south african night out

So up until now, we’ve been eating at burger joints, an Indian vegetarian hole-in-the-wall, a cafeteria in the dorm, and on a bus with packed lunches. But finally last night I (along with over 140 American students) and had authentic South African food! We took over the whole restaurant. A live band also played for us, as three dark-skinned African princesses/goddesses/superheroes sang and danced up front. All with enormous smiles, gospel voices, and record-speed-moving-hips. We eventually joined in dancing below them, and they called people up to the stage for a minute of fame. One of which I was afforded (which means pushed on stage with a lot of resistance), and probably embarrassed myself during. But of course it was really fun. Most of the bars and clubs play American music, so it was refreshing to hear live African music. Plus, I was happily surprised with the fact that more than half of us were up and dancing at one point. There were even some white dudes getting down.

After, we went to this place called Long Street. It reminded me a lot of Bourbon Street in New Orleans because it’s just a line of bars, clubs, and restaurants with balconies that overlook it and go on forever.

Unlike Bourbon Street:
Negative differences: cars are allowed in the streets, there’s no open bottle policy, and no strip clubs.
Positive differences: everything is cheaper, the balconies are part of the bars so they’re open to everyone not just old people who buy expensive hotel rooms, way more diverse (referring to the types of bars as well as the types of people), people can dance better, there aren’t as many sketchy old guys looking for young girls to flash them (though there are probably still a few), there are no strip clubs.

Weirdness of the night: On my way back, before I got in a cab with some friends, a beggar with one leg approached asking for money. When I made it clear I wasn’t going to give him any, he came maybe a half an inch away from my ear and said, “You make me crazy baby, have my baby, baby.” We then quickly entered the cab, and driving away, saw him following his next target, I’m sure with the intention of saying the same thing. So if you're looking for a new pick up line, I’d take that one out for a spin.

Today we went to the opening soccer game at the new stadium. It ended 0-0, and then 5-6 for penalty shots. Pretty sloppy players. REALLY nice venue.