Countdown: 21 Days

Three weeks left! I've been seeking out anything South Africa these days. Last night I saw 'Invictus', starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as the captain of the rugby team. I don't know how accurate the movie was in regards to history, but it did show some good scenery. It was exciting to see Cape Town and other cities on the big screen, as well as to hear the South African accent. I also watched 'District 9', which takes place in Johannesburg. I highly recommend both movies.

I received 'Long Walk to Freedom', Nelson Mandela's autobiography, for Christmas. I'm only on page 80, but it's great so far. Mandela is such an important figure in South African history that I'm glad I'll have some background knowledge about him. I'll write more about the book once I get a little farther.

I expect these last three weeks to go quickly. I've got a few more things to take care of before I leave, but I've also got some fun times planned. Exciting times, these last few weeks!

-Sarah

Countdown: 29 Days

29 days from this moment, I will be on my flight!  I cannot believe how quickly time has gone.  I head home tomorrow afternoon, and it's goodbye Madison!  It will be nice to have a break from the cold and snow.  It's currently 5:10AM and 63 degrees in Cape Town.  That will certainly be a nice change.

There are so many things to do before I leave.  It's not even worth listing them all.  I find myself thinking a lot about leaving.  My thoughts and emotions flip flop frequently.  It kind of reminds me of how I felt before leaving for college.  Most often, I feel excited and anxious to leave during the day, and sadder and nervous at night.  I get to thinking about how I'll feel not being home for so long and it makes me uneasy.  I try to keep my mind on all the great adventures I'll have, such as...

CAGE DIVING! 

www.ultimate-animals.com/shark_tours.htm

Cape Town is Great White central.  Cage dives are a popular tourist activity in which I will definitely participate.  Hopefully I don't get eaten!

-Sarah

Getting Started

I'm new to the whole blog thing. I'm going to figure everything out before I go. So I'll start posting about what I'm doing in regards to studying abroad in the two months before I leave.

I had my program orientation yesterday. It was very interesting and got me really really excited and antsy to leave. It's also a little nerve-racking, too. Everything I have to do before I leave is starting to add up. But I bought my ticket! So when January 19th rolls around, I'm leaving no matter what I have or haven't taken care of.

Here's where I'll be studying:

University of Cape Town

Beautiful. I'll be there two months from today!

-Sarah