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K8y's Adventures...
I know I have been incredibly slack in my journal writing, I just seem to spend no time on the computers recently as they are about a 15 minute walk from my halls of residence! But I'll try and fill you in on a little bit of what I've been up to since I arrived, a month ago tomorrow!!-can't quite believe it. Highlights so far have been, experiencing the stellenbosch nightlife which is so cheap and so good, there are about 10 different clubs here (none of which you have to pay to get in), a million and one bars, a huge pool bar, and yes a double brandy and coke for 75p!! My alchohol intake has severely increased since being here, but I guess it'll prepare me for the next 3 years at uni! I am now an official student at stellnbosch university, have the card to prove it until 2010!! I have had a few classes studying Afrikaans, "hoe gaan dit mit jou!?" and classes in transitional justice, learning all about the history of south africa and other african countries, which has been fascinating, and a real eye opener-there's so much that has gone on, which we've been completely oblivious to on our little island. I met up with my Auntie, Uncle and 2 cousins who live in Cape Town, and stayed with them for a weekend, which was crazy, seeing them after 7 years but really nice, especially to be cooked for as well!! (made my first fried eggs the other day-all very exciting!) I also went to the People's Celebration Concert, which was fantastic, from 2 in the afternoon until just gone midnight, there was south african hip hop acts doing their thing, and then some international stars-Mario, Pharell Williams, Sean Paul and Snoop Dogg!! Not bad for a Monday!! I've also taken part in a date-auction where some of the international students 'sold themselves' to go on a date, to raise money for a local township where we help out. Although one of our new acquired friends, has two friends who were shot and killed there (policemen). Another issue here, is that it is unvbelievably racist, our new acquired friend is black, and he's really opened our eyes to the racism which exists in Stellenbosch. This is a particularly bad part of South Africa, as the university established itself as an Afrikaans university, the language of which was created to exclude the blacks originally. It is a very elitest university, the only one in the country which doesn't have to advertise, and so many of the students are 'up their own arses'! if you like, and really look down and exclude the blacks. So this guy feels he can't go into a white club, and it's true he does get stared at, and equally it is unheard of in his town for a black guy to be with a white girl. All very shocking, and really quite strange for us, as it just isn't like that in the UK. Ok...what else have I been up to?! This weekend Katie and I (new friend out here!) got picked up by a guy who used to go to her college in Cambridge, but who is now living out here in a small country town, in the middle of nowhere! about 2 hours from here. We stayed in his home, met his mum, stepdad and new adopted baby sister (4 months old!), went to the local pubs, restaurant, went to the beach, collected shells, went up the sand dunes, had some billtong (like beef jerky!) had a fantastic steak dinner, went on the back of a scooter (scariest thing ever..!) then went into cape town, watched the sun set with table mountain in the distance, ate at a rather lovely restaurant, enduldged in oysters! and then went out clubbing with the rich and beautiful! A nice change after working with disabled children all day long, running round after a girl who has ADHD and is autistic, having a little girl being sick all over me etc. etc.-Never Again! I've been enjoying being an arts and culture teacher, pretty mad we just get left along with these kids, all responsibility on us, but no previous experience or training. Just would NEVER happen in England!! I'm sure there's a lot more to tell but can't think of anything right now, and quite need a nap after getting back at 3.30 this morning and having to get up for class! Hope you're all well, Love me xxxx
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