Hello again! The last few days have been pretty interesting. Tuesday we went to the mall and got cellphones, wednesday we met our home stay family and today we started classes. My home stay family is very nice and have brought me into their home as one of their own. My mum picked me up from the Oasis Motel Wednesday morning and we went to Gaborone Sun Hotel for tea/coffee, where her eldest daughter works. Vicki, or Twaps as we call her, is in her 30s and works as Gaborone Sun's banquet coordinator. She studied in Australia for five years and so far we have had a lot to talk about. Mum and I then went home where I met the youngest daughter but still my older sister, Wadipi. She is 23 and has been kind enough to show me around and teach me how to ride the combis to school, or what we just call UB. Our house is close enough though that I have been walking, it's about 25minutes or so each way so I have been getting my exercise and saving money. although combis are only 3 pula each ride which is less than 50 cents. I'm sure I will get sick of walking and start taking them home. My walk takes me past a hotel, a gulf course, a soccer field, and lots of garbage. Sad to see all the cans (no recycling) and my TOMS will be well worn by Autust.
After meeting mum and wadipi, I had to go back to UB for a few more hours of orientation. After I got home I met my other sister Lebo. She is in her mid 20s and works as an accountant. She also has a 7month old son. My first nephew! He is absolutely adorable. I was told he cries whenever someone new holds him, surprisingly he didn't cry when I held him. Mum says its because I am a good person, but I think he was too fascinated with my hair and color of my skin to cry. But I like what Mum said!
After meeiting another cousin, uncle, and Uncle Justice, we sat down for dinner. We had pasta casserole and salad with a glass of wine and we all sat in Mum's bedroom in front of the TV. They have a nicer TV than I do! I also have my own room and internet access, so I am far from roughing it. Although they moved in only about 6 months ago so we don't have hot water, something I am going to have to get used to for baths (no shower). We watched TV most of the rest of the night. My sisters are teaching me more about American popstars and movie stars than I ever knew. Everyone here loves watching soapies (soap operas). Big Brother is also a popular one.
There are also 2 dogs they keep outside. Sophie had puppies 2 weeks ago....7 of them and they are adorable, but loud at night. I don't think she is feeding them enough :(
We started class today so reality kind of set in. It was really overwhelming at first because we have so much to do in a short period of time. In about 4 weeks we have to write about five 10 page papers and keep clinical logs. Clinical logs will be pretty easy but the papers and research proposal we have to work in groups which is a little difficult with all the different personalities and writing styles we have. We also started our setswana class, hard, forgot what I learned today already, words do not sound like they are spelled, it will take a lot of getting use to. I also still have to find time to do my research and visit a few different clinics. Just through Facebook I have made a lot of connections and plans to do things. However a lot of Fridays we still have study trips so I'm finding it hard to do everything I want to.
My family also wants to take me to their farm, their village, and their cattle post. All three are in different places which I really want to see but hopefully I will find the time. We do have a four day weekend, but a group of us wanted to travel either up to Zambia or Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls. A 14 hour bus ride, but it would be amazing! Too much to do, too little time. Looks like I might have to come back.
Got to talk to both of my parents a little bit yesterday, made me miss them and miss everyone at home!
Time for dinner soon and I'm sure more TV/soapies.
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