Random Thoughts about Culture!

Some of my MANY random observations and thoughts: A lot people in SA drive hatchbacks. Lucy and Gary both drive them. Brand names like BMW, Range Rover, and Mercedes Benz are very common here. It’s very rare that you will see a Nissan or Ford.  Okay…I have to admit that I am going through a food withdrawal. Pizza here is not the same as the Giordano’s, deep dish spinach, Chicago original that I’m used to. To me, this is flatbread,...

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Culture

I had an amazing weekend. I slept over my friend Tumi’s house, while my host parents were away on business. Tumi and Kwena are the children of a family friend, Carrie. Tumi is 16 and Kwena is 20. My host family and I first went to their house a couple of weeks ago for dinner. We all connected very quickly, and decided that Gary and Lucy's business trip would be a great time for me to spend some more time with them.  Me to Tumi: "Let's take...

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Lion Park Extravaganza!

Petting Lion Cubs Anyone who knows me, knows that since I made the decision to study in South Africa, that I have dreamed of laying with the lions! Well, I went to the lion park with my host family! I actually got to interact with the lion cubs; and honestly, it is kind of intimidating at first. I was a little hesitant. You see, The Lion King (one of my favorite movies), set me up for fall. I wanted the lions to be like Simba, but their...

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Culture In South Africa

I love riding in the car with my host parents. When I get in the car with my host mom, we listen to either pop or Spanish music; in the car with my host dad, he's playing Earth,Wind, & Fire, Bob Marley, or Hip Hop. We are always enjoying some kind of music.  My Host Dad Gary and I My Host Mom Lucy and I My host dad plays Action Cricket and five-a-side soccer. When my host mom and I attend his...

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Food!

My host mother, Lucy, is hispanic (which means I have the luxury of eating tacos and guacamole regularly). One day, my host dad, Gary's, cousin Jade came over and Lucy made black beans. While we were fixing our plates, Jade said, “I’ve never had black beans!" I was standing next to her astonished that she had never had them, because they are so common in the States. Lucy then explained to me that you cannot find black beans in South Africa, and...

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Food in South Africa

I noticed while grocery shopping that the cereal aisle only has healthy cereal. You won’t find Captain Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Lucky Charms in a South African grocery store. They do have a "Cocoa Puffs" type of cereal, but it's made of oatmeal and is not unhealthy for you.  I have been to several different American fast food places here (KFC, McDonalds and Burger King); none of them are the same as they are in America....

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About My New Host Family in South Africa

I have some news that is both exciting, and a bit sad. I have relocated to a suburb of Johannesburg, with a new host family. Although things did not work out with my original host placement,  I am grateful to my first host family for providing me the opportunity to come to South Africa, and I wish them all the best. I will especially miss my host sister Patricia, who was so kind and helpful to me! I will also really miss the wonderful...

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