Classes Commence

I've (nearly) survived my first week of classes at UCT, and it's been quite an experience navigating this vibrant international university. Conveniences taken for granted in the states (online registration, helpful school webpages) haven't been integrated here yet, but so far I've managed to more or less settle into my school routine. I'm taking only three classes - including a course in advanced South African politics - because I want to focus on my education outside of the classroom while I'm here. On that note, my volunteer program starts next week. I'll be creating and implementing an after school program for kids at the Baphumelele children's home - http://www.baphumelele.org.za/educare.php. In addition, once a week I'll be hanging out at a local TB hospital and playing with the kids who are forced to leave their families and live there during treatment. I can't wait to get started!

Cape Town continues to amaze and challenge me. I've found it really refreshing to spend time in a society that's so open. In the states, it's not PC to constantly harp on issues of race and gender. But here, everything is about race all the time, and people aren't afraid to make racial issues a part of their daily conversations. Is a club or bar primarily frequented by whites or blacks? In the classroom how does racial segregation play out in who-sits-where? How do rugby and soccer matches differ according to racial interaction? If you are trying to describe someone here, the first thing you say is, "She's that black girl" or "He's that Indian guy." In the states, you would always find a way to tiptoe around the issue and describe hair color or height instead. The civil rights movement is so new here, and it's exciting to see everyone so engaged. Obviously a renowned university like UCT is not necessarily representative of the South African population as a whole, but it's been an eye-opening experience to actually be able to openly discuss race without fear of being labelled a politically incorrect bigot. And honestly, there seem to be more genuine interracial friendships and interactions here than I've ever seen back home.

Bring on Friday and the weekend!