My first days in South Africa

21 September was the day that I left Holland, I woke up early in the morning to make sure that I would be right on time at the airport. I brought my heavy suitcase to the incheck desk and changed some money. After I had done this I could say farewell to my family and some friends, who had come by train, just so they had the opportunity to say goodbye to me.. After that difficult moment (I didn't cry) my journey could begin!


 
We arrived right on time, but I didn't enjoy the flight. The meals were horrible and my two neighbours (I sat in the middle) were terrible. They were making sounds the whole the time, while they ate but also when they were sleeping. The toilet was like an attraction for me.

But I survived the flight and arrived at Cape Town airport about 21.35. We took our suitcases from the belt and walked to the arrivals hall. Before we could enter South Africa we had some problems with the custom service, they thought that we had drugs or alcohol with us. Of course we didn't have any drugs or alcohol in our bags, so after a while they finally let us into the country.

My host father and exchange student picked me up by from the airport, they were very kind and drove me to the hostel, the place where I will be staying for the next 10 months. (In the weekends and holidays I will be staying at my host family) The other Gap-Students were still awake and gave me a warm welcome aswell. After everybody introduced himself, I went to my bed at 00.00. The next morning the alarm went off at 06.30, so I was a little bit exhausted. After my breakfast I put my clothes on and went to school. I was introduced to the staff and heard many many names, but most of them I had already forgotten the next day.

After my first days at school, I went to my host family, where I will be staying in the weekends and holidays. It is a lovely family, they are very helpful, so I felt myself immediatly at home. After two relaxing days, I went with my host family to hardbay, a traditional fishermen harbour and a really beautiful place called chapman's peak.

School in South Africa is really different from school in Holland. There is much more discipline and respect for the teachers, even I'm called sir. My first days of school reminded me of Harry Potter., with all those assembly's and houses.

Next week I have my first school camp and after that Spring Holiday! I will write my new stories after the holidays!