Due to the nature of my program, Connect-123, most interns stay only 2-3 months. Since my arrival (nearly 4 months ago), I have already had to say several goodbyes and now have a new group of interns to meet. For one of my closest friend’s farewell, we went to an eclectic restaurant called Bombay Bicycle. The seats of our table were actually swings, adding to the bohemian ambiance.

Hannah, Ashley and me at Bombay Bicycle

Swing seats!

For Hannah’s last day, we also decided to hike at Crystal Pools. The path is a lovely trek through a gorge by the sea. The trail runs between two mountains up to a series of pools created by mountain springs. Hannah and I were not so sure we were going to make it, though, because we failed to rent a car after two days of unsuccessful attempts. Apparently you need a credit card and driver’s license in the same name; shocking I know. (Of course, after cleaning my room on Sunday, I found my license.) We ended up taking the train to Strand where my generous and spontaneous friend, Cathy transported Hannah and me to the nature reserve. We finally were able to spend the day lounging beside a waterfall, while other trekkers passed us by as they cliff-jumped from pool to pool.

Hannah’s last day in South Africa

Crystal Pools!

Much warmer than Clifton, but what isn’t

Since Hannah and others departures, I have just begun to meet the new interns. On Saturday, several of us (through my persuasion) decided to try an Ethiopian Restaurant on Long Street called Timbuktu. To find the restaurant we had to follow a series of dark passageways, finally leading us to a small balcony. Due to low lighting and a late dinner, we had to guess at what each clumps of food were. Afterwards, most of us decided that it was the best, sketchy Ethiopian food found in Cape Town so far. However, one intern said she enjoyed the speak-easy music, but she wasn’t a fan of mysterious Ethiopian meat.

While it is sad to see my friends leave, it is refreshing to explore Cape Town anew with the latest interns.