Departure

The day is upon me. It is 17 January, 2009, the day I leave Cape Town and head back to Detroit with all my luggage and memories of the city. I have met so many amazing people here, have fallen in love with landscape, influenced so many lives, and forever changed myself. I cannot believe 3 months have gone by. It feels like I just arrived not too long ago. I have done so many things, from riding an elephant, petting cheetah cubs, sitting in a communal cell block at Robben Island Maximum Security Prison, standing at the most southern point in Africa, to helping refugees who have hit rock bottom and gone even further down gain employment in South Africa and playing with sick children in a convalescent hospital on Christmas morning. I've served food to hungry refugees, given exhausted refugees clean clothes, and help shed light that a new, safe life will exist for them here in Cape Town. I have given my time, sweat, and love, but most of all, I have given people a hope for a better future, which is the best gift of all.

It is twenty to 2 and I leave the home base at 4pm for the airport. I have to check in, go to the VAT office to get my tax money back and the money exchange to change some of my Rand into Dollars. I am keep some crisp bills and clean coins for a money collection, but I can only take R500 out the country. Plus, I have to declare my wine upon arrive so I shall need some money to pay duty.

I must go finish my evaluation and enjoy some last minute warmth on the porch.

Part of me will always remain in Kapstaad. And part of iKapa will come home with me.