Our Living Lungs

Protect them. 

Day 36

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City planning is a funny thing; the idea that a small group of people wield the power to tell the majority where to live out their lives. In Apartheid South Africa, the Group Areas Act, and other similar laws, took this idea to the extreme through legislated segregation. If you were classified as 'white' in Cape Town, you were allowed to live in the leafy green suburbs near the mountains (either in Cape Town or Stellenbosch), but if you were classified as 'black' or 'coloured' you were relegated to the flats; the dusty, marshy, and generally horrible land in between. 

Thankfully, today, 18 years after the ushering in of democracy and decades after the abolition of this legal segregation, individuals have freedom of movement and can live in any location they choose and can afford. However, as I sit on the Jameson Hall steps at UCT and look out over the landscape, it is impossible to ignore that not much has changed. While the importance of 'race' may be diminishing in terms of where people live, class-based differences still polarise the city; the suburbs are still inhabited mainly by middle and upper class individuals, while the flats, at times, are the picture of poverty. 

In light of this fact, I find the location of UCT fascinating. Nestled on the slopes of Devil's Peak, the campus is literally elevated above the rest of the city. As if those sitting drinking coffee on the steps have made it. We are the elite who literally look down on the individuals who will never be where we are. We are the educated who hold the power of theory and definition. We, just like the statue of Cecil Rhodes which graces the foot of the steps, have the ability to survey the landscape; to see the big picture. We identify 'problems' in the distance and try to theorise solutions. We look out over the city we will, someday, lead or fix or rebuild or cure. And, sometimes we get overwhelmed and opt to stay safe in our ivy-draped ivory tower. 

But, despite our elevation, if we are to be of any use we must remember that our view, while panoramic, is not accurate. If we want to understand the problems on the ground, we must start by climbing down the steps and putting our feet firmly on the ground. 

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 35

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Music and psychology. Two of my favourite things!

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Week 5: Lighten Up

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Week 5: Lighten Up

One of the broader goals I have for this year is to make an effort to go green. So, this week I am taking a step in the right direction and replacing all of my light bulbs in my house with energy efficient compact fluorescents. Thanks to Eskom's light bulb exchange program many of my bulbs are already green, but there are still some in my house which are using far too much electricity. 

Image Source

Resolution: Replace all incandescent bulbs in my home with CFL bulbs.

Day 34

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Today, I went to a delicious birthday lunch for my very good friend and intellectual sparing partner.

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 33

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Sunset from Signal Hill.

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 32

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Hot chocolate. The way it should be. 

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

7 Billion

Ever wondered how the world population grew to 7 billion so quickly? This video explains the causes of accelerated population growth through an awesome graphic representation. Watch it!

Day 31

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Birthday Gerbera Daisies. Thank you Sister! 

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful for my wonderful friends and family who made my birthday super special.

2. I am thankful that my boyfriend got me an awesome blender so I can make Kauai smoothies at home.

3. I am thankful for Skype.

Day 30

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I love the beautiful University of Cape Town campus in the summer.

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 29

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Birthday macaroons. ♥

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 28

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Woke up to a hectic thunderstorm this morning. If I had a faster camera this would be a picture of the amazing lightening.

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Got Mercury?

Did you know...



So turns out, in my case, never trying dolphin meat was actually a step in the direction of self-preservation.

However, this is not the only seafood that contains dangerously high levels of mercury. According to the Natural Resources Defence Council, one of the most common ways in which people are exposed to mercury is through tuna fish. In fact, if I (weighting 125lbs/57kg) were to eat just one can of tuna per week I would be exceeding the safe level of mercury ingestion outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency. Makes my tuna salad look quite a bit less appealing...

Week 4: Shaping Up

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Week 4: Shaping Up

I have always considered myself to be quite fit. I danced a lot growing up (something which I am convinced set me up with an awesome metabolism for life), I walk often, and I go for the occasional run. However, recently the two flights of stairs up to my flat have become increasingly tiresome and I have come to realize that I am, in fact, totally out of shape. This needs to change. After all, I can't be productive or help anyone else if I do not take care of myself. 

Resolution: Do some form of serious exercise at least three times a week.

Day 27

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Breakfast at Boulders. Perfect Sunday morning. 

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 26

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Spent the morning doing outreach with high school choirs from around Cape Town. 

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 25

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Had an amazing vanilla chai smoothie after choir tonight at Coco Oola. Apparently they also love herbs on the windowsill. 

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Day 24

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I love Mexican food. And margaritas. And catching up with good friends. ♥

(Kodak EasyShare C513)

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that I am getting an opportunity to make a difference in the world through my research.

2. I am thankful for the hot weather; it won't last forever.

3. I am thankful for peach season.