Our First Two Days

First meal in Port Elizabeth

Rachel and I are lucky enough to have three friends, Sarah, Dianna, and Amy, who spent this summer (or winter because it is still winter in South Africa) in Port Elizabeth student teaching like we are about to do. We are all part of the same education cohort at the University of Georgia.

Not only were they nice enough to show us around the past few days but they also served as our alarm clocks for our first morning!


Day One:
We started the day off at a coffee shop called Kaffeine(a fitting name). It is less than a mile from our apartments and we really enjoyed it.

We then took a taxi to the "mall" where we got a phone to use locally, the girls bought some gifts for their teachers, and we went to the grocery store. We ate lunch at a fun place called Mugg & Bean. Later, Rachel and I went to dinner at a trendy pizza place called Charlie's. It was recommended by the other girls and we loved it!

Hazelnut Latte at Breakfast

Grilled Chicken Greek Salad at Lunch

Artichoke Pizza and Coke for Dinner

Rachel and I fit right in with the people of Port Elizabeth except for the fact that we are SO SHORT. All of the women we saw walking around were considerably taller than us. Besides that, we are blending in quite well. :)

It is colder than we expected here. Rachel and I spent our first afternoon bundled on the couches with multiple layers of socks and clothing. We looked ridiculous but it was better than continuing to freeze. There is no heating or cooling in the apartment so our room temperature is subject to the weather. Today and yesterday just happened to be colder than most.


Day Two (Today):
We began the day by going to church. Before we got there Dianna described it to us as the Port Elizabeth equivalent of Passion City Church. The five of us enjoyed the 10:30 service at Father's House Family Church.

http://www.fathershousesa.org/

We ate lunch at a sushi place near the church and then headed to the market. (I loved the Celine Dion song that played in the cab on the way there.) We spent the afternoon  exploring the market and enjoying the beauty of the beach. Living so close to the beach is incredible.

Sarah, Me, Diana, Amy, and Rachel ( It was VERY windy)

After buying a few things, the place is starting to feel very homey. Rachel and I will have another roommate coming in a couple of weeks and we are excited for her arrival. Until then, we will keep getting the place cleaned up and ready. Oh, and we might also have to practice using our South African money because I still look like a deer in headlights when I am told what my total is. While everything is much cheaper here and the conversion rate is wonderful, something about adding tip or converting what a price would be in America in my head is not coming naturally. I am sure we will get better with time!


OH and I almost forgot- we were provided with a huge unicorn picture in our living room... keeping it classy over in P.E. ;)

We look forward to more exploring the next couple of days and will keep you posted!

Love,

Casey :)