August 5th, 2010: Here at last

Hey guys!

Sorry it has taken be so very long to get this post written. As I'm sure you have already heard, I am now safe and sound in Gaborone, Botswana (f.y.i. I was pronouncing it absolutely WRONG before I got here!).  Anyways, I haven't even been here a full two weeks and already I feel as though I have learned and experienced so much.

My first sights of Africa can only be described as surreal.  After hours upon house of flight and a couple days of traveling I was exhausted emotionally and mentally and wanted noting more then my familiar bed at home.  All of  that change as the clouds broke and suddenly I saw the lands of South Africa below.  It took everything in my not to leap from my seat and scream. It felt as though I had waited so long to reach Africa and now that is was actually happening i could believe it.  But now as I sit on my surprising cozy bed, in my dorm room at the University of Botswana it has finally hit me.  I'm in Africa

Botswana is easily one of the most interesting places I have ever had the privilege to explore. The entire country is an odd and at times, uncomfortable mix of modern elements and tradition.Yet it is this very blend that makes Botswana like no other place imaginable.

At first glance the University of Botswana appears no different then the sophisticated Universities of the U.S. In fact it may even seem far more "put-together" then most.  But should one take a closer look beyond the surface we are once again reminded that Botswana though a happy, and peaceful country is still considered a developing nation.

As the days past I am learning more and more about the Batswana and their culture (side note: Botswana is the country, Batswana is the people).  Daily I experience the dramatic differences between home and here and though at times it can be frustrating, it is also unbelievably exciting.  As, I become more settled here I will be sure to share my experiences with you all.  For now let these subtle differences (most of which I learned the hard way) tie you over. 

*no such thing as a elevator instead they call them lifts (so British)
*unlike registering for classes online they stand in long lines for hours and hours on end, days in a row just to sign up for a course
*all those lines they are standing in are actually called queues and when they want a line to form they yell out "queue up!"
*I have yet to meet any  local with tattoos...interesting
*instead of hello they say "Dumela mma" for a woman and "Dumeal rra" for a man

Love you all!
Krisstina

First sites of Africa

p.s. more pictures to come but for now the Internet connection is just far to slow, sorry