Hitting the culture shock

It’s bizarre to think we’re actually in Africa. I think it has to do with a lot of stereotypes about Africa, like that it’s all desert, hot, tribal, and impoverished. I have yet to see any of these characteristics since arriving, though we are, admittedly, in one of the safer and more upscale parts of Johannesburg. We’re sleeping at a hotel, the weather is cool and overcast, the attire is generally similar to America’s, a great deal of people—all of those we’ve encountered so far—speak English, and we’re next to a mall. I’ve already seen the ultra-monster globalized businesses, McDonalds and KFC, on the street.

However, I have the feeling that this is the exception rather than the rule. We are in an area concentrated with tourists and this looks to be a more affluent area. But right now, I’m just relieved to be here and ready to go. I’m not even as tired as I thought I’d be. We’re staying in the Courtyard Hotel, in the Rosebank. I should sleep soon, since tomorrow we’ll be visiting the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, which trains youth in business skills.

(Picture: A few of us decided to go over to get food after we arrived. Great food, amazing service!)