2 Weeks In

I have arrived in SA and all is quite well. 

Language learning is slow - I am learning Zulu (Ngifunda isiZulu!)which I knew would be the case, but it is frustrating none the less. 

I am currently living with a wonderful family in a village near Siyabuswa.  I wake up around 5:30am so that I have time to get everything ready (including boiling water for bathing) and walking to either the local school or college where I have language classes.  This may sound difficult, but I am pretty much in bed by 8:30pm!  Not my normal schedule for the end of July/beginning of August.

I walk almost everywhere - on dirt roads - and p.s., having clean shoes is REALLY important, so I have learned to have a dust rag with me at all times ;-)  I am learning to cook - which for those of you that know me well is a HUGE challenge.  I had to ask how to hard boil an egg.  Sometimes my family cheats and uses a microwave (a luxury here), but I am okay with that.

Animals are everywhere - chickens, cows, goats, sheep, dogs, cats - they just wonder around the streets, your yard, etc, the same as squirrels back home.  It is awesome.

Sorry for the short post, but time is short :-)  I miss everyone very much and hope to touch base again soon!
Monica

(almost) Ready to Go

Just a couple of days left in the US before I leave for South Africa.  Flying to Atlanta on July 10th and then on to Johannesburg on the evening of the 11th.  Looking forward to starting this adventure and sharing the ups and downs.