Constitution Hill

I would first like to point out that this 10 hour difference can really make your life miserable during jet lag. My body wants to sleep but the daylight is confusing my eyes. Also the days here are hella long. The sun rose this morning at around 4:30 am and last night it set until after 7 pm. I guess it makes sense since this is the peak of summer. There was also a vicious thunderstorm during the night and also throughout the day.

We first went to Constitution Hill which used to be a prison. During apartheid a lot of political prisoners were sent from a few months to life at Constitution Hill. The living conditions were terrible with many unsanitary and humiliating conditions. I was appalled to hear that all prisoners were stripped naked in front of everyone after coming in from work, and made to squat, jump, clap their hands and make a clicking noise in order to drop anything they may be hiding in their rectum. It was a terrible practice the guards did and there was much more. Important prisoners included Gandhi and Mandela.

Made it to Johannesburg

I am fighting so hard to keep my eyes open! However I know if I take a nap it won't help my circadian rhythm. So far everyone is my group is amazing, I know this semester is going to be a good one. However there are only 3 guys including me which is crazy.

I unfortunately don't have enough data to upload a photo but I will soon! We are going to Kruger National Park soon and Zedd, our program director that if we choose to run in the morning by the gate, we will be able to see elephants. =D Yes, I will take photos!

The weather is warm, not too hot however. It is very similar to Los Angeles weather maybe perhaps with 5 degrees higher. It rains here more however. It has not sunk in yet that I am here however! I know for sure once I give it two weeks it will sink since I won't be able to drive home like I used to at USC. Definitely I don't regret studying abroad in Durban and I am really looking forward to this semester.

Pictures will come soon on the next entry!

Survived my 10 hour flight to Paris. Even though I had to endure a baby crying next to mean and a man that was sick and fainted in front of me (it was intense). I am though a bit disappointed I wasn't able to leave the airport to explore for an hour or two. It is to cold here and I don't have the appropriate clothes. Either way I am excited because I just need to sit through one more 12 hour flight and I will be in South Africa.

With all this free time I have had, I read up a lot on Nelson Mandela. I really can't wait to start taking my courses on South Africa social policy. His patience for being in jail for over 2 decades and a half and then taking the role of the leader of South Africa just shows his tremendous determination. We all can learn a lot from his life. He was not a perfect man of course, like the rest of us he had his flaws. However it was his ever growing maturity and willingness to become better is what makes him stand out. He went to jail very aggressive and came out a calm and patient man.

Well with that said I can't wait to fly into the country tomorrow morning and start the semester. Oh and by the way, Paris is very expensive. I'm going to loose an arm if I say any second longer.

Pre-Departure

I first wanted to welcome everyone reading this to be apart of my study abroad experience. I will be moving to the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa in less than two days to study community health and social policy. I am really excited and blessed to be given this opportunity! I am looking forward to sharing my photos, stories, and experiences with you all. I will have limited internet accessibility so my social media accounts will be of little help to sharing this experience. 

Also as I get ready to leave I just wanted to point out it is my mother's birthday today and without her, this experience would have not been possible. 


Feliz Cumpleanos Ama!


With that said I will be posting again once I arrive to my first pit stop, PARIS =) Au Revoir!