This is a bit of a false alarm, because I'm not traveling at the moment...
My dad is leaving on a business trip for Ukraine this evening and I am green with envy. Not a pleasant shade of green either, we're talking Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch of the West green. Even though my dad will be spending about as much time on the plane as he will on the ground in Kiev, I still have a lot to be jealous of.
It would really stink if my dad was just going to Europe, but the fact that he is going to Ukraine kills me! Why is this a big deal, you may ask? I'm not Ukranian, I don't know anyone who is and I don't think I know anyone who has gone to Ukraine (other than my father when he arrives tomorrow evening). It is a big deal because one of my alter-egos is Ukranian. Her name is Katya and she is a Ukranian, rapping spy who is obsessed with yaks. My sister also has a Ukranian alter-ego named Polina and we are both very attached to these characters we've created. (I will add here that we have both been crushed by the revelation that there are no yak in the Ukraine. I'm not sure why we thought there were, but we did, and this news has been earth shattering). So, Chuck is going to "The Motherland" without me and I'm very upset about this. (In full disclosure, our real motherland is actually a Fatherland, because we're German, BUT Chuck will also be going to the Fatherland, because he has a layover in Munich).
I'm also super jealous because my dad's trip to Ukraine means that I will be the last person in my family to travel to Europe! My mom went in high school, my sister went last summer and my dad is going now. I have wanted to go to Europe (specifically France and even more specifically Paris) since I was seven and even though I have had amazing trips to Australia and South Africa (which are arguably more exotic and exciting locations), Europe is still my dream! I was actually supposed to go to Paris for my 16th birthday, but it's been almost six years now and I still haven't gone. Even Pink and Goldie (the stuffed bears my dad has taken with him on business trips since I was little) will have gone to Europe before me. You can see why I'm upset by this.
So, the moral of the story is, Dad, buy me something nice!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
It is almost time to go! We'll be leaving the Backpack in about 30 minutes and I can't wait to get moving. Miraculously, my bags weigh less than they did on the way here and I'm pretty sure I haven't forgotten anything... I'm looking forward to things like the beach, cheeseburgers and my own bed, but I wish I didn't have to leave Cape Town. The moral of this story is that this isn't the end of my South African adventure, it is the beginning of my next adventure.
Totsiens.
Totsiens.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Long Street Days/The Day of a Million Stairs
As I said in my earlier post today, this is my last day in Cape Town and I want to make it count. After the day I've had, I believe I have completed that goal.
We started out at 9 am and walked up to the Cape Malay neighborhood. We'd driven past this neighborhood a few times but we really wanted to walk through here because the houses have all been painted brilliant colors. First of all, they did not make getting to this neighborhood easy! The streets were cobbled, as in cobblestones, and the streets were so steep that some of the sidewalks had stairs and railings! (These stairs partially inspired my title, The Day of a Million Stairs -- we'll get to the other title in a bit). I figured the stairs wouldn't kill me and considering that I've been consuming carbs as if preparing for the Tour dr France, I think I needed the exercise, but STILL! Anyways, getting to Cape Malay was worth it. It looked like someone had dropped a CandyLand board in the middle of Cape Town! It was like Rainbow Brite moved next door to Willy Wonka! In other words, it was gorgeous. I would like a pink house please. Also, if that pink house could be sandwiched between a lime green house and a purple house, that would be even better.
Did I mention that the sun was out for all of this? Because it was and that was fantastic too!
After we finished killing our camera batteries in Cape Malay, we walked down to Long Street (hence the title, Long Street Days -- which is a play on "Long Street Nights" and if you don't know what that is, you haven't been paying attention to my blog and should reconsider your life choices). On Long Street, we headed over to the Pan African Markets. This market was different from the other ones we'd visited because it was indoors. Three floors full of crafts!
After the Pan African Market, we went back to Greenmarket Square. We shopped around for a bit, but since they were just setting up, we headed on. We walked over to the flower market at Trafalgar Square. The smell was heavenly. I wish I could take home the proteas they had, but something tells me that fresh flowers wouldn't survive the trip home.
Post-flower market, we went to the Castle of Good Hope. The Castle wasn't really a "castle," it was an old fort. I'm not sure why they call it a castle... BUT I knew that carrying around my student ID on this trip would come in handy and it did! I got in for 50% off. Thank you, higher education. Our trip to the Castle was interrupted by rain (it wouldn't be a day in Cape Town without experiencing all four seasons). I was on the hunt for a ghost, but we didn't find one, even after visiting the torture chamber. After seeing the torture chamber, the lookout stations, the pool and the arsenal, we moved along to lunch.
We went to a Turkish restaurant back near Greenmarket Square. Not feeling particularly adventurous, I went with the fish and chips. The awesome thing about this restaurant was that we didn't sit at a table, we sat on couches! This was good for our exhausted feet (we'd done all of this exploring before noon!). At lunch, I revealed my secret wish to visit Tanzania/Zanzabar after a childhood of listening to Bill Harley and discovered that Emma grew up listening to Bill Harley too. If you don't know who Bill Harley is, look him up now! It was awesome to find someone else who knew the sheer joy of Weezie and the Moon Pies...
Back to the day's adventures...
After lunch, we returned to our shopping. I bought what I believe will be my last South African souvenir at Greenmarket Square and let me say, I believe I succeeded in my goal of only buying things that scream "I went to South Africa!" There should be no doubt in anyone's mind where any of these things came from.
When we were done at Greenmarket Square, we returned to Long Street and visited yet another market! The African Women's Market was also indoors, but my wallet was done for the day. After more purchases for everyone but me, we marched back to the Backpack.
So, to sum up my day, lots of walking/stairs and lots of Long Street. Oh yes, and lots of fun!
We started out at 9 am and walked up to the Cape Malay neighborhood. We'd driven past this neighborhood a few times but we really wanted to walk through here because the houses have all been painted brilliant colors. First of all, they did not make getting to this neighborhood easy! The streets were cobbled, as in cobblestones, and the streets were so steep that some of the sidewalks had stairs and railings! (These stairs partially inspired my title, The Day of a Million Stairs -- we'll get to the other title in a bit). I figured the stairs wouldn't kill me and considering that I've been consuming carbs as if preparing for the Tour dr France, I think I needed the exercise, but STILL! Anyways, getting to Cape Malay was worth it. It looked like someone had dropped a CandyLand board in the middle of Cape Town! It was like Rainbow Brite moved next door to Willy Wonka! In other words, it was gorgeous. I would like a pink house please. Also, if that pink house could be sandwiched between a lime green house and a purple house, that would be even better.
Did I mention that the sun was out for all of this? Because it was and that was fantastic too!
After we finished killing our camera batteries in Cape Malay, we walked down to Long Street (hence the title, Long Street Days -- which is a play on "Long Street Nights" and if you don't know what that is, you haven't been paying attention to my blog and should reconsider your life choices). On Long Street, we headed over to the Pan African Markets. This market was different from the other ones we'd visited because it was indoors. Three floors full of crafts!
After the Pan African Market, we went back to Greenmarket Square. We shopped around for a bit, but since they were just setting up, we headed on. We walked over to the flower market at Trafalgar Square. The smell was heavenly. I wish I could take home the proteas they had, but something tells me that fresh flowers wouldn't survive the trip home.
Post-flower market, we went to the Castle of Good Hope. The Castle wasn't really a "castle," it was an old fort. I'm not sure why they call it a castle... BUT I knew that carrying around my student ID on this trip would come in handy and it did! I got in for 50% off. Thank you, higher education. Our trip to the Castle was interrupted by rain (it wouldn't be a day in Cape Town without experiencing all four seasons). I was on the hunt for a ghost, but we didn't find one, even after visiting the torture chamber. After seeing the torture chamber, the lookout stations, the pool and the arsenal, we moved along to lunch.
We went to a Turkish restaurant back near Greenmarket Square. Not feeling particularly adventurous, I went with the fish and chips. The awesome thing about this restaurant was that we didn't sit at a table, we sat on couches! This was good for our exhausted feet (we'd done all of this exploring before noon!). At lunch, I revealed my secret wish to visit Tanzania/Zanzabar after a childhood of listening to Bill Harley and discovered that Emma grew up listening to Bill Harley too. If you don't know who Bill Harley is, look him up now! It was awesome to find someone else who knew the sheer joy of Weezie and the Moon Pies...
Back to the day's adventures...
After lunch, we returned to our shopping. I bought what I believe will be my last South African souvenir at Greenmarket Square and let me say, I believe I succeeded in my goal of only buying things that scream "I went to South Africa!" There should be no doubt in anyone's mind where any of these things came from.
When we were done at Greenmarket Square, we returned to Long Street and visited yet another market! The African Women's Market was also indoors, but my wallet was done for the day. After more purchases for everyone but me, we marched back to the Backpack.
So, to sum up my day, lots of walking/stairs and lots of Long Street. Oh yes, and lots of fun!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
"We're in Africa! It's supposed to be warm!"
So, the SA weather hasn't exactly been cooperative the past few days, but today's weather led to lots of silliness (and some interesting tourism experiences).
We actually got to sleep in! Well, I slept until 7:30, but considering our wake up calls the past few days, it was incredibly luxurious. After my adventure with the Backpack Breakfast last weekend, I decided treating myself to a slightly smaller breakfast was a good idea. I got two fat slices of toast, scrambled eggs and an overflowing glass of OJ.
After breakfast, I started to do a bit of packing. When I say packing, I really just mean staring at my things and moving a few of things around while I really just hoped my things would pack themselves.
The crazy rain inspired a chant of "No! No! I won't go!" from Angela (formerly Miss Merkel) and lots of giggling in the Presidential Suite.
Lunch was also at the Backpack... French toast. Not as good as the eggs, but passable.
The group marched through the weather to the South African Jewish Museum which chronicles the history of Jews in SA (in case you couldn't tell from the name). All of the tour books say that the museum plays the BEST movie on Nelson Mandela, but I find that kind of hard to believe, as the 25 minute film was pretty bland. My favorite part of the museum was the Holocaust exhibit. Favorite is an odd word to use to describe it, but I'm not sure how else I can explain it.
While we were in the museum, it hailed. Hailed! I told you that the weather here is weird. In another strange turn of events, the gift shop started playing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Let's think about this, the JEWISH museum was playing a CHRISTMAS song in JUNE. There are 205 days until Christmas, I think they can cool it...
Angela, Lisa, Dr. Vogel and I left the museum a bit early to try to avoid getting rained on. I don't think that Dr. Vogel was prepared for the mad dash as we practically sprinted home. We got dripped on, but made it back. The walk did inspire the comment "We're in Africa! It's supposed to be warm!" which sums up our past week in Cape Town.
We actually got to sleep in! Well, I slept until 7:30, but considering our wake up calls the past few days, it was incredibly luxurious. After my adventure with the Backpack Breakfast last weekend, I decided treating myself to a slightly smaller breakfast was a good idea. I got two fat slices of toast, scrambled eggs and an overflowing glass of OJ.
After breakfast, I started to do a bit of packing. When I say packing, I really just mean staring at my things and moving a few of things around while I really just hoped my things would pack themselves.
The crazy rain inspired a chant of "No! No! I won't go!" from Angela (formerly Miss Merkel) and lots of giggling in the Presidential Suite.
Lunch was also at the Backpack... French toast. Not as good as the eggs, but passable.
The group marched through the weather to the South African Jewish Museum which chronicles the history of Jews in SA (in case you couldn't tell from the name). All of the tour books say that the museum plays the BEST movie on Nelson Mandela, but I find that kind of hard to believe, as the 25 minute film was pretty bland. My favorite part of the museum was the Holocaust exhibit. Favorite is an odd word to use to describe it, but I'm not sure how else I can explain it.
While we were in the museum, it hailed. Hailed! I told you that the weather here is weird. In another strange turn of events, the gift shop started playing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Let's think about this, the JEWISH museum was playing a CHRISTMAS song in JUNE. There are 205 days until Christmas, I think they can cool it...
Angela, Lisa, Dr. Vogel and I left the museum a bit early to try to avoid getting rained on. I don't think that Dr. Vogel was prepared for the mad dash as we practically sprinted home. We got dripped on, but made it back. The walk did inspire the comment "We're in Africa! It's supposed to be warm!" which sums up our past week in Cape Town.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Nunsense
I'm not sure whether today was more like The Sound of Music or Sister Act.
Today, we visited the Oblate Sisters in Koelenhof. We visited the convent and another township before we ate a home cooked (convent cooked?) meal that the nuns made us. They made salad, sausage, rolls and a type of porridge you just eat with your hands. I skipped the porridge, but the sausage was great and the rolls nearly killed me. They made the rolls from scratch! They kneaded the dough and then roasted it! They roasted the bread!! It was so good (insert the cliche "I thought I'd died and gone to heaven" line, although it really does apply here).
Throughout the day, there was lots of singing and dancing, which brings me back to my opening remark. Was the day Sound of Music because SA is full of mountains and singing nuns? Or is it Sister Act because these singing nuns run a school? I guess I'll compromise and say that it was Sister Act 2 -- the best of everything.
Today, we visited the Oblate Sisters in Koelenhof. We visited the convent and another township before we ate a home cooked (convent cooked?) meal that the nuns made us. They made salad, sausage, rolls and a type of porridge you just eat with your hands. I skipped the porridge, but the sausage was great and the rolls nearly killed me. They made the rolls from scratch! They kneaded the dough and then roasted it! They roasted the bread!! It was so good (insert the cliche "I thought I'd died and gone to heaven" line, although it really does apply here).
Throughout the day, there was lots of singing and dancing, which brings me back to my opening remark. Was the day Sound of Music because SA is full of mountains and singing nuns? Or is it Sister Act because these singing nuns run a school? I guess I'll compromise and say that it was Sister Act 2 -- the best of everything.
Moyo
We went to a restaurant at the Waterfront called Moyo last night. It was probably my favorite meal of the trip and I think that comes from Moyo's investment in the entire eating experience. They say "put the love in food," and I think that is something you can taste.
After we were seated, our server brought by a bowl and a pitcher. The first step in eating an authentic African meal is washing your hands and feet, so he washed our hands! No feet, thankfully; I don't think I could have done that.
They had desert salt. I didn't know that salt could come from a desert, but this salt did and it was good. The pepper didn't come from a desert, it was just pepper, but it was good too.
To start, we got flatbread and olive oil. We were instructed to just tear the bread with our hands and I happily obliged.
Before our meal came out, there was face painting! A woman came by our table and painted each of our faces. I got a sweet design that went from the middle of my forehead, across my nose to the corner of my right eye.
For dinner, I went with the fish and chips. They had lots of more exotic options, but I needed a bit of my favorite! The fish was hake (not that I know much about fish) and was fantastic. Dessert was extravagant to say the least. I *thought* I ordered a dish of vanilla ice cream. What I got was four huge scoops of ice cream with a light, raspberry syrup. I HAD to eat it all. I really couldn't believe it when I saw it, but every bite was heaven!
After we were seated, our server brought by a bowl and a pitcher. The first step in eating an authentic African meal is washing your hands and feet, so he washed our hands! No feet, thankfully; I don't think I could have done that.
They had desert salt. I didn't know that salt could come from a desert, but this salt did and it was good. The pepper didn't come from a desert, it was just pepper, but it was good too.
To start, we got flatbread and olive oil. We were instructed to just tear the bread with our hands and I happily obliged.
Before our meal came out, there was face painting! A woman came by our table and painted each of our faces. I got a sweet design that went from the middle of my forehead, across my nose to the corner of my right eye.
For dinner, I went with the fish and chips. They had lots of more exotic options, but I needed a bit of my favorite! The fish was hake (not that I know much about fish) and was fantastic. Dessert was extravagant to say the least. I *thought* I ordered a dish of vanilla ice cream. What I got was four huge scoops of ice cream with a light, raspberry syrup. I HAD to eat it all. I really couldn't believe it when I saw it, but every bite was heaven!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Parliament and Groots Constantia
After our day at St. Mary's, we visited SA Parliament. I'm not entirely sure what I was doing there, considering I barely understand how the US government works, much less another country's, but there were lots of pretty things to look at!
At the end of the tour, we got to sit in on a debate... It was like Harvard Law had a love child with Jerry Springer! This was their government and the people sitting around us were dressed up in costumes. The officials were shouting at each other and in the middle of speeches, they just changed languages without any warning. I guess if the US government worked like that, I might be more interested...
Next up was Groots Constantia. Aka wine. Lots of wine. Lots of GOOD wine.
The Backpack's Presidential Suite (me and my roomies) happily enjoyed a sampling of South Africa's finest grape juice. There may or may not be a bottle coming home with me...
At the end of the tour, we got to sit in on a debate... It was like Harvard Law had a love child with Jerry Springer! This was their government and the people sitting around us were dressed up in costumes. The officials were shouting at each other and in the middle of speeches, they just changed languages without any warning. I guess if the US government worked like that, I might be more interested...
Next up was Groots Constantia. Aka wine. Lots of wine. Lots of GOOD wine.
The Backpack's Presidential Suite (me and my roomies) happily enjoyed a sampling of South Africa's finest grape juice. There may or may not be a bottle coming home with me...
St. Mary's Primary School: Our Final Day
Let me start off by saying, I don't cry. I do not get teary eyed when things end, but sticking to that today was hard. All I can say is that something really special happened here.
As Mrs. Johnston told the kids before we left, "This is just another step forward."
As Mrs. Johnston told the kids before we left, "This is just another step forward."
Thursday, May 30, 2013
St. Mary's Primary School: Day 4
Carrying a good, old fashioned American meal and eight iPads with a horrible weather forecast was the plan this morning. Thankfully, the rain didn't come until after we made it to St. Mary's, but nothing could stop me from wearing my warm suit! My teacher outfit today was black flats, stockings, a black dress and a white sweater -- not very warm. Nervous about the weather, I crafted myself a warm suit, which was the sexiest outfit this side of Cape Tiwb. My warm suit consisted of my running sneakers, purples capris underneath my dress, a DSU hoodie and a bright green rain slicker (and we can't forget the tiny teal umbrella which aided the look). My warm suit was a success! I would have taught in it if they'd let me, but I guess there are rules against teachers looking like circus clowns...
Shout out to Michael McHugh, our British companion. He has been at St. Mary's with us this week, observing all the different classrooms, but today, he spent his time in Grade 6 with me and Miss Merkel. We had a third partner in crime! He teaches Grade 5 back in England, so I got a crash course in their education system as well as SA's. He and Miss Merkel both just completed their second year of teaching AND have very similar styles, so I let them talk away and absorbed their veteran thoughts. "Sit" -- as the students called him -- also told me what program he used to set up his exchange in SA, so I'm DEFINITELY going to check that out.
The kids had an assembly this morning, which was notable for that fact that they had great (*horribly sarcastic*) photos of us eating breakfast. The students here are so talented! Grade 6 rally showcased their talents in dancing and acting at the assembly. It was truly inspiring.
Miss Merkel and I got to teach all about America. The kids were obsessed with US money and I supplied them with interesting, but relatively useless facts about all of the people on our money. I got to talk about Boston (aka the best city ever) and Miss Merkel talked about Philadelphia. There was a bit of conflict when it was discovered that she is a Yankees fan, but we soon got over it because nobody beats Boston. Sir said that he learned a lot about America, so hopefully the kids did too! We ended the lesson by giving them colored pencils, crayons, markers, a "football" (a soccer ball) and a football.
They had a second assembly today. It was a rather unconventional presentation on littering, but I think having a giant stuffed ostrich come to your school to teach about littering should probably be the new standard.
The kids in this class are spoiling us! One student gave me a Halls cough drop just because she wanted to share something with me. Another girl gave me her old class photo and signed the back of it for me. She wants to be a fashion designer and showed me all of her drawings too. One girl have both me and Miss Merkel a necklace/earring set that her mother had made for us! I wanted to cry. All of the students and faculty have been so generous.
Before I came here, I said that the people I would meet here would have a far more profound impact on my life than I would have on theirs and that is the truth. Miss Merkel and I have passed out pens, pencils, paper, crayons, books and toys, but these children har given me more than I can describe.
I know that I can never repay them, but that will never stop me from trying.
Shout out to Michael McHugh, our British companion. He has been at St. Mary's with us this week, observing all the different classrooms, but today, he spent his time in Grade 6 with me and Miss Merkel. We had a third partner in crime! He teaches Grade 5 back in England, so I got a crash course in their education system as well as SA's. He and Miss Merkel both just completed their second year of teaching AND have very similar styles, so I let them talk away and absorbed their veteran thoughts. "Sit" -- as the students called him -- also told me what program he used to set up his exchange in SA, so I'm DEFINITELY going to check that out.
The kids had an assembly this morning, which was notable for that fact that they had great (*horribly sarcastic*) photos of us eating breakfast. The students here are so talented! Grade 6 rally showcased their talents in dancing and acting at the assembly. It was truly inspiring.
Miss Merkel and I got to teach all about America. The kids were obsessed with US money and I supplied them with interesting, but relatively useless facts about all of the people on our money. I got to talk about Boston (aka the best city ever) and Miss Merkel talked about Philadelphia. There was a bit of conflict when it was discovered that she is a Yankees fan, but we soon got over it because nobody beats Boston. Sir said that he learned a lot about America, so hopefully the kids did too! We ended the lesson by giving them colored pencils, crayons, markers, a "football" (a soccer ball) and a football.
They had a second assembly today. It was a rather unconventional presentation on littering, but I think having a giant stuffed ostrich come to your school to teach about littering should probably be the new standard.
The kids in this class are spoiling us! One student gave me a Halls cough drop just because she wanted to share something with me. Another girl gave me her old class photo and signed the back of it for me. She wants to be a fashion designer and showed me all of her drawings too. One girl have both me and Miss Merkel a necklace/earring set that her mother had made for us! I wanted to cry. All of the students and faculty have been so generous.
Before I came here, I said that the people I would meet here would have a far more profound impact on my life than I would have on theirs and that is the truth. Miss Merkel and I have passed out pens, pencils, paper, crayons, books and toys, but these children har given me more than I can describe.
I know that I can never repay them, but that will never stop me from trying.
In the immortal words of Mr. Billy Peterson, "I'm the guest blogger!" I was allowed to write about our experience at Long Street Nights on the official DeSales blog! I took some of the pieces from my original post, some were written for those who don't know me and a few parts had to be deleted to make it more administrator friendly... To see this post, visit
Guest Blogger: Thomson Jaffe and Long Street Nights
Guest Blogger: Thomson Jaffe and Long Street Nights
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
St. Mary's Primary School: Day 3
We survived Hump Day!
You'll find that the morning walk to St. Mary's is more enjoyable when you aren't cold and wet. Today, we were warm, dry and got to see an incredible sunrise. It was probably the first time we have seen the sun in days!
You'll find that the morning walk to St. Mary's is more enjoyable when you aren't cold and wet. Today, we were warm, dry and got to see an incredible sunrise. It was probably the first time we have seen the sun in days!
The kids are loving the new pens and pencils that Miss Merkel gave them.
Today, I got a kiss on the hand from an over-zealous young man and at my request, my artist friend from yesterday drew me a self portrait. I got an Afrikaans lesson as well and can now officially say: "My naam is Miss Thomson. Ek kan nie Afrikaans praat nie buit ek probeer Afrikaans leer. Ek vie tweet kartzs. Die naam is Minnie en Graycie." Clearly bring able to properly introduce myself and my cats is important.
Today, I got a kiss on the hand from an over-zealous young man and at my request, my artist friend from yesterday drew me a self portrait. I got an Afrikaans lesson as well and can now officially say: "My naam is Miss Thomson. Ek kan nie Afrikaans praat nie buit ek probeer Afrikaans leer. Ek vie tweet kartzs. Die naam is Minnie en Graycie." Clearly bring able to properly introduce myself and my cats is important.
A highlight of my day was when a student asked me for help with a monologue she is preparing. Look out, South Africa, because this girl is a star!
Miss Merkel and I will be teaching tomorrow. We're going to tell them all about America and our culture (I'm still trying to figure out what my culture is!) We also gave the kids paper so they could write down questions for us to answer and now my hand is sore from all of the writing I've been doing! If I got a mansion for every student who asked me if I had a mansion, I wouldn't know where to put them all!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
LONG STREET NIGHTS
"Long Street, Cape Town, after midnight, no boundaries exist, and anything can happen. It's a place rich in history, where dreams can come true or be brutally shattered. This is theatre based on reality - raw, dangerous and alive."
I LOVED IT FOR SO MANY REASONS! I don't even know how to begin!
The Baxter Theatre Centre is located at Cape Town University... Can I fill out an application now? I would never leave that place if I didn't have to. Please accept me to your school!!! I don't know what I would study or do, but please take me!
The first thing that was amazing about the play is that we were seeing a South African play, performed by South African actors in South Africa. That was unreal...
In his Director's Note, veteran SA director/actor, Nicky Rebelo chose to quote Herman Charles Bosman. Bosman said a lot of incredible things that helped Rebelo in creating this play (he and the actors created it by spending two straight weeks at Long Street), but the quote I liked the best was "Your material is humanity, reality, life. Plot is of minor importance, the characters, the feeling for place, the knowledge of life, truth to life is the only truth that matters... The most creative way of devising stories is to bring characters to life, set them in motion and then follow them into action." This is clearly what Rebelo and his cast set out to do.
The theatre was Schubert-esque. We were right on top of the stage, which was decorated with detailed matte paintings of Long Street monuments and fluorescent lights. We have actually visited Long Street during our stay here, so I recognized some of their set design (at one point in the play, they talked about Mama Africa, where we went earlier this week).
The play followed six people and their adventures on Long Street. It was told mostly through short vignettes, but also short scenes involving no more than two cast members at a time. Mia, played by Natasha Dryden, was my favorite. She has the most fully-developed arc, where she matured from a young and wild party girl to a woman trying to figure life out. Sizwe, played by Thando Doni, was a sweet, black man looking for love from an idealised, white tourist. Doni was so charming that you couldn't help but love Sizwe, who ended up in pink jeans and green converse at the end of the play. Antonio Fisher deserves some type of an award for his portrayal of gay bartender, Fabian; anyone who can say some of the things he had to say with a nun in plain sight without breaking character is a star. DJ Catherine, played by Daneel van der Walt, was another favorite of mine and the group's. Jasmine, played by Riana Alfreds, needed work. Alfreds' work was great, but the character was ambiguous and left me confused for the most part. I was never entirely sure what this woman was doing on Long Street... Thami Mbongo played perpetually drunk businessman, Duma. I wish I could see Mbongo in something else, because it is obvious that he is superb and his resume is packed. Duma was the least developed character; he would stumble on stage, philosophize with a glass in his hand and leave, he never went anywhere. I wanted to see more from Duma, but I never got it.
I think that there is still space to reconfigure and workshop the play, due to the fact that some characters fell flat compared to the more richly developed characters. You needed all six of the characters to get the real flavor of Long Street, but not every character felt necessary to the play.
One thing that worried me the whole time was how Sister John Marie felt about the language and content (I really cannot believe that I brought a nun to THAT show) but at the end of the night, she assured me that, overall, it was a real treat.
I LOVED IT FOR SO MANY REASONS! I don't even know how to begin!
The Baxter Theatre Centre is located at Cape Town University... Can I fill out an application now? I would never leave that place if I didn't have to. Please accept me to your school!!! I don't know what I would study or do, but please take me!
The first thing that was amazing about the play is that we were seeing a South African play, performed by South African actors in South Africa. That was unreal...
In his Director's Note, veteran SA director/actor, Nicky Rebelo chose to quote Herman Charles Bosman. Bosman said a lot of incredible things that helped Rebelo in creating this play (he and the actors created it by spending two straight weeks at Long Street), but the quote I liked the best was "Your material is humanity, reality, life. Plot is of minor importance, the characters, the feeling for place, the knowledge of life, truth to life is the only truth that matters... The most creative way of devising stories is to bring characters to life, set them in motion and then follow them into action." This is clearly what Rebelo and his cast set out to do.
The theatre was Schubert-esque. We were right on top of the stage, which was decorated with detailed matte paintings of Long Street monuments and fluorescent lights. We have actually visited Long Street during our stay here, so I recognized some of their set design (at one point in the play, they talked about Mama Africa, where we went earlier this week).
The play followed six people and their adventures on Long Street. It was told mostly through short vignettes, but also short scenes involving no more than two cast members at a time. Mia, played by Natasha Dryden, was my favorite. She has the most fully-developed arc, where she matured from a young and wild party girl to a woman trying to figure life out. Sizwe, played by Thando Doni, was a sweet, black man looking for love from an idealised, white tourist. Doni was so charming that you couldn't help but love Sizwe, who ended up in pink jeans and green converse at the end of the play. Antonio Fisher deserves some type of an award for his portrayal of gay bartender, Fabian; anyone who can say some of the things he had to say with a nun in plain sight without breaking character is a star. DJ Catherine, played by Daneel van der Walt, was another favorite of mine and the group's. Jasmine, played by Riana Alfreds, needed work. Alfreds' work was great, but the character was ambiguous and left me confused for the most part. I was never entirely sure what this woman was doing on Long Street... Thami Mbongo played perpetually drunk businessman, Duma. I wish I could see Mbongo in something else, because it is obvious that he is superb and his resume is packed. Duma was the least developed character; he would stumble on stage, philosophize with a glass in his hand and leave, he never went anywhere. I wanted to see more from Duma, but I never got it.
I think that there is still space to reconfigure and workshop the play, due to the fact that some characters fell flat compared to the more richly developed characters. You needed all six of the characters to get the real flavor of Long Street, but not every character felt necessary to the play.
One thing that worried me the whole time was how Sister John Marie felt about the language and content (I really cannot believe that I brought a nun to THAT show) but at the end of the night, she assured me that, overall, it was a real treat.
St. Mary's Primary School: Day 2
The walk to St. Mary's was dark and wet today. We left before 7 in a torrential downpour, that stopped right after we'd arrived. My shoes were soaked through, so I was a little boho-chic and let my feet free.
Miss Merkel is the Queen of Grade 6! The kids adore her, and honestly so do I. Angela is the best partner in crime I could have asked for, and "Miss Merkel" is the teacher I wish I'd had. One of the students drew me a picture of "An African Lady" and gave Angela a drawing of a car.
Back again tomorrow!
Plus, tonight is THE night, the Long Street Night!!
Miss Merkel is the Queen of Grade 6! The kids adore her, and honestly so do I. Angela is the best partner in crime I could have asked for, and "Miss Merkel" is the teacher I wish I'd had. One of the students drew me a picture of "An African Lady" and gave Angela a drawing of a car.
Back again tomorrow!
Plus, tonight is THE night, the Long Street Night!!
Monday, May 27, 2013
St. Mary's Primary School: Day 1
The day began a little earlier than I expected when at 2:30, I woke up and started to get dressed because I was so nervous/excited. The situation was quickly rectified and I went back to bed for another 3 hours.
When we got to St. Mary's, they had gone above and beyond in making breakfast for us. Their auditorium was so cute, ala CDC or Kids Cab. Their principal, Mrs. Vivier, was so welcoming AND she looks a bit like Helen Mirren. The school put on a special assembly for us, including a procession where we sheepishly walked in, welcoming us in each of South Africa's 11 official languages, singing and dancing. There was even a performance on the recorder that made me rethink my stance on how the recorder was only invented so third graders could summon satan with Hot Cross Buns. What I really learned from the assembly was that art is universal. This was something I already knew, but that concept gets reinforced every day here.
I am Miss Thomson, for the record, because Miss Jaffe just doesn't sound right...
Miss Merkel and I are working with Mrs Gretchen Johnston's Grade 6 class. Gretchen has been working at St. Mary's for 13 years now! There are 39 students in her class and the age range is 12-14. An interesting thing about school here is that it is the first term of the year for them; they have a five week summer (their summer, not ours) break in December/January and then the new school year starts. Today, we got to see Maths, Afrikaans and Art class, along with running our own Q&A.
We couldn't help much with Afrikaans because we don't speak the language, but I did find my favorite phrase, "Ek is jammer" (I am sorry) in their textbook. After school today, the students gave me their seal of approval on my well-rehearsed, "Ek is jammer, ek kan nie Afrikaans praat nie," so my work paid off a bit!
We heard a lot of great questions during the Q&A. The kids all wanted to hear about the States, especially the currency and exchange rate. They were really interested in where Miss Merkel and I had travelled. They REALLY wanted to know what celebrities we knew (specifically Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Kimora Lee Simmons), but unfortunately, we don't know any. The best question of the day isn't blog appropriate, so I'll be keeping that one to myself.
Day 2 tomorrow!!
When we got to St. Mary's, they had gone above and beyond in making breakfast for us. Their auditorium was so cute, ala CDC or Kids Cab. Their principal, Mrs. Vivier, was so welcoming AND she looks a bit like Helen Mirren. The school put on a special assembly for us, including a procession where we sheepishly walked in, welcoming us in each of South Africa's 11 official languages, singing and dancing. There was even a performance on the recorder that made me rethink my stance on how the recorder was only invented so third graders could summon satan with Hot Cross Buns. What I really learned from the assembly was that art is universal. This was something I already knew, but that concept gets reinforced every day here.
I am Miss Thomson, for the record, because Miss Jaffe just doesn't sound right...
Miss Merkel and I are working with Mrs Gretchen Johnston's Grade 6 class. Gretchen has been working at St. Mary's for 13 years now! There are 39 students in her class and the age range is 12-14. An interesting thing about school here is that it is the first term of the year for them; they have a five week summer (their summer, not ours) break in December/January and then the new school year starts. Today, we got to see Maths, Afrikaans and Art class, along with running our own Q&A.
We couldn't help much with Afrikaans because we don't speak the language, but I did find my favorite phrase, "Ek is jammer" (I am sorry) in their textbook. After school today, the students gave me their seal of approval on my well-rehearsed, "Ek is jammer, ek kan nie Afrikaans praat nie," so my work paid off a bit!
We heard a lot of great questions during the Q&A. The kids all wanted to hear about the States, especially the currency and exchange rate. They were really interested in where Miss Merkel and I had travelled. They REALLY wanted to know what celebrities we knew (specifically Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Kimora Lee Simmons), but unfortunately, we don't know any. The best question of the day isn't blog appropriate, so I'll be keeping that one to myself.
Day 2 tomorrow!!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Om nom nom
Today started out with the Backpack breakfast special: 2 eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, toast and orange juice. I didn't eat all of it, but I did ingest an impressive amount. Then everyone went to church, but not me! I stayed at the Backpack for some Thomson Time, which involved cleaning, knitting and watching a South African soap opera.
After everyone got back, we reorganized and head back to the Waterfront for some more shopping! Although I'm pretty sure there isn't much left in SA for any of us to buy, I finally finished getting souvenirs for everyone on my list! My list isn't very long, but I am very picky! This makes shopping very hard at times...
In other news, I got to make a pit stop at a South African Mickey D's! I told you that I would, Dad! They didn't have an African Burger, although they did have a few wraps along with corn as a side. I ended up order a McRoyal, which is really just a US Quarter Pounder, but I can now officially say I had an authentic South African McDonald's experience. It's the little things in life, you know.
I also got some South African ice cream. It's more like gelato here, but it was good. I got Choco Sundae Supreme, which was very chocolatey. They even surprised me with little chunks of chocolate mixed in.
Clearly, today has been al about the food...
After everyone got back, we reorganized and head back to the Waterfront for some more shopping! Although I'm pretty sure there isn't much left in SA for any of us to buy, I finally finished getting souvenirs for everyone on my list! My list isn't very long, but I am very picky! This makes shopping very hard at times...
In other news, I got to make a pit stop at a South African Mickey D's! I told you that I would, Dad! They didn't have an African Burger, although they did have a few wraps along with corn as a side. I ended up order a McRoyal, which is really just a US Quarter Pounder, but I can now officially say I had an authentic South African McDonald's experience. It's the little things in life, you know.
I also got some South African ice cream. It's more like gelato here, but it was good. I got Choco Sundae Supreme, which was very chocolatey. They even surprised me with little chunks of chocolate mixed in.
Clearly, today has been al about the food...
One of the best things about the Backpack is how concerned they are with giving back to the community. They have little notes posted all over about how you can help while you're here and today, I found out that they will provide you with the materials to knit a scarf to donate. I started work right away! I love the idea that I'm getting to create something here in South Africa that will stay here.
Fine Weather for a Duck
Today we are getting a peek at the impending South African rainy season and by that, I mean that we're preparing to get soaked. I love rain, but I'm not so thrilled at the idea of tromping through Cape Town in this storm. I guess I shall finally get that swim I've been wanting...
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Safari Day
Today was Safari Day! We had to leave The Backpack at 6:40am but most of us slept on the 2.5 hour ride. I actually slept through the longest tunnel (4.5 kilometers) in the Southern Hemisphere.
We finally saw baboons! They were on the side of the highway!! We kept all the windows closed so none of us faced a monkey bite.
Inverdoorn is a game preserve and cheetah conservatory and our home for the day. At Inverdoorn, we saw four out of the "Big 5" animals on the safari. If you don't know what the Big 5 are, that's ok, because I didn't either. The Big 5 are the elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. They're the Big 5 because they are all large, dangerous and clever -- which is why my petition to join and make it the Big 6 is now in motion. We saw all of them except for the leopard, which is nocturnal. We also saw giraffe, zebra, ostrich, wildebeest, springbok, cheetah and the top of a hippo who wasn't interested in coming out of the water.
It was a pretty full and exhausting day.
We finally saw baboons! They were on the side of the highway!! We kept all the windows closed so none of us faced a monkey bite.
Inverdoorn is a game preserve and cheetah conservatory and our home for the day. At Inverdoorn, we saw four out of the "Big 5" animals on the safari. If you don't know what the Big 5 are, that's ok, because I didn't either. The Big 5 are the elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. They're the Big 5 because they are all large, dangerous and clever -- which is why my petition to join and make it the Big 6 is now in motion. We saw all of them except for the leopard, which is nocturnal. We also saw giraffe, zebra, ostrich, wildebeest, springbok, cheetah and the top of a hippo who wasn't interested in coming out of the water.
It was a pretty full and exhausting day.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Mama Africa
Here is the list of foods I can cross off of my "To Eat" list:
-crocodile
-kudu
-ostrich (technically, I ate this on Monday but tonight it was in kebob form)
-springbok
For appetizers, we had all sorts of kebobs with all sorts of meat, and for my main entrée, I had a springbok steak. For those of you who haven't heard of springbok, they're antelope-like and kind of the mascot of South Africa (SA's rugby team is actually the Springboks - if you don't know what rugby is, I can't help you). Springbok meat is pretty fantastic, no lie. While crocodile tastes a lot like chicken, springbok is more like beef, but springbok may be the tenderest meat ever thrown on a grill. Totally worth the 8 million calories I inhaled this evening.
Also, the Mojo Jam Jar was pretty great -- everyone should get a one liter drink in a mason jar to wash down their dinner.
-crocodile
-kudu
-ostrich (technically, I ate this on Monday but tonight it was in kebob form)
-springbok
For appetizers, we had all sorts of kebobs with all sorts of meat, and for my main entrée, I had a springbok steak. For those of you who haven't heard of springbok, they're antelope-like and kind of the mascot of South Africa (SA's rugby team is actually the Springboks - if you don't know what rugby is, I can't help you). Springbok meat is pretty fantastic, no lie. While crocodile tastes a lot like chicken, springbok is more like beef, but springbok may be the tenderest meat ever thrown on a grill. Totally worth the 8 million calories I inhaled this evening.
Also, the Mojo Jam Jar was pretty great -- everyone should get a one liter drink in a mason jar to wash down their dinner.
Mucking Afazing
Today was mucking afazing. I'm not trying to be crude, "mucking afazing" is actually the slogan of Charly's Bakery, the Cake Boss of Cape Town. I got a "wicked chocolate cupcake," because chocolate is obviously amazing and anything that has the word, "wicked" in front of it has to be good. I made the right choice! My cupcake was the richest thing I've ever eaten, and to top it off (literally), it had "eat me" frosted on top and how can you disobey a cupcake?
We stopped by St. Mary's!!! It's going to be a great time and I can't wait to start there on Monday.
At lunch, I snuck over to the grown up table to ask Nicki Azima (our lovely guide) what life was like for a white South African during the apartheid and post-apartheid eras. I had lots of questions and luckily, she and her husband, Harry, had lots of answers.
We went to Greenmarket Square for -- you guessed it! -- more shopping! I'm definitely getting close to shopped out, but don't tell the rest of the group that because they don't look like they'll ever stop.
We stopped by St. Mary's!!! It's going to be a great time and I can't wait to start there on Monday.
At lunch, I snuck over to the grown up table to ask Nicki Azima (our lovely guide) what life was like for a white South African during the apartheid and post-apartheid eras. I had lots of questions and luckily, she and her husband, Harry, had lots of answers.
We went to Greenmarket Square for -- you guessed it! -- more shopping! I'm definitely getting close to shopped out, but don't tell the rest of the group that because they don't look like they'll ever stop.
SUCCESS!!!
VICTORY IS MINE! I have officially booked tickets for Long Street Nights at the Baxter Theatre!
I actually feel like I might cry now... But I won't, because I am too busy happy dancing!
Now before you all ask me what this play is, here is the official description:
Nicky Rebelo and his cast of six actors from diversified cultural backgrounds have spent two weeks hanging out in Long Street until the early hours of the morning to explore the underbelly and vibrant, pulsating life of the street in order to create a theatre play in the style made famous by the late Barney Simon, co-founder and artistic director of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg from the late 1970s to late 1980s, with productions like Cincinnati, Black Dog, Inj'emnjama, Score Me the Ages, Born in the RSA and Outers, which Barney created together with Nicky in 1985. This is theatre based on reality, raw, dangerous and alive.
And here is the official Baxter Theatre website for those who want even more info:
http://www.baxter.co.za/drama.htm#long
Ahh! This is amazing! I cannot believe it.
And thanks, Pete (if you're even reading this), for telling me that I had to do this.
I actually feel like I might cry now... But I won't, because I am too busy happy dancing!
Now before you all ask me what this play is, here is the official description:
Nicky Rebelo and his cast of six actors from diversified cultural backgrounds have spent two weeks hanging out in Long Street until the early hours of the morning to explore the underbelly and vibrant, pulsating life of the street in order to create a theatre play in the style made famous by the late Barney Simon, co-founder and artistic director of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg from the late 1970s to late 1980s, with productions like Cincinnati, Black Dog, Inj'emnjama, Score Me the Ages, Born in the RSA and Outers, which Barney created together with Nicky in 1985. This is theatre based on reality, raw, dangerous and alive.
And here is the official Baxter Theatre website for those who want even more info:
http://www.baxter.co.za/drama.htm#long
Ahh! This is amazing! I cannot believe it.
And thanks, Pete (if you're even reading this), for telling me that I had to do this.
The Hunger Games
For this trip, I've basically given up most Internet activity: no Facebook, email or Twitter. However, I feel more impressed by the fact that I have not looked for any Huger Games or Divergent news. For those of you who do not know, a large portion of my day is spent looking for any news related to those two franchises. I haven't looked once! I'm probably missing so much news, but I don't really care right now, I'll find out when I get home, I guess.
With all that being said, if they've like released a new trailer or anything like that, you should probably leave a comment to let me know. ASAP.
With all that being said, if they've like released a new trailer or anything like that, you should probably leave a comment to let me know. ASAP.
Small World
It is a freaking small world, ok?
Last night, I talked with a girl who had applied to be a dance major at DeSales! She would have been in the Class of 2014 (my class!). How is it possible to go across the world and bump into someone who looked at the same colleges as you? How is it possible to go across the world and find someone who has actually heard of DeSales?!
Last night, I talked with a girl who had applied to be a dance major at DeSales! She would have been in the Class of 2014 (my class!). How is it possible to go across the world and bump into someone who looked at the same colleges as you? How is it possible to go across the world and find someone who has actually heard of DeSales?!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
May 23
I'm too tired to come up with a better title for this post...
Today, we drove south and the ocean was on the RIGHT! I did not like that. I do not approve of this sorcery.
I spent R322 at a market on fun stuffs today and let me tell you, shopping is exhausting! (No, I'm not saying what I bought as it might be a present for a few of you dedicated blog readers...) I know that spending R300+ is barely $40, but I have never, in my life, passed out money like that! I spent about R100 every 10 minutes this morning! My wallet and I both needed a nap, although we did not get one and still haven't...
PENGUINS ON THE BEACH!
This probably deserves a separate post just for sheer cuteness. Penguins are the best and seeing them in their natural habitat was so cool.
I biked to the Cape of Good Hope. A BIKE. I'm not sure how many kilometers it was (I'm not entirely sure what a kilometer is, actually), but it was a lot of kilometers for me... With that being said, it was a boss way to the most south-western point in Africa and stand in TWO oceans!
After the bicycles, I decided I needed more bodily tortured and walked to the top of the lighthouse at Cape Point. It was worth the sore muscles. Cape Point might force me to rescind my previous statement that Table Mountain is the top of the world.
I was not bitten by a baboon today! We didn't actually see any, although there was some...proof left on the trail. Either way, I have avoided being attacked by a rabid baboon and am safe from dying of an infected monkey bite and monkey saliva poisoning! Yay!
P.S. I have worked my little butt off to try to see a play, this project is still in process, but it better work!
Today, we drove south and the ocean was on the RIGHT! I did not like that. I do not approve of this sorcery.
I spent R322 at a market on fun stuffs today and let me tell you, shopping is exhausting! (No, I'm not saying what I bought as it might be a present for a few of you dedicated blog readers...) I know that spending R300+ is barely $40, but I have never, in my life, passed out money like that! I spent about R100 every 10 minutes this morning! My wallet and I both needed a nap, although we did not get one and still haven't...
PENGUINS ON THE BEACH!
This probably deserves a separate post just for sheer cuteness. Penguins are the best and seeing them in their natural habitat was so cool.
I biked to the Cape of Good Hope. A BIKE. I'm not sure how many kilometers it was (I'm not entirely sure what a kilometer is, actually), but it was a lot of kilometers for me... With that being said, it was a boss way to the most south-western point in Africa and stand in TWO oceans!
After the bicycles, I decided I needed more bodily tortured and walked to the top of the lighthouse at Cape Point. It was worth the sore muscles. Cape Point might force me to rescind my previous statement that Table Mountain is the top of the world.
I was not bitten by a baboon today! We didn't actually see any, although there was some...proof left on the trail. Either way, I have avoided being attacked by a rabid baboon and am safe from dying of an infected monkey bite and monkey saliva poisoning! Yay!
P.S. I have worked my little butt off to try to see a play, this project is still in process, but it better work!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Langa
After Robben Island, we visited the smallest township in Cape Town, Langa. In Langa, they speak Xhosa and let the record show, I will never speak Xhosa. Tongue clicks are not for me. I know one word now, "mollo," which is like "hello," but different.
Langa was incredible. Like Robben Island, it cannot be described. So many people and things! The kids just run up and demand to be picked up and played with. When a child does that, you play with them. My new, little friend felt the need to repeatedly fix my hair and headband... as if I need more proof that I need a haircut.
Robben Island
Our day began with "Cape Town is an addiction." This is true, although it seems like a relatively healthy addiction...unless you're my wallet.
We ventured to Robben Island this morning. "Venture" might be a generous term because we fought our way to Robben Island. It was like Deadliest Catch at the bow of our boat. The bow was the only open seat when I got on, by the way, so I took one for the team. Whitney's windbreaker helped a bit, so thanks, sis.
Robben Island isn't just about Nelson Mandela, by the way. There were PENGUINS! It has been a lot of places in its long history, but penguins and Mandela are hard to top...
To pause from my usual semi-sarcastic narration, going through the maximum security prison on Robben Island was amazing. It was an experienced that cannot be described through a blog, so I will not try to. Just know that we were shown around the prison by a former inmate who once masqueraded as a kitchen worker to visit Mandela and spent two hours talking with him. "Tiny" does not describe Mandela's cell for "tiny" is too large of an adjective. Go there for yourself, please and thank you.
And now, our ride back. This boat ride wasn't nearly as bad as the ride to the Island and by the way, it was a freaking pirate ship. We rode home in the Jolly Roger, a very strange cap to the whole morning.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Backpack Rap
A rap/dance contest at the Backpack leads to the most beautiful disaster that a group of Americans, Brazilians and an Australian could come up with:
Yo, yo, check this out.
We be the best group about.
Drinks be flying,
When we having fun dining.
We are at the Backpack,
So just sit back and relax.
I hope you have enjoyed these beats
For we all have come from different streets.
So from, from us all, we say hello
Or in South Africa to you I say mollo.
Yo, yo, check this out.
We be the best group about.
Drinks be flying,
When we having fun dining.
We are at the Backpack,
So just sit back and relax.
I hope you have enjoyed these beats
For we all have come from different streets.
So from, from us all, we say hello
Or in South Africa to you I say mollo.
Table Mountain
First of all, I've made the executive decision that I am never leaving Cape Town.
Now, Table Mountain...
HOLY EXPLETIVE! Table Mountain is the top of the world. Like, the actual top. I don't care that Mount Everest is technically higher, there is no way that there is a better view at the top of Everest than Table Mountain. It is over 1000 meters and while I don't know how much that is in American, I know that it is BIG.
Also, after Table Mountain, I'll never need to go to the gym again. We took the cable car up, but trust me say I say that I walked! I even sweated.
Table Mountain has these critters called dassie, which is the Dutch word for "badger" and I want one. They are brown and cute and I want them to love me and be my friend. I was busy watching them when one of them jumped up and attacked Dr. Vogel. It jumped on the picnic table and stole a whole clementine. Then that dassie fought with another dassie over said clementine and things got a little crazy. With all that being said, however, I still want one.
Now, Table Mountain...
HOLY EXPLETIVE! Table Mountain is the top of the world. Like, the actual top. I don't care that Mount Everest is technically higher, there is no way that there is a better view at the top of Everest than Table Mountain. It is over 1000 meters and while I don't know how much that is in American, I know that it is BIG.
Also, after Table Mountain, I'll never need to go to the gym again. We took the cable car up, but trust me say I say that I walked! I even sweated.
Table Mountain has these critters called dassie, which is the Dutch word for "badger" and I want one. They are brown and cute and I want them to love me and be my friend. I was busy watching them when one of them jumped up and attacked Dr. Vogel. It jumped on the picnic table and stole a whole clementine. Then that dassie fought with another dassie over said clementine and things got a little crazy. With all that being said, however, I still want one.
Lost in Translation: Special K Edition
South African breakfast and I have not gotten along. I've eaten every bite for the record, but SA and I need to chat because after yesterday's bacon that was really ham and today's Original Special K which appeared to be neither original nor special, something is getting lost in translation.
But, like I said, I ate every bite, so maybe this talk can wait...
But, like I said, I ate every bite, so maybe this talk can wait...
Monday, May 20, 2013
Participating
This is my adventure and I'm going to make the most of it. Barely a day here and I have done more than seems possible:
1. Eating an ostrich burger
2. Trying a Savannah Dry Cider (which was WAY better than the burger)
3. Introducing myself to a group of strangers and striking up a conversation just because we're staying at the same place. These guys have been everywhere and even though their accents are a tad difficult to decipher, I enjoy listening to them and hearing about their adventures - they've had lots of them. I will too some day, lots of them.
I've told Dr. Rance-Roney that we need to find the time to see a play and I will find a way to make that happen -- so, Pete, if you're reading this, know that I'm working on it but I haven't had time for hat shopping yet. Tomorrow perhaps...
I'm most definitely participating!
1. Eating an ostrich burger
2. Trying a Savannah Dry Cider (which was WAY better than the burger)
3. Introducing myself to a group of strangers and striking up a conversation just because we're staying at the same place. These guys have been everywhere and even though their accents are a tad difficult to decipher, I enjoy listening to them and hearing about their adventures - they've had lots of them. I will too some day, lots of them.
I've told Dr. Rance-Roney that we need to find the time to see a play and I will find a way to make that happen -- so, Pete, if you're reading this, know that I'm working on it but I haven't had time for hat shopping yet. Tomorrow perhaps...
I'm most definitely participating!
Johannesburg
I spent two hours(ish) in the airport in Johannesburg. The main thing I noticed (apart from the fresh stamp in my passport that officially welcomes me into the country) is that EVERYTHING was in English. All of the signs and advertisements and everything. As a dumb American, I appreciate it because it makes it really easy for me to find my way, but it also struck me as odd. Nothing seemed to be in French, German or Spanish either. Hmm...
The Flight
THE FLIGHT
Departure: 5/19/13 - 11:15am
Arrival: 20/5/13 (foreign people write the date that way and when in Rome...but really, I'm in Johannesburg) - 7:24 am
We left DSU at 5 am and other than my announcing my presence on the bus at the top of my lungs, not much happened until we got to the airport.
After a small game of Tetris in reorganizing our seats on the plane (long story that I don't even fully understand), we were able to get off the ground!
Plane food:
Dinner: I went with the chicken. Not so great, but it came with rolls and I had Oreos in my bag, so I'd call it a draw.
Breakfast: Served promptly at 3:40 am SA time, it definitely out-did dinner. I went with the chicken again, this time in the form of scrambled eggs. It came with "bacon" but really this bacon was ham; the difference in our cultures is now painfully obvious to me.
Lots of entertainment options. I mostly watched movies, but I did spend a large amount of time watching the little map that was tracking our course and the exercise tips for avoiding blood clots.
Speaking of blood clots, my plan for an active flight was largely thwarted by a middle seat. I tried to get up and move around but I mostly just wiggled my feet. I shall now pray for a medical miracle.
Amelia Earhart
After my long flight, I'm left to wonder why Amelia Earhart or ANY pilot would ever want to fly around the world. Yes, it's cool and all, but not when you have a continuous butt cramp for 12 hours.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Ek probeer Afrikaans leer
Ek probeer Afrikaans leer... I'm trying to learn Afrikaans...
A few months ago, I downloaded an app to help me learn some basic Afrikaans. I learned the simple phrases pretty quickly, i.e. "Hello" (hallo), "goodbye"(totsiens), "please" (asseblief), "thanks" (dankie) and "I'm sorry, I don't speak Afrikaans" (Ek is jammer, ek kan nie Afrikaans praat nie). I've learned other phrases and I would love to keep dazzling you with my preschool level skills, but I'm really writing because today I took a deeper look at the app in preparation for my trip and discovered many phrases that I doubt I will ever need to know in English, much less Afrikaans. According to the app, these are apparently things you should know how to say in South Africa, so, if the opportunity arises, I will now be able to charm the natives with the following:
1. Ek is 'n dolfynafrigter (I'm a dolphin trainer)
2. Jy het 'n sensuele stem (You have a sensual voice)
3. Ek hou van klein hondjies, lang wandelings op die strand, en om Franse poesis in die maanlig te lees (I like puppies, long walks on the beach, and reading French poetry in the moonlight)
4.Ek het nog nooit iemand van jou land gesoen nie (I've never kissed anyone from your country before)
5. Ek is 'n vlienier (I'm a pilot)
6. Ek het vergeet om my huiswerk te doen, meneer die duikbootkaptein (I have forgotten to do my homework, Mr. Submarine Commander)
7. Jou wange is veral pragtig... Ek het 'n swakheid vir wange (Your cheeks are especially beautiful... I have a weakness for cheeks)
8. Waar presies hou daardie bene van jou op? (Just where do those legs of your end?)
9. A-ha, jy het wenkbroue... Ek is mal oor 'n ou met wenkbroue (Ah, you have eyebrows... I love guys with eyebrows)
10. My sielkundige se ek behoort nie (My psychiatrist says I shouldn't)
I've learned some other charming phrases, but they aren't blog friendly...
Ek is lief vir jou! Goeienag en soet drome.
A few months ago, I downloaded an app to help me learn some basic Afrikaans. I learned the simple phrases pretty quickly, i.e. "Hello" (hallo), "goodbye"(totsiens), "please" (asseblief), "thanks" (dankie) and "I'm sorry, I don't speak Afrikaans" (Ek is jammer, ek kan nie Afrikaans praat nie). I've learned other phrases and I would love to keep dazzling you with my preschool level skills, but I'm really writing because today I took a deeper look at the app in preparation for my trip and discovered many phrases that I doubt I will ever need to know in English, much less Afrikaans. According to the app, these are apparently things you should know how to say in South Africa, so, if the opportunity arises, I will now be able to charm the natives with the following:
1. Ek is 'n dolfynafrigter (I'm a dolphin trainer)
2. Jy het 'n sensuele stem (You have a sensual voice)
3. Ek hou van klein hondjies, lang wandelings op die strand, en om Franse poesis in die maanlig te lees (I like puppies, long walks on the beach, and reading French poetry in the moonlight)
4.Ek het nog nooit iemand van jou land gesoen nie (I've never kissed anyone from your country before)
5. Ek is 'n vlienier (I'm a pilot)
6. Ek het vergeet om my huiswerk te doen, meneer die duikbootkaptein (I have forgotten to do my homework, Mr. Submarine Commander)
7. Jou wange is veral pragtig... Ek het 'n swakheid vir wange (Your cheeks are especially beautiful... I have a weakness for cheeks)
8. Waar presies hou daardie bene van jou op? (Just where do those legs of your end?)
9. A-ha, jy het wenkbroue... Ek is mal oor 'n ou met wenkbroue (Ah, you have eyebrows... I love guys with eyebrows)
10. My sielkundige se ek behoort nie (My psychiatrist says I shouldn't)
I've learned some other charming phrases, but they aren't blog friendly...
Ek is lief vir jou! Goeienag en soet drome.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Passport Problems
Sometimes, I get paranoid that airport security won’t
believe that my passport actually belongs to me because I’ve changed so much
since I got it. I got it in August, but I already look so different! Imagine
what it will be like in 10 years when it expires? I don’t think anyone will
recognize me. I won’t even recognize me. Am I the only one who thinks this is
problematic?
The 5 Day Forecast
The weather in Cape Town is currently sunny and (sort of) warm. The weather here is also sunny, but it is exciting to know that the next week in SA is supposed to be nice.
Also, why does "across the pond" only seem to mean between the US and Europe? If the "pond" is the Atlantic Ocean -- which it is -- then SA is also "across the pond." Just saying...
And, I'M ALMOST DONE PACKING!!! Just a few more things and then I will be ready to go.
It's crazy to think that I've been planning this trip since freshman year and now I'm actually packing my bags.
Also, why does "across the pond" only seem to mean between the US and Europe? If the "pond" is the Atlantic Ocean -- which it is -- then SA is also "across the pond." Just saying...
And, I'M ALMOST DONE PACKING!!! Just a few more things and then I will be ready to go.
It's crazy to think that I've been planning this trip since freshman year and now I'm actually packing my bags.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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