What's going right??

So its been a while now since my last post. Its quite hard to think of stuff to write when there is a lack of inspiration. I have been in Joburg for 3 weeks and it has become very casual, like I've been here for like 3 yrs or so.

The first week that I was here was the only week that I was in as perfect health as I left Canada, I have been sick with so many different things that I jus wonder what the ailment for this week will be.

I have had more misunderstandings in Coombis due to the language barrier.

I have had my wallet with my important cards stolen.

SIGH!

I'm uninspired to write BUT that does not mean that there aren't good things going on. Well there are magnificent people around at work and people who I've met otherwise and the one thing that I do look forward to right now is work.

The environment is such a relaxing one, which makes me function at my best. When there is no stress on having specific start/stop times, not a specific job to do every single day but depending on the time, day and your mood you can choose what you want to do. This is really good for me as my mood can definitely enhance a specific task that it appeals to. Last week I was involved in putting on a science show to some of the government officials that came to our science centre for the launch of our 'Science of soccer' exhibit. Gotta tell u that was amazing.... :D and everyone loved it too...

So the country is HYPED for the world cup. Flags on all the cars. Everyone wearing their country of support. Its gonna be amazing. The South African soccer team, Bafana Bafana, has had some practice matches which they have won, This is such a rare occurrence and everyone is so excited. Woooooo, less than 2 weeks to world cup. I have 2 SA soccer shirts.

I havent said the best part. Every friday is called football Friday and you can wear a shirt/jacket for any soccer team you want. No work uniform required. YESS!

No affection please...

So today ends my 2nd week in Jozi. This week has weirded me out the most causing stress and nooooo its not because of the job but the people.

FROM holding my hand a little bit too long TO interlocking fingers TO a kiss I didn't ask for TO a love song I din't want to be dedicated to me TO asking me out on a date.
All these acts from different people, people who I have to work with for 3 months. Let me rely on the key: Professionalism; to solve this problem promptly.

Other than that I am alive and well.

Bye.

Can I be your guyfriend?

So I survived my first weekend in SA and alone to boot. Friday I chillaxed at home; however on both Sat and Sun I went to Cresta, a big mall which had everything from Mac to Aldo to Nine West to tons of restaurants to cinemas to bowling.

Well Sat on hearing that there was a big mall 7 mins away by taking approximately 30 mins away walking I decided to go. Seeing as the weather was good, I decided to walk there. However after walking for more than an hour and a half to arrive I concluded that the person who gave me directions needs a little improvement in their directions giving. So whilst walking for so long I had a couple of gentlemen callers:

Miss where are you from; Miss do you have a phone number; Miss can I call you; Miss I will walk with you part of your way to the mall; Miss can I give you my number; Miss I want to take you out; Miss I want to marry you; Miss I love your accent; Miss lets go on a date; Miss I will pay your taxi fare if you promise to go out with me; Miss are you walking back this way, I will wait right here for you.

So I have concluded that once your name is Kevonne, you will always be followed by random guys asking for a date and your number, EVEN if you don't speak their language and they don't speak English.

When people see me:

1. They think I am a normal black girl from SA who speaks their language

2. They ask me some question in their language

3. I say something in English

4. They start speaking in English (if they know how to)

5. They get confused over my accent and asks lots of questions

Sunday morning I wasn't feeling like going to the zoo again so I decided that this could be a lazy wii playin day.

Plugged in the wii and the wii light did not come on ...MINI HEART ATTACK WITH CONVULSIONS!!!!!!

So on my quest to play wii I went to the mini mall strip (Campus Square) in hopes of getting someone to fix it. No Luck. I returned to Cresta in hopes of finding someone to fix it. No luck. I ended up getting my hair done (Wow, never had my hair canerowed so TIGHT before, OUCH!!). I ended up calling Nintendo to find out what was wrong with my wii. Apparently SA outlets are 220 Volts whilst North American one's are 110V so I need to get a step down transformer to get the Voltage changed and finally play my long lost wiiiiiiiiiii... Can't wait :D

Upon returning home from the mall where I watched the movies "The Backup Plan" and "Iron Man 2" on the 2 days, I settle in with a good movie on tv.. My weekend was Grrrreat!!

Ohh, So back from the mall on Sat and to and from the mall on Sun I took the Koombi. I know I wasnt planning on taking it again, but walking for an hour and a half when it was about to get dark was so unappealing and dangerous. So all I did was ensure the driver spoke English and sit in front so I could direct the driver where I was going and it wasn't that bad.. lol. EXCEPT when I was coming back on Sun evening. I was the last person to get in the Koombi and I told the driver that I was going to Melville, he was like ok. So we are driving and then he says something about Auckland Park (I dint understand what he was saying so I didnt say anything because I'm going to Melville). Then he decided to go to down some strange road. Brrrrr. I was like driver, don't forget I am going to Melville. And he starts arguing in some next language saying that he asked for Auckland Park ( this was translated for me by some passengers in the Koombi). So I'm like ok just give me back my fare and I will take a next taxi, and then he continues in his next language saying something about whats he supposed to do now. I repeat give me back my fare and I will go into a next taxi. I also say that I told you before I got in that I was going to Melville. so with that he turns around and goes the way he's supposed to and drops me off where I say. Lol at least I gave some of the ppl in the taxi something to laugh about cuz I could see that everyone was talking in a language that I couldnt understand and laughing. Just an error in translation.... Sighhhh

Nevertheless, on to a new work week... I can't wait. I'm Energized.

Sawubona... Good day

So the week went by quite quickly. I finished a whole work week already. yayyyy

So other than that day I taught at a Secondary school, I have been in the Science Centre. You know, even though you show the incoming kids the same exhibit its kinda cool, once you are paired up with a good (i.e. funny) partner. Also, you know that one person you meet when you in a new country that looks out for you and you always look for them; I've found one.

The kids come between 9-10am and most leave before 2pm, so those are the most hectic couple of hours followed by some down time where I can have lunch, then explore the exhibits on my own, just keeping an eye on anybody there.

Some of the science communicators there have taken to me and always ask me quite periodically 'how I am enjoying SA' and tell me how to keep safe and places to go and stuff... Its cool, like a little community. I quite enjoy their company... AND they are so nice.

They have been teaching me some Zulu:

Sawubona- Good day

Yebo- when you acknowledge someone has said sawubona

Anjani- How are you

Decorna- I'm good

Well my other intern partner has gone off to Swaziland for the weekend, so I got the room to myself and been to work alone on Friday. This had an effect that I din't expect, people who only said hi had long conversations with me, I spoke alot more, and I remembered alot more names.. weird...

So my roomate is not here, my landlord is gone, Its me and the cat, Jess, for the weekend. Will prob hit a mall and hopefully a zoo (hopefully)

♥

Tired

Well after work yesterday and before work this morning, I took this public transportation called a "Koombi". This kinda looks like a maxi or a small bus. It was so weird, ppl kept telling me don't talk so they wont know that I'm not from here and draw attention to myself(if lots of ppl tell u that wont u just want to avoid being there, cuz obvioiusly u not there as yourself. PLUS I think I love to hear the sound of my accent, I like to confuse ppl that don't know me.. :D). Then they did this weird money thing. Ppl sitting next to me started handing me money and I didnt know what to do and it's not like I could speak their language. So I was just holding it until the bus driver stopped and said in some other language that he was missing money from the back seat and everyone just turned and watched me...(AWKWARD). lol. Thus, I will not be using a Koombi anytime soon.

I went with the Education team this morning at 7AM..... (Brrrr...) But it was pretty cool. We went to Pretoria (1.5 hrs away) and visited a Secondary school. W, transporte then taught grade 12's Science (chemical reactions) and math (linear programming). This was very cool, as I actually taught the math on the chalkboard and had the kids be so attentive. Obviously they heard my accent and were curious to know where I was from. They also tried to locate it on the map.. (too cute). The students (or learners as they are called here) are quite attentive: solving problems, asking questions, asking for help. It was kool, errr maybe except for the 7AM at work (meaning I had to be up by 5AM)

Maybe that's why I'm so tired.... So I've been at work for like three full days already and needless to say I'm tiyaaad.. The time change as well as not being accustomed to working and not eating properly leaves me me more hungry.

Anyways off to home now

And as for pictures, I haven't taken a single one in fear that my camera is snatched from my hands...

I'm in Johannesburg....

Soooo

The plane ride from London was Looooooooooooooonggggggggg, more than 10 hours, and I was excited when I finally got off the plane. But the Immigration line was soooo long too and then I couldnt find my luggage and all that and it was just completely stressful. Finally made it out of the airport and family of a friend took us to his house. We were unsuccessful in contacting our landlord, so the family took us for breakfast and then we stayed there for a bit and cleaned up a little until we heard from the Landlord.

So we finally got into contact with the Landlord and went to see our new place.... This place is very nice, but ah meann wheyssssss (Think West Moorings)... The two of us share a bedroom and a bath, and we share the living area, kitchen, etc with the landlord who lives there toooo. There's a pooool, but its winter and cold so ah cant really use it. There is a cat who owns the house, the cat goes wherever he pleases, on my bed, in my suitcase, on the kitchen counter, etc.. THATS WHY I BOUGHT LYSOL!!!!!

The house is also right around the corner from a bar/restaurant district (think ariapita avenue or st. James in Trini) and a mall , so I will never be too far from what I need. :D

I am contemplating getting a phone, its cheap, but I really don't think I need it, cuz I know the people who abroad aint gonna call me... soooooooo

I am looking to get internet, but its posing a problem.... But I will soon.

Ohh yea, the time difference in Joburg is 5 hrs ahead of Canada and Trini, so keep that in mind.

I started Work yesterday. wooooot
This week is just orientation. Got my ID badge which can open doors and stuff. Met a whole lot of people whose name I wont remember. It looks like people have a hard time saying my name, say it with me KEVONNE, its not that hard compared to all of your names. And they start off talking to each other in English and end up in a different language, after all they have 12 official languages..... (Trinidad has one language...... maybe we need to get some more)
Work ppl seem really nice, they pick us up and drop us home, until we become more familiar with the area and can guarantee our safety...

Havent really come across anything unsafe yet ot experienced any culture shock.
To me, its like I'm in Trini, there's no major differences yet...

But we will see especially at WORLD CUP TIME

Ohhh yea, and when I say I'm from Trini, here's the responses I get:
1. So you follow cricket
2. Trini has a lot of beautiful guys/girls there
3. Which part of Africa is that
Brrrrrr.......

Logging out now, update you soon

Depart London for South Africa

So I have come to the end of my stay here in London. It was awesome. London is quite interesting, need to explore more countries in Europe.

Things I've done in London:
Sightsee: London eye, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Greenwich, River Tour, London Bridge, etc
Shopping: Oxford Street, Westfield Mall, etc
Party: Club in Clapham, I think Aquum

Ok so onto Joburg, South Africa.

Exploring london

I relll exlpore central london today (on the tube, i.e the train system here), saw some palaces (princess diana and queen elizabeth's own), went though some parks, rellll walk, got some good chicken, three different trains, double decker buses, etc. I exhausted.....

A couple things london ppl say:
rubbish to mean garbage
to let meaning to rent

Arrive in london

So I have officially arrived in London..

Safe flight, suitcase wasnt really much of a problem thank GOD.
I likey British airways with their really nice flight attendants. Food was okay, but it had a lot of stuff I don't eat like cheesecake and yogurt and ting...
I saw shutter island and percy jackson and the olympiads on the plane so after that 7 hour flight I only got like 1-2 hrs sleep.
Also instead of 'washrooms' they use 'toilets'.. that was funny; saw my first double decker bus too.
They British people say 'Sorry'alottttttttttttttt. Everything is sorry this, sorry that.. lol but its cute. They even more polite than Canadians.
Here for less than one week so I have to make the best of it... gotta visit that castle and ferris wheel I saw from the plane..
rel tired now so I probably gonna start tomoro.
not gonna forget allya with the pictures tho.
rite now gonna take a nap and lime n ting with the family here.
Ciao

Off to the airport

So I'm leaving..
Gramps is takin me to the airport in half hour...
Just took in some home cooked great tasting food.. ionno when is de next time I go have food that I like... say what
Hope my suitcase is not too heavy, they only allow me 1 bag 50lbs... Sigh!
Gran say take out things u dont need... MY RESPONSE " I need everything there"
lol.. But I do.. 3 months is a long time yuh know.
Ok, hope to update ya and tell ya how de flight and ting was, iz British airlines yuh know, never been on them.. I dont even think I been on a plane with 3 rows before.... amazing...
Gonna go sleep on the plane and wake up in London...
I hope I like it..
I know I will like it..
YAY!!!! :D

Day before I leave

wooooooooo...

So people keep asking me if I am excited and I keep saying:
"Maybe when I finish exams"
"Maybe when I finish move"
"Maybe when I'm on the plane"
Truth is I don't know why I'm not as excited as I should be...
but I do look forward to all the experiences that I will have....
Cuz, in less than 24hours, first stop London :D