Ok so I told myself I would be better at writing this week because I had access to the internet, but that obviously didn't happen. I actually finished my half of the report for our placement last Friday (though I used Monday to edit). Then I was sick on Tuesday, did research for my essay for my other course on Wednesday, and then yesterday was a public holiday and now it's the end of my last full day in South Africa!
Yesterday was really great, we got to sleep in and then we went to Westville (the campus where my placement is) because Khadija had forgotten stuff in the office and then hit up Victoria Street Market which is a massive indoor Indian market on the edge of downtown. By now I have dwindled my funds enough that I didn't buy anything other than another suitcase (to hold the books and other things which I dwindled the funds on), but Khadija and I hadn't gone with the other girls when they went. We were also bring a new girl who arrived at our hostel a few days ago who is also from Canada and who recently finished her MA at Carleton in the history department (with Susanne as her supervisor) named Vinnie (Vincenza). She's very bright and we've been having a lot of fun showing her around. We took a mini cab from Victoria Street market to the beach which was quite the adventure. Mini cabs are 12 seater cars which you flag down using different hand signals and they take you all over for only 5 rand. However, we have had a really hard time figuring out how to use them (because they don't have any indications on the front of where they take you) and the drivers often give us confusing directions. After wandering around downtown Durban for half an hour with my new suitcase in tow, we found a minicab to take us to the beach. They blast loud African music and it is often crowded with people. I love them! I realized sadly that yesterday was my last day going to the beach and taking a minicab which is really depressing. I will miss the beautiful blue water and the shark nets! Haha. And the delicious restaurants by the beach. Ohmygoodness they have the most glorious hamburgers here. Ha, I'm such a foodie :)
Today we handed in our 16 page report! Yay for being finished! I am so sick of that thing. HEARD was so sweet, they had a little going away thing for us, complete with cake and muffins and Given (the guy we were doing research with-not our supervisor but similar) gave a little speech about how we would be missed and about how if we keep up the work ethics we have, the sky will be the limit. It was very sweet :) He also is very willing to be a reference for both me and Khadija and same with Jacqui! So, even though I only spent 8 days at this placement, it was totally worth it because of all the great people I met and the awesome networking. And hanging out with Khadija, we got to be pretty tight too :)
So now I'm off to say goodbye and pack up my office. I have to pack tonight and then we have breakfast with Susanne tomorrow and then I'm off! Holy crap! I can barely believe it's almost over. What an unbelievable experience I've had here! So many wonderful people and a great deal of learning. I am so blessed to have had this opportunity, but I'm also ready to go home. So, this will likely be my last post and then I will be seeing a lot of you! I will come complete with pictures and a great deal of jetlag. Miss you all!!
Love Heather
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