The proud Elon SASA members arrived at our hotel last night slightly before 23:00 South African time. After 18 hours of airplane food, security checks, and being deloused on our final flight, we were relieved to have reached our final destination . On our drive home from the airport we were able to see the looming specter of Table Mountain, which we would climb the following day. We were introduced to our guides who will be driving us throughout our stay in Cape Town as well as providing us with everything we need to know about this beautiful city. Although it was dark we were able to make out marginalized townships on the outskirts of the Cape Town skyline on our way in. This was our first exposure to the lasting effects of the apartheid regime within South Africa for our group.
After an early breakfast and an 8:30 class time, we embarked for hiking Table Mountain after a brief stop by one of Cape Town’s most popular destinations, a waterfront mall. On route we were given our first exposure to St. George’s Mall, local street vendors, and the surrounding area around our hotel. Many of the members of our group were surprised with the western feel of the mall as familiar chains such as an Apple Store, called an iStore in South Africa, and were present throughout the mall. During our drive we saw the familiar golden arches and Colonel Sanders smiling face scattered in various points in the city. Unfamiliar to the majority of us was the extensive Safari store located near where many of the SASA members exchanged money from US dollars to rand. This was also our groups’ first exposure to dashikis, elaborate wood carved African masks, animal statues, and many of the unique items available for purchase in Cape Town one wouldn’t typically find back in America. Some of the extreme wealth in the area was well demonstrated by the large Ferrari dealership directly across the road from the mall itself. Following shopping, our group spent some time on a nearby embankment of rocks overlooking the water nearby, catching a glimpse of one of the stadiums featured in the most recent World Cup in the distance.
With the help of our guides including Alton and Nicole we were able to enjoy our ascent with a tour of our surroundings. Our guides pointed out the development of the city as we looked down from above, and even how the water level once reached halfway up the city skyline. It provided an excellent opportunity for the majority of us to get a grasp of Cape Town’s layout, unique geography, and breathtaking views as we became better accustomed to the city itself. We continued to push up the mountain rationing our water, what snacks we had brought with us, and sometimes local yogurt based candy provided by our guides. As we reached the summit we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Cape Town and the surrounding area. While many enjoyed this breathtaking view in less than the typical two hours to ascent, others, like myself, took significantly longer to mount the peak. Some members of the group were laid subject to unique variations on western foods such as hamburger lasagna which specifically drew mixed reviews from the group itself. The unique layout of the top of the mountain provided essentially a 360 degree view of the surrounding area, before cable cars brought our group down to be greeted by our guides once again.
The proud Elon SASA members are enjoying an extravagant feast of one of Cape Town’s finest dining establishments this evening, and plan on further exploring the surrounding area this afternoon and evening. This will be our first true test of handling the unique cuisine of South Africa.
On behalf of Elon SASA, we would all like to wish Emily Cray a happy birthday.