Week 1

        Monday morning we went to the first on campus orientation where we were told about the University and some guidelines and standards.  We do a lot of walking here which is really nice and relaxing.  There is definitely a cultural difference in the essence of time, South Africans are much more relaxed and easy going! Kate, Kelley and I made our way to Pick N Pay to buy phones, and have lunch at Friends where they offer free WIFI.  The first rugby game of the season at NMMU was Monday night; some made it to the start of JV and said it was awesome.  The St. Cloud group had dinner at the Blue Water Café that was right on the ocean and made for a great view. 

         Tuesday we were up at 8am to go on a city tour, which I have to say has been the highlight of my trip so far.  We went through different townships and got to see how people were living and it was really unreal! Our tour guide is extremely knowledgeable and involved in the community.  He also took us to The Red Location Museum and Backpacker Lodge.  Our tour guide actually helped 16 or so unemployed women in the townships organize the Backpacker lodge Called the Red Location, and now they are employed and running their own business.  The lodge is located in a place where tourists are able to see every state of life in South Africa.  We were all invited to the Red Location on Valentine’s Day to celebrate love the African way!  A lot of our group has decided to attend.  The mama’s at the lodge consider every one of us their children.  That night we went to Captains Bar and restaurant with a huge group living at Annie’s cove and other places. 

Art on our walk through town, students and NMMU did the Mosaicc tile work on the steps.

Panel of a van in the rock as art, represents a huge part of South Africa, Kombi or Combi not sure how to spell it! They are vans that drive the streets and pick up loads of people, and let me tell you some of them are pretty interesting and we have had some very different experiences in them.

Nelson Mandela tribute, the chest of this reads "Nelson Mandela transformed the world Celebrate his life"

         

         Wednesday and Thursday were pretty calm, just visited campus for a few hours to figure out what classes to register for, get medical aid cards and we are hoping to eventually figure out the Internet situation as soon as possible! Thursday night we went to a bar called Balizza for ladies night! Most bars we have visited now have been absolutely packed!

         Friday and the weekend were spent enjoying the 70-80 degree weather, visiting the beach gathering last minute things for our flat and meeting people at Annie’s.  It’s amazing how many people I have met already!