Finally
Hello all
I finally have a fast internet connection back. The university has taken a long time in setting up our internet/computer stuff and we still have to knock on the window of the lab to get someone to let us in because or little swipey acess cards don't work yet.
I've started classes and am now staying at my homestay in New Brighton Township, right outside of Port Elizabeth. I went through some major culture shock when I got there, not because there wasn't electricity or running water (we have both) but just by the way of life and the fact that I am the only white person when I walk down the street and EVERYONE stares at me. I'm getting more used to it and it also helps that we come to school during the day and see familiar faces.
I'm definitely not going to starve while I'm here, if anything I'm gaining weight. It's rude not to eat everything, or most everything on your plate and they give you a whole lot of food. My homestay family consists only of my "Mama" who is 65 years old and retired. She's very nice, a little protective, but I don't have any horror stories so that's good. There's a girl nextdoor who is basically one of the family - she's 21 and attends the same university as me - her name is Siphokazi (se-poh-KA-zi).
It's amazing home much time seems to have gone by, and I look back and it's only been a week or two. I go to bed early (10 or 11) and get up early (6am) so my days feel packed but I'm usually rested. It's interesting balancing work and socializing with my Mama and Siphokazi. They are helping to teach me Xhosa (which we also have over 3 hours in class each day).
This weekend we have an excursion to Gramstown and some other places. We're going to stay with a rural farming family and learning about traditional music and dance and going hiking and horse-back riding as well. I'm really excited. It will also be nice to stay with everyone on the program again since I feel more comfortable with them at this point.
I don't know what else to say right now. So much has happened, I'll try to keep you updated, or at least tell you stories when I come home. Oh! I'm getting my camera fixed. It's going to cost about $100 so yeah, whatever, I want my camera back. And then I'll have pictures again!!
Feel free to send me emails etc, now that I can check my email with relative ease. Also, if anyone was actually waiting to get my cell phone number, it is 011 27 728 782 080 (I think) to call from the US.
Alright, that's really all for now. I hope everyone is doing well. I'll talk to you later.
I finally have a fast internet connection back. The university has taken a long time in setting up our internet/computer stuff and we still have to knock on the window of the lab to get someone to let us in because or little swipey acess cards don't work yet.
I've started classes and am now staying at my homestay in New Brighton Township, right outside of Port Elizabeth. I went through some major culture shock when I got there, not because there wasn't electricity or running water (we have both) but just by the way of life and the fact that I am the only white person when I walk down the street and EVERYONE stares at me. I'm getting more used to it and it also helps that we come to school during the day and see familiar faces.
I'm definitely not going to starve while I'm here, if anything I'm gaining weight. It's rude not to eat everything, or most everything on your plate and they give you a whole lot of food. My homestay family consists only of my "Mama" who is 65 years old and retired. She's very nice, a little protective, but I don't have any horror stories so that's good. There's a girl nextdoor who is basically one of the family - she's 21 and attends the same university as me - her name is Siphokazi (se-poh-KA-zi).
It's amazing home much time seems to have gone by, and I look back and it's only been a week or two. I go to bed early (10 or 11) and get up early (6am) so my days feel packed but I'm usually rested. It's interesting balancing work and socializing with my Mama and Siphokazi. They are helping to teach me Xhosa (which we also have over 3 hours in class each day).
This weekend we have an excursion to Gramstown and some other places. We're going to stay with a rural farming family and learning about traditional music and dance and going hiking and horse-back riding as well. I'm really excited. It will also be nice to stay with everyone on the program again since I feel more comfortable with them at this point.
I don't know what else to say right now. So much has happened, I'll try to keep you updated, or at least tell you stories when I come home. Oh! I'm getting my camera fixed. It's going to cost about $100 so yeah, whatever, I want my camera back. And then I'll have pictures again!!
Feel free to send me emails etc, now that I can check my email with relative ease. Also, if anyone was actually waiting to get my cell phone number, it is 011 27 728 782 080 (I think) to call from the US.
Alright, that's really all for now. I hope everyone is doing well. I'll talk to you later.