As Jennifer Sees It

My First Update From South Africa

Hey Everyone,



OK so I am in South Africa!!!!!!!!!!!



So I know you were probably all like Jen is gone I can stop hearing about South Africa but no. Now you get to here it through email.



OK so I have yet to decide whether email will be my thing or if it will be blogging. Maybe both but I'll let you all know sooner rather then later.



I currently am in a Computer lab at the University in Jo'burg. But how did I get here well I'll let you know.



My spam will have an agenda.



1) Flight

2) Arrival in Jo'burg and My First Night

3) Sunday

4) Now It is Monday

5) Other Stuff to Know!!!

6) Things I have leant

7) People So Far



1) Flight



So Thursday was the day of my flights and I was supper excited about it even though I hate flying. So really I was not excited about the flight as much I was finally leaving. And yes I did get slightly emotional.



So I had a 11hr lay over in LHR and it was the worst ever. I ended up not going into London because I could not find Sarin. I phoned Tas and I was freaking out just a little but she calmed me down. By the time I figured out I was not going to find Sarin (My CEED partner for those who don't know) I didn't have time anymore. I found a starbucks though. The selection in Canada is way better. I went really early to the Emirates info desk to ask them a questions and Thank gawd I did. My flight was cancelled. They got us on an earlier flight so everything worked out OK. In the Dubai airport we had a Irish breakfast. I know in Dubai we had an Irish breakfast. Ohh and first thing I found strange LHR has no garbage cans.



2) Arrival in Jo'burg and My First Night



It was good as someone was there to pick us up and customs and immigration went smoothly. Riana ( A member of the EB in pretoria) and her boyfriend who I have met twice and feel awful because I can not remember his name. Anyways they picked us up. They then tried to freak us out by saying we were staying in a Township. But we were not. Anyways they took us to were we were staying for Saturday and Sunday night. With Julia and Clara two Trainees (Interns) in Pretoria . Saturday Night they took us to a brai (It was a BBQ) where we met the incoming MC (national team) and some other people but I was so tired after not having slept for 2 days so when we went home early I was OK with that. I had boer – it is sausage with a spruce taste to it. I can just say the Canadians are taking over as there was three of us there at night. Fred of Saskatoon made us the power of three.



3) Sunday



So I had to worst sleep I woke up at 4:30am and could not go back to sleep. During the day PJ came and picked us up and we went to a first fort and then a monument. (At this time I do not remember the names) Then we went to the union buildings were we were suppose to have a picnic. BUT there was no picnic. So then Riana and Boyfriend came and took us to Roma's for lunch. Its pizza and was pretty good. Sidenote Neil – food is not that good. After this we went to visit Sascha he is the president at the local committee in Pretoria. Very cool guy. We then had a short chat about what we would be doing and he let us call home. There is such a big contrast in realities that it will be a really interesting experience for me. We then made him dinner he is not very domestic. It was fun chatting and talking. Learning a little bit more about what to expect while I am here. We then went back to the house where friends was on. It reminded me of home so that was good. And I will probably not watch tv for a very long time.



4) Now It is Monday



So this morning Jeanne (The new MCP) picked us up and we went to the MC house in Jo'burg were we will be staying till the 10th. But before this happened a dog peed on two of my bags. Luckily they are water proof. But really how gross is that. I know I took out a anti-bactirial wipe. When we got to Jo'burg I met more people and am learning that I am really bad with names. But Fred took us grocery shopping and we bought to much and it took us a while to get back to the House. When we got back we unpacked and now I am on the computer writing to you.



5) Other Stuff to Know!!!



We got a cell phone so as soon as I know the number and get it all worked out people can start texting me. Or SMSing as they call it here.



During the Day the weather is great. Very nice. At night it is cold and you have to bundle up a lot to keep warm.

When we go back to Pretoria Me and Sarin will be living on our own and they are going to try to get us a flat close ot the Campus. Which they call Varsity.

There are stairs everywhere. And hills I wont have to worry that I am not going to the gym for a while.


6) Things I have leant.



So many new words like braie and boar. Also it's a indicator not a signal light.

Robot is an intersection.

Flat = Apartment

Buckie is a truck

Lift is an Elevator

Now I know I say Oh Really a lot here you say Iz it?

This is getting really long



7) People So Far



Everyone has been really nice and I don't think I realize yet that I am not at home. Except for when I am in a car. I always think people are going down the wrong side of the road.

In Pretoria people speak Afrikaans so a lot of time I have no idea what people are saying. At first I thought are they talking about be but then I realised I am not that interesting.

There is a definite contrast in the types of people here! Which I find really interesting. Though I am still experiencing it and will update you later.



OK because of the length I am just going to end it now.



Anyways I would love to here from home.



Also if something did not make sense let me know I will explain further. I am very tired so I am sure I am missing something but how I mean it is soooo long.



Lots of Love,



Jennifer

posted by HappyOne @ 4:22 AM