This is Africa! (Take 2)

OK, so I’ve decided that the best way to do this for the time being is to type up my blog on Word and then just paste it in when I get to an internet café, at least until our internet problem is resolved. It’s definitely strange not having constant access to the rest of the world and indeed to home but it’s also kind of nice to be cut off, to be isolated, to be alone. I’ve found myself reading more, going for more walks and of course getting to meet new people. My apartment, The Bantry, is situated one street away from the beach and the Indian Ocean and is only a short walk away from a handful of supermarkets, bars and restaurants. It is also home to a large contingent of American exchange students. They’re all ‘dead on’ and I’m enjoying getting to know them better. My flat is a two bedroom affair but I’ve yet to get a flat mate, so I don’t know if there’s one coming or if I’m even going to get one. It’s OK though, my open door policy means that there’s always people dropping into chat!




So, what have I been up to in my short time already here? I guess that was a question that I was asking myself on the first night…what exactly am I doing here? I felt kind of in the dark about what I was meant to be doing or where I was meant to be going at first but I’ve quickly got accustomed to life in Port Elizabeth. It’s a kind of go with the flow style of living which I’m definitely enjoying. For the first time in my life I’ve had to do my own shopping, and not just any old shopping, shopping for important stuff like bed linen, groceries and kitchen accessories. I’ve also learned how to navigate the local transport system, that being minibus taxis that play loud music and crowd as many people into them as is physically possible. Today I found myself baffled as to how they actually managed to keep picking up new patrons!



Aside from new life experiences, I’ve also been enjoying some time on the beach. The sand is white and the sea is blue…just like off a postcard! It’s a nice thought to think that while I’m lying on the beach or bathing in the sea, you guys at home are putting on your coats and hats and gloves…sorry guys! I’m definitely going to invest in some surf lessons while I’m here…who knows I might come back better than Paddy…actually that’s not likely! When I first arrived it was very, very windy in PE and on Friday it got even windier! This was a nice wind though as it compensated for the extreme heat but it didn’t make jogging conditions along the promenade easy. The last few days have been calmer and more overcast and today it even rained but it’s not a bad rain, I mean it’s still warm!



Thanks to some help from Dad I was able to locate a church to attend on Sunday morning, the only drawback being that it was at 8am, the upshot being that there was breakfast afterward! The congregation were so friendly and welcoming, one elderly lady has even offered to take me for a drive along the coastline of the Eastern Cape someday. This is a trait shared by the South African people in general, they’re approachable, easy to talk to and always willing to help. I haven’t been out much at night but I went to a jazz night last night in a local bar. The atmosphere was so relaxed and the music was exceptional…I guess it’s how Africa is meant to be! The darker side of Africa is also far to evident here though as people roam the streets without anywhere to stay and beggars approach you in the street for money. The image of a guy lying sleeping on the ground as I walked home along the beach from church is a reminder that although this country has moved forward and is preparing itself for the eye’s of the world in 2010, many here are still left behind.



But am I not here to study? I’ve been up to the university twice now and have become familiar with the international office and the Summerstrand South Campus where I will be studying. Today we had our first day of orientation, involving introductions and tours. I have to go for registration again on Thursday before classes begin next week so don’t think that I’m having it all easy here…the hard work will come sure enough I’m sure! I guess that’s all for now then,



Peace

God Bless

This is Africa!

So I write to you from an internet cafe at the local Pick n Pay! It's been an interessting few days. Flights and all that went really well and after initial confusion we were picked up at the airport in like a mininbus taxi thing. The driver was typically African...lively and full of chat and when he learned that I was from Ireland he made the usual jokes about Irishmen loving pubs and drinking as if we do nothing else! The first sight of the Indian Ocean was breathtaking as I saw the waves crashing hard against the bright white beach. It's windy here...very windy...but that's not a bad thing as its also very hot so the two kind of counteract each other. Actually I think I'm running out of time here...hopefully I get my internet problem solved soon so I can keep you more informed of my goings on! For now though all you need to know is I'm safe...I'm enjoying myself...and God's looking after me!

Peace

The Night Before

So, tomorrow is the BIG day! The visa finally came (praise the Lord)...the suitcase has been packed at about the third or fourth attempt (silly 20k baggage allowance)...and most of the goodbyes have been said. This is going to be the biggest adventure of my life as I journey out into the relative unknown but I thank you all so much for your support, your well wishes and your prayers! Who knows what the next four months or so hold in store for me or where they will take me but it's time to buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Peace

New Year

So, after all the champagne has been drunk, all the music has been played and all the beacons have been lit, we're left with a New Year...2010! Its now less than 3 weeks until I head off to South Africa and before I go I have to do 4 exams, see the nurse, receive my visa, pack a suitcase, and say good bye to a whole lot of people! From now until I go it's going to be hectic but what better way to start off a new year...where I left off the old one!

Peace