Every summer, when the temperature increases a few notches, the clothes become more scarce, the skin gets browner, the hair reverts back to the natural curl, a new season of possibility dawns. From summer vacations, to summer jobs – it is a time to meet new people, visit new places, try new things.

This summer I traveled to the motherland for the first time, specifically, Cape Town, South Africa. Of course, it was no accident that I chose to do a summer abroad program in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup festivities. As the days drew nearer to my departure, I became overwhelmed with the preparation process that I battled with the the idea of not going at all. But of course reason (and money) won the day, and I found myself on a plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean heading to foreign land. I had no idea what I would encounter or who I would meet, but worst came to best, I was determine to have a memorable experience.

When I arrived to Cape Town airport, along with a pack of weary America students, I boarded a bus and sat next to a bright eyed lady, hair tousled with purpose, and facial features that easily masked her nation of origin. Immediately we began a conversation about the World Cup. I did most of the listening because, truth be told, I knew very little about the teams, the players, or the coaches. I barely knew the teams that were in the tournament – with the exception of the international favorites: Brazil, Spain, England, Italy, France. Although she seemed like a nice girl, I was a bit weary of having high hopes and expectations. When I exited the bus, we parted and did not link up till a few weeks later into the trip. But this encounter on the bus set the tone for the rest of my trip. I never would have predicted the places and people that my “bus companion” and I would encountered over the next few weeks.

As a woman, it is difficult to find other female friends that can fill the roll of a going out buddy and an intimate confidant. Although I could have continued to roam solo, two brains are better than one. The first day we linked up was to take a stroll down to the city. On that walk, we were able to have a long chat about our families, law school, past relationships, and updates about our trip. From simply taking a walk to taking a trip to another city on a whim – I soon learned that this chick was down. We ate without counting calories (which I’m kicking myself for now), napping on the beach when we had no where to stay (with no complaints), climbed mountains, and shared laughs – and all the while, watching each other’s back. And the experiences we shared will go 6-ft under with our rotting corpses.

Although my time in South Africa was nothing short of unforgettable, I was ready to go home when the time came. Me and my bus companion stayed up chatting on the eve of d-day. And on d-day, like the day we arrived, we boarded the bus, not as strangers but as sisters.

Some people cherish new found love, others may cherish a good job, but for me – finding a good friend was my diamond in the rough. Summer has treated me well. I just wish summer didn’t have to end so soon!