Can I have two desserts?

So today was our first day sans our fearless leaders. There are now 9 of us left because a couple people left today. Out adventure for the day was a train trip to Kalk Bay! The trains in Cape Town are slightly sketchy and our hotel guy, Gary (who is super helpful and awesome!), told us to get the '1st' class seats because we wouldn't have to deal with the "riffraff"- and that's a quote. So we trekked to the train station from our hotel and aimlessly walked around until we found the ticket desk. The trains were in fact a tad sketchy, but unlike most things in Cape Town, they ran on time and we didn't have any problems so I'd say it was a successful trip. 

awkward smiles

almost every seat had a graffiti label or 'ripped art' 

look at that view! (well, when we opened the window we could see out)

So this post is going to have a fair amount of pictures because 1) the ocean is stunning and 2) I don't have much to write about, but I wanted to update the day to keep all my avid readers in the know and because someone is waiting, so eagerly, to hear about my day :-) 

We arrived at the bay, and our first view of the ocean was from the train window:

It was so blue. and beautiful! Gosh, you really notice how great the coast is when you live in the middle of the country and never see oceans. I can't imagine what it would be like to see this everyday out your window. Speaking of, the houses here where quite large. I also can't imagine living is this beautiful neighborhood with the townships we saw just 15 minutes from you. It doesn't seem right. But it was quite gorgeous today. 

We just walked around and went into shops for a couple hours (I got a couple souvenirs, but these things are hard to buy). The main street we were on was right along the waterfront and the air smelled like salt water and felt crisp and brisk- so refreshing! We all re-convened and met up for lunch in the Brass Bell, or best restaurant in the area, according to Gary. 

Elaina's new headbands, on Elaina...and Colbey.

Duet of creme brulee?

Pear Sorbet and panna cotta?

Don't fret, I didn't actually get two desserts, we did a little sharing. But both were quite scrumptious! We left for the return train trip after lunch and we made it back to the hotel around 17:30. The evening was filled with some lazy laying around and planning for the rest of the week! We ordered pizza for dinner, because our favorite Greek restaurant closed early on Sunday night. 

PS: These are pictures of the Apartment that some of my fellow students stayed in, but they had to move out today so I snapped a few pictures last night. It was really nice:

Hope you have a fantastic day!