T.I.A. (This Is Africa ... This ISN'T America)

This is officially my first blog in Africa!!!! At this moment, I am still in my honeymoon phase. Everything is still new, and I am constantly excited to start new adventures while also starting to adapt to this new culture. After being here for a week, I am starting to get used to how South Africa works, but it is such a different environment and culture compared to Minnesota that it will take time to fully adapt.

South Africa is BEAUTIFUL … I need to pinch myself every day reminding me that this is reality … that I am not here for a week vacation but will be living here for 5 months! So far South Africa has far exceeded any expectations I have had! After travelling 27 hours and landing in Port Elizabeth, I have experienced waking up to an African sunset, star gazing, zip-lining over waterfalls, eating traditional South African meals, hiking through South African forests, meeting amazing people all over the world, and officially being an International Student.

But with all of these amazing adventures comes also with the difficulties of adapting to a new environment and culture … I need to constantly remind myself that this is Africa … NOT America! There are little things all the time that I need to acclimate to … things such as walking 20 minutes to BUY electricity, waiting an hour for the water to boil, walking on the opposite side of the sidewalk, people driving on the opposite side of the car AND driving on the opposite side of the road, killing cockroaches in my flat, and the list goes on. South Africa definitely does not have the fast pace attitude that I find back at home … everyone takes their time and are extremely chill. South Africa is literally a whole new world, and it sometimes feels like Minnesota and South Africa are in completely different universes, but I really enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I am trying to embrace all opportunities that are offered to me and also trying to find my purpose while I am here. I am so glad that I chose to study abroad in South Africa ... it has so far made me experience the unexpected, become reliant with myself, and become extremely PATIENT with how a new culture works. 

This past week was Orientation Week, so I successfully registered for my classes and learned how the South African school system works. Today I have a date with the beach, tomorrow the International Students will be going on a city tour, and I will be ending my weekend by going to the World’s soccer tournament where Ghana will be competing against Mali in Port Elizabeth!

Thank you all SO much for your prayers for safe travels … I not only made it here safely but also with no difficulties. Your prayers for my continued guidance and safety will still be much appreciated. Missing you all at home and sending my love from South Africa! 

Nicole