Lessons Learned - June 9th, 2019

Today was an eventful day full of life lessons. 

To begin, it helps to have a watch or alarm clock with you on these trips.  Without a wake up call, we were short on time and had to rush a quick breakfast in order to leave on time for a tour of the Cape of Good Hope peninsula. Our first stop on the tour was Hout Bay, where we were able to walk around the bay and shop, and most importantly to not only see many seals, but also pet them or give them big hugs. Next, we saw the mind boggling inequality that plagues South Africa. We passed a wealthy and gate fortified neighborhood on our left and across the street was Imizamo Yethu, a township in Capetown that means "our efforts", where we learned more about how the history of Apartheid has impacted South Africa. After we went to the Cape of Good Hope Reserve National Park and along the way we saw ostriches, wild horses and baboons. Once at the park, we ascended to the top of what felt like a mountain to a light house to take in some gorgeous views and see what people believe is the most southern point* of the continent. It was here where we had an up close and personal encounter with a baboon. We were at the top of the light house "minding our business" and taking pictures, where we learned our second life lesson of the day. That being baboons are pretty smart. One student left their backpack near the ledge where a baboon was resting. In an instant, that same baboon reached and took their bag and climbed down the mountain and proceeded to unzip the bag and neatly go through it. Although the student received their belongings back it was clear that we need to keep our belongings close to us. The next life lesson of the day in South Africa was that it only takes 30 American dollars to take a penguin. After eating lunch at the Salty Dog, we went to Boulder's Penguin Colony National Park. Here, we saw a large amount of African penguins, which are currently on the endangered species list. The fine for petting one is 500Rand, which is equal to about $30. According to our one and only Bianca, "So if you ever want to steal a penguin it's only 30 dollars (LOL)." 

Enkosi Kakhulu (Thank you very much) for reading.
-Bianca and Oge

 Hout Bay and one of the seals 

 Muizenberg views of the beach

  Beware of the baboons.. foreshadowing... 

Shark Spotter at Muizenberg beach

 Baboons on route to Cape of Good Hope 

Smiles at the Most South-Western Point*

Lunch at the Salty Dog 

Boulder's Penguin Colony National Park

 Happy faces with the penguins 

More penguins 

*the most southern point is actually Cape Agulhas