The normal routine

I thought I would give you all a brief glimpse of my 'average' week in Namibia. As I was reading through my blog I realized that I have been highlighting all the amazing aspects of my trip and neglecting my daily life!

The worst part about my trip is my inability to sleep past 6am usually I am up and about by 5:45! But its actually OK since this is the only time the house is quite and I am able to get some work done and take a shower before everyone else wakes up. However, I no longer cringe when both showers are being used, someone is using the toilet, and someone is brushing their teeth at one sink and someone is applying makeup at the other. Its all a part of the experience of having 24 people share 2 bathrooms! The only thing that dampers my enthusiasm in the morning is having to make myself a cup of instant coffee...

On Mondays, I spend the entire day at my internship. I have learned SO much at the ECN but I still have not contributed a lot to the organization. I have labeled myself an 'observer' and I have become more comfortable with my role. I also spend the morning at the ECN on Wednesday.

I have normal classes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I am taking a history course, a development course, and a political science course. We meet from 9-1pm once a week. Usually, we have speakers and go on 'field-trips' but sometimes we have to endure a 4 hour lecture! Most of our afternoons are free but on Tuesday I have a 2 hour internship course as well.

I did not think that my courses here would be that intensive. I was mistaken. Last week I gave 2 presentations, wrote a blog entry, and turned in 4 papers! Luckily, it was the most intense week of the semester. I still have to complete my integrative project and a few more papers. For my project, 30% of my grade in every course, I am going to create my own political party that I feel has the best chance of solving the political, economic, and health issues facing Namibia. It should be a very intriguing assignment.

Most afternoons are spent doing homework, hanging out with friends, and taking walks. We have explored almost every nook and cranny of Windhoek. Most often, we walk about 10 minutes to Wernhill Mall and the grocery store. I have also spent a lot of time window shopping. As for the 'nightlife' in Windhoek it is limited. There is a backpackers place right up the street that we go to a lot. Its called 'the Box' and has become our common hang out spot. On the weekends there are 3 clubs that people go to but I have not gone yet.

On Saturday mornings a few of us tend to go a place called 'Mugg and Bean'. Its one of the only places I can get real coffee! Afterwards we walk around, go to a park, or find something new to do. Last night, we went out to dinner than went to a concert. Sundays are my lazy days. I tend to do laundry, organize, and then relax at the pool for the rest of the day.

Life in Windhoek is pretty wonderful. I have loved getting to know this city and feeling like I am a part of it! My daily routine is pretty boring with out all the distractions of home. I have no meetings, television, car, or phone to help pass the time. We play a lot of games, watch movies, and spend time at our computers.

I only have 5 weeks left in Southern Africa before I come home! I am not letting myself think too much of home but there are a few things I can not wait for: a glass of cold skim milk, ice water, my own room, real coffee, Target, tortilla chips, salsa, and my family!!