Definitions

I have a few spare minutes between lunch and my first meeting at 2...so I decided to post an entry that defines many of the words that I will be using in this blog:

Maties = Students at Stellenbosch University (it is pronounced "mah-tees")
First Meeting = At SU the classes offered for international students have these things called First Meetings. They take place at scheduled times during the first week of classes, but the actual class will not start until the First Meeting has occured. Class schedules, exams, and class layout are discussed at these meetings.
Braai = A braai is a barbeque. It is a huge social event here and there are barbeque pits outside of each residence. The students cook various types of meat over these fires and spend nearly all night eating, drinking, and socializing.
Timetable = Your class schedule
Robot = Traffic light
Neelsie = The student center at SU

Another issue that has come up is crossing the street. Campus is huge but filled with main roads that traverse our walking routes. The problem that I am having is that in South Africa they drive on the opposite side of the road. Therefore when I go to cross the street, I look to the right then the left to check for cars...but here you must look to the left then the right, or else you will probably get hit by a car. It is hard to make a conscious effort to look the other way first, but we are getting better at it. The same goes for walking around; people walk on the left instead of the right. On our first day myself and some friends were walking down the stairs on the right, creating an awkward moment between us and some locals coming up the stairs on the same side.

Today the weather is beautiful as it has been for the past few days. The sun shines all day without any clouds (and let me tell you, the South African sun is quite hot even though it is the winter season!). The nights are still pretty chilly and the sun sets around 6:30ish, but it is nice to have the sun back instead of the rain. I will update again soon!

Totsiens,
Megan