During my layover in Johannesburg I got a little taste of Africa from the shops and the people.

To be honest I loved it from the get go because everybody tells me I'm beautiful... Jajajaja So why wouldn't I love it, right? I find it quite a bit amusing..  the compliment usually goes like "you beautiful.. Where are you from? Philippines? Nooooooo? But some kind of Asian?" Jajajaja then I say no and explain where El Salvador is and 99.9% respond saying "first time I meet somebody from El Salvador"... I'm quite exotic over here!!! Jajajaja 

I have found people to be extremely welcoming (well, mostly men) and even though I'm a little skeptical about talking to men I have found them to be extremely nice. 

In Johannesburg I was having lunch by myself and this older African guy started talking to me and I explained that I was backpacking by myself, he was very impressed and proceeded to make sure I was safe; he even gave me his driver's number in case I needed anything in Johannesburg. We talked our whole lunch and he even showed me on his ipad pictures of his family and all his 23 (or so) grand children... Such an amazing guy and story! From this conversation I got kind of "energized" and I do not know how to describe it but it felt as if I knew i was doing the right thing by taking the risk of traveling by myself. Before he left he said to me "you be safe, and you know you have a big angel with you, right?"; in a way what he said impressed me because I have always told myself that I do have a big angel looking over me when I travel... It felt weird but at the same time he kind of confirmed this idea of feeling protected.

So I finally made it to Namibia!!!!! Yeay!

The weirdest part has been getting used to being on the other side of the road and having those freak out moments when your brain automatically tells you that a car is coming to you the wrong way! It's weird to say the least! 

At my first hostel I instantly made "friends." When I got to my room I saw a girl and I said "you were in my flight... I recognize your bag" Jajajaja I think that is a very Andrea reaction! I can't recognize faces but trust me I recognize a person by the shoes, bags, or accessories.

To be honest, I am very shy around people I don't know and I have diagnosed myself with social anxiety! Jajaja I know, I know... 98% would NOT agree with that diagnosis and would think I'm crazy but in reality I am terrified when I don't have the security of being with somebody I know.

Anyway, I did some self talk and I said to myself that there is a purpose for this trip and that I need to let go, be genuine, be myself and people will automatically be drawn to me... And I was totally right!!! Jajajaja the first night I met amazing people with stories that are unbelievable and unique. 

Here's a picture of some of my roommates... The two guys made a traditional African meal... Willy (the one in red) was extremely excited to meet somebody from El Salvador! Jajajaja and kept taking pictures of us! Jajajaja super funny!