Welcome to Cape Town!

I’ve now been in Cape Town, South Africa for almost a week after 30+ hour travel time. This is my first time leaving the US (except for Mexico which is so close I don’t count it) and it has been a big step. After talking to other international students I realize I haven’t seen much of the world compared to them, I’m expecting culture shock to hit me pretty soon.  

Let me start with the South African accent....sexy. Boy did I choose a great place to go, it fun just listen to locals talk.  In places outside the University setting it can be hard to understand, for example in the very rural townships where a good english program is rare.  They also use quite a bit of slang here...

bru= bro, and it is not condescending. what a concept! 

braii= barbecue, and gas is a big no no here

robots= stoplights. cute right?

globe= light bulb. This one was pretty confusing during a conversation 

There are 11 national languages in SA so there is a lot to listen to and learn. I want to come back with a few words in Xhosa, otherwise known as the “clicking language”.

Now onto my new crib. I live in an old bed and breakfast, the old Charlton Hotel.  There is 20 rooms, but we only have 18 people in the whole house.  The place has a very old feel which is reflected by our lack of internet and testy electrical system. Our house has 2 large gates and a night security guard, Fariki (sp) to help us feel safe. South Africa, as you may have guessed, has a lot of crime. Mainly muggings and burgulry. Fariki was the one who tried to warn us with our first encounter with our local men in blue...

On Monday night my new housemates and I were having a cozy night in the house playing games and getting to know each other when hoards of other internationals came over. We had all heard this humor of a party at the “big house” and apparently that’s us.  So the party arrived, and our older neighbor called the cops for a noise complaint.  The place was cleared out rather quickly.  We had no music, no yelling, just conversation of 50 or so people. 

This week has been orientation and classes start soon. I’ve seen a lot of South Africa so far from the ritzy shops at the Waterfront, to the extreme poverty of the townships. I’m excited to be immersed in this culture, talk to locals, and experience as much as I can while I’m here.

 BTW...there are only two wires that connect the WHOLE content of Africa to the internet. Therefore, internet is scarce and expensive compared to the states. Something to get used to