On my way

It's here! The day before I leave on my grand South African adventure! It has been a loooong wait and it's hard to believe that it is finally here. This is my first blog and the intended purpose is to keep my friends and family at home informed of my adventures, as well as, keeping a digital journal of what is surely going to be the best time of my life so far! I added the most adventurous looking picture I could find of myself to make it seem more inspiring! (The picture is HUGE and I don't know how to make it smaller!)

Some of you are wondering why I chose South Africa for my semester abroad. I can assure you the answer has nothing to do with an "Eat, Pray, Love" soul searching path to self-discovery and I resent any implication of the sort. Besides, that story is completely unrealistic because there is no girl in the world who would leave James Franco for that creepy Spaniard from “No Country for Old Men.” I chose South Africa because, to me, it means fulfilling a lifelong dream. For years now I have been actively trying to find my way to Africa and having the opportunity to study at Stellenbosch University was part of the reason I chose to attend my current university, Uindy. I just crave the cultural experience that comes with living in a place that is completely foreign to me. I guess my interests and goals for this trip belong more in the anthropology field. I love getting to know a culture by being a part of it. I am hoping that I will be able to leave all inhibitions behind and completely embrace this unique opportunity! I also plan on participating in the service track program offered at the University. This means I will be volunteering in some capacity in a local community. Going to Africa on a service-oriented mission has been a dream of mine and now through SU I will be able to live it! Also, it will almost certainly guarantee me getting that token snapshot of me with a group of less privileged kids…like this….

I'm a regular ole Angie!

Now I have procrastinated a bit in prepping for this six-month stint and besides having the necessary documents to get me into the country (i.e. passport and visa) I hardly feel prepared. The little bit of recon I did do consisted of reading a couple of suggested history readings:

I also read up on South African celebrities ….

Charlize Theron: actress Basetsana Kumalo: South Africa’s Oprah

Nelson Mandela: who could ever forget this great man?!

So now as I embark on my big adventure I must make it past the first challenge, the 25-hour travel time to get me to my final destination! WHOA! I have books, Dramamine, and movies to help me make it through!

I have Africa by Toto queued and ready for landing in South Africa! I think I'm finally ready! Here we go!