on making South Africa home for a while

So it took me 6 weeks to finally start this blog. Maybe I was afraid it would end up being just one of those blogs people write where ever they go whatever they do, and nobody seems to be reading them and it becomes just another page in the endless internet...
But then what. I want to write this for my friends and family whom I do miss and cannot communicate with as much as I would like to. I hope for those who are interested in my doings this will be fun and interesting. And for those who don't really know me but end up reading my blog anyway (curiosity or boredom!?), I hope you do remember that whatever I end up writing here are only my personal opinions and even though I may have strong views on certain topics, I hope you will not try and use them against me or take them personally, even if you disagree.
And please comment, I hope that especially with those who share the same passion for this continent we could have interesting discussions...
So let's start. I am currently in Stellenbosch, South Africa. I am living here for a year as an international student studying Sociology and isiXhosa. I am also volunteering at a nearby township called Kayamandi. Besides that I try to move around as much as possible, see places and get to know people both international and local. I am very very lucky to have this opportunity to do this. I have come to realise that the education system in Finland is very priviledged, even though we tend to still have plenty of things to complain about ... but recently I had a good conversation, that made me realise how much freedom and independence it has given me. To be able to study what you want and are interested in and not be dependent on my parents for example has given me opportunities to take control over my life and a chance to work and travel besides my studies for example. Maybe that is why I enjoy this time of my life so much and don't really seem to have much of a hurry to graduate and get into the working life.
And yes, I have the possibility to come and Study in South Africa. My university actually pays me to do so. That is something. And for the first time in my life as a student I don't need to work besides my studies, so I get a chance to do volunteer work and just enjoy my time here.
Applying for the exchange wasn't a piece of cake though, I don't think I have ever filled that many official papers in a year's time. But it was definitely worth going through all that trouble.

In the 6 weeks I have been here I have managed to settle in well in my residence. I have a beautiful view over the Stellenbosch mountain and three lovely girls to share this flat with. And I have my own bathroom with a bathtub, oh the luxury.
I have taken an intensive Afrikaans course, I made some really great friends during that course and I don't think studying has ever been that much fun at University. Maybe it was because of the wine tastings and picnics... or maybe because I happened to have such a good time with my classmates. I go for both.

South Africa is not a new place for me. I lived here in 2004-2005, in Port Elizabeth, where I did volunteer work at Ramaphosa, Kwazakhele township. I helped around at a pre-school and got to know the Xhosa culture a bit better. It helps now when I am finally studying the language at University. At least I can say Hlalaphantsi (Sit down!), mamelani (listen to me), thula (quiet) and Hayi (no!). Something we got around repeating quite a lot!!
I was also helping around at an Oceanarium, where I was looking after sick penguins. I still have a huge compassion and love for African penguins. They have such character and personality.
I am lucky to know some wonderful people in Port Elizabeth, who are like my own family to me. So I guess I don't know how to separate myself totally from the South Africans, I partly feel like a South African. It may sound naive but I honestly feel like I know this country much better than Finland and even though I love to be Finnish I cannot lose interest in this place or stop myself from coming back over and over again. It sort of grows to be a part of you and there is no going back.

However I do find myself questioning many things every day. Like me being here as a fairly well off white girl from Europe. I am used to seeing myself as a poor student studying all these hippyish subjects, working at a flower shop and not really knowing what to do with my life, and suddenly it is turned upside down. It is very confusing. But all is relative.
The South African students seem very determined and positive about their career choices and future plans. Maybe they feel like they have to know, maybe you cannot be too uncertain about things in South Africa. Everybody seems to want to graduate as soon as possible and have more independence and security in their lives. I honestly don't know how they manage to do that with all the partying, beautiful nature, beaches and hot hot weather that you get here.

South Africa has a lot of contrast. Sometimes it is too frustrating, but sometimes it makes it all worthwhile. I have not been homesick once. I miss my family, dog, and friends terribly, but I know that I will end up missing South Africa too much when I eventually have to get on the plane towards the North. I guess I will never stop coming back. I guess this place will never make enough sense for me so I have to keep on finding out more and exploring. And that is what I love to do.