Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Cape Town

So, after a grueling 19/20 hours through Senegal and Johannesberg, I fianlly made my final destination in Cape Town. On the flight to Jo'burg, I sat next to a guy named Collin from Michigan State. He is doing pro-bono law stuff here for reguees and as it turns out, we are staying at the same hostel. When our driver got us at the airport, he showed us the Township, which is basicly the largest shantytown I have ever seen... We are talking 10-15 km of tin/plastic/whateveryoucanfindtobiuldahouse shantytowns- no running water and 6-8 people living in a shack. It's quite an eye-opening experience just to see it. He said that the SA Gov is trying to quickly turn the Township into flats and apartments because the Olympics are supposedly coming to Cape Town in 2010; It's pretty messed up that that is why they are changing things... Crime is out of control in some parts and the worse crimes are done to children which I won't even get into. Cape Town itself is beautiful, at least what I have seen today. Table Mountain looms above the city centre and it is incredible. The pepole at the hostel are great and tomorrow, I go on a wine tour to Stenallbosch, which is in the wine country- comparable to Napa from what I hear. I will hopefully have pictures for you in a day or two.
Ok, I have been awake for I can't even tell you for how long- TOO LONG. So I'm going to bed. More stories to come when I am coherent.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine,
This is Mr. K (LKB's Dad). I will be following your stories for the vicarious thrills they provide, as well as with the concern for you I would have if you were my daughter. I hear the seafood is great in Goa, and you've got to tell my about a drink called a Cashew Fenny. Also, if you send your India itinerary to LKB, Reddy has offered to put you up with his extended family in India. Safe Travels!!