One Week Downprint story

February 01, 2012

Amy Biehl Foundation South Africa
Michael Perugini

     It’s been about a week since I touched down in Cape Town, and I have been having an incredible time so far.
      South Africa is a truly amazing place – very different from the States, but in good way. The people here—both the locals and other international travelers – are incredibly friendly and accommodating. I am very fortunate to be staying in a lodge in Observatory (a suburb of Cape Town) with plenty of other students and interns from around the world. They have all made me feel quite welcome. My first night here, a number of us had a braai (Afrikaans for barbecue), and since then we have gone surfing in Muizenberg, clubbing in City Center, and wine/cheese tasting in Franschhoek. There’s so much to do here! It’s actually a bit daunting.
      I began work this Monday. So far I’ve only spent time in the office, which is located in City Center, just a few blocks from the public transport hub. Again, everyone has been so nice and helpful – I feel at home already. Starting later this week, I should begin going into the townships as well. Essentially, my schedule for the next three months involves splitting my time between these two locations. Each day from about 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. I will work in the office, helping with fundraising, events management, and PR, and from about 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. I will work in the townships, teaching literacy and HIV/Aids prevention. I’m quite looking forward to meeting the children and settling into a bit of a routine.
      Anyway, I am exhausted and should go to sleep. I will post again in the near future and include photos as well. Cheers!
 

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