Depart.

Cape Town: Just to the left of the plane's wing

I departed Cape Town during the early morning hours on April 12^th. As I flew over the city I had grown to love over the past three month, I couldn’t help but feel sad! I have had the pleasure of getting to know some of the most amazing people, from all over the world!

On my flight home I reflected on how much I had learned and experienced during my visit in Cape Town.  Altogether Capetonians are very generous people. I felt so welcome at my architecture internship. And I know when I choose to return to Cape Town some day; I will be welcomed back with open arms.

A special Thank you to everyone who helped make my trip possible. Whether it was financially, emotionally, spiritually, etc I truly appreciate your support! This is an experience I will continue to value for the rest of my life!!!! 

High Tea.

One of the well-known British inspired rituals in Cape Town is High Tea.

High Tea is held in different locations all over the city. I attended the Mount Nelson Hotel afternoon tea.

At this even, you first choose what tea you would like, from a large selection.  Roobios is the flavor of tea made in South Africa.

Small sandwiches, quiches, samoosas, and other savory foods are served. As well as, a wide variety of decadent mini desserts!

Tea and snacks are enjoyed at seating arrangements specific to the size of your party. Large armchairs, sofas, and occasional chairs surround a coffee table full of your tea and treats. Quiet classical piano is playing in the background.

 High tea makes for a relaxing and delicious afternoon!  

Exterior of Mount Nelson Hotel

Kirstenbosch.

Kirstenbosch is a botanical garden located about 20 minutes outside of Cape Town. The large garden is made up of hundreds of different types of plant life. The winding paths that lead you through the vegetation are embedded into a lower part of Table Mountian.

The gardens also house the summer concert series each year. The concerts are every Sunday evening during the warm months in South Africa (December - March).

Rainy day at Kirstenbosch!

Home.

3 Bishop

Observatory, Cape Town

Bedroom

I rented a room in this house for 3 months

My roommates were 5 Scandinavian students. 4 Norwegians and 1 Sweed!

The home contained 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 lounge areas, 1 dining area, 1 kitchen, and a back patio. All enclosed by secure metal bars on the windows.

I was able to make myself comfortable here and feel at home!

Center Hall

Kitchen

Garden Route Day 3.

We made our way to Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve for a 2 hour safari. We saw so many beautiful animals such as zebras, lions, giraffs, rhinos, hippos, crocadiles, buffalo, springbok, and other deer-like animals native to South Africa.

Overall this trip will be something I will never forget. It was amazing to spend time in nature, travel outside of Cape Town, especially along with some great friends!

Garden Route Day 2.

We made our way through the beautiful town of Knysna, where we stopped for some amazing ocean views.

Then headed to the Knysna forest or "The Crags" to The Elephant Sanctuary. Here we learned about the growth and development of elephants. We also walked trunk in hand, fed, and took a ride on these beautiful creatures.

We then made our way to the Tsitsikamma forest to zipline. Our canopy tour consisted of 8 lines that ran directly above a waterfall and river.

The Big Tree in Storms River

That evening we stayed at the backpackers in Storms River. We were provided a pasta dinner, accomodation, and an outdoor bonfire. My friends and I couldn't resist sleeping outside under the magnificant display of stars!

Garden Route Day 1.

After driving several hours through green mountians we arrived at The Cango Caves. We decided to take part in the adventure tour. This entailed viewing stalactites, stalagmites, crawling through the casket, devil's chimney, and through the post box. Some of the rock formations were a difficult squeeze, but we all made it through.

Exiting The Post Box

We stayed at a backpackers that evening in the town of Wilderness. Our accomodations provided brick oven pizzas, our own room, and amazing views directly to the ocean.

A room at the Backpackers

View from the Backpackers

BoKaap.

Location: The township embedded into the bottom of Signal Hill,  just outside of Cape Town city center. 

Home: To the Cape Malay people of Muslim decent. 

Contains: 1 museum in the oldest BoKaap house

                   1 Mosque that residents attend

                   Many brightly colored Cape dutch styled homes

History: The original inhabitants of BoKaap were captured as slaves from Indonesia to Africa. When they finally made it to Cape Town, the slaves were freed. When the slaves were finally freed, they painted their homes bright colors in celebration. Today the homes remain as vibrant as when they were first painted!

Internship.

LWA office building

Company: Leroy Wasserfall Architects (LWA)

Location: Cape Town City Center

Focus: Commercial architecture, beginning to think about sustainable design and construction.

           Development of residences / small residential upfits.

Current Projects: Sever Sir's Night Club

                           Rietvlei - Mixed use facility on a nature reserve

                           Strand Concourse - Tile Design

                           Small Residential development

My Desk

Personal Participation: Design and development of signage for LWA office building
                                  Program and design development for Night Club
                                  Research on sustainable aspects for Reitvlei (Nature reserve)

Duration of Internship: 3 Months

Leroy, Margaret, and Keith

Cecilia Forest.

Friday Excursion: Hiking Cecilia Forest

VAC Interns braved the heat for this Friday event. We hiked about an hour to reach our destination; The waterfall! Streaming through moss and vegetation was some of the cleanest water in South Africa. Luckily the waterfall emitted cold water, helping everyone to cool down. Some interns were even brave enough to drink from the waterfall! 

Hiking another hour back down through the forest, we experienced peak through views over Constantia Valley, just outside of Cape Town. 

Queen of Tarts.

Kelsey from PA

Kelsey from WA

Queen of Tarts 

The BEST breakfast spot in Cape Town

Even better when joined by Friends :)

Sailing.

Sailboat Cruise

Off the Waterfront

Keith (My Coworker) and I were surrounded by views of Table Mountian, Lion's Head, The buildings and restaurants along the Waterfront, and the City of Cape Town. 

The boat ride was an hour and a half long. It was a relaxing way to end a long day of work! 

Lion's Head.

VAC Interns at the top of Lion's Head

Lion's Head is another one of the mountians to hike here in Cape Town. It has become a ritual for Capetonians to hike up Lion's Head on the full moon each month. Hundreds of people gather at the top of the mountian to view the sunset. Then move to the other side of the platform to watch the full moon rise. 

The view from Lion's Head is astonishing! You can see the ocean fully surrounding the peninsula which is Cape Town. The city lights begin to come alive as the moon rises. Table Mountian and The Twelve Apostles are within the view from Lion's Head as well. 

The hike down is no problem and pretty well lit by the glowing full moon!