Hello from sunny Stellenbosch, South Africa!

I arrived here safely almost three weeks ago and have been having the time of my life ever since. The two-day trip to South Africa was a bit rough but a few tears, a couple books, and three flights after leaving the STL I landed in Cape Town. Even from the air, the scenery was incredible and my anxiety and apprehension were replaced with pure excitement for what lie ahead. I easily found the CIEE representative that was picking me up and soon four other students and I were stepping out of the airport and into a perfect South African summer day. High 80s, slight breeze off the Atlantic Ocean, not a cloud in the sky. This was quite a drastic (but appreciated) change from the weather I left at home! We were taken in a van to Stellenbosch, which is about a 30 minute drive from Cape Town, shown to our flats, and then had a group picnic on campus with the program director, Bradley. Bradley is awesome and has quickly assumed the role of ‘dad’ for our group of eleven. As for the other students in my program, they are great as well. We all became instant friends and it now feels as if we have known each other for years rather than just a few short weeks! It has been comforting to be able to rely on each other and go through this experience together.

Anyway, you must be wondering what I have been doing these past few weeks! I had orientation the first week I was here, both for CIEE and Stellenbosch University. While not completely exciting, it was a good chance to get acquainted with the others in my program and with my new ‘home.’ I attended many welcoming braais (BBQs), wandered around town, ate at a traditional Afrikaans restaurant called Volkskombus, went to a concert by the Rudimentals (an African band), and started picking up on the local language and culture. It took me no time at all to settle in and I’m pretty sure I was in love with Stellenbosch by day two.

The first weekend I was here, my group went on a Cape Town adventure in which we visited the local landmarks of Signal Hill, Chapman’s Peak, Boulder Beach, Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point. I saw penguins and baboons, stood at the tip of Africa, saw the new World Cup stadium, and hiked to what seemed like the edge of the Earth. It was absolutely incredible. It was also on this day that I realized my skin is no match for the African sun and only today has my skin started looking normal again! I seriously burn within the first thirty seconds of stepping outside here and unfortunately the sunscreen is expensive (so if you feel like sending me a care package you know what to include!).

The second week I was here was RAG/Jool week in which the 1st years (freshman) are put through an intensive program that includes waking up at the crack of dawn, working all day, not being allowed to go out at night, and other strict rules. Semesters here are opposite those in the States so it is the first semester at Stellenbosch and thus all the 1st years are new on campus. I would compare Jool to pledge season for the typical fraternity/sorority. There is no greek system here, however, the res’ (dorms) function in much the same way that an American fraternity or sorority would. After the 1st years work hard, they put on a series of performances, etc. There were trolley (shopping cart) races, Vensters (skits), and a parade. It is a huge week for the University and ended up being a lot of fun. Also during this week, I went on a picnic, visited a local cheetah farm, went wine tasting, and spent a day at Strand Beach.

You might be wondering about classes? Those actually just started this last Monday. This week we had what are called ‘First Meetings’ in which students attend the first class to see if they like it and want to enroll. My official classes don’t start until next week. I will be taking two language courses (Afrikaans and Xhosa), a photography class, and an HIV/AIDS Epidemic course. Class time is minimal here so I still have plenty of time to hit the pool each day. I also made sure that my last class of the week ends Thursday at 10:30 so that I have long weekends to travel. Needless to say it’s going to be a pretty relaxing semester! While I will be having minimal time in the classroom, I can already tell that I will be learning so much by just living here.

Well if you haven’t guessed by now, I am having a wonderful time here so there is no need to worry! I love everything about this place and I only wish you could all visit! I still find myself surprised by the fact that I am in Africa and can’t get over how lucky I am. This weekend I will be heading into Cape Town to attend the J&B Met Horserace. I will then be staying in a hostel Saturday night and attending a concert at Kirstenbosch on Sunday. Look for pictures sometime next week!