Pigeons in the square, The Union building (where the SA President is) and the Vooktrecker monument (however it is spelled).
May 31, 2007
May 31st
May 31st
The History Channel Gone Wrong
We started off the morning with a very early Rotary Meeting – arrival by 6:45 am. Of course we went to the place that the meeting was supposed to be at and were told that it had moved to another venue. Good thing traffic is nothing like Northern Virginia of we would have never made it. It was a lovely breakfast and I had a mouthful when we were told it was time to present – and that we only had 7 minutes for all of us. So that was probably the fastest I’ve ever gone through my power point this trip.
After breakfast one of the Rotarians has arranged to pick up us and take a tour of Pretoria. It’s was lovely except his knowledge of history is so vast what we could have done in an hour took us into the afternoon.
We started out at a square in the middle of the town where there is a monument to Paul Kruger. There also happens to be a whole heck of a lot of pigeons near the monument. Reminder me of the scene from Mary Poppins. So as we’re trying to listen to the history and dodge the pigeons one of the decided to get to know me and flew into my head. I think a few of the girls laughed and other shrieked. I decided I was done with the monument at the point.
From there we went to a monument that I wish I could spell the name for you but I cant. Something like Vooktrecker. It was the ”trek” of the settlers and native through South Africa. There was a whole lot of trying to do peaceful negotiations and war and negotiations and “traders” and such. It would have been great had we not been there 2.5 hours….
After lunch we had a nice relaxing evening at one of the host family’s house and went out and had cake for dinner. I know – but we were all stuffed from lunch and just felt like a little something… Now I’m going to try and tackle the packing and see how everything is going to fit in my suitcase….
Thursday Evening Eish!!!
-Stop signs in Africa are optional
-I learned that pigeons like my hair
-I love seeing sights and monuments but like to do it at my own pace (not the History Channel in-depth pace).
-I look forward to not being asked 500 times a day if I want coffee or tea (you’d be amazed at the looks I get when I say I don’t drink coffee).
-I miss Cherrios.
-I miss skim milk.
-I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed.
-I can’t wait to use my own shower.
-I can’t wait to see everyone!!!!
The History Channel Gone Wrong
We started off the morning with a very early Rotary Meeting – arrival by 6:45 am. Of course we went to the place that the meeting was supposed to be at and were told that it had moved to another venue. Good thing traffic is nothing like Northern Virginia of we would have never made it. It was a lovely breakfast and I had a mouthful when we were told it was time to present – and that we only had 7 minutes for all of us. So that was probably the fastest I’ve ever gone through my power point this trip.
After breakfast one of the Rotarians has arranged to pick up us and take a tour of Pretoria. It’s was lovely except his knowledge of history is so vast what we could have done in an hour took us into the afternoon.
We started out at a square in the middle of the town where there is a monument to Paul Kruger. There also happens to be a whole heck of a lot of pigeons near the monument. Reminder me of the scene from Mary Poppins. So as we’re trying to listen to the history and dodge the pigeons one of the decided to get to know me and flew into my head. I think a few of the girls laughed and other shrieked. I decided I was done with the monument at the point.
From there we went to a monument that I wish I could spell the name for you but I cant. Something like Vooktrecker. It was the ”trek” of the settlers and native through South Africa. There was a whole lot of trying to do peaceful negotiations and war and negotiations and “traders” and such. It would have been great had we not been there 2.5 hours….
After lunch we had a nice relaxing evening at one of the host family’s house and went out and had cake for dinner. I know – but we were all stuffed from lunch and just felt like a little something… Now I’m going to try and tackle the packing and see how everything is going to fit in my suitcase….
Thursday Evening Eish!!!
-Stop signs in Africa are optional
-I learned that pigeons like my hair
-I love seeing sights and monuments but like to do it at my own pace (not the History Channel in-depth pace).
-I look forward to not being asked 500 times a day if I want coffee or tea (you’d be amazed at the looks I get when I say I don’t drink coffee).
-I miss Cherrios.
-I miss skim milk.
-I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed.
-I can’t wait to use my own shower.
-I can’t wait to see everyone!!!!
May 30th
May 30th
A Man After My Own Heart
Shaklain and Alison (from the South Africa Team) picked us up this morning for a trip to Sun City. We stopped at Shaklain’s parents house for brunch and to meet his family – including his wife and 2 years old son. Who was a little shy with 5 new people in the hosue but warmed up to us as we were leaving…
Shaklain’s father told me that when I reach the point that I want a big diamond to give him a call and he’ll work through his network to find me one – I like him already ;). The also offered that we now have extended family in Africa and that we’re welcome anytime. We told Shaklain to be careful what he says because we just might take them up on the offer – especially with their place in Cape Town and the boat.
Sun City is an interesting place – like a Mini Las Vegas. And Shaklain is a man after my own heart because he found us the hook up. He got in touch with the PR woman and got us into one of the private, ritzy hotels in Sun City. You’re not allowed on the property unless you’re a “Resident”. Rooms on the low end go for $3,000 rand a night and the high end $15,000 rand a night ($450 US - $2,200 US). And it was beautiful. I could have stayed at the pool all day long. Shaklain told us that some wealthy South American had rented the hotel for his wedding a bit back. Geez.
A bit of the sites were closed at the hotel for renovations – as it is their “off season” and one of the places Shaklain wanted us to see in particular was off limits – however he worked his magic and pulled out the sheet of paper from the PR woman and got us in to look around. The power of PR people – gotta love ‘em.
A Man After My Own Heart
Shaklain and Alison (from the South Africa Team) picked us up this morning for a trip to Sun City. We stopped at Shaklain’s parents house for brunch and to meet his family – including his wife and 2 years old son. Who was a little shy with 5 new people in the hosue but warmed up to us as we were leaving…
Shaklain’s father told me that when I reach the point that I want a big diamond to give him a call and he’ll work through his network to find me one – I like him already ;). The also offered that we now have extended family in Africa and that we’re welcome anytime. We told Shaklain to be careful what he says because we just might take them up on the offer – especially with their place in Cape Town and the boat.
Sun City is an interesting place – like a Mini Las Vegas. And Shaklain is a man after my own heart because he found us the hook up. He got in touch with the PR woman and got us into one of the private, ritzy hotels in Sun City. You’re not allowed on the property unless you’re a “Resident”. Rooms on the low end go for $3,000 rand a night and the high end $15,000 rand a night ($450 US - $2,200 US). And it was beautiful. I could have stayed at the pool all day long. Shaklain told us that some wealthy South American had rented the hotel for his wedding a bit back. Geez.
A bit of the sites were closed at the hotel for renovations – as it is their “off season” and one of the places Shaklain wanted us to see in particular was off limits – however he worked his magic and pulled out the sheet of paper from the PR woman and got us in to look around. The power of PR people – gotta love ‘em.
May 29, 2007
Apartheid Museum
Just like watching the speical on the Discovery Channel. Very interesting walk through. they split you up at the beginning and make you go through the "White" and "non-White" entrance...
May 28th & 29th
May 28th
The Soda That Broke The Camel’s Back
So you know you’re ready to go home when the lack of a soda upsets you. It’s always hard to sleep a good night when you at a new house. So after a rough night’s sleep and an early morning wake up to be ready and waiting to be picked up at 8am, and then more waiting and more waiting and then a 15 minute episode trying to figure out how to call locally in South Africa to find out where your ride is – I was just about done.
I was picked up around 10 am (instead of 8am) and I was really just looking forward to a Coke Light and mineral water – it’s a bit dry in Pretoria so I’m completely dehydrated. So we picked up the other girls and then the driver forgot and forgot. By the time I asked again (feeling like a 15 year old who can’t drive and control where she’s going) there was nothing around. So the driver thought of a place and pulled up to a Liquor store – at 10 am. Needless to say the selection was beer, more beer and liquor and more liquor. I popped next door to the pharmacy – and no such luck. It’s seems silly now – but I just needed to pop into a store and get a drink.
So we moved onto the Pretoria Art Museum. Now – I like art – but music and photography as art is more of my speed. Some of the stuff was a little crazy therefore I could breeze through in about half of the time and then waiter for the other ladies.
We then went to a place called POP UP – Persons Opheffings Program, People Upliftment Programme. How interesting. It’s an Christian non profit that is primarily aimed at unemployed women who have no formal training. It costs about $30 rand (less than $5 US) and trains then for a 6-15 week vocational skill including garment making, quilting, arts and crafts, child care, home management, etc. While the women are in the class they are fed and provided free medical and dental care. Completely amazing program. I could really see a YMCA in the US trying to see how they could help this program out with supplies or donations (hint, hint).
On site there is also child care from 3 months to 3 years for the local people around the center (which is a low income area). So for $130 rand a month (less than $20) there children are cared for, fed, given clothing and medical attention. Again, truly amazing. I popped into the center and was talking to the ladies and all of a sudden felt this little body behind me. One of the little ones came up behind me and hugged my legs – he ten proceeded to play peak a boo between my legs. He was adorable. The center is trying to expand to serve up to 6 years old and trying to get full facilities (bathroom and running water). Right now all the kids use little “training potties” which isn’t the most pleasant thing.
We took a trip to the South African Mint – which only prints the coins and I have to say it was a little boring. There was no tour – just a little display and then a shop to buy things. And it was a little “buy a small token to remember the trip thing” the proof sets of last years coins was $200 US and I didn’t even want to ask what the cost of the gold Kruger Proof set was – way out of my budget.
We went back to one of the hosts families house and their daughter (who works for South African Air) took us to the mall for some shopping. After my little weekend spree – I’m all shopped out so I got some ice cream and walked around. And then we went back to the house for some wine and dinner. A nice relaxing evening…
Oh – and did I mention I made the paper in South Africa (see Susan – tell your husband it’s not just Reston/Herndon ;)). Albie, my host from White River, scanned and e-mailed a copy of the paper with a photo of my team visiting a school and then me with one of the kids from “Lucy’s Project.” ;)
May 29th
Apartheid Museum
So as my vocations visit schedule for today really wasn’t related to my vocation, I was thrilled when one of the host’s daughters volunteered to take us to Johannesburg and the Apartheid Museum and for lunch in Johannesburg. It was really the only time we would get to go to J-Burg. The Museum was really interesting. A majority of it was videos and photos and text – and as much as I know my father would have loved to stand and read all of it I really took the quicker route through and focused on the bigger things ;) (being the non-History Channel girl I am). Beautiful architecture and very interesting history.
We went for lunch in Johannesburg and the area we went to reminded me of Clarendon or Georgetown. Very new, very modern construction and parking problems to boot. The restaurant, Moyo, was a lovely outside South Africa themed place and despite the horrible service (we received our drinks after we were finished with the meals) we had a great time. I went to the loo after lunch and let me tell you about the sculptures on the doors that marked the ladies and men’s room. I can’t post them online because they’d be considered indecent. Interesting….
The Rotary meeting tonight in Pretoria was nice – it’s a quite informal club and we did our presentations very quickly as dinner was being served. All of us have been at different house since Sunday so we took a quick opportunity to hit the bar and catch up – unfortunately we didn’t get to catch up because all the Rotarians came over to chat as well but they were lovely to speak with. Except the one drunk married guy – the girls on the team were amazed at the “witty, smart aleck” remarks I kept throwing back at him. Enough, was enough….
The Soda That Broke The Camel’s Back
So you know you’re ready to go home when the lack of a soda upsets you. It’s always hard to sleep a good night when you at a new house. So after a rough night’s sleep and an early morning wake up to be ready and waiting to be picked up at 8am, and then more waiting and more waiting and then a 15 minute episode trying to figure out how to call locally in South Africa to find out where your ride is – I was just about done.
I was picked up around 10 am (instead of 8am) and I was really just looking forward to a Coke Light and mineral water – it’s a bit dry in Pretoria so I’m completely dehydrated. So we picked up the other girls and then the driver forgot and forgot. By the time I asked again (feeling like a 15 year old who can’t drive and control where she’s going) there was nothing around. So the driver thought of a place and pulled up to a Liquor store – at 10 am. Needless to say the selection was beer, more beer and liquor and more liquor. I popped next door to the pharmacy – and no such luck. It’s seems silly now – but I just needed to pop into a store and get a drink.
So we moved onto the Pretoria Art Museum. Now – I like art – but music and photography as art is more of my speed. Some of the stuff was a little crazy therefore I could breeze through in about half of the time and then waiter for the other ladies.
We then went to a place called POP UP – Persons Opheffings Program, People Upliftment Programme. How interesting. It’s an Christian non profit that is primarily aimed at unemployed women who have no formal training. It costs about $30 rand (less than $5 US) and trains then for a 6-15 week vocational skill including garment making, quilting, arts and crafts, child care, home management, etc. While the women are in the class they are fed and provided free medical and dental care. Completely amazing program. I could really see a YMCA in the US trying to see how they could help this program out with supplies or donations (hint, hint).
On site there is also child care from 3 months to 3 years for the local people around the center (which is a low income area). So for $130 rand a month (less than $20) there children are cared for, fed, given clothing and medical attention. Again, truly amazing. I popped into the center and was talking to the ladies and all of a sudden felt this little body behind me. One of the little ones came up behind me and hugged my legs – he ten proceeded to play peak a boo between my legs. He was adorable. The center is trying to expand to serve up to 6 years old and trying to get full facilities (bathroom and running water). Right now all the kids use little “training potties” which isn’t the most pleasant thing.
We took a trip to the South African Mint – which only prints the coins and I have to say it was a little boring. There was no tour – just a little display and then a shop to buy things. And it was a little “buy a small token to remember the trip thing” the proof sets of last years coins was $200 US and I didn’t even want to ask what the cost of the gold Kruger Proof set was – way out of my budget.
We went back to one of the hosts families house and their daughter (who works for South African Air) took us to the mall for some shopping. After my little weekend spree – I’m all shopped out so I got some ice cream and walked around. And then we went back to the house for some wine and dinner. A nice relaxing evening…
Oh – and did I mention I made the paper in South Africa (see Susan – tell your husband it’s not just Reston/Herndon ;)). Albie, my host from White River, scanned and e-mailed a copy of the paper with a photo of my team visiting a school and then me with one of the kids from “Lucy’s Project.” ;)
May 29th
Apartheid Museum
So as my vocations visit schedule for today really wasn’t related to my vocation, I was thrilled when one of the host’s daughters volunteered to take us to Johannesburg and the Apartheid Museum and for lunch in Johannesburg. It was really the only time we would get to go to J-Burg. The Museum was really interesting. A majority of it was videos and photos and text – and as much as I know my father would have loved to stand and read all of it I really took the quicker route through and focused on the bigger things ;) (being the non-History Channel girl I am). Beautiful architecture and very interesting history.
We went for lunch in Johannesburg and the area we went to reminded me of Clarendon or Georgetown. Very new, very modern construction and parking problems to boot. The restaurant, Moyo, was a lovely outside South Africa themed place and despite the horrible service (we received our drinks after we were finished with the meals) we had a great time. I went to the loo after lunch and let me tell you about the sculptures on the doors that marked the ladies and men’s room. I can’t post them online because they’d be considered indecent. Interesting….
The Rotary meeting tonight in Pretoria was nice – it’s a quite informal club and we did our presentations very quickly as dinner was being served. All of us have been at different house since Sunday so we took a quick opportunity to hit the bar and catch up – unfortunately we didn’t get to catch up because all the Rotarians came over to chat as well but they were lovely to speak with. Except the one drunk married guy – the girls on the team were amazed at the “witty, smart aleck” remarks I kept throwing back at him. Enough, was enough….
May 27, 2007
District Conference
Albie, Me, Elna at the District Conference (my hosts from White River and future DG).
Showing off my new pearls to the group from Tzaneen (someone told them we went shopping and they wanted to see what we bought)
Our team with our District Governor Burt who flew in from the US for the conference.
Sherry
Me and Meesh toasting out purchases in the store with some sherry.... Good thing we went for lunch after - it had a bit of a kick...
May 26th
May 26th
Pearls and Diamonds & Sherry Oh My
So off to the mall we went this morning. The mall in Pretoria is the largest mall in the southern hemisphere. It puts Tysons Corner Mall to shame – it’s 6 stories. I had really wanted to go to Cullinan today to take a tour of one of the oldest diamond mines but it would have been about $400 rand just to get a taxi there, and none of the other girls were interested so I decided to give up.
So navigating this mall is a disaster – there is no similar lay out to the floors and there are half floors – and only certain escalators go to the half floor. One of our first wanderings was to a jewelry store. I decided to look at some diamonds. The first tennis bracelt I tried on was beautiful and then she gave me the price $8,000 US or $48,000 rand – I asked her to take it off right then. The 2nd bracelet - $3,000 US or $12,000 – I asked her to take that one off as well. I always knew I had expensive taste ;)
So while I was doing that - Meesh happened to get stuck by the Garnet section and started looking – which happened to be next to the pearl section. Oh, what the heck. I tried on a necklace, a bracelet and earrings. I think I knew in about 3 seconds that I loved them – then she gave me the price. In the US I don’t know that you could buy the necklace for that price. So I told her to hold them, that I’d take a little walk and then come back. Meesh and I also noticed that there was a huge bottle of sherry and glasses on the counter. We figured that was to help ease the pain of the purchase ;)
So off we went to do some more shopping (only window shopping for me) and then we went back to make the purchases. As they were checking us out Meesh and I toasted with a tall glass of sherry. If they had given that to me earlier they probably could have gotten the diamond bracelet out of me ;) Holy strong.
The closing dinner of the Rotary Conference was last night. I’m told that this is a universal Rotarian thing – but let me tell you about all the bad jokes we head from the MC last night. Not “That’s was cute – hehe,” but “Groooaaannnn,” bad. So we did dinner and the lovely IT guy from the conference center happened to be there last night so he gave me a few new tools to help get the virus off my USB drive and digital camera. And me feeling bad that I kept him from his Saturday night plans gave him about $20 rand (after the $50 rand) for helping me the other day. He was kind of reluctant to take it but I just made the guy work on a Saturday night for something that isn’t his job. So I think the problemis finally solved – but on the way out he told me that if I have any issued this week he’ll come to the house I’m staying at for no charge – very sweet.
So tomorrow – we’re off to our final stay in Pretoria for the week. Two vocational visits – one is going to be art related with Jessica (again – trying to figure out what to do with me) and Tuesday I’m going to the University of Pretoria to study their Sports Medicine set up. Should be interesting…
Pearls and Diamonds & Sherry Oh My
So off to the mall we went this morning. The mall in Pretoria is the largest mall in the southern hemisphere. It puts Tysons Corner Mall to shame – it’s 6 stories. I had really wanted to go to Cullinan today to take a tour of one of the oldest diamond mines but it would have been about $400 rand just to get a taxi there, and none of the other girls were interested so I decided to give up.
So navigating this mall is a disaster – there is no similar lay out to the floors and there are half floors – and only certain escalators go to the half floor. One of our first wanderings was to a jewelry store. I decided to look at some diamonds. The first tennis bracelt I tried on was beautiful and then she gave me the price $8,000 US or $48,000 rand – I asked her to take it off right then. The 2nd bracelet - $3,000 US or $12,000 – I asked her to take that one off as well. I always knew I had expensive taste ;)
So while I was doing that - Meesh happened to get stuck by the Garnet section and started looking – which happened to be next to the pearl section. Oh, what the heck. I tried on a necklace, a bracelet and earrings. I think I knew in about 3 seconds that I loved them – then she gave me the price. In the US I don’t know that you could buy the necklace for that price. So I told her to hold them, that I’d take a little walk and then come back. Meesh and I also noticed that there was a huge bottle of sherry and glasses on the counter. We figured that was to help ease the pain of the purchase ;)
So off we went to do some more shopping (only window shopping for me) and then we went back to make the purchases. As they were checking us out Meesh and I toasted with a tall glass of sherry. If they had given that to me earlier they probably could have gotten the diamond bracelet out of me ;) Holy strong.
The closing dinner of the Rotary Conference was last night. I’m told that this is a universal Rotarian thing – but let me tell you about all the bad jokes we head from the MC last night. Not “That’s was cute – hehe,” but “Groooaaannnn,” bad. So we did dinner and the lovely IT guy from the conference center happened to be there last night so he gave me a few new tools to help get the virus off my USB drive and digital camera. And me feeling bad that I kept him from his Saturday night plans gave him about $20 rand (after the $50 rand) for helping me the other day. He was kind of reluctant to take it but I just made the guy work on a Saturday night for something that isn’t his job. So I think the problemis finally solved – but on the way out he told me that if I have any issued this week he’ll come to the house I’m staying at for no charge – very sweet.
So tomorrow – we’re off to our final stay in Pretoria for the week. Two vocational visits – one is going to be art related with Jessica (again – trying to figure out what to do with me) and Tuesday I’m going to the University of Pretoria to study their Sports Medicine set up. Should be interesting…
May 25, 2007
MAy 24th & 25th
May 24th
Tailing A Tanker At A 160 Kilometers A Mile
So – I only add text to today’s blog as I almost kissed the ground when I got out of the car at the hotel. The lovely people that drove us from Tzaneen to Pretoria have a thing for speed. They would give NASCAR racers a run for their money. The driver was taking mountain roads with caution speed signs all over it at almost 160 kilos an hour (about 100 miles per hours). At one point I could almost kiss the bumper of a tanker that was carrying gas.
Good lord – thank god for seat belts. We later learn that the drive likes to get into high speed chases with traffic cops at 240 kilos per hour. We also learned that they saw a “space laboratory” land on the mountain a few years back and were close enough to see the people in the windows of the space laboratory. Not getting in a car with them again – that’s for sure.
May 25th
Friday Morning Eish!!!
-So I’ve been told by two different people two different ways to spell Eish – so I’m going with Eish (instead of Ish) - because it’s more fun.
-I still have issues getting the time difference right when calling people in the states.
-I never want to be in a car going 160 kilos an hour up and down a curvy mountain again.
-I had a great bed to sleep in last night – and couldn’t figure out the darn heater in the room to stay warm.
-Rice Krispies and yogurt work – I’m still not giving into the whole milk for breakfast thing. Give me my skim milk.
-1 week until we fly out…
Tailing A Tanker At A 160 Kilometers A Mile
So – I only add text to today’s blog as I almost kissed the ground when I got out of the car at the hotel. The lovely people that drove us from Tzaneen to Pretoria have a thing for speed. They would give NASCAR racers a run for their money. The driver was taking mountain roads with caution speed signs all over it at almost 160 kilos an hour (about 100 miles per hours). At one point I could almost kiss the bumper of a tanker that was carrying gas.
Good lord – thank god for seat belts. We later learn that the drive likes to get into high speed chases with traffic cops at 240 kilos per hour. We also learned that they saw a “space laboratory” land on the mountain a few years back and were close enough to see the people in the windows of the space laboratory. Not getting in a car with them again – that’s for sure.
May 25th
Friday Morning Eish!!!
-So I’ve been told by two different people two different ways to spell Eish – so I’m going with Eish (instead of Ish) - because it’s more fun.
-I still have issues getting the time difference right when calling people in the states.
-I never want to be in a car going 160 kilos an hour up and down a curvy mountain again.
-I had a great bed to sleep in last night – and couldn’t figure out the darn heater in the room to stay warm.
-Rice Krispies and yogurt work – I’m still not giving into the whole milk for breakfast thing. Give me my skim milk.
-1 week until we fly out…
May 24, 2007
May 22nd, May 23rd, May 24th
May 22nd
I Hugged A Tree
This morning we all met up and make the morning trek to the petrol station to get our usual team caffeine mix of coffee, coke and coke light. We then drove through the mountains that looked more like the northeast or out west than Africa on our way to the Capricorn Therapeutic Riding Program sponsored by the Capricorn Rotary Club. It’s a horse riding program for handicapped children – a really neat program but it was so cold we could barley stay out of the car. Being my non-wimpy self I tried to stay out longer but only lasted about 15 minutes – my ears were about to freeze off.
We then went to see a tree that was 6,000 years old – it was huge! Somehow Meesh got a picture of me hugging it – and then I discovered we were allowed to climb it so I went for a little climb. I then found the bar within the tree. It was a whole little bar room carved out of the base of the tree – unfortunately no one was manning the bar.
We made a stop at the local mall - which is insane. There is no rhyme or reason to the walking traffic pattern in the mall or the grocery store so it’s a kind of fend for yourself, try not the get run over, dodge the carts type of place. Craziness…
May 23rd
Africa Is Not For Sissies
Through the mountains of Tzaneen once again, we headed round and round, up and around to the first artist gallery. Now get your image of any regular artist gallery out of your head. This one is in the middle of nowhere and when we got there and needed to use the loo the woman pointed to a metal shack on the far side of the property. At least it wasn’t just a hole in the ground ;). The artist has died in an accident a few years back but his widow runs the shop (which is actually just a series of rooms oddly connected to her house) where artist from the community bring pieces. Everything is made from fallen wood - people, animals, and such.
We then visited a school that one of Corrinas friends is trying to build to teach local artist how to make a living. It’s a one room hut and they don’t have running water or electricity – yet. Up the street a little was the home of the artist – his wife, carrying their 1 month old baby swaddled on her back, welcomed up into their home. The “gallery” was also the computer room where we found 2 chickens standing on the computer key board.
After another visit to another wood artist, we went to a pottery place. These women support a huge amount of people in the community and export their pots all over the country. The pottery is very basic – using only a few colors but beautiful. A little too big to bring home in my suitcase.
By the time we got to lunch, I think my body had had it. I caved into not feeling well. SO I muddled though the rest of the day and then when we got to one of the host’s house to work on our presentation for the conference I put in my work and then crawled up on the bed. I could hear conversations in Affrikan “Blah, blah, yada, yada Christine – doctors – shot - blah, blah.” I could hear that my girl Meesh had my back and said Oh no – she’s taking medicine and just need to sleep.
So I got up when it was time to go home and got bamboozled by one of the hosts. I booted up my laptop so we could copy the presentation on it and he saw the photo of my family (mom, dad, older brother, sister in law, nephews, little brother). And he asked me where my husband was. I told him I wasn’t married and he asked how old I was – I said 29. He then launched into a lecture about “didn’t I want to get married;” “didn’t I want to have kids;” “You’re not getting any younger;” “by the time you find someone, get married and have kids it’s going to be at least 4-6 years and that’s a while.” And then he brought me down the hill to a photo of his family and kids and how they weren’t that much older than me and we married and had kids (except for one of the sons who was 33 but that was ok because he was a male). By the time he was done I was ready for a few shots of liquor on top of my nyquil.
May 24th
A What?
It’s amazing what a good dose of Nyquil can do. I woke up this morning feeling so much better. Solomein (our host) god bless her made up appointments at the Spa so off Meesh and I went to the spa. Once we got there we decided to splurge on the “Stress Relief” package and got a full body scrub and massage. We walked up the stairs and the therapist asked who wanted the mineral bath and who wanted the vichi (spelling to be checked when I have internet again). I not knowing what a vichi shower is decided its better for me to explore than Meesh (as I’ve had a little more experience in the spa world than her). And did I find out what the vichi shower was – I was on the table for the scrub and over me was a shower contraption with 6 nozzles on it. So I laid on the table and got massaged by 6 pressured show heads. It was lovely. After my massage and I spent some good quality time in the steam room and sauna and then we moseyed up the street to the hotel store. They were closed until 4 pm but decided they could open for us. So Meesh and I made it worth their while by buying quite a bit.
We’re off tonight for the District Conference this weekend – where hopefully I can get some laundry done somehow….
I Hugged A Tree
This morning we all met up and make the morning trek to the petrol station to get our usual team caffeine mix of coffee, coke and coke light. We then drove through the mountains that looked more like the northeast or out west than Africa on our way to the Capricorn Therapeutic Riding Program sponsored by the Capricorn Rotary Club. It’s a horse riding program for handicapped children – a really neat program but it was so cold we could barley stay out of the car. Being my non-wimpy self I tried to stay out longer but only lasted about 15 minutes – my ears were about to freeze off.
We then went to see a tree that was 6,000 years old – it was huge! Somehow Meesh got a picture of me hugging it – and then I discovered we were allowed to climb it so I went for a little climb. I then found the bar within the tree. It was a whole little bar room carved out of the base of the tree – unfortunately no one was manning the bar.
We made a stop at the local mall - which is insane. There is no rhyme or reason to the walking traffic pattern in the mall or the grocery store so it’s a kind of fend for yourself, try not the get run over, dodge the carts type of place. Craziness…
May 23rd
Africa Is Not For Sissies
Through the mountains of Tzaneen once again, we headed round and round, up and around to the first artist gallery. Now get your image of any regular artist gallery out of your head. This one is in the middle of nowhere and when we got there and needed to use the loo the woman pointed to a metal shack on the far side of the property. At least it wasn’t just a hole in the ground ;). The artist has died in an accident a few years back but his widow runs the shop (which is actually just a series of rooms oddly connected to her house) where artist from the community bring pieces. Everything is made from fallen wood - people, animals, and such.
We then visited a school that one of Corrinas friends is trying to build to teach local artist how to make a living. It’s a one room hut and they don’t have running water or electricity – yet. Up the street a little was the home of the artist – his wife, carrying their 1 month old baby swaddled on her back, welcomed up into their home. The “gallery” was also the computer room where we found 2 chickens standing on the computer key board.
After another visit to another wood artist, we went to a pottery place. These women support a huge amount of people in the community and export their pots all over the country. The pottery is very basic – using only a few colors but beautiful. A little too big to bring home in my suitcase.
By the time we got to lunch, I think my body had had it. I caved into not feeling well. SO I muddled though the rest of the day and then when we got to one of the host’s house to work on our presentation for the conference I put in my work and then crawled up on the bed. I could hear conversations in Affrikan “Blah, blah, yada, yada Christine – doctors – shot - blah, blah.” I could hear that my girl Meesh had my back and said Oh no – she’s taking medicine and just need to sleep.
So I got up when it was time to go home and got bamboozled by one of the hosts. I booted up my laptop so we could copy the presentation on it and he saw the photo of my family (mom, dad, older brother, sister in law, nephews, little brother). And he asked me where my husband was. I told him I wasn’t married and he asked how old I was – I said 29. He then launched into a lecture about “didn’t I want to get married;” “didn’t I want to have kids;” “You’re not getting any younger;” “by the time you find someone, get married and have kids it’s going to be at least 4-6 years and that’s a while.” And then he brought me down the hill to a photo of his family and kids and how they weren’t that much older than me and we married and had kids (except for one of the sons who was 33 but that was ok because he was a male). By the time he was done I was ready for a few shots of liquor on top of my nyquil.
May 24th
A What?
It’s amazing what a good dose of Nyquil can do. I woke up this morning feeling so much better. Solomein (our host) god bless her made up appointments at the Spa so off Meesh and I went to the spa. Once we got there we decided to splurge on the “Stress Relief” package and got a full body scrub and massage. We walked up the stairs and the therapist asked who wanted the mineral bath and who wanted the vichi (spelling to be checked when I have internet again). I not knowing what a vichi shower is decided its better for me to explore than Meesh (as I’ve had a little more experience in the spa world than her). And did I find out what the vichi shower was – I was on the table for the scrub and over me was a shower contraption with 6 nozzles on it. So I laid on the table and got massaged by 6 pressured show heads. It was lovely. After my massage and I spent some good quality time in the steam room and sauna and then we moseyed up the street to the hotel store. They were closed until 4 pm but decided they could open for us. So Meesh and I made it worth their while by buying quite a bit.
We’re off tonight for the District Conference this weekend – where hopefully I can get some laundry done somehow….
May 21, 2007
Chakra Garden
So the photo with the stones is one of the 20 or so Chakra visit we made. I was told to have a question in my head at the beginning and follow the path in the circle and the answer is supposed to come to me. Let's see if it does once I get home...The other - a very coloful locust - didn't hear any of that crazy noise that our locust make though... Just happy to see this one outside and not inside somewhere...
Tzaneen School
The pre schoolers were learning about the body today (head, arm, leg, etc) and had puzzles to put together. The boy in the photo was the only one who could do it by himself and was the quickest.A photo of the whole pre school and 1st grade classes.
May 21st
May 21st
Wildlife I Could Live Without
So Meesh and I are in Tzaneen staying with a lovely Rotarian – who happens to have 4 cats. It’s been a bit of a challenge for me to say the least.
My vocational visits have also been a bit of a challenge because there are no YMCA in this area – most of them are n Durban and in the southern part of South Africa. And people have heardof the YMCA but aren’t quite sure what it is or what I do. So this morning I went with Meesh to visit a private school for black children. We’re told that it’s outside the town of Tzaneen town limits so that’s why there are no white children – as most of them live in town. Crazy stuff.
The first class we sat in on was an algebra class – something I haven’t seen since about high school. We then went to the teacher lounge for “break” and went to a preschool and 1st grade class. The kids were adorable – and all wanted their photo taken.
We also to a school for the deaf – which was interesting as most of the kids lived there as well.
We went out for lunch and as we were driving the person we were with asked us “What do you call the black people” and then used the n word. I though Meesh and I were going to fall out of the car. I don’t know that the translation of how we don’t use that word made it though to her. It’s very interesting in South Africa and the discussion and perceptions of race. I have a lot of people hold conversations that would be incredible racist in our eyes and them flat out tell me they aren’t racist. So interesting…. It’s a hard thing to explain what I’ve experienced on this whole topic in a written conversation – I can better explain it verbally…(and when I’m not exhausted).
Corrina (a friend of our hosts) then took us to a Chakra garden that a friend owned in the mountain. It was beautiful – however really cold and we only had short sleeve shirts on. So after the 21 station tour we went inside for tea and to find out what our directions are. Apparently I’m an “east” girl and other than that I can’t remember a thing about the description. And don’t ask me what the “east” title is supposed to mean either – I have no clue ;)
Did I mention the Chakra garden had 3 huge dogs, 1 little one and 4 cats? I owe Meesh a case of wine for trying to keep them all away from me….
Wildlife I Could Live Without
So Meesh and I are in Tzaneen staying with a lovely Rotarian – who happens to have 4 cats. It’s been a bit of a challenge for me to say the least.
My vocational visits have also been a bit of a challenge because there are no YMCA in this area – most of them are n Durban and in the southern part of South Africa. And people have heardof the YMCA but aren’t quite sure what it is or what I do. So this morning I went with Meesh to visit a private school for black children. We’re told that it’s outside the town of Tzaneen town limits so that’s why there are no white children – as most of them live in town. Crazy stuff.
The first class we sat in on was an algebra class – something I haven’t seen since about high school. We then went to the teacher lounge for “break” and went to a preschool and 1st grade class. The kids were adorable – and all wanted their photo taken.
We also to a school for the deaf – which was interesting as most of the kids lived there as well.
We went out for lunch and as we were driving the person we were with asked us “What do you call the black people” and then used the n word. I though Meesh and I were going to fall out of the car. I don’t know that the translation of how we don’t use that word made it though to her. It’s very interesting in South Africa and the discussion and perceptions of race. I have a lot of people hold conversations that would be incredible racist in our eyes and them flat out tell me they aren’t racist. So interesting…. It’s a hard thing to explain what I’ve experienced on this whole topic in a written conversation – I can better explain it verbally…(and when I’m not exhausted).
Corrina (a friend of our hosts) then took us to a Chakra garden that a friend owned in the mountain. It was beautiful – however really cold and we only had short sleeve shirts on. So after the 21 station tour we went inside for tea and to find out what our directions are. Apparently I’m an “east” girl and other than that I can’t remember a thing about the description. And don’t ask me what the “east” title is supposed to mean either – I have no clue ;)
Did I mention the Chakra garden had 3 huge dogs, 1 little one and 4 cats? I owe Meesh a case of wine for trying to keep them all away from me….
May 20, 2007
Sabi Sands - Joans Place
I don't know that I'll ever see such a beautiful sunset anywhere but Africa...
We stopped in the feld (bush) for a mid evening game drive break and I decided to see how the view was from the Ranger's seat - not a seat I'd want to be in when those lions got into a fight around us.
MAy 19th & 20th
May 19th
The “Break”
So we leave White River at 7am on Friday morning to head to Joan Giressel’s Game Park. The directions were very vague and went a little like, head that way, take a right at the garage and don’t follow signs to this place but that place. As we were driving down one of the really long roads two of the local women pointed to the feld (bush) and showed us our first elephants.
We got to Joan’s (which is a private game park by invitation only) and met the Canadian team. Following breakfast we went to the pools for a bit - which is right next to the water hole for some of the animals. So we saw water buffalo, elephant, a baboon and of course monkeys.
After the afternoon tea, we headed out for the evening game ride. It started as a slow, cold evening but then we happened to run into some elephants – and let me tell you they weren’t so happy to see us – they has some babies with them. So as some were giggling out of nervousness and other we praying we managed to make a u turn and get out of there. The other highlight of the evening was the lion – we watched her from about 15 feet away. We figured we weren’t being considered for dinner when she laid down in the road and started grooming herself. When we got to the 2nd stop of the evening – by a large water hole – I asked for a 2nd beer. I think that’s the first time I could say I really needed a drink to calm my nerves – the prospect of being charged by an elephant didn’t sit too well with me.
We got home to a beautiful BBQ. One of the staff had cooked a lamb in a hole in the ground – literally dug a huge hole, lit a fire, put a lamb in and then buried it. We had dinner in what I would describe as a fortress – this rounded maze of walls with a fire in the middle and all individual tables set up for each of us.
May 19th
Stuck In The Middle Of A Cat Fight
We were all up before 6 am for the morning game ride. The fashion we all have on for these rides is amazing. Wrapped in whatever cloth we can find on top of our clothes, blankets from our beds, hats, sunglasses, etc – you wouldn’t believe how cold it is – especially since we’re driving in a Hummer with no roof and windshield.
The morning started out pretty quiet – a few impala (which are considered fast food in these parts – they run fast and are often dinner ;)), elephants, hippos. We then got to a point with a few female lions. They were having a lazy nap and we were about 10 feet from them. We left them and went for a drive and drove right into two huge male lions – they were coming down the street with a few other tourist kombis after them. I got some great shots. So then Jeffrey (our ranger) took us back to the females – knowing the males were heading that way. So we sat there for about 10 minutes, 10 feet away from the lions and then we see the males coming along. We though they were going to come up, play around, maybe cuddle a little. Oh no, not at all. It turned into a huge lion right and I have to say we were right in the middle of it. I was waiting for the male lion to jump our car to get to the female lion on the other side – thank god he went around. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I have video but most of it is me shaking and trying to flip the camera around to get the shot. One of the Canadians has to keep telling everyone to be quiet and settle down because the first reaction when it all started was holy cow (that’s the PG wording) we really figured someone wasn’t going to make it home. After all the lions finally stopped and raced away, we told Jeffrey we’d like to visit some nice calm giraffes.
Doug, from Rotary, told us that not many people see what we saw in their entire lifetime of going to game parks.
The Car Climbed Up The Tree
We went for an evening ride. Along the side of the paths and through out the feld there are prickly trees – I have photos to prove it but the pricks are about 4 inches long on some of them. One of the trees swiped Sandy (the Canadian) sitting in the back seat and gave her quite a few cuts around her eye – thank god it missed her eye ball or we would have been in trouble. My jacket got stuck a few times yesterday and I got one in my palm tonight – and man they hurt. We told Sandy she should just tell everyone she got into a fight with a lion and she won.
It was a really quiet night – we saw 2 big elephants, a baby elephant and that’s about it for a 3 hour ride. We did get the car (which I think was a Toyota land rover with no roof) to climb over a tree that had fallen in the path.
We got home, couldn’t figure out why it was so dark and quickly learned that the power was out. I wasn’t too excited about walking around in the dark with the electric fence not working (i.e. animals could very easily get in and have me for dinner). About 30 minutes later the power came back on – we’re hoping for a full night of power.
May 20th
5:30 am
We got up early for our last game ride. 2 hours out there – we saw a baby elephant and a bunch of grown ones and we also had some quality time chasing large male lions down the car path before they veered off into the woods. We had a quick breakfast and then hit the road for a 3 hour drive to Tzaneen.
The “Break”
So we leave White River at 7am on Friday morning to head to Joan Giressel’s Game Park. The directions were very vague and went a little like, head that way, take a right at the garage and don’t follow signs to this place but that place. As we were driving down one of the really long roads two of the local women pointed to the feld (bush) and showed us our first elephants.
We got to Joan’s (which is a private game park by invitation only) and met the Canadian team. Following breakfast we went to the pools for a bit - which is right next to the water hole for some of the animals. So we saw water buffalo, elephant, a baboon and of course monkeys.
After the afternoon tea, we headed out for the evening game ride. It started as a slow, cold evening but then we happened to run into some elephants – and let me tell you they weren’t so happy to see us – they has some babies with them. So as some were giggling out of nervousness and other we praying we managed to make a u turn and get out of there. The other highlight of the evening was the lion – we watched her from about 15 feet away. We figured we weren’t being considered for dinner when she laid down in the road and started grooming herself. When we got to the 2nd stop of the evening – by a large water hole – I asked for a 2nd beer. I think that’s the first time I could say I really needed a drink to calm my nerves – the prospect of being charged by an elephant didn’t sit too well with me.
We got home to a beautiful BBQ. One of the staff had cooked a lamb in a hole in the ground – literally dug a huge hole, lit a fire, put a lamb in and then buried it. We had dinner in what I would describe as a fortress – this rounded maze of walls with a fire in the middle and all individual tables set up for each of us.
May 19th
Stuck In The Middle Of A Cat Fight
We were all up before 6 am for the morning game ride. The fashion we all have on for these rides is amazing. Wrapped in whatever cloth we can find on top of our clothes, blankets from our beds, hats, sunglasses, etc – you wouldn’t believe how cold it is – especially since we’re driving in a Hummer with no roof and windshield.
The morning started out pretty quiet – a few impala (which are considered fast food in these parts – they run fast and are often dinner ;)), elephants, hippos. We then got to a point with a few female lions. They were having a lazy nap and we were about 10 feet from them. We left them and went for a drive and drove right into two huge male lions – they were coming down the street with a few other tourist kombis after them. I got some great shots. So then Jeffrey (our ranger) took us back to the females – knowing the males were heading that way. So we sat there for about 10 minutes, 10 feet away from the lions and then we see the males coming along. We though they were going to come up, play around, maybe cuddle a little. Oh no, not at all. It turned into a huge lion right and I have to say we were right in the middle of it. I was waiting for the male lion to jump our car to get to the female lion on the other side – thank god he went around. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I have video but most of it is me shaking and trying to flip the camera around to get the shot. One of the Canadians has to keep telling everyone to be quiet and settle down because the first reaction when it all started was holy cow (that’s the PG wording) we really figured someone wasn’t going to make it home. After all the lions finally stopped and raced away, we told Jeffrey we’d like to visit some nice calm giraffes.
Doug, from Rotary, told us that not many people see what we saw in their entire lifetime of going to game parks.
The Car Climbed Up The Tree
We went for an evening ride. Along the side of the paths and through out the feld there are prickly trees – I have photos to prove it but the pricks are about 4 inches long on some of them. One of the trees swiped Sandy (the Canadian) sitting in the back seat and gave her quite a few cuts around her eye – thank god it missed her eye ball or we would have been in trouble. My jacket got stuck a few times yesterday and I got one in my palm tonight – and man they hurt. We told Sandy she should just tell everyone she got into a fight with a lion and she won.
It was a really quiet night – we saw 2 big elephants, a baby elephant and that’s about it for a 3 hour ride. We did get the car (which I think was a Toyota land rover with no roof) to climb over a tree that had fallen in the path.
We got home, couldn’t figure out why it was so dark and quickly learned that the power was out. I wasn’t too excited about walking around in the dark with the electric fence not working (i.e. animals could very easily get in and have me for dinner). About 30 minutes later the power came back on – we’re hoping for a full night of power.
May 20th
5:30 am
We got up early for our last game ride. 2 hours out there – we saw a baby elephant and a bunch of grown ones and we also had some quality time chasing large male lions down the car path before they veered off into the woods. We had a quick breakfast and then hit the road for a 3 hour drive to Tzaneen.
May 17, 2007
White River Special Ed Ed School
The care takers (moms) and us.
The boy on the far right in the maroon bean bag chair is 28 - he's the size of a 5 year old. I have great viedo of him dancing and singing a rap song for us.
White River School
You have to tilt your head ;) but this is a photo of the Library at the school that the Rotary built. It's the size of a hallway.Here are the kids in front of the water wells...
May 17th & Early 18th
May 17th
Schools, Schools and More Schools
Kat – this would have been a great trip for you to go on. Most of the Rotary Projects that we have been to are schools. This morning we went to a school near White River that the Rotary has provided and put n water pumps, a 4,000 book library, are working on building a new kitchen and trying to get money to build a outside pavilion for the kids so they don’t have to eat in the sun.
You would have through we were huge Hollywood stars when we got out of the car. The kids came running from all over to meet up and have their picture taken. I like to think because we’re such a good looking bunch ;) but I’m more inclined to go with the fact that it was because most of us are white and we have digital cameras – which the kids have never seen before.
After the school we went to a project that the Herndon Club sponsored a matching grant for a few year back - Masoyi Special Care Project. As mentioned, kids with special needs are often shunned in Africa. The father will desert the family and leave the mother to care for the special needs child in addition to the others – with no source of income. Lucy, who founded the school, has found some children chained to trees most of their life, or locked in dark rooms and in disgusting states of well being.
The school has about 15-20 special needs children ranging in ages from a few months up to 28 yrs old. Some children could walk and talk a little, others were just laying on the mats barley able to move or make noise. It’s a day school so mothers drop off or come to school with the kids each day. I say school with a very loose meaning, there is a schedule but I’m not sure what level of learning there is. We didn’t have much luck in communicating with the care takers – as there was a great language barrier.
May 18th
Friday Morning Ishhhh!
A few random thoughts:
-We didn’t get to meet the King of Swaziland – and OB told us it was because he didn’t want to explain to any of our father’s why were weren’t coming home when he choose us as his 15th wife
-I didn’t get to Kruger but I’m told we’re going to a very posh game reserve today and that they promise we’ll see the big 5.
-Everyone down here drives like Caroline – in the middle of both lanes ;)
-Again, all Rotarians like to feed us and provide alcohol. Meesh is going to be ready for a 12 step program when we get home
Schools, Schools and More Schools
Kat – this would have been a great trip for you to go on. Most of the Rotary Projects that we have been to are schools. This morning we went to a school near White River that the Rotary has provided and put n water pumps, a 4,000 book library, are working on building a new kitchen and trying to get money to build a outside pavilion for the kids so they don’t have to eat in the sun.
You would have through we were huge Hollywood stars when we got out of the car. The kids came running from all over to meet up and have their picture taken. I like to think because we’re such a good looking bunch ;) but I’m more inclined to go with the fact that it was because most of us are white and we have digital cameras – which the kids have never seen before.
After the school we went to a project that the Herndon Club sponsored a matching grant for a few year back - Masoyi Special Care Project. As mentioned, kids with special needs are often shunned in Africa. The father will desert the family and leave the mother to care for the special needs child in addition to the others – with no source of income. Lucy, who founded the school, has found some children chained to trees most of their life, or locked in dark rooms and in disgusting states of well being.
The school has about 15-20 special needs children ranging in ages from a few months up to 28 yrs old. Some children could walk and talk a little, others were just laying on the mats barley able to move or make noise. It’s a day school so mothers drop off or come to school with the kids each day. I say school with a very loose meaning, there is a schedule but I’m not sure what level of learning there is. We didn’t have much luck in communicating with the care takers – as there was a great language barrier.
May 18th
Friday Morning Ishhhh!
A few random thoughts:
-We didn’t get to meet the King of Swaziland – and OB told us it was because he didn’t want to explain to any of our father’s why were weren’t coming home when he choose us as his 15th wife
-I didn’t get to Kruger but I’m told we’re going to a very posh game reserve today and that they promise we’ll see the big 5.
-Everyone down here drives like Caroline – in the middle of both lanes ;)
-Again, all Rotarians like to feed us and provide alcohol. Meesh is going to be ready for a 12 step program when we get home
May 16th
May 16th
No Kruger For Me
I think one of the difficult things about this trip (well at this moment) is that we have a schedule but don’t really have a schedule. We were given one on paper with a rough outline of what we were doing and when - but everything has proves to be a bit different. We left Barberton this morning after a lovely breakfast and a visit to St. Johns Orphanage – which is run by Catholic Nuns. All the children there are HIV positive and or are dying from AIDS. They were all is various state of health and all very sweet. I picked up one of the babies for a photo and then we just hung out for a while walking around. They opened the place for children but then realized that most often their parents were dying of AIDS so it became a catch all Hospice for end of life adults, children and then an orphanage for the children that are left behind. Sister Denise pointed out a new child that just arrived a few days ago – and said that he doesn’t have much longer to live. So sad….
After the visit we went over the mountain for a pass off in Nelspruit. I was supposed to be n Kruger Park today, hanging with the animals – with I was really excited about – but it turns out that it wasn’t to be. Big bummer. But being the flexible gal I am I’m trying to suck it up and moved on ;) Hoping for animals this weekend. Still waiting for my giraffe…
Peter is my host tonight and he took me and Jessica to see two Rotary projects, a College Fair at a local school and an orphanage. Apparently there were a bunch of kids living in a tent in a roadway on a back road and a local woman opened an orphanage. The children have a range of abilities and disabilities and are a mix of HIV and AIDS status.
We then went for a ride to White River to go to the “Shops” – their version of a high end shopping outlet. The prices were reasonable for us but there was no way anything there (furniture and glass art) was going to fit in my suitcase. After a nice Italian meal (I was dying for pizza) we went to the Nelspruit Botanical Gardens for a walk. Quite a pretty trek through the Rain Forrest.
Our evening Rotary Meeting was at a gigantic house in Nelspruit. The pool in the backyard was build to almost run off the cliff overlooking the mountains. It’s such a shame we couldn’t be there during the day – I’m sure the view is amazing….
No Kruger For Me
I think one of the difficult things about this trip (well at this moment) is that we have a schedule but don’t really have a schedule. We were given one on paper with a rough outline of what we were doing and when - but everything has proves to be a bit different. We left Barberton this morning after a lovely breakfast and a visit to St. Johns Orphanage – which is run by Catholic Nuns. All the children there are HIV positive and or are dying from AIDS. They were all is various state of health and all very sweet. I picked up one of the babies for a photo and then we just hung out for a while walking around. They opened the place for children but then realized that most often their parents were dying of AIDS so it became a catch all Hospice for end of life adults, children and then an orphanage for the children that are left behind. Sister Denise pointed out a new child that just arrived a few days ago – and said that he doesn’t have much longer to live. So sad….
After the visit we went over the mountain for a pass off in Nelspruit. I was supposed to be n Kruger Park today, hanging with the animals – with I was really excited about – but it turns out that it wasn’t to be. Big bummer. But being the flexible gal I am I’m trying to suck it up and moved on ;) Hoping for animals this weekend. Still waiting for my giraffe…
Peter is my host tonight and he took me and Jessica to see two Rotary projects, a College Fair at a local school and an orphanage. Apparently there were a bunch of kids living in a tent in a roadway on a back road and a local woman opened an orphanage. The children have a range of abilities and disabilities and are a mix of HIV and AIDS status.
We then went for a ride to White River to go to the “Shops” – their version of a high end shopping outlet. The prices were reasonable for us but there was no way anything there (furniture and glass art) was going to fit in my suitcase. After a nice Italian meal (I was dying for pizza) we went to the Nelspruit Botanical Gardens for a walk. Quite a pretty trek through the Rain Forrest.
Our evening Rotary Meeting was at a gigantic house in Nelspruit. The pool in the backyard was build to almost run off the cliff overlooking the mountains. It’s such a shame we couldn’t be there during the day – I’m sure the view is amazing….
May 16, 2007
May 15th
May 15th
There Are Rocks In My Napkin
We left Swaziland this morning and were handed over at the border to two fellows from Barberton. What an amazing beautiful part of the country. I would love a week here just to hike through the mountains. It’s a very small community – about 5,000 people and has the cutest downtown area. It’s almost a place where everyone knows everyone else.
We arrive at a Jewelry Center - which is actually a training program for students. We got a tour of the shop and walked around the store. A bunch of the girls dropped some serious rand in the store but I’m holding out for some diamonds ;)
Following the tour we all hopped intro this really old Toyota mini bus (the kind that has the third row seating on both the left and right side that face each other). We were off to see the Resource Center. Unfortunately the bus had another idea. After stopping at the ATM the little Toyota that could – couldn’t. We could get back up the hill to the Factory or the Resource Center. We thought we were going to have to push so we all did a little chant (I think I can, I think I can) and tried to rock back and forth to give the car a little encouragement up the hill. IT didn’t work. We backed the car down the hill and tried to find a alternative route. We finally made it back to the Factory and took two cars to the Resource Center.
The Resource Center is in the basement of the library and has a study/reading room and about 17 computer terminals. It just opened two years ago and serve a great need in the community. The kids pay $15 rand (just over $2) for three month of computer and Internet access. If any of the children can’t afford it they will “scholarship” them but haven’t had a need to date. It was interesting because the kids are from preschool age on up and most are there without parents. All of them were really well behaved. We then walked up the street and visited the oldest and first stock exchange in South Africa (Barbenton was the first gold mines in SA). We then went back to the Factory for host pick up. Meesh and I went with George who had the unfortunate pleasure of spending the afternoon with us (the lone guy) and we went back to his house to meet his wife a pets (2 cats, one dog). I was put in the cat free room ;)
We went to the Barbenton Rotary Meeting which prides itself on “breaking the rules”. They are a very informal club. We started the meeting outside on the patio (it’s at a golf course) however, a small hurricane (by my standards) decided to pop through and we couldn’t keep anything from blowing over. So after we stood the winds and did our presentations we moved the party inside. When I went to grab my napkin from the mug on the table – out came a whole mug full of rocks. Interesting – the rocks weren’t even heavy enough to stop the wind out side… Dinner was served a bit “late” and we then headed home for a “night cap” and some good conversation with our hosts…
Tomorrow I’m hopefully off to Kruger…
There Are Rocks In My Napkin
We left Swaziland this morning and were handed over at the border to two fellows from Barberton. What an amazing beautiful part of the country. I would love a week here just to hike through the mountains. It’s a very small community – about 5,000 people and has the cutest downtown area. It’s almost a place where everyone knows everyone else.
We arrive at a Jewelry Center - which is actually a training program for students. We got a tour of the shop and walked around the store. A bunch of the girls dropped some serious rand in the store but I’m holding out for some diamonds ;)
Following the tour we all hopped intro this really old Toyota mini bus (the kind that has the third row seating on both the left and right side that face each other). We were off to see the Resource Center. Unfortunately the bus had another idea. After stopping at the ATM the little Toyota that could – couldn’t. We could get back up the hill to the Factory or the Resource Center. We thought we were going to have to push so we all did a little chant (I think I can, I think I can) and tried to rock back and forth to give the car a little encouragement up the hill. IT didn’t work. We backed the car down the hill and tried to find a alternative route. We finally made it back to the Factory and took two cars to the Resource Center.
The Resource Center is in the basement of the library and has a study/reading room and about 17 computer terminals. It just opened two years ago and serve a great need in the community. The kids pay $15 rand (just over $2) for three month of computer and Internet access. If any of the children can’t afford it they will “scholarship” them but haven’t had a need to date. It was interesting because the kids are from preschool age on up and most are there without parents. All of them were really well behaved. We then walked up the street and visited the oldest and first stock exchange in South Africa (Barbenton was the first gold mines in SA). We then went back to the Factory for host pick up. Meesh and I went with George who had the unfortunate pleasure of spending the afternoon with us (the lone guy) and we went back to his house to meet his wife a pets (2 cats, one dog). I was put in the cat free room ;)
We went to the Barbenton Rotary Meeting which prides itself on “breaking the rules”. They are a very informal club. We started the meeting outside on the patio (it’s at a golf course) however, a small hurricane (by my standards) decided to pop through and we couldn’t keep anything from blowing over. So after we stood the winds and did our presentations we moved the party inside. When I went to grab my napkin from the mug on the table – out came a whole mug full of rocks. Interesting – the rocks weren’t even heavy enough to stop the wind out side… Dinner was served a bit “late” and we then headed home for a “night cap” and some good conversation with our hosts…
Tomorrow I’m hopefully off to Kruger…
May 14, 2007
Construction
This is the frame for a house, They use sticks to make a frame that is tall and wide enough to the fill with rocks to fill in the walls. So interesting....
MAy 13th & 14th
May 13th
Holy Sunday
I went to Church with Pastor Ken and Brenda today. I’m convinced the only reason why the roof didn’t cave in when I went in was that I was with a Pastor and his wife ;)
The church that Pastor Ken is at is almost like a Baptist Church. Quite different from my Catholic upbringing – I think I did more singing in church this morning than I’ve ever done in my life. Thankfully – or unthankfully to those who had to listen to me – it was in English and no Swazi.
After mass I met a little girl whose 6th Birthday it was. It’s very interesting when you’re standing there trying to ask what’s she’s doing for her Birthday without asking questions with high expectations (are you having a party, what did you ask for - for your Birthday) because you have no idea what a “celebration” is like in her life. Her care taker (her fathers, brothers wife) jumped in and started talking about baking a cake and wrapping presents. But still – I’m sure her “Birthday Celebration” is nothing life we some of the kids experience in the states.
Following church, Ken, Brenda and I hopped in a car and went to a driving tour of Swaziland. On the way we pulled over on the side of the road to take photos of the land and could hear chanting and singing. The was a short path leading to a small Swazi Village and a Zion Church Ceremony was going on. Pastor Ken decided to head down the hill, Brenda stayed in the car and I went hiking down. An teen from the street saw our car stop and decided to befriend us and come down the hill with us to Church – he said it was his Church but I don’t quite think that was the truth. As we got closer, I have to tell you some of the singing sounded quite angry to my ears and I was almost afraid they were going not welcome strangers. Thankfully being a Pastor carried some weight here. There were about 40 people (men, women, children) crammed into one hut – women on one side, men on the other and they were singing and dancing. They welcomed us in and started signing. After about a minute they pulled Ken to the other side of the hut because we were both on the woman’s side. So now we were properly divided. We stayed for two songs and then all of a sudden they started carrying in two large arm chairs (like ones you would have in your living room). We then have to leave because Brenda was in the car. The teenage followed us up the hill and asked for a ride to Piggs Peak (where we were going). Ken hesitated but told him to jump in. As we rode, he asked the teenage what the chairs were for – as we were told they were being brought in for us to sit in. This hut was no bigger than my bedroom and they were brining in this huge “luxury” chairs for us to sit in and be comfortable.
We dropped the teen off at the market and headed up the road a bit to stop for a drink and a bite to eat. After taking a few photos, having a cheese and tomato (which I’m questioning right about now) we headed back home. On the way we saw a beautiful setting on the sun over some of the valley and mountains in Swaziland and encountered some goat wandering in the middle of the streets. Very common here – and they made for a fun photo.
May 14th
A Hard Day
Today is just one of those days that is just hard. We visited one Rotary project where they had put in water pumps/filtration for a school and because the school has been on holiday one of the bins was flowing over wasting gallons and gallons of clean water. Very hard to see while the county is in a drought. It’s not Rotary’s fault but the hazards that come with some of the projects that are not maintained by the recipients properly.
On the way to the next projects we drove by a dump. You could see the trash piled very high – and then watch the children running though it to pick up any scraps of food or material they could use – bare foot. I don’t know if it was that or the horrible bumpy ride that very quickly made me feel quite ready to toss my breakfast. Nothing much could prepare us for what we saw next – a visit to the Manzini Orphanage.
There are 33 kids in the program – most orphans from AIDS parents and some just walked up the mountain and abandoned by family. The facility was so much more than they ever would have had on their own but by US views – we wouldn’t let most household animals in some of the rooms they live in. The children were all very well behaved – playing with each other and make shift toys they made from old bottles or spare scraps of metal. Inside one of the rooms has two beds – with five children sharing it. The bathrooms and shower were enough to make you want cry.
We went down the hill to the chicken coop where they raise chickens for food and to sell (while walking through the kitchen they were gutting a chicken for dinner – I saw parts being yanked out I wasn’t even sure where they came from), we went to the area where the pigs are kept (and there isn’t enough food for the kids, never mind to feed the pigs), and to the crop area where they are growing cabbage, beans, potatoes to eat and sell (however water supply has been in such shortage the crops were really suffering).
Earlier in the day I had run to the store for a cookie fix (not something you find easily around here). I had bought some chocolate wafers and Chips Ahoys (yum – CC Cookies). We snacked on them on the car ride and after I got in the car following the visit I decided there was a better place for those cookies than on my hips. So I ran out and gave them to one of the care takers. And you feel horrible that you don’t have more for these children. That you can’t do more before you leave. The Orphanage cost $11,000 Rand a month to run – about $2,000 US. And they rely on one off donations – not a way you can run with the lives of 33 children depending on you. They are working to become self sufficient – however you can only do so much with a drought issue (selling vegetables) and children who can work some but really aren’t there or equipped to fun a farm. Makes you feel very thankful for the upbringing and family and friends that you have.
I give credit to my parents – because I know even when we were very tightly budgeted as a family they would make sure that other kids in my class would have lunch for a school field trip (because the school couldn’t provide food outside school property) or that families would have a good Christmas (though volunteering at Toys for Tots). As I told the Rotary Club tonight at the meeting – they are two pillars of “Service Above Self” and I’m thankful that they have raised me to be able to be able to appreciate what I have and try to help others….
I’m exhausted.
Holy Sunday
I went to Church with Pastor Ken and Brenda today. I’m convinced the only reason why the roof didn’t cave in when I went in was that I was with a Pastor and his wife ;)
The church that Pastor Ken is at is almost like a Baptist Church. Quite different from my Catholic upbringing – I think I did more singing in church this morning than I’ve ever done in my life. Thankfully – or unthankfully to those who had to listen to me – it was in English and no Swazi.
After mass I met a little girl whose 6th Birthday it was. It’s very interesting when you’re standing there trying to ask what’s she’s doing for her Birthday without asking questions with high expectations (are you having a party, what did you ask for - for your Birthday) because you have no idea what a “celebration” is like in her life. Her care taker (her fathers, brothers wife) jumped in and started talking about baking a cake and wrapping presents. But still – I’m sure her “Birthday Celebration” is nothing life we some of the kids experience in the states.
Following church, Ken, Brenda and I hopped in a car and went to a driving tour of Swaziland. On the way we pulled over on the side of the road to take photos of the land and could hear chanting and singing. The was a short path leading to a small Swazi Village and a Zion Church Ceremony was going on. Pastor Ken decided to head down the hill, Brenda stayed in the car and I went hiking down. An teen from the street saw our car stop and decided to befriend us and come down the hill with us to Church – he said it was his Church but I don’t quite think that was the truth. As we got closer, I have to tell you some of the singing sounded quite angry to my ears and I was almost afraid they were going not welcome strangers. Thankfully being a Pastor carried some weight here. There were about 40 people (men, women, children) crammed into one hut – women on one side, men on the other and they were singing and dancing. They welcomed us in and started signing. After about a minute they pulled Ken to the other side of the hut because we were both on the woman’s side. So now we were properly divided. We stayed for two songs and then all of a sudden they started carrying in two large arm chairs (like ones you would have in your living room). We then have to leave because Brenda was in the car. The teenage followed us up the hill and asked for a ride to Piggs Peak (where we were going). Ken hesitated but told him to jump in. As we rode, he asked the teenage what the chairs were for – as we were told they were being brought in for us to sit in. This hut was no bigger than my bedroom and they were brining in this huge “luxury” chairs for us to sit in and be comfortable.
We dropped the teen off at the market and headed up the road a bit to stop for a drink and a bite to eat. After taking a few photos, having a cheese and tomato (which I’m questioning right about now) we headed back home. On the way we saw a beautiful setting on the sun over some of the valley and mountains in Swaziland and encountered some goat wandering in the middle of the streets. Very common here – and they made for a fun photo.
May 14th
A Hard Day
Today is just one of those days that is just hard. We visited one Rotary project where they had put in water pumps/filtration for a school and because the school has been on holiday one of the bins was flowing over wasting gallons and gallons of clean water. Very hard to see while the county is in a drought. It’s not Rotary’s fault but the hazards that come with some of the projects that are not maintained by the recipients properly.
On the way to the next projects we drove by a dump. You could see the trash piled very high – and then watch the children running though it to pick up any scraps of food or material they could use – bare foot. I don’t know if it was that or the horrible bumpy ride that very quickly made me feel quite ready to toss my breakfast. Nothing much could prepare us for what we saw next – a visit to the Manzini Orphanage.
There are 33 kids in the program – most orphans from AIDS parents and some just walked up the mountain and abandoned by family. The facility was so much more than they ever would have had on their own but by US views – we wouldn’t let most household animals in some of the rooms they live in. The children were all very well behaved – playing with each other and make shift toys they made from old bottles or spare scraps of metal. Inside one of the rooms has two beds – with five children sharing it. The bathrooms and shower were enough to make you want cry.
We went down the hill to the chicken coop where they raise chickens for food and to sell (while walking through the kitchen they were gutting a chicken for dinner – I saw parts being yanked out I wasn’t even sure where they came from), we went to the area where the pigs are kept (and there isn’t enough food for the kids, never mind to feed the pigs), and to the crop area where they are growing cabbage, beans, potatoes to eat and sell (however water supply has been in such shortage the crops were really suffering).
Earlier in the day I had run to the store for a cookie fix (not something you find easily around here). I had bought some chocolate wafers and Chips Ahoys (yum – CC Cookies). We snacked on them on the car ride and after I got in the car following the visit I decided there was a better place for those cookies than on my hips. So I ran out and gave them to one of the care takers. And you feel horrible that you don’t have more for these children. That you can’t do more before you leave. The Orphanage cost $11,000 Rand a month to run – about $2,000 US. And they rely on one off donations – not a way you can run with the lives of 33 children depending on you. They are working to become self sufficient – however you can only do so much with a drought issue (selling vegetables) and children who can work some but really aren’t there or equipped to fun a farm. Makes you feel very thankful for the upbringing and family and friends that you have.
I give credit to my parents – because I know even when we were very tightly budgeted as a family they would make sure that other kids in my class would have lunch for a school field trip (because the school couldn’t provide food outside school property) or that families would have a good Christmas (though volunteering at Toys for Tots). As I told the Rotary Club tonight at the meeting – they are two pillars of “Service Above Self” and I’m thankful that they have raised me to be able to be able to appreciate what I have and try to help others….
I’m exhausted.
May 12, 2007
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