May 23 – Braai With Jay

In the morning, a few of us went to Neighborgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill. I had been only once before and it was a treat to go back. I had a delicious savory crepe. We walked around all the shops there as well, and we decided we all needed to come back again with more money!

Jay came over this evening to braai for us, which was really nice of him. It was a fun night sitting around the braai, and he taught us how to make pop! Pop is a very traditional South African food. It is essentially corn meal that you heat up and add water to, and you can make it to various consistencies depending on the occasion. We added a bit too much water to ours, so it was more of a breakfast porridge than a dinner main. But it was still fun to make and eat.

 

May 22 – Finishing Research Paper

I turned in my research project paper!! I am glad to have that over with! The paper is worth 90% of our grade for the project, which is a bit nerve wracking, but it is over now!

This evening a few of us walked to Observatory. The restaurant we went to was located on the second floor and their balcony had a great view. It was nice to celebrate being done with our projects.

May 20 – Exam Day

I had a third exam for my surveying class. It went well, but I am glad to have it over.

May 18 – Eating Korean Food for the First Time

I went to Long Street for Korean food with Maddie, Chihiro, Olivio O, and Olivia Z and her friends. I never had Korean food before, and it was fun cooking the meat right at the table.

May 17 – Research Paper & Memorial Service

I spent all day editing my research paper! I also went to a cafe in Observatory to escape load shedding and get wifi.

We held a little memorial service at the house for Sophie’s grandmother who passed away on Friday, my grandmother-in-law who passed away on Tuesday and for my grandma who passed away in February. I did not realize how much I needed something like that. Everyone dressed nicely, I said a few words, and Sophie sang. I feel very lucky to have such supportive housemates who are like a family.

May 16 – More Hiking

We went on a quick hike in the morning with Skyler and Cindy through Newlands to Kirstenbosch along the contour trail. It was nice to get out a bit and take a break from working on my research project paper.

In the evening, Carr took the tri-co students (Swarthmore kids and Maddie from Bryn Mawr) out to dinner. We went to a thai restaurant called Kitima at the Kronendal in Hout Bay. I had dim-sum appetizers, curry with ostrich, and shared some desserts with Mercer and Sophie. Carr asked us questions about the program and we shared our experiences.

May 15 – Winter Choir Concert

We went to UCT’s winter choir concert to hear Sophie sing. The music was beautiful and a mixture of gospel, African and contemporary. A guest college from the United States also performed, and they tried their hand at singing some local music as well. Carr came with us too.