This will be my last diary entry before I begin my journey back home to our merciless Montreal arctic weather. I can’t believe how fast the past six weeks have gone by.  I have met the most wonderful people and I have experienced so much. Let me tell you about my last few days here in Johannesburg.

Lion Park

On Friday, I went to Lion Park along with LCC’s Adam Vandenbussche ’17. There, I had the opportunity to hold and feed some animals. I started off with a giraffe, whose head, according to a comment I got on Facebook, “was bigger than my entire body.” I then decided to feed the ostriches. Bad idea! Not only did the ostriches attempt to draw blood as they pecked at my hand for the food, but they cornered me and tried to attack when I ran out of food! Finally, before going on a lion-cheetah drive, I got to actually sit next to and pet a baby lion! The baby and its parents were sleeping and I was allowed to pet it and take pictures; I can honestly say that it was one of the most terrifying yet adventurous moments in my life!

LeSedi

Over the weekend, I visited LeSedi, an African cultural center. There, I was given a tour of four cultural groups of Africa: Zulu, Pedi, Xhosa and Sotho. During our visit of each group, we learned more about their village, culture, people as well as their tools. We also discovered more about their way of life such as how to greet them (“Sahobona” in Zulu). Interesting fact:  in order to marry a Zulu woman, you must pay her family 11 cows! (Relax dad – this Canadian-Zulu girl is just reporting the facts and has no plan to marry soon!) Finally, after the tour, we witnessed a dancing and singing performance just for us! I had a fantastic time at LeSedi. The village was vibrant with color and designs and there were an abundance of intriguing hand-made artifacts.

Squatter Camp

After our visit at LeSedi, I was taken to one of the biggest squatter camps in the area. Being exposed first hand to such poverty was a moving experience. The camp is filled with small, underdeveloped houses, tents and other forms of shelter. I got to walk around and witness the devastating conditions under which the residents must live.

Surprise!

Finally, on Sunday, I was thrown a goodbye party by Rodina and twenty of my new friends! We had a phenomenal time reminiscing about my past six weeks at Saint Stithians and how much fun we all had together.

Zulu Word of the Week: “Abangane” means a friend

Final Words: What this exchange has meant to me…

Although I am excited to see my friends and family back in Montreal, I will truly miss South Africa. There are no words in the world that can describe how I am feeling. I have only been here for six weeks yet I feel as though it is my home; I credit my friends here for this feeling. They made me feel as though I was welcome the second I walked into the school. They took the time to introduce themselves and help me when I was lost (which was a lot!)

It was not easy for me to leave my home and my family in January. I had never lived by myself, let alone with another family. The Ayayas have made this experience so enjoyable for me. I especially want to thank Rodina’s parents for everything they have done. I am happy to have gained a new family.  I have become very close to Rodina and I cannot wait to introduce her to everyone at LCC.

People may never fully understand what a great time I had in South Africa; when asked about my trip, I hope I don’t simply blurt out “it was great!” I hope I can communicate to others how much this experience has meant to me. It’s been a great journey. I am coming home different and independent. Yours truly, Canadian-Zulu girl.

Abby Shine ’17 Exchange Student at St Stithians Girls’ College