drives the germs out of Cape Town. Let's hope so, since it will make messing up my hair and practically pushing me over worth it.

A wonderful thing about living in Vredehoek is the convenience. You can catch a taxi at the corner to take you into town on a ten minute drive (remember, taxis here are little vans that drive around the city on a set route. Less than a dollar per trip!). Also within a ten minute walking distance are several restaurants, a convenience/grocery store, and the hair salon.

Overall, we are having a fabulous time. I haven't felt homesick yet, though I think that may change once Jennifer leaves on Sunday. Monday, I start school with a ten hour (!) orientation. I'll also register that day, so I'll have a better idea of my class schedule.

Hope everything is well on that side of the world and that I hear from some of you soon!