Finally Landing

14 July 

So as we’re in the early mornings someone was having chest pains. The lady in front of me was a nurse and there was a surgeon up in first class. It was good to know that someone was on there for emergencies such as that. 

I ended up sleeping a lot less than I thought I would even though I was super tired. Before I knew it we were landing in Joberg, it was about 17:30 SA time. When I first got there the lady said that my flight for Port Elizabeth was for Friday at 10 a.m. I was thinking “this ca’t be happening again.” I explained to her that I really needed to get on the flight, since I have orientation for the university starting Friday 9 a.m. Thankfully she was able to get me on the flight. 

Sidenote: This guy had helped me with my carry on (even when I said no like 3 times) and then waited around until I gave him a tip. I handed him $2 so he could leave me alone. 

I met a lady who was a HR Specialist for The South African Brewers Limited. She told me how she was going to Houston and LA as a birthday present to herself in October to see Joel Olseen (I think that’s the spelling) and Rev. TD Jakes wife at a conference. She said I should add her on FBook and she would show me around PE. I just accepted her card and said okay, but I don’t have plans on contacting her. Not because of anything personal, just I don’t think I should be going around the city with people I meet at the airport. But it was nice of her to offer anyways. 

So I got to PE airport and they said my luggage wouldn’t be here until Friday -_- (staleface). Good thing I packed enough clothes in may carry on for all these days or I’d be wearing the same things. At the airport the security guard walked me to the hotel which was only like  2 minutes away but I had to walk back and change US dollars to Rand to pay for the room. So $200 is equal to 1229.88 Rand, but they charge for a commission fee, service fee, cashing handling and tax so I really got 1120 Rand. 

I tried calling back home like over 10 times but I couldn’t get through, couldn’t figure out their phone system. I asked for help but the young guy working didn’t seem like he wanted to help and gave me very basic instructions instead of showing me. I was so frustrated by then that I just gave up. Instead I used the internet (only 15 minutes was free) and text my parents through the Verizon online, sent an e-mail and updated Facebook. I was super tired so I just read and went to sleep. 

Sorry I haven’t even commented on the country at all with all that has been going on. From what I’ve seen so far the place is beautiful and the people are beautiful to me, all with their unique faces and thick accents. I feel like we are speaking two different languages sometimes although they talk to me in English. I am looking forward to making it on campus and getting a bit settled before heading to the orientation.