Goodbye Honeymoon Stage

A little over a month later, things are beginning to settle down, a bit. 

While there is a small sense of relief that comes with conforming to a schedule, I can't help but get antsy for the next big adventure. The realization that everyday and all day cannot be filled with new and exciting things has become fully apparent, and, while that may seem disappointing at first, I know it was an unrealistic expectation to hold. 

With routine and with the lack of constant stimulation, I can feel the culture shock slowly making itself present. While the feeling is not overwhelming, it does give me the chance to do some self-reflection. 
It was probably very ignorant of me to think so confidently that I could never begin to feel that sense of loneliness, that I would be able to waltz through these 11 months without so much as a hint of homesickness. I also think that it would be conceited of me not to share the more vulnerable side to my adventure because it is a vital part of this whole experience and a vital part of my personal growth. It doesn't happen often, but those times at night when sitting in my room alone, there is that long for the familiar, whether it be a familiar face or a familiar voice or real bacon.

On the other hand, however, sometimes I forget I am halfway around the world. While that sentence may sound silly at first, sometimes I have to remind myself, "oh hey, yeah, you're in Africa." Despite being a minority here and despite the fact that I can sit in a class and hear absolutely no English, I sometimes feel as if I am just away for school somewhere closer to home. I think that if a person travels around the globe, they may come to the realization that everyone in the world, down to the core, is pretty much the same where ever you may be. Yes, there are those cultural differences of behavior and all of that, but essentially, if you break it down, you have the same types of people everywhere. With that thought comes the basis for my fundamental beliefs on equality, and, to me, that is a comforting fact for me to hold. 

For my history-buff friends and family, I wrote my first test today for my Anthropology class. It was 100 points and covered 3 essay questions: Discuss the early Pan-African understanding of African identity, Discuss the processes that shaped the formation of tribes as they exist today in Africa, and Using the example of the Azande, examine the function of religion in society, highlighting the major differences between witchcraft and sorcery. 
Each of these topics intrigued me and it is very interesting to learn about Culture and Society in Africa through a classroom setting. A lot of it, rightfully so, sheds a negative light on colonialism in the 19th and early 20th century and their view of Africa as being "barbaric" and "backwards" and how their views still influence western cultures today. Fingers crossed that I did well.

On another note, spring has almost arrived! Most people here classify the beginning of September to signify the beginning of the spring season. This is entertaining to me because it has been in the high 80s all week.

Most girls here carry umbrellas to block out the direct sun. A few of my friends here have expressed their concern of getting darker, which is directly opposite of girls stateside. Even in the 85 degree weather, there will be girls wearing long pants. I can't help it though, I'm very eager to break out my summer attire. 

I would also like to thank those who have sent me recipes and would like to ask people to continue sending them my way. I can't wait to get started cooking and sharing the results with you guys. 

Lots of love
El