Sowubona from South Africa! That’s a Zulu greeting, as the province I’m in (KwaZulu-Natal) has a huge Zulu speaking population. Well, I'm finally here after a 3 day journey, 3 planes and no sleep. But its gorgeous here! There are monkeys running around on campus, the most beautiful trees ever, and I'm in AFRICA! The sunset is incredible; it is the middle of winter here but not cold at all. I love my classes here at UKZN (that UK ZED N, the University of KwaZulu-Natal). I am in the African dance ensemble, digital design (a post grad course), and Understanding AIDS in Africa. What a cool opportunity! There is a view of the city from my window, a view of the ocean and the port from campus, and more friends than I could have hoped for!
It’s been incredible to meet all the international students (from the US, Canada, Australia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, and a million other countries). The other day we went to our friend's house and picture this: we were sitting with him (he's French), a guy from Germany, a girl from Nigeria, 3 guys from Norway, an Indian, a Canadian, and 2 of us Americans. Ha-ha, talk about your internationals. I love it. Everyone here has been very kind, and even though it’s pretty dangerous (there is a very high crime rate, super tight security on campus, and a friend was threatened at gun point down the street.) I feel like so many people have my back, a couple of families have had us over to their homes and that really makes you feel safer, and so welcomed. It’s so much fun on campus too! The Indian culture is amazing here as well, since 60% of my school is Indian. I’m really excited to be here, despite cold showers and ants everywhere.
I've been so busy and done so much that I haven't had time yet to miss home :) We just got back from a trip to Zululand! The rich cultural heritage of the Zulu homelands is incredible! I got to play soccer with a bunch of the community kids and watch a lot of dancing. I love the dancing and singing, it’s gorgeous!! It's so amazing to see and experience all the things I've read and heard about for so long, it’s almost surreal! We're planning trips to Lesotho, Capetown and Mozambique. I'm so excited!
The food is incredible (the homemade vegetarian Indian food I buy for lunch is so yummy!) Anyway I'm having fun, definitely glad I came but I wish my friends were all here to experience this with me. Africa is AMAZING and everyone should visit!! Oh, and not only to I get to learn Zulu, I'm learning English over again. Bakkie= truck, boot=trunk, jersey=sweater, braai=bbq, biscuit=cookie. Well, here's to 4 months of experiences to go!! Much more to come, and as they say in South Africa, cheers!

Posted by Lauren at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBacks (0)

Essentials about me: I'm fun-loving student at the University of California San Diego. I started out studying international relations (which I still love!) but am now studying media, ironically the family business. But the draw for me is to a creative forum to express life's passion. I see what I study as an art, and enjoy every minute of it. True to my Californian roots, I love to be outdoors and see the beauty of life in so many ways! I really like to go running, and I love a good conversation, good music, a good book, a good cup of tea! My friends would call me classy, yet silly, as you'll always find me laughing. I also have an incredible itch to travel the globe, and the country that has been the most striking to me recently is South Africa. I chose to study here for a multitude of reasons, and I'm SO glad I did! I am always up for learning about the intricacies of other cultures and meeting new friends along the way. Especially South Africa, where the first world meets the third world, I am learning more about the world we live in than I could have hoped (and I had some high hopes!) I want to push this life I'm living into the most stretching experience I can; to do more, see more, and learn more so that I can change more. I also love to help people and will be volunteering in South Africa whenever I can. I believe this life is about more than just me. Not sure quite what I'm looking for abroad, but I'm loving every minute!

Posted by Lauren at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)