I just returned from a PHENOMENAL trip to Cape Town where I indulged in fine dining, hiking, and running the Two Oceans Marathon, which has earned quite a reputation as the world’s most beautiful marathon – and rightly so! The event attracts over 20,000 participants each year and provides runners with a mixture of breathtaking scenery, grueling uphill challenges, and a course lined with enthusiastic supporters!

(The Gang in Cape Town – Jorge, Gwyneth, Mike, Andrew, Emily & Katie)

A whole group of us traveled from Lilongwe to Cape Town to partake in the events, granted Two Oceans is divided into two races: the half marathon (21K) and the ultra (56K). I ran the half (along with Mike & Emily) whereas Andrew and Jorge ran the ultra!

(Amy & Mike)

Andrew and Jorge are returning to South Africa in a few weeks time to enter Comrades, an 87 kilometer race! CRAZY! Personally, I was incredibly proud of myself for just finishing the 21K, especially considering my lack of training leading up to this race.

(Cape Point)

From there, we headed to Cape Point where the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic on the West Coast and the warm Agulhas current of the Indian Ocean on the East Coast meet. The mountainous views from the lighthouse are stunning.

(Cape Point)

After the race, I walked down to the waterfront – which offers everything from a plethora of restaurants, to shopping, to scenic boat rides to even a glimpse of the new stadium being constructed for the World Cup.

(The Waterfront)

I took a lovely boat tour around the harbor, which offered beautiful vistas of the city with Table Mountain as the back drop.

(Amy and Katie)

That night, we all met in Camps Bay, a gorgeous seaside town lined with sidewalk cafes! Mike selected the famed BLUES restaurant for sundowners and dinner. It was great to have the whole gang together for the night.

(Amy & Gwyneth)

And on Sunday, we decided to “take it easy” after the marathon and hiked up Table Mountain only to discover 2/3rds up Skeleton Gorge Trail that the cable car wasn’t operating due to high winds. Needless to say, we were all incredibly bummed by the notion of the downhill hike. And later that night, we decided to hike Lion’s Head for sunset. Not exactly the most relaxing day after a big run – but I think it helped. I wasn’t nearly as sore after all the hiking.

(Relaxing at the Botanical Gardens after hiking Table Mountain)

Alas, now I’m back in Malawi and wanted to provide a few brief updates. First, Reuben (the boy from Cape Maclear) is thriving at school. I didn’t realize this at the time, but the money I provide for his education has gone towards St. Anthony Boy’s Primary School, a boarding school in Zomba.

(Cape Town)

His brother, Haven’t, traveled all the way to Lilongwe just to bring me his report card (and to ask for a lot more money). Granted, I’m more than happy to contribute to Reuben’s education (even if the amount they’re requesting is three times the amount of school fees). Oh well…

(Reuben’s Report Card – he passed)

And my sister sent me pictures from Maia’s kindergarten class of when they received their keychains.

(Keychains at Maia’s School)

Finally, the following photo taken at Mt. Mulanje has spawned a city-wide shoe drive. I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpour of support by my old high school, Shawnee Mission East, as well as people from the community. So far, they’ve boxed over 10,000 pairs of shoes and the real push will be on Earth Day! My mom has been instrumental in this endeavor – and has managed to secure the shoes for Malawi via the non-profit, Soles4Souls.

(Shoes from Mulanje Porter’s Race)

I’m heading back to the states next week! I can hardly wait to see everyone. Don’t forget, for those of you in Kansas City – mark your calendars for May 6th for Happy Hour at Vinino in the Power and Light District. And for all my friends in Austin, don’t forget Elvis Perkins will be playing at The Parish on May 11th.

(Sunset at Lions Head)

Sending much love to all,
Amy

(Sunset at Blues)

Just in…Photos from the Half Marathon:

(Crossing the Finish)