Besides a few GPS complications, which were mostly programming errors, I made it to my orientation at Bard College safely. The campus, in middle-of-nowhere, New York, is pretty funky. It has an eclectic mix of buildings, some beautiful gardens and modern sculptures scattered around the college.
We started workshops almost immediately. On the first day, the workshop was rather boring/awkward (what first days aren’t awkward though?). We got a lecture on safety, our rural stay schedule and our role as an ambassador of America. Then, we went around the room, introduced ourselves and tried to answer some vague questions: Why are you here? What is culture? What do you hope to learn from this program? What are human rights? Finally, it was time for dinner and a stroll along the Hudson River.
Today was much more engaging. We met with a student who attended the International Human Rights Exchange (IHRE) last year and basically picked her brains for a few hours. After lunch we watched Cry Freedom (1987) and discussed some of the assigned Steve “Black is beautiful” Biko readings.
My flight to South Africa leaves bright and early tomorrow morning. In total, I’m going to be spending about 15 hours in the air. Once we land, we get a quick break and then head to Acornhoek, South Africa for a weeklong rural stay. I’ll update you when I get back.
On a random side note, I took the worst shower of my life today. The water pressure was so intense that it kept blowing the shower curtain open. The only way to stop that from happening was to use my body to shield the curtain, which kind of felt like I was getting pounded with a stick of lightening.
ROFL!!!! pounded with a stick of lightening. ROFLcopter, seriously.
ReplyDeleteI know how important showers can be. I'm sorry to hear that. but hilarious.
why do homestays always happen at the very beginning of trips? how intimidating! good luck, ragazza!
sounds like your in for something great.
ReplyDeletekeep us posted! were going to miss you in lex xxsophie
I'd be really interested to hear about your conclusions to the "What is culture?" question. It's something I've been thinking about a lot here, but the only conclusion I've come up with is that culture is a set of guidelines invented by men to oppress women.
ReplyDeleteWhat an event to happen within the first 24 hours of being away from home. Also about the questions you had to answer I actually wrote a whole paper on what is culture and some other questions related to that.
ReplyDeleteKelsey's younger brother HArrison
Amelia, you make me smile. But I have to admit that I would like to hear what you think about it K, especially after you get back from your homestay. And Harrison, you too.
ReplyDeleteKelsey, I'm gonna venture to say that you are likely going to have worse showers if you are staying in rural South Africa, just a guess.
ReplyDeleteI hope you brought some rooibos or something.
I miss you and I'll try and take your place in Celebrity with some Carls, inventors and sorority girls.
much love
melissaaa (the lexington one)