I have officially arrived in Johannesburg! My plane landed around 5:00 PM South African time, just about 24 hours after I left. The plane ride was actually enjoyable. Riding first class was the way to go! I was able to lay flat, enjoy gourmet food, and watch movies at my fingertips. I slept about 13 hours of the 16 hour flight. I met two girls from my trip at the Atlanta airport. We have talked a little bit and they are very nice so far. The three of us stuck together through customs and transportation to the hotel.

The hotel I am staying at is beautiful. I have a separate bathtub, beautiful shower, and flat screen television. The guy at the front desk said that they are revamping everything for the 2010 World Cup. The two other girls are also staying in the hotel so we are going to get some dinner together in a bit.

I just wanted to let you all know I have arrive safely and my journey is off to a great start!

Pictures from left to right: 1) Jamie getting ready to leave from Bradley International airport, 2) My first class seat/bed for the flight, 3) Airport in Johannesburg, 4) My room at the City Lodge Hotel in Johannesburg

Welcome! Isihambe esithakezelwayo!

Hello and welcome to my blog!

In just a couple of days I will be heading off to South Africa for the greatest adventure of my life to date. I would like to invite you all to join me on my adventure through this blog. I will be posting entries about my semester abroad and attaching pictures through this site as well. Unfortunately I will not have internet access at all the sites (only Shingwedzi, Skukuza, and Cape Town), however I plan to post as often as I can.

My semester abroad is run through Duke University and the Organization for Tropical Studies. You can find out more details about my program on the OTS website http://www.ots.ac.cr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=321&Itemid=447 including a course syllabus, sites visited, and various orientation information.

The best way to contact me is by email, however email access will not be permitted at all the sites I will be visiting. My email is Jrsher01@syr.edu and like this blog I will try to respond as often as possible. Snail mail is always appreciated as a tangible letter always helps with homesickness. I have included my address for those who are interested.

I depart from Hartford, CT on August 24 and arrive in Johannesburg, SA on the 25th. From there I begin my 3 and 1/2 month adventure in the savanna. Either I or my parents will be posting early next week to say that I have arrived safely.

See you in Shingwedzi!

Jamie