All By Myself....

Sorry for the lack of updates this week, guys, but honestly, this week has been more like a week of unexciting events and lots of reflection. I have been in Cape Town since Monday, by myself, as Lauren went away for work. I was glad to be alone as it gave me the time to reflect and look for the perspective that I came in search of. I think I have found SOME of it, but I think most of it will become even more clear when I return to NYC (TWO DAYS!)
Cape Town is probably THE most beautiful city I've been too, however it is meant to be enjoyed and meant to be appreciated while hiking the surrounding mountains or doing some sort of water sport in the beaches. Unfortunately for me, the seasons are starting to change and winter decided to come a little bit early. Last week, almost every day I was here, the entire city was covered with a mist so dense I couldn't see the apartment building across the street or the ocean twenty feet away. I spent my days at some museums; the National History Museum (not bad,) the District Six Museum (little disappointing) got some work done at the spa for very cheap, and I went to a movie (Two Lovers.) I also rode that red sightseeing bus around a few times as it was the easiest and cheapest way to get around, and learn about the city.
I have tried REPEATEDLY to take the cable car up to the ominous Table Mountain but the one day it was finally clear enough to justify going up, the cable care wasn't running! It is on my agenda today, Monday, as it's my last day and the sun is shining!
Lauren came back Friday evening and brought the good weather with her-the weekend was perfect! Saturday we woke up early and went to the Saturday markets where we started the shopping day off with Bloody Mary's bought there! After that, I finally got to lay out at a Cape Town beach! Went to dinner later to celebrate a friend's birthday and was still unable to stay out for the late night fun.
We woke up Sunday and I went SURFING for the first time! Took a lesson and everything-I am hooked! It was a BLAST! I would be doing that again today if I could figure out a way to get to that beach again-There is NO public Transport in Africa!!!
We also drove to Cape Point yesterday, the End of the Western Cape and RIGHT at the edge of Africa. Again, it was an absolutely stunning drive, I really , really enjoyed this and was so happy to be out of the city. I like Cape Town, but I like being away from it more. Africa is too beautiful for me to be stuck in a city. Just driving twenty minutes away you are forced to reckon with the geology and landscape of this continent. It is literally breathtaking.
Today is my last full day in Africa. I have very mixed feelings about it, just writing that I got a little choked up. Being in Cape Town has definitely made me miss the true city, my city, NYC. I miss the energy, the independence I have there, the endless diversity, and of course, all of my wonderful friends. However, at the same time, I am anxious about returning to those same things and the daily grind of work and life. I could DEFINITELY spend more time exploring this grand continent-it just really has been so special and so beautiful.
This will probably be the last post in Africa. I get on a plane from Cape Town tomorrow afternoon and land in NYC (hopefully not too wrecked) Wednesday afternoon... I look forward to talking to and seeing you all!