T.I.A

This is the acronym we use to describe every unique experience here; it means This Is Africa. Sort of tongue-in-cheek. Take, for example, when you’re walking down the street and a brightly painted “mini-bus” careens past you, a man sticking his torso out the window is yelling “TOWN TOWN TOWN” above the blaring music. These buses are everywhere; for R 7 (or about $1), you can go anywhere in Port Elizabeth. The men drive insanely fast and they will not stop for people. There is definitely a transient attitude towards life and death, or at least a hint of it. Also, during our weekend excursion to Bush Camp (near Addo to the northwest of PE) we had another purely African moment. On the first afternoon, when a thunderstorm hit and the rains came down, the staff told us we could take shelter and have free time. What do a bunch of foreigners do? We immediately got our swimsuits on and jumped into the river. Imagine if a local had walked by on the trail, spotting 50 Americans/Europeans bobbing up and down, laughter resounding. The staff was so surprised to see such enthusiasm during the rain; they stood on the deck and watched us. Suddenly, a stream of thunder hit like a series of gunshots in the sky, and we made a mad beeline for the shore. Growing in knots around the banks was the thickest forest I’ve yet to see. TIA.
South Africa is another reality. It is truly a clever mix of risk, restraint, and adventure. Obviously, this is no surprise, but its still unbelievable and new. Only a week has passed, and our little community at Annie’s Cove already feels like family. There are many French and German students (the French are hilarious), a few Irishmen, one Swede, a couple Zimbabweans, two Namibians, quite a few South Africans, and other Americans. After applying gobs of sunscreen, many afternoons are spent lying out by the pool or doing “Braai” (barbeque). We’ve taught them a few American drinking games, which they find hilarious. Nearby (15 minutes walk) is the beach, and the surfing is fantastic. Lessons are only $20/day; I’ll probably begin tomorrow. We’re thinking about going to Mozambique during spring break, taking bike trips up the beach to Tsitsikamma and hiking, flying up to Victory Falls, and a road trip to Cape Town. All of the living arrangements around the city are great options too; none are better or worse than the rest as far as amenities or location are concerned. Anyways, I’ve got to run as I will no longer have internet in 10 minutes or so, but will finish this tomorrow.