First day of class

Today was the first day of class and I have to say that it was great to get back into a routine even though everything's new for me! My class schedule here is a lot more relaxed than back at Rhodes and hopefully my communications courses won't be as intense as journalism back home!

I only had two classes today but they were both very interesting in terms of seeing things from a new perspective. One of these was multicultural American Literature which looks at the theme of race within American literture written by Latino, Native American and black writers. Its refreshing to be able to explore this theme within a new culture and maybe generate new ideas concerning race. As you all know it gets to be an old topic in South Africa!

My second class was social inequality which was very enjoyable. I was nervous that as a South African I'd be called up on a lot to talk about what's going on in South Africa. I wasn't 'picked' on but part of me feels like that's why I'm here; to be an ambassador for South Africa and God has been amazing in generating conversations about South Africa with people. So I'll have to let you all know what happens!

Another reason why today was so good was because I felt as though I had started to bond with the university. I suddenly realised how great it actually is. I know this sounds weird as I've been here for a week but hardly anyone was here and we were stuck in orientation and just getting to know America never mind the university! So despite the fact that I stick out like a sore thumb (that'll be the next post; American fashion) I'm loving it!

Missing you all.
S.


My family here :)

Here safe and sound!

Hi all!
I arrived safely on tuesday morning at like 1am after 33 hours of travelling (this includes the eight hours that I spent in New York). Needless to say I'm exhausted but running on a high of excitement.

I'm sorry for not posting anything but I've been so busy and am still suffering from jetlag. Today's the first day that I've had free to actually write properly. I'll give you all a break down of what's been hapenning over the last few days.

Monday- New York was phenomenal! Words cannot describe the energy and pulse of the city! Once I arrived at JFK I set out into the city with only a vague idea of what I was doing. I think for most of the ride into the city I was in a state of disbelief and only once I climbed up the subway stairs did I realise where I was. The first thing to hit me was the noise and then the heat! I walked up and down sixth and seventh avenue and ended up in the fashion district :) I stumbled into Bryant Park and it is by far my most favourite place in New York. Its like an oasis amongst the chaos and noise of the city. The park is surrounded by the most beautiful old architecture. That's another thing about New York; the architecture is beautiful. In fact all you can do is look up! I felt so small and tiny amongst the buildings and all the people. All in all New York is as fabulous as they say!

Tuesday- My lovely roommate collected me from the airport at 1am in the morning. Needless to say I was feeling a 'little' exhausted but on a high about finally arriving in Louisville. While I was in the Chicago airport I had a mini panic attack about getting to Louisville. It didn't help that my flight was delayed. But after resting up I started to explore Bellarmine. The campus has been really quiet because the only people here right now are the internationals and the athletes. Later we explored a suburb in Louisville called the Highlands. There we had some sushi and went for a walk in the park. Walking in the park felt like I was an extra in a movie. There were kids playing soccer with their mom's watching with their mini-vans and people jogging at like 8pm. That's so weird as at home it would be dark by then and people definitely don't run at night!

Wednesday- We had a welcome breakfast where we all officially met. Though we were all a little nervous we all warmed up and shared a little about ourselves and our countries. We all come from all over the world which is really exciting! Later on Wednesday I went to Walmart! OMG, its ridiculous and scary! I've heard things about middle America which I wasn't totally sure were true and while some are exaggerated; the level of excess is ridiculous. But I will say that an entire country should be judged on one store ;) Especially when there is so much that America has to offer.

Thursday- We had a scavenger hunt on one of the main streets very close to campus. Its called Bardstown road and its similar to High street in Grahamstown but BETTER! Rice, you would die for this street! My group won which was great and we all bonded together.

Later in the afternoon I went to Indiana which was only about a half an hour away where we had a typical southern meal and went on a hayride! Yip, I'm in the South now!
Later in the afternoon I went to Indiana which was only about a half an hour away where we had a typical southern meal and went on a hayride! Yip, I'm in the South now!

Friday to Sunday- We went to Crossroads which is similar to an American summer camp. All I can say after Crossroads is that if you like camp then Crossroads is for you. But if you're like me it's painful. That being said I had fun at the dance and at the campfire so all was not lost.


Monday- We went on a downtown tour of Louisville. Louisville is absolutely enchanting and parts of it are similiar to a Victorian city! I love it and can't wait to explore it properly!

So thats been my life so far for the past week! Exhausting, overwhelming and amazing!
I'm going to be better about blogging now!
Love you all!
S.
P.S My international friends are AMAZING! We're all like a family and its great having this support system so soon!

Psyching up!

4 days!!!! That's 4 days until I leave... Wow, a year long process and now I'm only 4 days away from actually starting this crazy adventure! It doesn't feel like this is my last week in South Africa (for while) but I suppose it doesn't help that I'm so sick. Just my luck to be healthy all holiday and when I need to be well I'm sick. Oh well,illness aside I'm just organising lifts, bedding and my itinerary for New York!

I suppose never mentioned that I'll be in New York for a day before I get Louisville! I can't believe that on Monday I'll be in the city thats inspired me in things like 'ex and the City' or my favourite movie; 'Breakfast at Tiffany's!'Though I don't ahve much time in the city with travelling in and out from JFK the number one thing to see is Tiffany's!!!! The first time I ever saw Breakfast at Tiffany's, I started crying in the opening scene where Holly walks up to Tiffany's. I think it was a combination of finally watching this highly anticipated movie and the beautiful sweeping shots of New York. So after this embarrassing confession I think its safe to say I'll be quite emotional when I get to New York. I plan on going back there in December to spend more time exploring the galleries and museums but right now just a day is a wonderful way to begin my adventure!
Let me leave you with a few pictures from the movie that inspires me (to tears).
S.

photo project