Our two medical stops today were great, especially our last stop at Durban University. Our first stop was at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital (say that 3 times fast lol). It was such a nice hospital AND it was a public (government run) hospital. It was just a little confusing though because it was this huge beautiful facility but I didn’t see as many patients as we’ve seen in other hospitals. They’re also a tertiary or referral hospital so a lot of patients may not get to that level. And if they do then they are assessed, stabilized, and then sent back to a district hospital. Our guide at the hospital also gave me some info for my personal research project so that was awesome :)
Next was Durban University of Technology to learn about their HIV/AIDS Center. We were hanging in limbo when we first got there but once we got into a big lecture hall there were a lot of good questions and discussions happening. In the lecture hall was our group, 29 students strong (plus our 2 professors and our tour guide) along with a pretty large group from Durban U consisting of counselors, a nurse, various staff, and many students that act as “peer-educators”. The peer-educators are hired and trained students who spread HIV/AIDS awareness among the other students and their communities. It was really interesting because we got to hear how South Africans view HIV and AIDS and what they’re doing to try and lower the rate of HIV+ and then the tables were turned and we were being asked questions. It was just crazy because after thinking about it—we don’t talk about HIV or AIDS that much. Maybe in health class but the amount of time we are given information about HIV/AIDS is minimal and the last time I had a health class was in 10th grade. That’s 4 years ago. It was an eye-opener for sure. We even got to talk to the students afterward and they told us stories of “sugar daddies” (50 year olds having multiple teenage girl partners and will give them clothes, money, anything) and of other Zulu traditions involving one man and multiple partners (which in turn, increases the risk of getting and spreading HIV). It’s unbelievable. There is such a big difference in our cultures when it comes to that topic but I would have never even thought about it if we didn’t have that discussion at Durban U.
I’ve noticed Durban is very Indian influenced. Too bad I don’t like Indian food, but I’ll survive cause they have so many Italian restaurants here. Speaking of restaurants, the atmosphere and culture of restaurants here is very different than in the States. Waiting is a very big component. It takes a while to get drinks, order your food, get your food. Then once you have your food, you can probably stay forever. Because every single time we’ve been out, we have to ask for the check…it isn’t automatically brought out to us. Imagine that: a restaurant that doesn’t rush to try and get you out the door! Crazy. But it is weird, just because I’m so used to it. Oh! Ordering tap water (or pitchers of water) is also strange here…I think that they think it’s weird for us to do that. Especially refills of water. I got my water glass refilled like 3 times in Cape Town and the waitress was laughing because…idk I guess it’s funny lol. Finally, there are so many RAINBOWS in South Africa. Almost every time it rains, you see a rainbow after. I’m not complaining, I think it’s lovely :)
That’s all for now. If I don’t update tomorrow then don’t get too worried if you don’t see much for a while because we won’t have internet access for at least 5 days after leaving Durban on Sunday morning. But I’ll try to keep ya posted ;)
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