settling in

We moved into the houses yesterday. I am living in what could be in MTV’s Real World. There are 9 others on my floor, 8 below, and on the same property but in a semi-connected building are another 12 (30 total, for those of you who can’t do math). So I’m optimistic about making some good friends. The neighborhood is super quiet and has a great location, and is really pretty. The room’s pretty small and I just have a single bed, but it’s pleasant.

Today I went grocery shopping for the first time. It feels nice to start to really settle in. Sat in Cocoa wah wah (the wonderful local coffee shop) and they are starting to recognize me. Talked to this guy, Braam, who was originally from Zimbabwe and is a political activist. He had come to speak to us about working with him, so he wasn't a total stranger. Had some interesting and informative talks about South African politics. He had me read part of a book by an 82-year-old friend of his, who is friends with the polygamist, ANC and South African President Zuma. Really inspirational. This guy was illiterate well into his adult years and worked himself up from apartheid-induced-poverty and no education to being in charge of the whole country. Still, Zuma is incredibly controversial. With a rape trials, multiple illegitimate children, and ignorant comments made about AIDS in a country ridden with the epidemic, it's hard to be supportive.

After I met the rest of the group for a great bbq, called bri or brie or brae or something (I can’t spell). Awesome food. Piled it on the plate. Helped myself to seconds and piled on more. Went swimming in a pool. Starting to develop a pretty decent tan. Also talked to this guy, Siya, that works on the program who was dj-ing and had the best taste in music (was playing Mos Def, Common, RJD2, etc.). He gave me the names of a few artists he thought I’d like. Because Internet here is crazy expensive (they charge you by the information used, not just the time that you’re on, which is why video-skyping isn’t really realistic), I haven’t had a chance to download any of it. But if you’re interested in checking out some real South African hip-hop from a reputable source, look up: Buckshot LeFonque, 340ML, Tumi & the Volume, and MC Zac. If you do, please let me know how it is and what you think! I’d love to live vicariously through your ears.