Final Field Program - University of Virginia

CAP47 THREE FAITHS PILGRIMAGE (1000-1600 Thursday, 07 October) Minimum 19/Maximum 28
(PRICE: $25 + OOPEX)
[FDP: DIAZ]
Cape Town is a multiracial city that includes vibrant Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities. Islam was
introduced by slaves brought over 300 years ago from Indonesia. The Jewish community traces its history to
religious persecution in Europe. An estimated 80% of South Africans are Christians, and St. George‘s Anglican
Cathedral was the site of much interfaith protest during the struggle against apartheid. Guided by South African
peace activist Terry Crawford-Browne (a former SAS professor), the walking tour of downtown Cape Town will
include a mosque in Bo-Kaap, the Jewish Center, the Slave Lodge and St. George‘s Cathedral. The visit to the
Cathedral also includes an opportunity to walk the labyrinth (praying with your feet) to meditate upon the
experiences. (The price of this practicum includes entrance fees and a donation to the Bo Kaap Mosque. The outof-pocket
expense is approximately R 3.90 for public transportation costs.)
CAP48 ANIMAL WHISPERS TOUR (1315-1715 Thursday, 07 October) Minimum 20/Maximum 40
(PRICE: $89)
Located in the heart of the Cape wineland region is the Spier Wine Estate. The estate is renowned for its fine
modern wines as well as its conservation efforts. The estate, which covers 1,000 hectares, is dedicated to
protecting and preserving South Africa‘s fauna. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveller in 2007 as one of the
world‘s top responsible tourist destinations, Spier is committed to eco-tourism and sustainable development. In
2007, they launched two major initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to planting more than 1,000
trees on the estate, they introduced an innovative waste water treatment plant. Spier‘s macro goals include carbon
neutrality, zero waste solids, zero wastewater, water sustainability, biodiversity enhancement, organic farming
and poverty eradication. (For more information about the company‘s sustainability efforts, please visit
www.spier.co.za/sustainability.) In addition to their pioneering sustainable efforts, the estate is committed to
education, both by educating its workers through development programs and its visitors through the Bird of Prey
Centre and the Cheetah Outreach Project. This half-day tour focuses on Africa‘s valuable resource—its wildlife.
Depart the pier and travel 45 minutes outside of Cape Town to reach the Spier Wine Estate. Visit the Bird of Prey
Centre. Founded in 2001, the center serves as a rehabilitation and educational facility. The mission of the center
is the preservation of the eco-environment by protecting birds of prey through the release of prime rehabilitation
candidates and community awareness through programming and
eco-tourism efforts. Enjoy a private viewing and meet birds of
prey like eagles, owls, kestrels, kites and ghost hawks. These birds,
which have been previously injured, poisoned or illegally
removed, are now being nurtured until they can be released back
into the wild.
After the private viewing, visit the Cheetah Outreach Project for a
personal encounter with these majestic cats. The project supports
the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in their efforts to ensure the
survival of free-ranging cheetah. Come face-to-face with resident
cheetahs. Stroke an adult cheetah or maybe even cuddle up with a
little cub (cat willing). Continue to the Spier Wine Tasting Centre
for a private wine tasting before returning to the ship.
South Africa Field Program – page 26