When Africa is Just Too Africa

From the first day that we arrived in Cape Town, we have learned that while the city seems just like any you might find in the US... this is still Africa. So, anytime things just aren't working out we just say: "T.I.A." (This is Africa). And everyday, without fail, we have an opportunity to use this phrase, whether its because the internet is down for a week, someone gets pick-pocketed, the grocery store closes at 5, there is a homeless person pooping on your street, people on the train ride with the doors wide open, or you get yelled at everyday by passing mini-busses. Things are just different here, and if you start to worry about it, you will never be able to stop worrying.

So, everyday there is something that happens, and you just look at your bru and say "T.I.A." without making a big deal about it, but every so often Africa is Just TOO Africa. Here is an example:

Saturday, August 21, 2010

I wake up in the morning after freezing all night, per usual. I usually sleep in my sleeping bag in my bed because there is no heat in any houses here... and it's quite cold at night. It's about 10am and the city has decided to do some utility work on our street, which means there will be no power for the rest of the day. Typical. Well, my roommate Ben and I are starving and we want some burgers, so are about to go into Rondebosh to eat at Steers (South African McDonalds). But wait, because we have no electricity, the gate in front of out house won't open (it only opens with our remote key)... and the gate is locked until after 3pm according to a city notice. Great.

We find a gate propped open down the street, so we can finally get out and the others can finally get in. T.I.A. Steers is delicious and filling. Now I can focus on getting up to the UCT library to do some homework... lots to do. Back on our street, someone has closed the gate that was propped open and we are really stuck outside. Keep in mind that our fence is about 6-7 feet tall and covered in spikes to keep the bad guys out... and apparently us. This would happen.

A local girl who is stuck on the inside finds a spot to climb up the fence, but she needs Ben to pretty much lift her over the fence. So, now its just us who can't get over. I eventually climb up the fence, barely avoiding the excessive spikes and get to the other side. Ben follows, but ends up getting his pants stuck on a spike... minor blue-jean rip. We get our books and things out of the apartment and are ready to hit up the library, but Ben notices his leg is bleeding a little bit. He pulls up his pant leg to find... he is the second resident of Kendal #8 in need of a hospital visit.

A Giant Coca-Cola Crate Man

Judy and Taylor, just two of our many mothers here in Cape Town, accompany him to the emergency room. Uh-oh, this week hospital workers are on strike! Classic Africa. Those of us not going to the hospital find that the library closes at 2 on Saturdays... I guess not to supportive of studying here. While the hospital visit takes about 4 hours before he is seen by a doctor, Grace, Natalie, and I decide to get some groceries... Checkers is already closed... we have to walk to Pick n' Pay.

We finally get back to the apartments and the hospital crew finally get back from a day at the E.R... and we all just think: "T.I.A"