Dumela peeps!

Greetings everyone from Gaborone, Botswana. Our time here has been good to say the very least, despite the time change, I've been able to get a lot of time to rest and relaxation--->something I'm not accustomed to. Lol! I know all of my friends and family will be proud.

Today's activities included chilling by the pool (I have yet to step in the pool), taking pictures, visiting the local craft shop,enjoying a long nap, and partaking in a hearty lunch and dinner. The food has been delicious thus far!

This next paragraph will be dedicated to something I would like to call "Random moment of the day"

*Random moment for 4/30/2010* So...cards have become a favorite among the group, therefore, it's no surprise that while waiting to blog members of the group decided to play a hand or ten of spades. At that point, I didn't partake in the games...I was a mere spectator. Then the random moment occurred...a South African man walked up to me, giving me the strangest look--->needless to say he received a *side eye.* In front of two professors and five classmates, this man decided to compliment me on my beauty. That was definitely embarrassing to be hit on in front of my professors but it I'll get over it.

-Tiffany Evans

Dumela!

Hello friends -
So I believe that I am finally acclimated to the time change (what a difference six hours can make! ;-0 )

Like many of my colleagues, I concur that the citizens of Botswana have been very friendly and amenable to our visit. I continue to be amazed with the fact that we (Americans) are more similar to the people of Botswana than what we realize. I love how globalization, in many ways, bridges these gaps and (perhaps) causes a greater ease with regards to being immersed in a new culture.

Looking forward to tomorrow as we found out, about an hour ago,that we will have an opportunity to go into one of the villages.

Only a few more days before we go into the schools.

I am excited!!!

Best - Kenyatta Martin

Starting Africa off on the right foot...

This trip was been amazing so far. We have definately started the trip off amazeing and it is just creating more excitment and anticipation for the rest of the week. The flight went faster then I expected and my body is still trying to play catch up with this time difference. The food is amazing, I thought I would not be eating as well as I am but I am loving the food!! I had Kurry chicken on Friday night for dinner and I was told at dinner it could give you nightmares... well needless to say I did not sleep very well on Friday night so apparently that is true. The people of Botswana are so welcoming and seem very receptive to us. Today we went to the craftsmarket and I really enjoyed seeing the crafts and materials native to the culture! The scarves, bags, wooden sculptures, and jewlery were all amazing. Tomorrow we are going to a village and I am soo excited for that experience! Day by Day we are slowly being emerged into the culture and I absolutely cannot wait to be in the schools with the students as well as for the Safari on Sunday!! Africa is turning out to be everything I imagined it would be and so much more!
Morgan Forrester- Psychology Team!!

WOW

So...wow! Starting from the point when I got off of the plane I felt welcome. The air tasted sweet and the people are beautiful. We've just gotten here and it's already been an amazing experience. The culture here is amazing as well. We have seen a myriad of dress and style is abundant. I am anxious to venture into the schools and see our curriculums come to fruition while learning as much as I possiblby can.
JoAnna Cruz
Education Team

Monkeying Around

I am absolutely amazed at the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions of Africa! It is finally starting to hit me that I am on another continent. Everyone here is so friendly and happy. The air and the sun feel much more natural here than at home. It is all so beautiful! We went to the craft market today and spent too many pulas! And the monkeys here are already amusing us.. they have chased us, stolen items out of a purse, and climbed all over the pool area. I would have to say, the most important thing I have noticed so far and that I already appreciate: time! Being laid back and easy going is the only way to be. I am already so excited to see more of Botswana tomorrow and the rest of the week. Africa is already everything I had hoped it to be. Hello to my mom, dad, and sister! This is already the best experience of my life, and it has barely begun! I love you all very much.
-- Lyndsey Gilpin, Communication Team :)

More Pics

Gaborone

Arrived safely in Gabarone. It is beautiful here. The weather is perfect...sun shiny and cool. The skies are clear. The hotel is lovely. The students and faculty are healthy and happy and ready to begin our adventure. Today, we have some rest time built in and some time at a local craft village. We'll do our part to help the local economy.

We have arrived!

Yay!!! After long travels (lots of food & movies), we have finally arrived to South Africa. Tonight we are staying at Life Hotels in Johannesburg, it is very trendy and welcoming (Kenyatta adds it has European flare similar to a London's Heathrow Airport Hotel). We are playing cards and getting to know each other and looking forward to our travels to Botswana in the morning :)

Emilie Dupaquier & Kenyatta Martin

We Have Arrived!

We landed in Johannesburg, South Africa on time. The flight was long but uneventful. We got a little sleep, but the excitement level was high. Everyone is doing well, and we are checked into our hotel. It will feel good to sleep in a real bed for a while! We depart early tomorrow morning for Gaborone, Botswana. We are six hours ahead. Everyone sends their hellos and will post soon.

ISLP Africa

It's difficult to believe...after a year of dreaming about ISLP Africa and months of planning, our departure time is here. We are very excited about the service learning work that our ISLP teams have planned and look forward to our journey to Botswana.

Our itinerary will take us from Louisville to Atlanta, GA, to Johannesburg, South Africa, to Gaborone, Botswana. We depart on April 29 and return on May 6. During the ISLP, trip we will go on some cultural excursions, meet with local officials and leaders, and work in two high schools in Gaborone.

Our team is composed of 21 students and faculty from Communications, Education, Justice Administration, and Psychology. We will work as an interdisciplinary team to present topics such as bullying, resiliency, alcohol use and abuse, and persuasive speaking. A variety of presentations, large group activities, and small group activities are planned.

We invite you to join our blog and follow our experiences in ISLP 2010 Africa. We will post pictures and stories each day of our trip. Please post your greetings and notes to our participants. Since we are far from home, we look forward to hearing from you.