So, before I go on about Africa...

For those of you that have a MacBook, does it take forever to turn on? Like I literally try to not turn mine off because I get so worried that it won't turn on again.

It takes at least 7 minutes to turn on and its just a black page with the little apple logo...just sitting there. Should I be worried?

Anyhow, we had orientation today.

But first we had breakfast. I am happy to report that we had "porridge" aka oatmeal aka my absolute favorite. No, there was not brown sugar and sugar free maple syrup buuut there was honey and milk. It's an okay substitute, I guess. We also had yogurt aka my second favorite.

A lot of the interns hate on the food. I don't have any complaints yet. The sandwich I had for lunch was weird but it wasn't bad. It was a feta, spinach and pesto sandwich. They do tend to love potatoes. I have eaten four meals and have potato wedges twice.

But orientation filled most of my day. We learned all the rules and regulations. Such as no sex in public places of the complex we are staying.... apparently there is a story behind this rule that involves the pool table by the bar.

Some people.

We also we to the aquarium in town. It's quite...small. And underwhelming but the guy that runs it is nice. We saw little baby sharks in the tank and it reminded me of zoology (ugh) when we dissected sharks and the mommy shark had babies in its belly. Which, I guess, when you think of it is kinda sad since it was dead and we were ripping it open......

We learned about all the research projects going on. I kinda zoned out (oops) from time to time when they were talking. So far what I gather is we do the grunt work for the Masters students and the guys that started Oceans with little credit. I say "with little credit" not to be rude or complain but it does make me appreciate the fact that when I worked for Dr. Hare my name at least went on the paper she published that involved my work. And I'd like to think that Roland would put my name on a paper if anything ever becomes of my research.... But I guess that's the difference when you a.) work for someone for money and b.) work part time for a long time (1.5 years) or full time for a short time (3 months).

I will get a lot of field experience here which is good.

I'm the only chemist....... Guess that makes me the expert.

Tonight we are having a braai. It's like the South African version of a BBQ. But you can't call it a BBQ...they get offended. All I know it is supposed to involve a ridiculous amount of meat.

Yum.