The first weekend within the routine of classes was among us, and we had a full weekend planned. Saturday morning came early, as we were instructed to be up at 7:00 hours with the whole Interstudy group. Roughly 40 of us woke up early together and made our way outside complete with backpacks, water bottles, sunglasses, sun screen and anything else we deemed necessary to hike up Table Mountain. It was an especially clear day, which meant views from the top would be particularly beautiful. However, before we could enjoy the views we had a few hours of hiking ahead of us.
Table Mountain sits a few km North East of Cape Town
Now, hiking a mountain is a completely different undertaking when you are in a group of 40 (about 30 of which are girls), on a hot day in Africa. Luckily, I have been doing a lot of running since I arrived in Cape Town, especially uphill, since UCT Campus is on the side of a mountain. So, I was pretty well prepared for the hike and though it was more strenuous than I anticipated, made it up with relative ease. The most difficult part of the hike was continually stopping to wait for others to keep pace. There was a small group of us who were eager to get to the top and were in decent enough of shape to do so without trouble. I do sympathize for those with shorter legs, for anyone over 6 ft, the step ups are significantly easier, but the smaller ones tended to struggle. The views became better and better as our altitude increased, and after about an hour and a half the top of the mountain was within our grasp.
with Tripp, Bryson and Jarrett atop Table Mountain
The top of the mountain has been paved over to make it more accessible to tourism, as it is a very popular tourist site. There is a trolley that runs up one side of the mountain, allowing those who are unable to climb the mountain to experience the views from the top. While the top of the mountain is not as natural as I hoped it would be, the views were. All around there are beautiful sights, and they range from Devil's Peak (the mountain behind UCT) 360 degrees around including Robben Island, The Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, Clifton & Camps Bay and all the way down to the Cape of Good Hope. You can look down to the peaks of other mountains in the area, including Lion's Head which is a popular hike done by UCT students. We enjoyed our lunch atop the mountain and took in the sights conveniently located all around us.
Panoramic of Cape Town from Table Mountain
After about an hour on top, we began our descent. We took a different trail down the mountain, the opposite direction we climbed up Table Mountain. The path down actually took about twice as long as the path up. For me the trip down was worse, due to the impact my knees felt (I had knee surgery on my left knee a few years back). But the views on the way down were perhaps the best we saw all day. We descended upon Camp's Bay, the luxurious beach town home to many tourists and wealthy South Africans. The white sand beaches and mountains surrounding the beautiful beach make it a natural location for the wealthy to call home. We finished our descent and were content with our day of climbing and viewing. It was a good workout and the hot weather made it seem even harder than it really was. It certainly is a must-do when in Cape Town, and it was fun (albeit annoying at times) to hike with everyone in the program.
After we got back from the day hike it was approaching dinner time. Luckily, my friend Natalie made a reservation for a number of us to go to a popular Mexican restaurant called Poncho's that evening. Poncho's was one of the main restaurants my friends who have been abroad here in the past recommended I check out sooner rather than later. And here I was about one month into my five month stay having not been there. So tonight was the night, and it did not disappoint. We obviously enjoyed a few pitchers of margaritas which were delicious, but perhaps not as good as the food.
Probably the largest Burrito I will ever be served
The portions were huge, the food was delicious, the margarita's were great, the atmosphere was fun and the company I was with was tremendous. It made for a great reward after a day of hiking in the blazing sun and also served as a great pre-game for a night out at Dublinner's on Long Street. However, the combination of alcohol and dehydration proved costly the next morning, but I did not let that slow me down from Sunday's planned activities.
A few Zimbabweans who brought us along with them to Mzoli's
We were awoken Sunday morning, exhausted, hungover and tired from the Saturday's filled day, to the news that we were already late for our trip to Mzoli's. Mzoli's is located in a township, township's are the poorest areas of Cape Town, similar to "ghettos" or "projects" in the states. It is tradition they hold on the weekend, to come for the day Saturday or Sunday and enjoy two of South Africa's favorite pastimes; braiing meats and drinking beers. This proved to be one of the most enjoyable activities I have done around Cape Town and I will show you how the process goes.
***Disclaimer***
Vegetarians may not enjoy the next few photographs
First: you make a selection of raw meats. Sausage, Steaks, Beef, Ostrich... any assortment you desire.
Pre-Cooked meats
Second: you take your tub of meat, pay for it and drop it off in front of this huge room of grills, where meats are being braid and spiced for the enjoyment of customers.
Mzoli's staff making some preparations
Third: You go grab a table outside, buy a couple of rounds of beers, socialize with those who you came with, those you know and those you don't know. It is an all-day affair and it can take up to 3 or 4 hours until your cooked meat is brought out. Also, rather than purchasing alcohol from Mzoli's, houses in the township sell alcohol to all who come to enjoy. It truly is a huge part of the township's economy. Locals sell crafts, junk, and anything they can convince people to buy outside of Mzoli's. There is a DJ all day, people are dancing, laughing, hanging out and most of all drinking all day. Trapped in a carnivore's purgatory with nothing but alcohol and music to sooth their woes until their number is finally called and they are rewarded with what they truly came for.
Carnivore's purgatory, some wait for food while others are served
Fourth: Food is served, in a bucket. No plates, knives, forks, napkins, etc... You are brought out your meat fresh off of the braii spiced, seasoned and cooked to perfection. It is not a pretty sight to many, but the meat is delicious. Cleverly, Mzoli's makes you wait for an hour or two, ensures you've had something to drink and any misgivings people might have had about eating meat out of a bucket without the use of plates, napkins or utensils have long disappeared by the time meat is served.
Literal Bucket of Meat
It was one of the hottest days since we arrived in Cape Town, near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That led to increased consumption of cold beverages, which led to a very early bed time. Many attended the Kristenbosch Concert that evening, which was said to be wonderful, however, I retired early at about 16:00. It was an action packed weekend, full of a lot of consumption. With Rugby heating up, I knew this week's practice would take it out of me. Not to mention I had several academic assignments to do. Not to mention my Sister, Grandmother and Brother arrive this week. I've become so busy enjoying myself I didn't realize how busy I am down here now that everything has been settled. Here's to another great week.
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