David Horton's bloghttp://studyaway.plu.edu/blog/15/atom/feed2006-12-12T16:23:04-08:00How fast the time goeshttp://studyaway.plu.edu/node/5642007-01-29T13:13:16-08:002007-01-29T13:13:16-08:00David HortonWell since I haven’t been bloged at all so far on this trip, I figured that I would on load all my thoughts and experiences thus far. What is there to say about South Africa other than amazing. There is beauty in every aspect of this country and it is nothing short of inspirational in its places, people, culture, and of course history. On our first day here in Cape Town our tour guide told us that South Africa is a country of contrast. Contrast in its culture, environment, and in its economy.
]]>Well since I haven’t been bloged at all so far on this trip, I figured that I would on load all my thoughts and experiences thus far. What is there to say about South Africa other than amazing. There is beauty in every aspect of this country and it is nothing short of inspirational in its places, people, culture, and of course history. On our first day here in Cape Town our tour guide told us that South Africa is a country of contrast. Contrast in its culture, environment, and in its economy. The culture consists of all different kinds of diversity including foreign and native influences. You have European, Indian, Asian, American, and the native tribes still practicing their traditions. Contrast in environment, never have you seen such plant diversity, animal life, mountains, forests, beaches, and deserts. Contrast in economy, the rich and the poor living side by side.
Many of us are dealing with many questions and are becoming more and more aware of our influences as Americans. I believe one of the most important questions that are we are being asked is who is African? I think this is such an important concept because it is something that Americans also have to be asked. We are being completely immersed in the African history and still realizing that there is, what we have learned to call an Apartheid hangover. We are realizing how much time it takes to heal hearts and minds and move forward as a nation. There is so much one can learn from this country about forgiving and reconciliation that it becomes overwhelming, but above all motivational and inspirational.
The people here are all so welcoming and always willing to share their experiences and history and at the same time always willing and interested to learn ours. Everywhere you look you will find out that there is meaning and history given to it and it becomes a living, breathing part of their lives.
Our group is amazing and we are become so bonded together, all willing to listen to our worries, hopes, concerns, and excitements. Above all we are laughing, learning, crying, and hoping for the best for South Africa and America to make the right decisions. There is not enough time to share the adventures and stories we have all experienced together here in this country of contrast, but I believe we have all found a second place to call home and are all seeing with a wider view of the world.
Well, it's almost time to go home and we are all trying to absorb as much as we can in these last days here, but we all will be happy to come home and be in the arms of our friends and family. Cheers!
]]>Travel shots!http://studyaway.plu.edu/node/1282006-12-12T16:23:04-08:002006-12-12T16:23:04-08:00David HortonI just got all my shots for the trip finally and ouch! I had to get four, two in each arm! I'm glad to be finishing up the fall semester and begin J-term. I find myself reading and rereading the Itinerary for the trip. I'm getting so excited to do all the amazing things we have planned.
]]>I just got all my shots for the trip finally and ouch! I had to get four, two in each arm! I'm glad to be finishing up the fall semester and begin J-term. I find myself reading and rereading the Itinerary for the trip. I'm getting so excited to do all the amazing things we have planned.
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