"Thoughts on Capetown" By: Chelsea Biele

After being in Cape Town for only 12 days, I have already learned that taking action is the only way to truly make the most of the trip.

C is for conquer.
Just 2 days ago, our entire group of 100 plus students climbed all the way to the top of Table Mountain- that’s 3,563 feet or 1,086 meters in elevation! It was truly an accomplishment to look out and see just how high we had climbed.
A is for adapt.
Being over 8,100 miles away from home in the U.S., we have had to adjust to a new environment with different ideals, social norms, and ways of life. Adapting to be accepted here has been a challenge when others stereotype you as “obnoxious, un-educated, drunk Americans”. (direct quote from Jürgan the German)
P is for persevere.
Today, we visited Robben Island with special guest accompanying us-Nelson Mandela’s cellmate for 18 years. He shared his experience and demonstrated how both are truly living examples of what it means to never give up. Instead of repeating the cycle of violence that stemmed from the Apartheid, the men survived the hardship of imprisonment, rose above it, and did not seek revenge, but instead made positive change.
E is for explore.
Cape Town has so much to offer whether it is the shopping, dining, or nightlife. We have ventured to the Green Market to haggle for some trinkets as well as tested out as many restaurants and bars as possible. There is no time to waste when there is a new discovery around every corner.
T is for test.
At the core of this trip has been to do something out of your comfort zone and truly test your limits. I’ve already gotten to pet a baby cheetah and spend the night in a township, which are things I never would have foreseen myself doing. Skydiving, shark cage diving, bungee jumping, and elephant riding are on the list for next week.
O is for offer.
We spent the entire week last week learning the true meaning of giving in Sir Lowry’s Pass. I really got to know my family through storytelling, dancing, and rapping all night long. I was able to offer them my knowledge and encouragement as well as show them love.
W is for wonder.
For lunch yesterday, some of us walked to the lighthouse and ate at Maestro’s right on the water. We had a perfect view of Table Mountain and the entire city of Cape Town. It is important to stop and admire the scenery because otherwise you’ll miss out on one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
N is for navigate.
After learning the Power of Living, Giving, Wow, and Now, I have realized how important it is to figure out what I want to do in life. The only way to get there is by plotting a course to follow. Whether or not that course has it’s detours will only make the voyage that much more interesting.