Hi friends!
Today was our first real day of school! Yesterday we had class, but it was more of an introduction. Today we took our first test, and I think we rocked it. My roommates and I got up early to study, then we went to the classroom to take the test. It was based on all of the readings that we were required to do pre-departure. I really liked that we had to do this because it gives this whole trip a sense of purpose. Yes, I'm here to check a million things off of my bucket list, but getting 6 credits in 5 weeks is really cool and quite an accomplishment. I'm really motivated to do well.
We did a little cultural activity after the test (and after we got to come home and take a nap). Essentially, we just played a game, but the point of the game was to help us better understand why being ethnocentric is not a good approach to a study abroad program or any international travel. Our instructors encouraged us to be open-minded to the culture here and not to be frazzled or turned-off by any of the cultural differences. Which brings be to...
What I'm noticing is different over here:
-We went to the grocery store for the first time today. It was small, the brands were mostly completely different, and the selection was incredibly limited. Even simple things were different. I didn't know I was supposed to put stickers on my own fruit, I didn't know that you were supposed to push the cart on the left side of the isle, and I didn't know where to find some things (for example, they didn't refrigerate the eggs).
-The waiters at the restaurants are incredibly casual and laid back. They take their time when asking for your order, it takes them a while to bring you your check, they won't split checks, and they take a while bringing you drinks, menus, and food. As opposed to America, where we need everything immediately.
The food here is supposed to be amazing, but we really haven't had a great meal yet. We went to an Asian restaurant tonight that was right by our apartment. It was ok. We are really excited to try some of the amazing food here...we just need to find it! So if any of you reading this have been to Cape Town...let us know!!
Today was REALLY low key. It was pretty much our first day of rest, so nothing that exciting really happened! But still, I wanted to blog to tell y'all what I've been doing because if I miss a day, there's no way I'll be able to keep up.
So far, I am just so extremely happy to be here. It's beautiful, and we have SUCH a long list of amazing things that we are going to be doing!! Tonight I need to {finally} unpack and do a little bit of homework. HOPEFULLY the jet lag will be better tomorrow. I am still suffering...haha.
Today was our first real day of school! Yesterday we had class, but it was more of an introduction. Today we took our first test, and I think we rocked it. My roommates and I got up early to study, then we went to the classroom to take the test. It was based on all of the readings that we were required to do pre-departure. I really liked that we had to do this because it gives this whole trip a sense of purpose. Yes, I'm here to check a million things off of my bucket list, but getting 6 credits in 5 weeks is really cool and quite an accomplishment. I'm really motivated to do well.
We did a little cultural activity after the test (and after we got to come home and take a nap). Essentially, we just played a game, but the point of the game was to help us better understand why being ethnocentric is not a good approach to a study abroad program or any international travel. Our instructors encouraged us to be open-minded to the culture here and not to be frazzled or turned-off by any of the cultural differences. Which brings be to...
What I'm noticing is different over here:
-We went to the grocery store for the first time today. It was small, the brands were mostly completely different, and the selection was incredibly limited. Even simple things were different. I didn't know I was supposed to put stickers on my own fruit, I didn't know that you were supposed to push the cart on the left side of the isle, and I didn't know where to find some things (for example, they didn't refrigerate the eggs).
-The waiters at the restaurants are incredibly casual and laid back. They take their time when asking for your order, it takes them a while to bring you your check, they won't split checks, and they take a while bringing you drinks, menus, and food. As opposed to America, where we need everything immediately.
The food here is supposed to be amazing, but we really haven't had a great meal yet. We went to an Asian restaurant tonight that was right by our apartment. It was ok. We are really excited to try some of the amazing food here...we just need to find it! So if any of you reading this have been to Cape Town...let us know!!
Today was REALLY low key. It was pretty much our first day of rest, so nothing that exciting really happened! But still, I wanted to blog to tell y'all what I've been doing because if I miss a day, there's no way I'll be able to keep up.
So far, I am just so extremely happy to be here. It's beautiful, and we have SUCH a long list of amazing things that we are going to be doing!! Tonight I need to {finally} unpack and do a little bit of homework. HOPEFULLY the jet lag will be better tomorrow. I am still suffering...haha.
Still fighting the internet, but trying to post as many pictures as I can :) It is breathtakingly beautiful here. I can't wait to take more pictures and post them for y'all to see.
The weather is very cold. This week it is supposed to rain. I am really crossing my fingers that all of our amazing adventures we have will not be interrupted with the weather!
I can't read two books at once because of my short attention span. But...I am trying to finish the book that I brought with me on the plane so that I can start a new book that I brought with me. It's a devotional that I haven't started reading yet, and I think this is the perfect place and the perfect opportunity to grow spiritually. Stay tuned. I am really hoping to be able to write more lengthy, meaningful blogs instead of just "I did this today." I'm getting there, I promise! A few more days of sleep and a few more adventures, and you will be reading some great stuff from me. Mom, if you're reading this, I'll call you tomorrow. Too crazy here right now :)
That's all for now! I hope you guys are enjoying tracking my trip:)
xoxo,
Anna
The weather is very cold. This week it is supposed to rain. I am really crossing my fingers that all of our amazing adventures we have will not be interrupted with the weather!
I can't read two books at once because of my short attention span. But...I am trying to finish the book that I brought with me on the plane so that I can start a new book that I brought with me. It's a devotional that I haven't started reading yet, and I think this is the perfect place and the perfect opportunity to grow spiritually. Stay tuned. I am really hoping to be able to write more lengthy, meaningful blogs instead of just "I did this today." I'm getting there, I promise! A few more days of sleep and a few more adventures, and you will be reading some great stuff from me. Mom, if you're reading this, I'll call you tomorrow. Too crazy here right now :)
That's all for now! I hope you guys are enjoying tracking my trip:)
xoxo,
Anna
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