Growing up...

I remember I couldn't wait to turn 16, then 18, then 21. Now...I wish I was 16 or 18, and curious/nervous about what 22 will bring.

Lollipops turned to cigarettes,
 homework goes in the trash,
phones are being used in class,
detention became suspension,
soda becomes vodka,
the innocent ones turned into sluts,
remember getting high meant swinging on the playground?,
when the worst thing you could get from boys were cooties,
when protection meant wearing a helmet,
your worst enemies were your siblings,
war was only a card game,
bikes become cars,
 undies turn into g-strings,
wearing a skirt didn't make you a slut,
kisses turn to sex,
Race issues were about who ran the fastest,
The only drug you knew was cough medicine,
The only things that hurt were skinned knees
And goodbyes only meant until tomorrow?


And we couldn't wait grow up....

16

 18

21

Send Love

In 2011 :  Facebook, Twitter, and Email are the means of communication. Letters were the ONLY means of communication in the 19th century. ( i.e. Pride and Prejudice, Movie ) We all know how it feels to recieve something pleasant in the mail,  lets bring letters back.

-Send Love

-Send Encouragement

-Send Poems

-Send....you words


40 Campground Rd
Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa 7700

Womens Day ; Mens Day?

So it's been a few days...Today is my first day back to class from an extra long five day week. Thanks to South Africa and their many holidays we had a couple days off. Tuesday, August 9th was Womens Day, and in the words of my roommate "You know your not in America any more when the entire country takes a day off to celebrate Women". On that day my fellow female roommates and I took full advantage of "our day" :). We spent the day at the Bay, ate at this Cuban restaurant by the ocean (The first Mojito served in South Africa was in 2000), got Italian ice cream, and just strolled on the strip. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. But the funny thing is while I was suppose to spend this day reflecting on how great women are , which we are, I thought about the men of Cape Town; Since I've been here (one month on Friday) I've noticed that the men in South Africa have not lost their since of chivalry, that I feel is quickly fading in America. For example, If we go out they pay for everything ,even if we request to, they offer the you the last seat on the train even if you do want to stand, let you go ahead of them to get on the bus even though they have been standing there longer, and my favorite, open and close the car do for you ( name a taxi driver in the states that does that). Not saying that men in America don't do this, but I've observed these small gestures being done here more often than not.  I could get use to this.

Side Note: While I'm not spending my time doing homework or going to BBQ's I find myself spending hours on http://www.stumbleupon.com/ , my roommate introduced me to this website; So if you're ever bored and need something to do this could help. Check it out!

Week two: School dayssss

We started class this past week, lets just say the whole week was a blur. And yes, I was "one" of those kids on campus that asked everyone where my classes were. But, the students were really nice and pointed me in the right direction after asking "Are you a foreign exchange student?" , I was use to the drill after about the fifth person. I'm taking three classes, and i'm one of the few people that has a pretty decent schedule, no classes monday or wednesday, lucky me. : ) All of my lectures are pretty big any where from 100-200 people. I'm taking a class called Africa : Race , Class, Religion; only two classes in and I love it. Race is still a very touchy subject here, especially in Cape Town, since the aparthied was only about 16 years ago. But, if you walked around UCT (my school) you wouldn't even think the aparthied touched the campus because it's so diverse. I'm still getting use to that fact that i'm not considered black, i'm "Coloured"- term they use for people of a lighter complexin. Another, African Danceeee, our first class we danced for almost two hours but I enjoyed every single minute. I always felt like I had to left feet, but I kept up. My teacher is great, I feel like he's definitely going to leave an impression on me; He's so passionate about what he does. And, he actually taught at A&T for a short time, he said he loved it there, being that they have no HBCU's and he could sense "strong black pride & unity on a college campus".
This weekend I went to Kalk bay. Beautiful , beautiful place. Caught the train for free to the coast. I heard so much about how good the seafood is here , so I had to see for myself. Luckily the weather was nice and the dock was buzzing with people. When the fishermen come back from being away at sea you can actually buy the fish right off the boat, I bought six big pieces of black brim, get this.... for three dollars. I fried two today, turned out soooo good!

Nightlife here is great.  My South African friends took me into the city for a night out. I felt like I was riding down Ocean Blvd. in Miami... luxury cars every where you turned, champagne bottles, and good music (didn't tell my parents this part hehe.)

Learning and exploring everyday....Miss you guys!

Week One!

So I've been in Cape Town for officially a week...and what a long week it has been. I moved into my house and its beautiful. I have seven other roommates , 4 girls 4 guys, two of my roommates are from Canada, one from Norway, one from Denmark, and all the girls are from the states. You can say that the boys are a bit more diverse than us girls and my roommates from Norway and Denmark drink  like champs ( guess its a european thing) .  I haven't had a case of homesickness yet but I'm definitely missing my luxuries like fast Internet ,  T.V. (we only get four channels) and MY CAR; I'm definitely going to be in shape once I leave here cause we have to walk every where. But the city is beautiful and the people are extremely nice, sometimes too nice, if that's at all possible; always a smile when someone greets you and they make sure you are accommodated.

I love how the US dollar goes so much further here; 7 Rand ( South African currency) is equal to $1 ; Taxi's are about .50 cents , gas is only $1.10 ( If I could bring some gas home I would!!!) , and a train rides are about $2 and it takes you any where you want to go. I think thats why Oprah owns a house here , you can live like a king or queen for little to nothing....
Tomorrow is my first day of class and I'm actually looking forward to it , even though I wouldn't say the same if I was back home getting ready for my first day of class at UNCG. I hope I'm not to overwhelmed though , with a campus of 25,000 students its not going to be to hard to get lost in translation and I don't want to be "that kid" with the map in her hand.


Keep sending Prayers and Love.

My stream of thought right now....

-So I have officially moved all my things out of my apartment at school and it was a little bittersweet.
 Everything feels so final , I have to keep reminding myself that I'll be back in December.

-I bought a new journal yesterday so I can document my trip and I'm excited to get back to one of my first loves, writing. This time next week I'll be in Africa and I'm so excited to get into the swing of things and move into my new house.

-I've been thinking about how much fun I'm going to have that I forgot that the main reason I'm there is to go to school :/ lol

- 5 more days ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Pre-departure Thoughts

While I was packing up my things in my apartment it hit me , that I have about two more weeks left in the states. I still can't believe that i'm going to be living as an South African college student for the next five months. I'm really looking forward to meeting new people, seeing new places, and some how connect to my ancestors roots. I already know i'm going to have a case of "homesickness" but the time is only temporary.   I am truly blessed to have this oppourtunity and I hope you all follow me on my journey in Africa! University of Cape Town awaits!