During my time in Cape Town, it has also been interesting to compare how life is here to how it is in Georgia. While there is a six-hour time difference between Atlanta and Cape Town, the two cities are more similar than you'd think. For example, K.F.C. and McDonald's are very popular here, but Cape Town also has local restaurants like Nando's (a chicken restaurant), Marcel's (a frozen yogurt shop) and many restaurants that sell Gatsby, a large sub sandwich filled with fries! Another similarity is that many popular activities in Atlanta are also common here, such as going to the mall, visiting beaches and hiking mountains. However, one difference is that cars drive on the opposite side of the road here, so I've made sure to be extra careful when crossing the street! The seasons in Cape Town are also different. It's currently fall here! The leaves are turning beautiful shades of red and orange, but I will be excited to feel the summer heat in Atlanta when I return in June.
My time studying at the University of Cape Town has also been an impactful part of my study abroad experience. Because I study Psychology and Sociology, I've taken classes about the mind and about people, specifically in the context of South Africa. For instance, in my Critical Psychology course, I learned about South African psychologists and different ways psychology has been used to support communities across the country. I've also had an amazing time in my African dance class, where I learned traditional dances from cultures around the continent and the history behind them. So far, my class has learned the Kuku dance (a dance used to celebrate fishermen and women) and the Ngoma dance (a war dance performed before battle).
