Last day with classes

I find it a little hard to believe that I finished my last class for this semester. It is a little hard to believe I am almost half way through my master.

At class today with finished with a conference around Iran's nuclear ambitions. We where divided in groups a few weeks ago and was later given an international relation theory. My group had to present the Iranian situation by using the theory of offensive realism. That is not the hardest theory to use, but it is always hard to argue with arguments you not always support and by following the assumption of the assigned theory. Some of the group where present from a gender perspective, something that was more interesting and definitely more challenging. After each presentation we received or asked question about the presentation. It was very funny, the first two hours! Anyhow, I just have 1 paper, 2 home exams and one research proposal to do before vacation and the WORLD CUP.

Yesterday I had my last french exam, and my oral exam was better than my written exam. The written exam was not hard, but my talent for grammar once again proved to fail me. Regardless of what I understood. Today I will make crepes and watch a french movie with some friends, whom all speaks french very well. It will be a nice celebration of the end of the beginning on my way to learn french.

The last two weeks we have had amazing weather, blue sky and sun each day and not much wind. Even if the temperature are lower it was nice, like a Norwegian summer. However, two days ago it started to rain, and since then it has not stopped. I knew this is how the autumn and winter will be, but still, I would have preferred sun.
I also visited Kayamandi the other day. Kayamandi is a small township (ca 33 000) that lies in walking distance (15min) from Stellenbosch. People in Stellenbosch often say that Kayamandi, is a nice township. A statement that is quiet incredible. Half of its inhabitants lives in informal houses, or shacks. Which literary are tree houses that have lower standard then the one my brother and I built before we started school. It is really sad to see this less than 15min from nicer parts of Stellenbosch. Areas that consists of nice houses, huge, with pools, big gardens, garages to several cars and whatever you feels you need. One do not stop to reflect upon how this is accepted to such a degree and almost wonders why it is as peaceful. The only argument I find is that most people are peace seeking and not prone to violence nor conflicts, regardless of their situation. My sympathy for the Greeks and their protest also reached a low point.

I will also celebrate the 17 of May this year. ANSA is arranging an event with Den Norske Foreningen in Cape Town. I am actually looking forward to celebrate it. I have also updated the ANSA webpage for South Africa. It is fairly easy but with my limited skills it took me some time, back and forth. But I finished in the end.

It is also a little sad that the semester is ending. A lot of my friends are exchange students which will go home during the following month. I am used to the situation now, but I am looking forward to the day I can keep friends for longer than a semester or two.

JJ