It is a New Year and I start off my 2010 adventure in South Africa, a country currently buzzing with excitement about the impending changes and growth that are soon to come with the world’s most well known event—The World Cup.
When I disembarked South African Airlines, I was filled with excitement. My first thought, summer in January what a great feeling. After picking up my luggage, I was greeted by a sea of “Molweni!” in translation, Molweni means hello. it is the term used to greet two or more people in Xhosa. “Molo” also means hello, but it is used to greet one person. I was extremely excited to learn my first word in Xhosa, I must have repeated the word over 50 times my first day in South Africa.
My first week in South Africa was amazing! I started off with a weeklong orientation with my program, CIEE, where I had the chance to learn more about South Africa through presentations and hands on activities. I took trips into the town, known as Rondebosch, where students often go for pretty much any and everything. There are a host of bars, stores, and food places in Rondebosch that is convenient to students. During this week I also had the chance to attend the opening game at the Cape Town World Cup Stadium (Green Point Stadium). I have never experienced something so extravagantly exciting and exhilarating (see pictures). I also had the chance to experience my first spit Braai, this is known to Americans as a Barbeque. What makes a Spit Braai different? Lamb on a stick based in sauce (See pictures)
For the first few days in South Africa I felt at home. The environment, the infrastructure and the people all look so familiar; however, I was quickly reminded that I am a stranger in a new world when I open my mouth to speak. On Friday night, a few of my friends and I went out to Long street, which is a replica of New Orleans Bourbon Street party life. When walking down the street a group of guys walked passed and complimented on the way we looked. He said, “You ladies look beautiful,” My friend, from Indiana responded with a simple “thank you” and instantly he yells out “They are Americans! “ and began walking behind us. Trust me, we were timid! We sped up and went straight into a bar called Jo-burge, which I must mention was off the hook! We had a great night. We bought drinks for 1 Rand, which is equivalent to 13 cent US dollars. Amazing huh!?
That night we took a taxi back to campus; we were constantly reminded during orientation that the safest way to get back to campus after a late night is by taxi. When we got back on campus our fee was 90 Rands, at first my 4 friends and I began arguing about the tab, until we realized that in US dollars 90 Rands is actually $12 US dollars. In essence, we had to pay 2 dollars each for the ride. lol
Indeed I am a stranger in a new world!
