Continuing my streak of greeting my readers in a different language, I just said "hello" in Sepedi. Sepedi is a language spoken by four million people in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and even parts of Gauteng. It is also known as Sesotho sa Laboa. In Cape Town, one never hears Sepedi spoken. Normally I hear English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.
Now that I'm well into the second half of my time in South Africa, my exchange is taking a different direction. My classmates are currently feverishly studying for their exams, which I luckily don't have to take. Don't get me wrong, I'm academically committed here in SA, but I'm definitely not going to complain. That said, I've completed all of my graduation requirements for school in America so I don't feel a real urge to work my gaat off. As a result of my friends being busy with exams I have taken the opportunity to do some volunteering in Cape Town. For the next few weeks I will be working for an organization called Equal Education. Specifically, I will be working for "The Bookery" within the organization. Essentially, I get to sort and prepare books for new libraries in schools in the townships of Cape Town. These books mostly go to the township of Khayelitsha. I started this week and I have really enjoyed the work.
Come June 18, I'll go back to school. Yes, as a senior in high school I will still go to school in mid-June. When I first realized it I thought it was rather peculiar but it's part of the experience of studying abroad. It's very important to let go of your home country's perception or way of doing something. The matric dance, the South African equivalent of prom, is June 21. You'll hear more about it later in June as my classmates countdown the days. Unlike prom, which sort of just "happens" at North Shore, people plan this dance all year long. Needless to say, it's a huge deal. Let's hope it's all what everyone cracks it up to be!
The June/July vacation follows the Matric Dance. It's a three week break during which I'm going to Phalaborwa, Limpopo to visit another AFS student. Phalaborwa is located right on the edge of the Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's biggest attractions. What's also nice about Phalaborwa is that it's up north, which means it's warm. In Cape Town we are currently experiencing winter. Obviously it's not like our Chicago winters but it's cold and damp with clouds for much of the day. Chicago I know has had a great May so far, but I remember it being 50 degrees and rainy quite often. Oh well.
Not too much interesting to share this week. Please email me suggestions of anything you'd like to know more about. That way, you as the reader can benefit from this blog. I hope that other prospective AFS students have used this blog as a resource in making an informed decision to go to South Africa or any other country with AFS.
I've enclosed some pictures of home. Many of my friends think I live in a clay hut. Perhaps these pictures will change their perception of South Africa.
Bedroom--Pardon the Mess
My View Every Night
My "Elephant Sized" Shower
Living Room
Estate/Development
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