We have been very busy for the past three days. On Wednesday the 6th, we spent some time gathering things we needed at the mall that is right on the waterfront. We were supposed to attend a rehearsal of Lucia di Lammermoor, but it was canceled. So, instead, we took part in one of the ultimate tourist activities: we rode the double-decker topless bus around the city. It was actually very nice and we got to see so much more of the outskirts of the city as well as listen to some of the history of the city from our guided tour earphones. While we were driving around we passed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Camps Bay, Hout Bay Harbour and many other beautiful places. Cape Town is a place where we have decided we will definitely come back and visit.

Yesterday we went cycling in the winelands about 45 minutes outside of Cape Town. We started in the town of Franschoek and we rode about 12 km to Solms Delta Winery where they had prepared one of the most lovely lunches we have ever had. You will have to look at the Cycling in the Winelands pictures on the blog to see what I am talking about. Each person was given a huge wooden slab with a taste of 6 different wines. In front of each wine glass was a food pairing so you could taste how each wine compliments the food you are eating. We were so full that we didn't even eat dinner that night. It was a real treat. Then we packed up our bikes and boarded the bus and took a quick tour of Stellenbosch before heading back to the ship.

When we arrived back home we showered quickly and headed out to the Baxter Theatre to see a production of "Carmen." This was Nancy's Faculty Directed Practicum, which means she organized it and led it. It was a lovely event. When we arrived we had hors d'oeuvres and South African wine as we listened to Michael Williams (former SAS Theatre Professor and now General Manager of the Cape Town Opera) talk to us about what we were going to see. The performance was not your typical Carmen. The choreographer/performer was a 25 year old South African woman named Dada Masilo from the Dance Factory of Newtown. She combines flamenco, African Dance, modern dance and classical ballet. It was an amazing performance. Check out the photo album of Carmen to see pictures of Dada Masilo and the theatre. We will post them as soon as we can.

Fun Facts:

-This is our first port where everyone drives on the left side of the road

-Today they were shooting a commercial outside the ship