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| Port Elizabeth- the Eastern Cape of Africa |
Rachel and I have completed our first week in Port Elizabeth and have enjoyed every minute of it!
We filled our days with exploration, beach time, and new activities!
It is safe to say that we are greatly enjoying ourselves! It has even been hard to find time to blog so I apologize for that.
Rachel and I spent a whole day walking the length of the boardwalk and climbing the rocks in the ocean. One thing that I love about this beach in particular is that the boardwalk extends the length of the beach. Walking the boardwalk is the perfect alternative to walking close to the beach without getting sandy.
We have also come to appreciate our Chacos. For those of you who are not familiar with Chacos, they are sandals with a thick sole, perfect for the outdoors, and they come in many interesting patterns.
Another blogger's post title describes them best...
"Chaco Sandals: Butt Ugly, But Damn Worth It"
If you have extra time you should read the article. It echos our sentiments about Chacos!
Rachel and I love them! :)
This past Saturday we went on a tour of the townships in Port Elizabeth. For those of you who are familiar with townships you might think it is strange that we took a tour of them. It was not your average "tour." It was meant to bring awareness of the poverty and divide that still exists in South Africa even though much progress has been made. Townships were used to implement racial segregation and the stories our guide shared were heart-wrenching. In school, I studied apartheid and the residing effects but seeing it first hand was an experience that meant a lot since we will be teaching here.
The tour helped me better understand South Africa's history. In the middle of it we stopped at a museum that commemorates South African leaders who risked their lives to stop apartheid. It was moving to read the different stories and learn about the protests and injustices that took place during apartheid.
We tried a couple of breads made by a local woman and had a drink at one of the taverns. Our guide makes sure to build rapport with those in the townships and support them. It was sweet to see how much people loved him.
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| This is a sweet man who knew our guide and asked us to take his picture and see his house. Right now he lives in the shack he is standing in front of. He is living there while he waits for his house(like the ones pictured below) to be built |
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| The colorful houses are what the government is providing for those in the townships |
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| Lots of South Africans eat sheep heads! One of the many things we learned on the tour. Sorry- had to share!! |
We had a lot to take in after the tour. It was very eye-opening and I am grateful we visited the townships before we begin our teaching tomorrow.
We took a break after our tour and then...WENT SURFING!!! It was quite the day!
We absolutely loved surfing. I am not sure I can compare it to anything I have done before. It wasn't easy, and we ate a lot of salt water, but it was very rewarding! We had the most patient instructor. It was a blast! I am so glad we got to do it while Dianna and Amy are still here.
Tomorrow is our first day of teaching and Rachel and I are both nervous and excited! Can't wait to share!
Love,
Casey :)
A few more pictures:
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