Classes? What do you mean classes?

It's the middle of July, which, for people in the U.S., means that it's still summer vacation. But in South Africa, classes are beginning for the winter semester. Today was my first day of classes. My classes all seem really good so far. I'm enrolled in three classes: Religion in Africa; Religion, Ethics, and Human Rights; and History of Africa, Colonial and Post-Colonial Encounters. The first two are smaller discussion classes with about 30 students, mostly foreign. The History class, however, is a larger lecture which is broken down into tutorials or "tuts", which meet weekly, like discussion sections in the U.S.

On Friday I went to Robben Island. Robben Island is a former prison where political prisoners including Nelson Mandela were held during the struggle over Apartheid. It, like Alcatraz, is off the coast by the city and is no longer an active prison. It was amazing to tour a place with such immense natural beauty that was used for such a terrible purpose. The prison buildings are all surrounded by fences and walls with razor wire. However, as the guides (who are all former political prisoners who were held on the island) will tell you, all those defenses couldn't stop those held inside from fighting for their cause. Despite the terrible treatment and pain of isolation, the prisoners held hunger strikes, passed petitions, and kept up their struggle against the prejudiced system surrounding them. Just beholding the place where such determination was shown was inspiring.

I also took a minibus into the heart of Cape Town this weekend to visit the South African Museum and the Jewish Museum. Both were fascinating, but the greatest accomplishment I felt in the endeavor was actually managing the minibus rides and navigating the city with another American. I can't take credit for the navigation, my friend did that, but just handling the city atmosphere and not getting too frightened makes me proud of myself.

It is nice to finally have people on campus. Until today, there have only been international students on campus, so it has been rather empty. Today campus is vibrant, with students of all races speaking all sorts of languages all mixing together, hugging, greeting their friends after vacation, and beginning classes. While I don't know many people yet, it's nice to have people around instead of wondering down empty sidewalks and into hollow buildings.