Molo Molweni (Hello Everyone)

Well, it's been a week since my last blog!! I really don't think I can write all the adventures and crazy times I've had already. First I'd like to say, all of your comments and support from abroad are so much appreciated and I thank you all so much for the love that you've shown me in this exciting time in my life.
I think it would be appropriate to just summarize everything in a list by days.
Sat.--Well, the trip up to D.C. was a very nervous car ride, to say the least. I was trying to be strong for momma; it was hard. Got to the airport with plenty of time to spare and had a good 1 hr wait until the plane so I watched the Germany, World Cup game. Met a really nice girl, Jill, from Pennsylvania at the gate. Got on the plane and met a really cool guy, Moyukh, from Mass. Had my own seat, which was AMAZING...but I didn't sleep much, had too much fun hanging with these guys!!

Sun-Arrived in Stellenbosch around 9 o'clock my time so didn't get to see the final of the World Cup. Got to Stellenbosch and un-packed a little and went out to a bar with some people I met on the plane to Cape Town.
Mon- Chilled with Americans all day and my new friends Anke, Holland, and John, South Africa. Got some supplies and just had a good time.
Tuesday-More people arrived from abroad and there are SO many Americans and Germans here. A lot of Dutch but not as much and a few other places here and there. Everyone is so nice and friendly and I've loved hangin out with all of them. And went dancing for a bit. Not American dancing. Crazy African dancing...it's a blast.
Wed.-Start of orientation...boring first couple of hours but it was interesting in some parts. Made a lot more friends. Don't want to name all of them cause I'm afraid I'll leave some out! haha Went out again on Wed. and again, met some great people. I don't know if you'll catch on, but everyone here is SO nice!!! Even the people working security and the workers at the Pick N Pay (grocery) are singing and dancing while working.
Had a Braai (cookout) in the courtyard of Concordia, my dorm...food was delicious and great time meeting new international kids. Thur-2nd day of orientation, again boring...still didn't have internet but there is a cool internet cafe in the student union, so that was a life-saver. Pics of the union still to come...it's amazing!! Hung out and got my classes all settled, no monday or friday classes, it's AMAZING!!! annndddd...South African Wine Industry class=too good to be true! Went dancing AGAIN, these people never NOT go out!!! I love it! :D
Friday-Busy, busy day...went for a jog at 7am, got my student I.D. card, set-up a student bank acount, finally got INTERNET, met some of my professors for my courses, they're all great so far. Also had a Welcome Braai with the International Office staff. It's so weird having a beer with your advisors and staff! ha Went out AGAIN, sleep really isn't known to these people. :D
Sat-All day in Cape Town!! The most beautiful city I've ever seen and I'll be going back VERY soon, cage diving on Sat. is looking pretty good so far!! :D :D Just got to see the jist of the city and Signal Hill. Table Mountain and Lions Head Mountain are absolutely gorgeous and Camps Bay around the mountain is such a pretty beach. Very peaceful but VERY wealthy...saw a lot of nice cars. Had lunch on the Water-Front (mall and board-walk in the harbor). It was a blast and food was great. Had another Braai tonight with all of the international kids and then went out dancing!! haha...it really never stops here, but it's a great way to burn the calories I'm gaining. And that leads me up to present time. It is currently 1:06am here and I have nothing to do but Skype dates with family tomorrow so I'm getting to sleep past 8am the first time in a week!!
So much more to say but we'll all talk soon enough, I'm about to fall asleep. I love you all and I hope the States are still kickin it as they were when I left. Cheers Mates!!


Peace,
Ryan/R.J.