Hello From Africa!!

Hello from Cape Town.  I have finally reconnected to the internet (not going to lie, it has been really nice not being able to easily access the internet these past 5-6 days).  To be completely truthful, I still am really unsure how the Internet over here works, since we buy it by megabyte not time.  So far the trip has been amazzzing!  After over 21 hours of flying, two members of the staff who were so friendly and welcoming met me at the Cape Town airport.  It is definitely a challenge to learn not only all the names of people in the program, but also all the staff members as their names are rather different than what I am used to. 

Our first two nights were spent in a hotel right near Long Street (which is where people often go to at night).  We began doing orientation meetings and getting to know everyone, how the program works, etc.  They prepared us for boredom, but every talk only made me more and more excited about the upcoming months and assured me that I chose the right program!   We have all been quite pleased with the prices around this area as well.  The other night we went out for a delicious seafood dinner complete with drinks and tip for only $14 US.  We also strolled through a craft market while in search for an ATM and saw beautiful art, figures, jewelry, etc.  It all screamed my name and I cannot wait to go back and buy a few special things (Marissa, I think my room back in Boulder is really going to step up its safari décor after this trip!) 

This morning we left the hotel and moved into our house! It is absolutely beautiful.  There are three total houses on our property, so the 20 of us (18 students plus two RA’s) are split up.  I am in the ‘big house’ with 10 other people and couldn’t be happier.  I got a single bedroom on the second floor and the view out of my window is Table Mountains!  All of the bedrooms have their own charm, and some even have fireplaces!  I feel like I am on a vacation, not about to embark on a semester of college!  The yard has several small gardens, which a gardener comes and tends to everyday!  Additionally, there is a cleaning service that comes through and cleans all of the common areas—everyday.  Cape Town is definitely going to spoil me…

Off to bed since we have a busy day tomorrow!

Love to all,

Catie