July 18, 2016 - Day 3 

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!

Today was our first day at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. We enjoyed learning about the University and surrounding areas from Ms. Tohiera Moodien and then were given an informative tour from Nontobeka Zungu (or NT and she told us to call her). During this information session we found out NMMU is the largest university with four campuses. They have 60% black, 24% white, 14% coloured, 2% indian and 8% international. During our tour I learned that the campus is on a nature reserve so you have to be on the lookout for monkeys and zebras at all times. Also because the campus is on a nature reserve that they can only put 11% of their students in dorm rooms which is very hard for the students. After the campus tour we were taken on a city tour to visit local businesses and learn about some of the South African history (I can't wait for you to see some of my pictures). During our city tour we had some university students introduce us to some of their native language xhosa. It is amazing to listen to them speak in their native tongue. 

The Nelson Mandela madiba shirt (a shirt made from silk and brightly colored like Nelson Mandela always wore) sculpture made by two student in textile and design and art departments at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. This project is emphasizing ubuntu (I am because you are). If you could read the white squares you would see the schools seven values: respect, diversity, excellence, ubuntu, integrity, environment and responsibility. 

Our first stop in the city tour the best surfing spot.

The Elizabeth Pyramid is a burial site and how Port Elizabeth was named. 

These are our University student ambassadors that helped us learn some of the Xhosa language.
From left to right: Nikita, Sihle, Takadzo (Joy) and Bontle. They were so friendly and informative. Do you know
that several of them take 2-3 taxis to get to the University each morning. That is so amazing to me.

This is Ayanda Mji and her sister Lungi. They own and operate Aya's ceramic studio. All of
their pieces are handmade, hand painted and absolutely beautiful. 

This statue represents all women of the world and what
women do.

Some of Aya's ceramic pieces outside her house.

Yay! I found a seed!

This tree is called a lucky tree. It is said that if you pick up the seeds and put them in
your purse it will never run dry.