Walking around Cape Town

Cape Town is not unlike a lot of urban cities during the day.  There is a lot of bustle and activity.  It looks similar, but I am not sure that it really is.

We have been advised, especially at night, to walk in groups, never going out alone.  On Monday night, with a group of seven, we were approached by a young man who stroked my arm and said "Yo Mama, Yo Mama".  I ignored him and he soon left.  Another in our group tried to engage him in a discussion encouraging him to move on.  That was totally ineffective.  Ultimately, this only ended when she abruptly told him "NO" and we crossed the street.  

We had a couple in our group who last night were approached by a man.  They gave him their leftover dessert.  He wouldn't leave them alone, wanting to get her purse.  They ultimately ducked into a restaurant and called a cab to get back to our hotel.

The Director of International programs who is with us this week, relayed a story where he was approached by someone who asked for money.  He said no to which the young man responded, "it is better for me to ask than to steal."  Not a very welled veiled threat.

I feel safe.  I am not inclined to even make eye contact, let alone engage in any conversation.  As one of my classmates (Kelso) said, "It's all about attitude."  Those who know me, know I can do attitude as good as the best of them.