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| August 26, 2006 |
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Sowubona from South Africa!
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!
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Posted by Lauren at 11:51 AM | Permalink
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Comments
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Sounds like an amazing opportunity... not only to learn and take classes but to make friends and experience a whole other culture. It's interesting also to see you're picking up their experssions for some of our day-to-day words and I can't wait for more updates!
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Posted by:
kt |
September 8, 2006 06:21 PM
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I enjoy your enthusiasm and expressions. Keep on giving us more good information about your experiences. Fascinating so far.
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Posted by:
jeanne |
September 11, 2006 02:30 AM
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Lauren, we will be following your travels and adventures in Africa with great interest. Can't wait to see the first video of your life in South Africa! This web site is really cool! :)
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Posted by:
Terry |
September 11, 2006 10:02 PM
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Lauren, I love it!! I can't wait to see more. Its so great to see you on the Internet and see your photos.
I love you!!! Mom
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Posted by:
robin |
September 12, 2006 12:13 AM
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Lauren,
You mention that a friend was threatened at gun point between "I love it" and a feeling of being protected by those around you. Have you had any time to reflect on the way daily violence like this is related to the culture there and how your perception of security may be contrasted to that of the people you are living with and visiting? Have you begun to think about how you fit into this new world beyond being a visitor who is protected by your hosts? I would be interested in knowing your thoughts.
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Posted by:
Julie |
September 12, 2006 06:44 PM
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Hi Lauren,
I have taken over the advising for EAP South Africa at UCSD. Please continue to tell us all about your experiences!
: )
Kathleen
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Posted by:
Kathleen McLaren-Hawking |
September 12, 2006 10:56 PM
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Hey Lauren!
I was looking for things to do in Durban...
You might want to check out Coedmore Castle for photography purposes! Looks like an amazing opportunity for some black and whites... especially on a cloudy day!
Oh yeah - I work with yer Ma at KLIV!
Good Luck and be careful!
Michael
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Posted by:
Michael |
September 13, 2006 06:19 PM
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Lauren:
I watched your video and enjoyed every minute of it. Definitely make some friends who can help show you around. You certainly will have some of the best visuals out of all of us! Good luck and keep it up... fellow JYA member Christopher
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Posted by:
Christopher |
September 14, 2006 12:48 PM
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Lauren:
Great job on the Zululand story. It's so wonderful for us to get share your adventure, and those of all the other JYA students. You have VCHS students, staff and faculty following your journey.
PS - loved the 'ants' outtakes! :)
Love, Dad
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Posted by:
Terry |
September 15, 2006 04:20 PM
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Lauren, My daughter Ali from Iowa is on campus with you, and told me to look up your diary. It is so great to see more of what you, Ali, and the other foreign students are doing. I look forward to seeing what's next. Take care, Julie
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Posted by:
Julie Gowans |
September 16, 2006 11:30 PM
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You have a great commentary , please continue to fill us in on all your adventures and of course - studies. Keep up the videos too! I have told all my friends to watch and read your information. Enjoy!!!!!
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Posted by:
Jeanne Mcelhatton\ |
September 18, 2006 02:03 AM
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Lauren-It looks like you are having a wonderful experience thus far and really immersing yourself into the culture. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos.
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Posted by:
Jess |
September 18, 2006 05:24 PM
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Nice show!
But why are you trying to imitate those UN unicef commercials that start going on air around xmas time?
Good Luck....
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Posted by:
Marco |
September 19, 2006 11:03 AM
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