After finally getting settled in over the weekend, we started off the week with a tour of University of Cape Town and got kitted up with the university apparel.
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On our free Tuesday morning we decided to explore the colorful neighborhood of Bokaap just off of Long Street where we found a place to eat brunch.
The afternoon was super inspiring after touring the Heart of Cape Town Museum – the place where the first heart transplant took place.
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The horrors of Apartheid became really apparent for us all the next morning at our visit to the District 6 museum. Our guide, who had lived during the era, told us about the thousands of families split up and forced out of their homes during the Apartheid era. District 6 was just one of many areas that was declared “white.”
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We then spent our afternoon at the Kayamandi after-school community center where kids can work on homework, practice music and acting together, and learn from health promoters about basic health care.
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The next day we conquered our fears and climbed Lion’s Head mountain at sunset. The view up top was well worth the climb. We sat and ate our packed PB&Js while taking in the beautiful landscape surrounding us.
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Our week ended with the Peninsula Tour where we drove from one attraction to another. First stop: Boulder's Beach where penguin lovers' dreams came true. Afterwards we made it to Cape Point and overlooked the place where (supposedly!) the Indian and Atlantic Oceans merge.
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As the weekend came to a close, we prepared for our next week of classes in which we will delve into intricacies of the South African health care system.
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Evie Elson
<p>My name is Evie and I am currently finishing up my freshman year at Princeton University. I am thinking about studying public and international policy, and have a special interest in health policy and public health. When I'm not studying, I like exploring new restaurants with my friends, singing with my a cappella group, going on runs, taking pictures, and napping. I love to travel, and am so excited to explore Cape Town and its surroundings and experience a summer I won't forget!</p>