back in Cape Town...

My last few days in J-Bay were really nice and pretty relaxing.  When the wind wasn't blowing, it was so SO beautiful and warm there, and the ocean was unbelievably refreshing.  I was staying at a guesthouse just overlooking Supertubes (where the Billabong Pro contest is held in July), which was just the perfect change from a hostel.  It was clean and quiet.  The owners (Steve and Anne) basically took me in as their child.  They made great breakfasts each morning, and invited me to have dinner with them each night.  They used to be in the restaurant and bakery business, so they made great food.  At first I felt badly that they were going to cook vegetarian dinners just for me, but I soon realized that they really didn't mind.  The three of us sat and had dinner and tea each night, and I really felt like I was in a family or friends home...not one of two strangers!  They were just so SO sweet.  Also, they had an awesome dog.  Overall, perfect...and perfectly timed in my trip.

This morning, I had to catch the bus to Cape Town.  They give the pick-up times in intervals, so that you are ready at the earliest that they may arrive.  The time was 8:30-9:00am.  Since the bus was picking up at a hostel which I was not staying at, I decided to go a few minutes early...just in case!  (however, every other bus has arrived significantly late.)  I got there at 8:15 this morning, and stood for a while.  At around 8:40, a woman came out and asked me if I was waiting for the Baz Bus.  Yup, I was.  She said that I missed it a while ago.  Great.  Luckily, she called the driver and he turned around and came back to get me.  He wasn't super happy, but then again, neither was I.  I did feel bad that all of the people on the bus had to come back too, but since he was 30 minutes early, I am not sure why he expected me to be there!  Anyway, I got on the bus, and everybody was friendly...and eventually, the driver was too. 
13 and a half hours later....I am in Cape Town! (around hour 12, we had a little problem when there were 3 seats on the bus and 4 people came to get on...all with tickets. hmm. minor problem.  30 minutes later...sort of fixed, and we were on our way again)
It was a long bus ride and I was really ready to get off of the damn bus, but we did drive along the Garden Route, which is really really beautiful.  During other times of year when everything is in bloom, I can only imagine how nice it is!  We stopped in a lot of cute towns...I took note of them as places to visit if/when I ever make it back here.  Don't worry...I am not adopting any African children, I am not taking a teaching job here, I am not canceling my flight.  I REALLY AM coming home this week. Promise =)

As we were driving today, I was thinking about how many different people I have met along the way these past 2 months.  Both Africans and visitors.  People have such interesting stories, both good and bad. But, for the most part, people really are so friendly and so welcoming.

This country is unbelievably beautiful, yet at the same time, unbelievably fucked up (sorry, can't think of a better word right now).  There are so many issues that just make my head hurt trying to think about how they can really make progress.  I have had so SO many conversations with different people here about the people, the politics, the history, the culture, etc. and it never becomes boring...and the same topic is never covered twice (well, unless to laugh at something ridiculous).  But, as I said, beautiful too.  The landscape...beaches, forests, desert, cities, small towns, large towns, townships, rivers, oceans, lakes, ponds, sand dunes, mountains...humidity, heat, dryness, cold, wind, rain, rainbows, thunder, lightning (almost every night!), sunsets and sunrises that are breathtaking. 

I just have so much to say as I start to wrap things up and think about my time here.
I guess the rest of it will come up in conversation...or somewhere down the line.

I will be in Cape Town until Wednesday afternoon...
The hostel has Internet, so feel free to write and I will more than likely be able to write back! (no guarantees...i AM still in Africa)

I hope that you are all doing well, and for those of you in Boston, Philly and DC...I will see you next weekend!