It's cold and rainy again today, but I'm really hoping for good weather for this weekend! We've got some big plans for the weekend, but that all hinges on the weather.
Class has been really interesting. Even though it's long, I really enjoy it and feel like I'm learning a lot about South Africa's political situation. I'm looking forward to exploring more of South Africa this weekend. They keep us really busy with not only classes, but also planned events almost every day. I think that's really good.
I get up at 7 every day, and there is a good South African breakfast at 8. Classes start at 9. Around 10:30 we have a tea break. We all go outside to this little cart that has been set up for us and we have about half an hour to just take a break and enjoy a coffee or cup of rooibos tea and maybe a little pastry. That's something I would love to take back to the States! At noon we get about an hour and a half off for lunch, and then class usually goes until four or five.
Yesterday evening they screened the film "Skins" at Monica. Watching it was part of our course. It was such a good movie, but very sad. If you don't know what it's about, you should look it up. It's a movie that sort of highlights the ridiculous laws of the Apartheid era. Classes have been really good. The South Africans are really open about the Apartheid era, and talk about it freely. I will admit that some of the discussion we have had in class have been emotionally difficult.
Today we watched a documentary about the "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" headed by Bishop Tutu. It was really interesting, especially since our professor was involved with the transitional government. She helped run the 1994 election, and was on a committee to try to keep the elections fair. She offers a very interesting and refreshing point of view to our class discussions.
Last night we went to a fast food fish restaurant called Fish Aways. It was really good. I was surprised to see though that they served the fish on the bone! I couldn't imagine that being ok in America! We also met "Mr. T". He's a homeless man who hangs around the mall (which is right next to campus). The students call him Mr. T. because of his haircut. He's constantly drunk and wanders around shouting. He's not scary at all, and he seems actually really friendly. I'm surprised at the number of homeless people in Stellenbosch. It's odd to see so many in such a small town. They don't really bother you I've heard, except for one crazy lady named "Moksie" who I have yet to meet.
Tonight several of us went out with two of our South Africans for hot chocolate at this little coffee shop in town. It was really good, especially since it's so cold and wet today. Afterwards we went out for pizza at this Italian restaurant. Francesca, our lone Italian was with us and said it was actually decently authentic. I asked what was the most South African. The South Africans recommended to me the biltong and chili (green chili pepper) pizza. I was told that it was very Afrikaner. It was different, but actually very good!
So now I'm back at the room trying to dry out a little bit. The buildings here don't have any heating, so the school gave us a little desktop heater that Phil (my roommate) and I have on the nightstand between our beds. It's not too cold though. And I checked the weather, and it's supposed to start clearing up within the next few days. I hope so! I miss the view of the mountains!
No comments:
Post a Comment