Hi, everyone! I can't believe this will be my final journal entry with you all... the time has flown by so fast! Since I first arrived in Cape Town several months ago, I have learned so much, eaten good food and made many amazing friends. From seeing the lemon dove at Kirstenbosch Gardens to visiting the Nairobi National Park in Kenya, my time abroad has been more than I could have ever imagined!
Looking back, I've realized how much I have grown as an independent and curious explorer. When I first left my home in Atlanta, I was pretty anxious because I didn't know what to expect, and it was my first time leaving the United States by myself. My understanding of Africa was also very limited, as I had only been exposed to the information I had heard from others or watched on T.V. However, as I landed in Cape Town, South Africa, I was greeted by friendly guides and locals who welcomed me and showed me around their beautiful city. Likewise, learning about colonialism and apartheid in South Africa had a great impact on me because it helped me understand the country's history and current inequalities today. My perspective has expanded a lot since coming to Cape Town, and I am very thankful for all I've been able to experience.
