Welcome to Africa, We Got You A Snake
This morning, while walking to my first day of classes, I nearly stepped on a snake. As you can imagine, that doesn't happen to me very often, so when my flat mate Carolyne calmly told me to watch out for the snake less than a foot away from me, I responded in typical Brittany fashion and released a scream so shrill I am almost positive that you all heard me in the States. I then ran/waddled away as quickly as possible, flailing and squeaking the entire time, looking comparable to a large wingless bird trying to take flight. And thus began my academic career.
After meeting my classmates (there are 22 people in the Media Studies MA program) and attending this mornings orientation with the head of the Journalism department, I believe that I will really enjoy my courses. Each day's coursework is rather intensive and lengthy, but the classes are discussion and seminar based, and they are only half day, so the workload is manageable. I am also excited because the students in my program are from all over Africa (Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Cameroon, and South Africa), which will lead to a variety of perspectives and should make for wonderful discussions (and friendships)!
Aside from the excitement of class, I also purchased a bicycle from a local shop which I am super excited about! I hope that riding my bike around campus will be a bit more bearable than walking, because currently, the temperature here is around 137 degrees. True, I might be slightly exaggerating, but be forewarned - there is a good chance that I will melt. On the plus side, the sun has been shining brightly and beautifully, and since I am presently so pale that I am indistinguishable from a ghost, I am hoping that the summer sun changes that. Tan Watch 2009 has commenced.
I also had a chance to snap some shots of campus, and as soon as I clean my room, I will make sure to share pictures of my residence as well!
The Clocktower at Rhodes University
The African Media Matrix, where I will spend a large amount of time for the next two years!
The view from the balcony at my residence hall.
Love,
B
posted by Brittany @ 4:48 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
Dad and I read your latest entry. It was humorous but I suppose the snake incident was also frightening. I am hoping the snake was not poisonous. This makes riding a bike a great idea! I appreciate the pictures. The campus looks so inviting, peaceful and picturesque. Start journaling...I think you have the beginnings of a great adventure story.
Love
Mom and Dad
Thanks for the photos....beautiful campus and the view from the balcony is very nice. What is the church spire in the background. Are snakes unusual there or is this a common occurance? I think the bike is a good idea...better to run over one than to step on it! How is the food? Do you have AC?
31 here as a high today and a winter storm watch for the next 48 hours! Grocery was packed as well as WalMart! Jerry has the generator ready to go if we lose power...so I think we may just survive....
Your humor has not melted! Take care...Love, Aunt Suzanne
Oh my gosh, I can't believe you had a run in with a snake! That makes battling with water bugs and cockroaches all seem insanely innocuous!! Your campus looks absolutely gorgeous - the view from your residence hall is so picturesque. Between the location and what seems to be a wonderfully diverse group of people, it seems like you've got it made. Er, except for the snakes... but hey, maybe the bike can take care of that! I love reading all your stories and adventures... glad to hear that it's "so far, so good." :-)
Remember, the only two things a snake wants to do is eat and mate, and people are inappropriate choices for either! 90 percent of all people who are bitten by snakes have picked them up!...so, you are going to be OK.
Your campus looks lovely, I can hardly wait to see photos of the rest of your town once you get to explore. We are also looking forward to hearing about your studies and projects. What a neat cultural experience!
My advice: forget the tan, it only causes wrinkles and skin cancer. (This is why your Aunt Sage looks, um, like 30ish) You are beautiful as you are, and your new friends will appreciate everything about you.
Love, Aunt Sage & Uncle Rick
So glad to hear that you are safe and that thigs are looking up. Have an amazing year and I will see you around Christmas. Love ya, Amelia Villanueva
p.s. it's sounds like it has all been a great "becassion" :)
You make me laugh boo. :)
OH! I thought I heard a Brittany scream last week...but everyone around me said I was hearing ghosts! I guess they were right, since you don't have a tan YET ;)
Your campus looks awesome and I can't wait to see more pictures as you explore around town on your new wheels! (BTW: Bobby says good job on the bike idea!! Of course...)
We miss you so much here, but are also soo excited for you! Have fun & study hard...in graduate school, extra effort is involved ;) LOVE YA BUNCHES! BOBBY & WENDI
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