I am now done with my finals, and have the rest of the week to do nothing except say goodbye and pack. I cannot believe how the time has gone by. It seems like only yesterday I was stepping off the plane into the sun. Despite the challenges I've faced here, I really have grown to love this place. This post is going to be about the things that I really like.
1: The pace. Now when I'm at home I am always on time and I move fast. My life seems to be constantly in motion with little time to slow down and breathe. Here though, everything moves at its own pace. You take your time going places, and enjoy the view. Dinner isn't a meal its a gathering. The food doesn't arrive as quickly so you have more time to talk to your friends and relax. You're never in a rush to get somewhere, you get there when you do. Don't try and set a deadline or a time limit because it won't happen. People relax here, and enjoy life.
2: The people. The people here are very nice. They're very curious about me and why I am here, but for the most part it's just that. They don't want anything from me except my insight on their country. My friends and I have hitch hiked plenty of times and the people that give us the ride are always courteous and friendly. I have never been turned away when asking for help. If you stop somewhere and seem upset, someone will come and offer you help. You don't need to be afraid to approach someone (except maybe on occasion guys).
3: The temperature. I HATE snow. I don't like it. I don't mind the cold as much as I mind the snow. So coming here while it was still winter back home was a godsend. I love waking up to the sounds of birds and cows outside my windows. The sun is always shining and when it rains it only rains for about 20 minutes before it clears up again. It is hot here, but not a humid heat. It's the kind of heat that makes you want to sit outside having a picnic.
4: The culture. This place has great culture. It's very rich, and old traditions are integrated into the modern society. I love how the music is a mixture of some of the popular hits, i.e Adele, is mixed with an African drum beat. Most people except for those in the city live in traditional villages. I love watching the traditionalism and the modernism mix together. I think it's fascinating how their language Setswana is still be spoken despite the fact that English is the official language. This country tries and succeeds at holding onto its roots.
5: The beauty. The sunset here is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The vibrant colors mix with the suns rays and the clouds creating a entrancing tapestry across the sky. (Impressed at my poeticness? Because I am). Anyways I love the flowers here. They are bright and colorful and everywhere. I also really like seeing cows, donkeys, and goats everywhere. They wander the country unsupervised. I ususally wake up to the sound of cow bells and moos.
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