29 May 2009

Greetings from South Africa!

Hi Everyone!

May 29,2009 11:58 (South Africa time)

We finally made it to Africa! As expected, it was a about a 32-hour trip! Extremely exausting, but we made it through. We were welcomed at the airport by a nice lady, named Nula (I think), and shuttled over to our housing which is called the Beacon Lodge. My flat (appartment) is located on the third floor and has an amazing view of the beach! The beach is beautiful. Our housing is very similar (in location) to the hotel in Huntington, so you can only imagine how close it is. We had the chance to check out the beach last night but it was cold so we were only there for short time.

Today, we visited Nelson Mandella Metropolitan University (NMMU) for the first time. This is the school we're going to be studying at. I'm actually sitting in the computer lab right now. It is currently their "finals week," so I can feel the high level of stress. It's really cool seeing the exact same college lifestyle in a completely different part of the world.

After lunch today, we're headed out to an animal resverve not too far from here. I think, today, we're going to see some cheetahs, lions, monkeys, and smaller animals. Our program leaders said this reserve will be the smallest one we'll be visiting. We are also going to make our way down to the main downtown center here in Port Elizabeth.

I'm extremely excited for what this program has in stored for us. Rugby games, weekend trips, whale watching, sky diving, shark diving, bungee jumping and other various activies, are yet to come! Don't worry, I'll be sharing all these experiences with you.

Also, don't freak out! I'll be posting pictures once I get the chance to. We're still settling in and haven't established internet connection in our lodge, but once we do, pictures will be up!

Until next time,
Alvin

5 comments:

  1. Awww that's so exciting. I'm happy to hear you arrived safely. And that's awesome that you're near the beach. You'd be surprised how much you miss it if it's gone from you; but you don't have to worry about that :-)

    I'm glad you put that little disclaimer on the bottom of the post about pictures...I was about to say something.

    Anyway, have fun, take lots of pictures and have fun (did I already say that?) You're in South Africa!!!!!

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  2. I am so freakin' jealo...I mean, happy for you! Document every minute of it, or else I'll still think your locked up in your room with your luggage packed for the next couple of weeks! Please don't forget my diamond-as a souvenier of course and try not to blend in too much during your reserve expeditions, they'll want to cage you up! ;)

    Have fun...you deserve it...
    Much love, Mayra Muñiz

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  3. al! I was so expecting you to throw in that youtube video after you said you are going to see lions, hahaha! well this pretty darn cool...I think I just signed myself up, not sure, to be notified when you blog. Sounds like you are going to do some crazy ass stuff...I love it....you are going to have stories for days! well we miss you, duh! but be safe & enjoy every minute of it.

    p.s. you so deserve to be out there =]

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  4. Hey Buddy! I'm glad to hear that you landed safely and that your excited about what's to come on your trip. Like Mayra, I'm so jealous! lol. Well I'll keep it short, I'm sure you have some cool activity to catch! lol.

    Don't forget about my souvenir! Anything will do!

    Take care!

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  5. FABULOUS!!!!! How exciting Alvin,you are in a totally different world out there, enjoy and have lots of fun! Take it all in and take lots and lots of pictures! And bring us lotsa lotsa souvenirs hahaha! Just kidding my voodoo doll, hahaha.
    Take care!
    Iz

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