Feb. 24: The Penguins

Today was our last day of group activities. 

We went off to the Boulders Park just past Simon's Town toward Cape Point. There we walked on a boardwalk through a thriving colony of African Penguins. I have to admit, it wasn't the top activity on my list, but then we got there. What a difference to see penguins in their environment versus the Boston Aquarium. There were more than 100 penguins between the boulders, nesting in the sand and walking around doing what penguins do best, strutting about. 

We proceeded to a beautiful beach where many go to learn surfing. The water was warm – Indian Ocean – and it was amazing to watch the novice surfers. Good ice cream by the beach! 

A few of us spent some time at the Cape Town Holocaust Museum. It was small but powerful and interesting to see the connections between apartheid and the Holocaust.  

We went on to the water polo match at Camps Bay High School – fun to watch in an unbelievable setting.   

Our trip is coming to an end. What a week it has been. It will take us all some time to figure out our stories. We have a lot! 

The highlight of the day was the fantastic farewell party the Brundas held at their house in Hout Bay. The setting for this party was breathtaking. Their spacious house was nestled into the mountains ... the glass doors to the house were opened to the night air and enabled guests to walk from indoors to the outdoor tents set up for the party. The Brundas had a marimba band from a nearby township community entertain the group while locals painted the faces of all party goers. We are quite sure our students will never forget this farewell.

The South Africans are so welcoming. We could not have asked for better host families. These past 10 days were truly transformational for all of us. Now we have the opportunity to show off our town and New England!

Tomorrow I'm walking up Table Mountain at 7 a.m. And, then on to the opening Rugby Match of the season in Cape Town. Look forward to seeing everyone back in the States on Sunday.