Jumping Junctions (Over Obstacles…) We love the alliteration:-)

This is Miki and Anastasia! Going to Robben Island to experience firsthand Mr. Mandela’s experience at the prison was supposed to be an integral part of our South Africa trip. However, this morning all trips to Robben Island were canceled… for the next 3 days; thus we had to change our plans. We ended up having an informative morning and relaxing, reflective time at a botanical garden in the afternoon. We learned how to embrace and practice one aspect that constitutes a brilliant trip: flexibility.

Upon our arrival at the waterfront, we heard an announcement telling us that all visits to Robben Island for the next few days would be canceled due to a malfunction of the buses on the island. Although we all felt upset about this disruption, we sat on the floor and scanned the timeline on the wall that delineated the events leading up to, during, and after the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. Our chaperones diligently collaborated to formulate a new plan.

We headed to the Greenpoint 2010 Men’s FIFA World Cup Championship Finals Stadium next, a place that we deemed a staple of Cape Town culture, to walk around, let the breeze slap our faces, and allow flexibility to take hold; in other words, despite not being able to walk inside the stadium, we enjoyed the outside stroll to the fullest potential.

After a quick drive, we made our way inside the District Six Museum, which was packed with the stories, artifacts, and pieces of art concerning District Six, its citizens, and the tragedy that struck when 60,000 people were forced from their homes in 1966. 

We then strolled over to the mall, browsed a few shops, and ate a delicious lunch. The sophomore groups’ mall trip consisted of lunch at Bootlegger, where we indulged in coffee, smoothies, a burger or two, some sandwiches, and, of course, fries. We also stopped by Click’s, which we know as the South African CVS. Our visit to the mall ended with a walk through a shop filled with interesting pieces of art, jewelry, and a plethora of other items crafted by South Africans. 

With full bellies and happy hearts, we drove over to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The beautiful park is a doppelganger for the picturesque Jurassic Park island. We peacefully walked through the grounds, literally taking the time to stop and smell the roses (they weren’t actually roses, though - that sector was titled the Fragrance Garden.) We trekked up trails, crossed over the amazing tree canopy (60’ above the ground), and looked over the beautiful views: mountains, fog, lush trees, and more! Our time in the gardens concluded with a period of introspectivity as we lied on the grass with our thoughts.

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MC & AA