Greetings!
This was supposed to upload on the morning of my departure, however, we all know that the internet is never reliable. (I also typed out a beautifully written blog and it was all deleted and quite honestly I am not in the mood to re-type it. So here is the long story short.) Typically, at the airport, I indulge myself in an early morning McDonald's breakfast. I was looking for to it as I was rather hungry following the many excitements of getting out of the house in transit to the airport. Following my quick goodbye to Papa Holmberg, I proceeded to what I have always known as the Delta check-in. As one would think, a check-in for economy class passengers would be with a real person and include both checking in and the printing of your boarding pass. Nope! That is only offered for the folks up in first class (who fly more often and tend to know what they are doing.) Well, for us cheap folks, the check-in is at a self-serve area (dumb idea), and then we are to proceed to the baggage drop. Why these are separated for the people who probably don't have a good idea of what they are doing is beyond me. Anyway. My self-serve didn't work, therefore, I was told to proceed to "special services." Here I was taken care of in a special manner and thought that the whole issue could have been avoided but apparently not. All went well!
Following this long process, I walked to the area in which I knew that my Egg McMuffin was awaiting my pleasure. To my surprise, it is NO LONGER THERE! How could this be? I searched the entire airport and found no such satisfactory place. I then decided that the next best bet would be Einstein Bagels! I had purchased an egg and bacon breakfast bagel, an OJ, and a Smart Water. The total came out to be $14! You heard me. Insane. I have now vowed to never buy anything at an airport any longer.
While I ate my not so satisfactory over-priced sandwich, I attempted to write this blog. As you have read earlier, it closed down without me saving (because internet) and I am JUST finally getting to WiFi at my school in Adelaide, South Africa.
I wish I could have written sooner because I have already learned so much in my few short days here. Such learned things include: when you are in Africa, no matter where, ALWAYS wear sunscreen. If you don't, there is always an Aloe plant near by that you can rub over your burn, but please save yourself the trouble. Next, I learned that it is important to correctly convert money. Lastly, never judge a book by its cover. Cliche. I am well aware. Upon our arrival at YellowWoods Prep. School, it was dark and obviously in the middle of nowhere. As we walked into our two room house, that houses three, bugs were everywhere and also 70 degrees. Bugs and warm weather do not make great sleeping conditions. However, as I awoke the next day and saw the school's campus, I could not believe the beauty of this place. There is so much character and love put into this school. Flowers line the buildings, beautifully mowed lawns, and classrooms that depicted a true love of learning. Today, I met my veteran teacher, Aunty Eve, who is the sweetest woman I have ever come across. The headmistress and other staff are quite friendly, as well! I am so excited to spend the next 7 weeks in this beautiful place! In addition, I'm going to practice the Native language of Africaan (decedents of the Dutch) and the Xhosa and Zulu (two languages that use clicks for many letters) which will be a trip! I am beyond excited to meet the children tomorrow on our first day! As for now, it's time for another dose of sunblock and some H2O. 100 degree weather is not my jam!
Here are a few photos of the trip this far. They include: The Indian Ocean adventures, my sunburn from the beach, an aloe vera plant I used to heal my swollen burnt foot, a small cereal bag that came from a rather large box which proved to be a complete rip off, etc. More to come later!
Sala Kahle (Stay Well in Zulu),
Kaatrin
This was supposed to upload on the morning of my departure, however, we all know that the internet is never reliable. (I also typed out a beautifully written blog and it was all deleted and quite honestly I am not in the mood to re-type it. So here is the long story short.) Typically, at the airport, I indulge myself in an early morning McDonald's breakfast. I was looking for to it as I was rather hungry following the many excitements of getting out of the house in transit to the airport. Following my quick goodbye to Papa Holmberg, I proceeded to what I have always known as the Delta check-in. As one would think, a check-in for economy class passengers would be with a real person and include both checking in and the printing of your boarding pass. Nope! That is only offered for the folks up in first class (who fly more often and tend to know what they are doing.) Well, for us cheap folks, the check-in is at a self-serve area (dumb idea), and then we are to proceed to the baggage drop. Why these are separated for the people who probably don't have a good idea of what they are doing is beyond me. Anyway. My self-serve didn't work, therefore, I was told to proceed to "special services." Here I was taken care of in a special manner and thought that the whole issue could have been avoided but apparently not. All went well!
Following this long process, I walked to the area in which I knew that my Egg McMuffin was awaiting my pleasure. To my surprise, it is NO LONGER THERE! How could this be? I searched the entire airport and found no such satisfactory place. I then decided that the next best bet would be Einstein Bagels! I had purchased an egg and bacon breakfast bagel, an OJ, and a Smart Water. The total came out to be $14! You heard me. Insane. I have now vowed to never buy anything at an airport any longer.
While I ate my not so satisfactory over-priced sandwich, I attempted to write this blog. As you have read earlier, it closed down without me saving (because internet) and I am JUST finally getting to WiFi at my school in Adelaide, South Africa.
I wish I could have written sooner because I have already learned so much in my few short days here. Such learned things include: when you are in Africa, no matter where, ALWAYS wear sunscreen. If you don't, there is always an Aloe plant near by that you can rub over your burn, but please save yourself the trouble. Next, I learned that it is important to correctly convert money. Lastly, never judge a book by its cover. Cliche. I am well aware. Upon our arrival at YellowWoods Prep. School, it was dark and obviously in the middle of nowhere. As we walked into our two room house, that houses three, bugs were everywhere and also 70 degrees. Bugs and warm weather do not make great sleeping conditions. However, as I awoke the next day and saw the school's campus, I could not believe the beauty of this place. There is so much character and love put into this school. Flowers line the buildings, beautifully mowed lawns, and classrooms that depicted a true love of learning. Today, I met my veteran teacher, Aunty Eve, who is the sweetest woman I have ever come across. The headmistress and other staff are quite friendly, as well! I am so excited to spend the next 7 weeks in this beautiful place! In addition, I'm going to practice the Native language of Africaan (decedents of the Dutch) and the Xhosa and Zulu (two languages that use clicks for many letters) which will be a trip! I am beyond excited to meet the children tomorrow on our first day! As for now, it's time for another dose of sunblock and some H2O. 100 degree weather is not my jam!
Here are a few photos of the trip this far. They include: The Indian Ocean adventures, my sunburn from the beach, an aloe vera plant I used to heal my swollen burnt foot, a small cereal bag that came from a rather large box which proved to be a complete rip off, etc. More to come later!
Sala Kahle (Stay Well in Zulu),
Kaatrin