Just wanted to update you on my first weekend in Cape Town, apartment, first day at work, etc. I got in very late Thursday night (2am) to find out that my apartment will not be ready until March 8th, so I'm living at the Best Western for the next week (not bad, except no AC and its about 85 degrees and I share my room with larger than average ants, flies and bugs...welcome to africa).

Friday morning I decided to head to the beach. Randomly a guy next to me was also going to the beach and invited me to share a taxi. Long story short, it was someone from the Argentina Rugby Team here for a tournament. So needless to say, I joined the team as an honorary member for beach time, lunches, dinners (which they were generous enough to pick up), etc. They were a hilarious, very fun crew. Also, you might see pictures of a lot of these guys kissing me on the cheek...let me put this into context for you, they are Argentinean and they kiss everyone..innocent...enough said :)

Friday afternoon, I went on a long run (best way to explore). Ran downtown, along the beach, marina and did some residential hills. Hit up a few bike shops with an idea of buying a bike, but everyone i talked to recommended against it for a few reasons...too many hills, wind is fierce (already heard first hand stories of fly away car doors and a girl being blown over breaking her arm on the way to work) and rainy season is approaching (April/May) so my idea was shot down.

Saturday, woke up at 330am (jet lag got the best of me, so ironed, researched area/gyms/churches/restaurants, organized my room and my equipment for my assignment). Went back to the beach for a couple hours but didn't last long...sun is crucial and I was getting too dark even burned...but i stayed long enough to get a massage on the beach of course. Went to look at my apartment, went to the local grocery store called Pic & Pay..sh$t show fo sho!!, imagine Trader Joes in Union Sq. on a Sat afternoon times 20, can't handle), then napped for a few hours.

Went to church service on Sunday at St. Georges Cathedral where Archbishop Desmond Tutu used to preach...beautiful service!! My goal is to try at least a few around town to see what's out there before I pick one to attend regularly.

People here are incredibly warm & hospitable. I have been very welcomed by everyone I meet. However, everyone always has some sort of warning.."be careful", "watch your purse", etc. Although I feel safe, robbery/theft is a major issue here especially with westerners. I feel very safe & given my experience (getting my purse stolen in this city three years ago) I am taking every precaution possible.

Today was my first day at work. Everyone was incredibly friendly and down to earth and the culture very relaxed. I walked in wearing a button down, pin black skirt and black high heels and there wasn't any gossip...people were not shy, walked right up to me and said "girl, you are overdressed, this aint no fashion boutique...come in your flip flops tomorrow...ahhh i feel at home :) I am surprised at how diverse the organization is...locals that started from inception but mostly people consulting, volunteering or on fellowship from other African countries and Europe. In fact there are a few others from US...a guy from New York (imagine Jack from Will and Grace), Chicago (laid back hippy guy who quit his job to move to africa) and LA (mysterious surfer guy) here. I will be working on all sorts of projects (some which appear to be very boring which I will do my best to make fun - developing policies and procedures...to developing strategies which are actually fun for me).

After work, a few people invited me to hike Lion's Head Mountain (about 2 hours) to watch the sunset / full moon sunrise which happens each month simultaneosly. It was breathtaking. Of course I left my camera in the car so could not capture the essense..I will go back at least a few times so i can try do this view justice. It was two hours rountrip excluding view time at the top. There were some treacherous rocks & slipped once but only have minor scratches. Afterwards we went to a co-workers place overlooking Camps Bay and ordered Ostrich Burgers with blue cheese and avocado (amazing!!!!) and local pinotage wine which is as cheap as water/soda.

So....I don't have many pics yet but have some of my hotel room / apt where I'm staying. I am blessed. Not really sure what I did to deserve this, but I am very grateful, will enjoy every minute of it and will hopefully give back to M2M and community during my assignment. I am arranging a visit to local clinics/hospitals where they administer medicines and to other countries where they are growing business. I almost feel uncomfortable living in such nice accomodations knowing that there is massive poverty / illness in every corner of this town/country :(

See my photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/nicolenys/CapeTownWeekend1