here are photos taken by one of the group members. he uploaded them at an internet cafe this weekend. its hard for us to upload pictures so this is perfect!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kadis/sets/72157614106058511/
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
cow dreams
University, Kennedy Road, Feeding Scheme, Going Out, South Coast
Our last week was jam packed: we had lectures, excursions, and a great weekend trip.
On Thursday we went to the University of KwaZulu Natal which is very near to us. The cutest old professor gave a lecture on race and ethnicity and we finally got a chance to see/minimally interact with S. Africans our age. It also made us really miss being at WashU. But we experienced things at UKZN that you simply cannot in St. Louis, such as seeing about 20 monkeys running around, wrestling, playing, and carrying babies! (In front of the dorms =).
Then in the afternoon we went to an informal settlement known as Kennedy Road where we had a tour though the shacks where over 7,000 families live, right next to a dump. Before going we read about a movement that had sprung out of the community and when we were there we were able to talk to the leaders about their struggle for land, housing, dignity, and a voice in the government. The community also had an all male award winning acapella group that performed pieces for us that spoke about issues that they faced.
On Friday morning, Stephanie had a chance to go a local primary school and help make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for over 100 children with a group called the KZN Youth Empowerment Program (YEP). YEP is led by four young men from the community who have dedicated the last four years to feeding, mentoring and educating primary and secondary kids from the area. They do the feeding scheme, run a life skills class for teens and put on social events. They were incredibly inspirational and do the kind of work we both see ourselves involved in, in the future. We will both have a chance to help this Friday.
Friday night we had a chance to go out for the first time. We went to a place
called News Café with Stephanie’s younger sisters and one of their friends. We had a great time meeting local S. Africans. =) We hope to go dancing later this week.
On Saturday morning we drove about 2 ½ hours to the South Coast where we went on a 4 hour walk. First we paddle boated, then walked along the shore looking at fossils and caves (and simple stunning scenery in general all around. Aka ocean and mountains etc.) for 2 hours. Then we took a break to swim before heading uphill for 2 more hours (through THE locale where Blood Diamond was shot). We arrived deliriously exhausted singing The Lion King “Can you feel the love tonight?” and jumping like a gazelle (Steph) through the African savannah. That’s right. We also hallucinated that cows would come carry us the rest of the way…yeah… So, then we had lunch in a hut on the floor surrounded by chickens/roosters. Dead tired we later arrived at the beach house where we were staying the night and had a braai (aka barbeque). It was fun.
Sunday we drove home, did homework, slept, etc. Right now we’re on our lunch break and writing to all those we love, aka you reader you. = ) (We may still be a bit delirious.)
Our last week was jam packed: we had lectures, excursions, and a great weekend trip.
On Thursday we went to the University of KwaZulu Natal which is very near to us. The cutest old professor gave a lecture on race and ethnicity and we finally got a chance to see/minimally interact with S. Africans our age. It also made us really miss being at WashU. But we experienced things at UKZN that you simply cannot in St. Louis, such as seeing about 20 monkeys running around, wrestling, playing, and carrying babies! (In front of the dorms =).
Then in the afternoon we went to an informal settlement known as Kennedy Road where we had a tour though the shacks where over 7,000 families live, right next to a dump. Before going we read about a movement that had sprung out of the community and when we were there we were able to talk to the leaders about their struggle for land, housing, dignity, and a voice in the government. The community also had an all male award winning acapella group that performed pieces for us that spoke about issues that they faced.
On Friday morning, Stephanie had a chance to go a local primary school and help make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for over 100 children with a group called the KZN Youth Empowerment Program (YEP). YEP is led by four young men from the community who have dedicated the last four years to feeding, mentoring and educating primary and secondary kids from the area. They do the feeding scheme, run a life skills class for teens and put on social events. They were incredibly inspirational and do the kind of work we both see ourselves involved in, in the future. We will both have a chance to help this Friday.
Friday night we had a chance to go out for the first time. We went to a place
called News Café with Stephanie’s younger sisters and one of their friends. We had a great time meeting local S. Africans. =) We hope to go dancing later this week.
On Saturday morning we drove about 2 ½ hours to the South Coast where we went on a 4 hour walk. First we paddle boated, then walked along the shore looking at fossils and caves (and simple stunning scenery in general all around. Aka ocean and mountains etc.) for 2 hours. Then we took a break to swim before heading uphill for 2 more hours (through THE locale where Blood Diamond was shot). We arrived deliriously exhausted singing The Lion King “Can you feel the love tonight?” and jumping like a gazelle (Steph) through the African savannah. That’s right. We also hallucinated that cows would come carry us the rest of the way…yeah… So, then we had lunch in a hut on the floor surrounded by chickens/roosters. Dead tired we later arrived at the beach house where we were staying the night and had a braai (aka barbeque). It was fun.
Sunday we drove home, did homework, slept, etc. Right now we’re on our lunch break and writing to all those we love, aka you reader you. = ) (We may still be a bit delirious.)
Monday, February 9, 2009
our 1st weekend with the family!
Hello again friends and fam!
So we just had our first weekend at our new homes with our Cato Manor families! My (Stephanie) family consists of a Mama and two sisis Mandisa (16) and Andi (18). Becky’s family consists of a Mama, a bhuti (9) who lives in town with his town, a sisi (14) who goes to boarding school and a malume (uncle, 26) who lives at home. Friday afternoon we all got dropped off and met and shared our gifts from home and started adjusting…
Some of the interesting challenges I (steph) have faced so far include bathing and washing my hair with a bucket of water, and not being allowed to help clean up (yet, they said they will let me eventually). My sisi and mama also asked if I could cook (haha) and demanded to know why not when I said “no”. My mama also told me regardless of my skill or lack thereof I HAVE to cook them dinner. Becky said she’ll help me. Thank goodness. My sisis took me on a walk around the neighborhood on Friday night and I’ve also gone on later walks with both of them which I really enjoy. I think the neighborhood- super hilly with houses everywhere- is gorgeous and I love playing with all of the neighborhood kids. It’s especially beautiful at night when the lights from the houses make it seem as if there are stars in the surrounding hillsides.
On Saturday, Becky and her bhuti and me and Mandisa and 11 other american students/south africa siblings met up at the beach. The waves were SOOOO POWERFUL. I have never fought so hard to a) survive and b) keep my swimsuit on. I also found sand in my ears (and elsewhere) much later in the day and we’re not sure if its completely out of our hair yet. On Sunday, I (Steph) went to church at the Jesus Dome, that’s right the Jesus Dome, with my family. I loved the singing, dancing and shouting out of praises that began the service but the sermon left much to be desired. Afterwards we went to the Workshop which is a complex with tons of outside booths and some inside stores as well. I met up with Becky there and we went grocery shopping. Then back home to do homework and eat dinner and get ready for our first full day of class on Monday. Which I am currently breaking from right now! We’ve begun by learning about S. African history and Zulu. Uyaphi? = Where are you going? That’s your lesson for this update! Hope everything is going great and if you haven’t yet please message me (still Steph) your address so that we can send you a letter or postcard!!!
Its Becky now- Im not sure what else to add except that I’m having a great time. I did washing with my Mama on Saturday and my malume, who was in the backyard trimming the banana branches, teased me saying I wasn’t very good at scrubbing- my mama had to redo what I did. But I could hang the clothes on the line pretty well ;)
Anyways, the suities are overdue for an update! We aren’t the only ones with stories…
So we just had our first weekend at our new homes with our Cato Manor families! My (Stephanie) family consists of a Mama and two sisis Mandisa (16) and Andi (18). Becky’s family consists of a Mama, a bhuti (9) who lives in town with his town, a sisi (14) who goes to boarding school and a malume (uncle, 26) who lives at home. Friday afternoon we all got dropped off and met and shared our gifts from home and started adjusting…
Some of the interesting challenges I (steph) have faced so far include bathing and washing my hair with a bucket of water, and not being allowed to help clean up (yet, they said they will let me eventually). My sisi and mama also asked if I could cook (haha) and demanded to know why not when I said “no”. My mama also told me regardless of my skill or lack thereof I HAVE to cook them dinner. Becky said she’ll help me. Thank goodness. My sisis took me on a walk around the neighborhood on Friday night and I’ve also gone on later walks with both of them which I really enjoy. I think the neighborhood- super hilly with houses everywhere- is gorgeous and I love playing with all of the neighborhood kids. It’s especially beautiful at night when the lights from the houses make it seem as if there are stars in the surrounding hillsides.
On Saturday, Becky and her bhuti and me and Mandisa and 11 other american students/south africa siblings met up at the beach. The waves were SOOOO POWERFUL. I have never fought so hard to a) survive and b) keep my swimsuit on. I also found sand in my ears (and elsewhere) much later in the day and we’re not sure if its completely out of our hair yet. On Sunday, I (Steph) went to church at the Jesus Dome, that’s right the Jesus Dome, with my family. I loved the singing, dancing and shouting out of praises that began the service but the sermon left much to be desired. Afterwards we went to the Workshop which is a complex with tons of outside booths and some inside stores as well. I met up with Becky there and we went grocery shopping. Then back home to do homework and eat dinner and get ready for our first full day of class on Monday. Which I am currently breaking from right now! We’ve begun by learning about S. African history and Zulu. Uyaphi? = Where are you going? That’s your lesson for this update! Hope everything is going great and if you haven’t yet please message me (still Steph) your address so that we can send you a letter or postcard!!!
Its Becky now- Im not sure what else to add except that I’m having a great time. I did washing with my Mama on Saturday and my malume, who was in the backyard trimming the banana branches, teased me saying I wasn’t very good at scrubbing- my mama had to redo what I did. But I could hang the clothes on the line pretty well ;)
Anyways, the suities are overdue for an update! We aren’t the only ones with stories…
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Update I...continued
For the past couple of days we’ve been staying in Marianhill, a community outside of Durban that is based around a monastery and includes an inn, hospital, schools, and kids’ boarding house. We also finally were able to shop for necessities- including cell phones. Our received calls are free too! So call us! Becky’s number is 0711773534 and mine is 0799333007. I’m not sure what the country number is though…so more info on how to reach us later. We also, obviously, finally have a bit of email access though that is rather random as well. FYI, we are 7 hours ahead of people in Florida/Indiana and 8 hrs ahead of you all in St. Louis. Yesterday, we had group drop offs around Durban- aka the group (of 22) was divided into four groups and plunked down in random (mainly touristy) parts of the city and told to explore and pay attention for about an hour and a half and then meet back at a central location by using public transport. That was a very interesting and fun experience. Today we had our first official Zulu lesson, learned about Zulu customs in prep for our moving into our homestay family homes TOMORROW! We also had a fascinating tour of the monastery by the most baller monk every- trust me his clothes and hair and everything you would not believe. Random facts about S.A. so far- it’s absolutely stunning- the flowers and lush green everywhere is breathtaking, the people seem to be generally friendly and our group is getting along really well. That’s about all for now but trust us you will probably hear some very interesting stories soon after we move in with our new families…. (dun dun dunnnn).
You’ll just have to wait and see. = )
Also, please send us your addresses! Our address is:
School for International Training
Postnet Suite 151
Private Bag XO4
Dalbridge
4014
South Africa
You’ll just have to wait and see. = )
Also, please send us your addresses! Our address is:
School for International Training
Postnet Suite 151
Private Bag XO4
Dalbridge
4014
South Africa
UPDATE:
Sanibonani! Unjani? (Hi, how are you?!)
We miss everyone so much but we’ve been having a great time!
For Stephanie, our journey began at noon last Wednesday. The snow did not prevent her from getting on the 2 hr flight from Indy to Dallas, followed by the long haul of 9 hrs from Dallas to London. Becky had a slightly shorter journey only 7 hours from Miami to London. There we were able to find each other in the huge airport despite not agreeing on a location to meet =[. We sat down to eat and launched into a huge conversation (of course!) and so when we looked up at the screen with flight info- we saw that the GATE WAS CLOSING for our flight! Lol but apparently they say that a little early because we definitely had enough time. When we arrived in Doha, Qatar, 6 hours later we had to walk off the plane and the first thing and only we saw in the humid night air was a nearby McDonald sign…of course. We then did our final 9 hr flight to Johannesburg where we met another person on the program, the director, John Daniels and a leader, Langa. Langa brought us to our lodging outside of the city, a Catholic monastery, where we napped, swam in a icy pool, and waited for the rest of the group to arrive. We spent the next few days bonding by visiting the Apartheid Museum and a few other places in the city. It is a huge and very busy city. We did not have email/phone access until Monday. On Monday we left the city on our two minivans and drove 7 hrs to Durban. The drive was beautiful- the country is full of green, tropical mountains – and very fun (Langa kept us supplied with lots of good music =).
Ahh we are out of time to write now but will finish updating tomorrow!
We love and miss you!
We miss everyone so much but we’ve been having a great time!
For Stephanie, our journey began at noon last Wednesday. The snow did not prevent her from getting on the 2 hr flight from Indy to Dallas, followed by the long haul of 9 hrs from Dallas to London. Becky had a slightly shorter journey only 7 hours from Miami to London. There we were able to find each other in the huge airport despite not agreeing on a location to meet =[. We sat down to eat and launched into a huge conversation (of course!) and so when we looked up at the screen with flight info- we saw that the GATE WAS CLOSING for our flight! Lol but apparently they say that a little early because we definitely had enough time. When we arrived in Doha, Qatar, 6 hours later we had to walk off the plane and the first thing and only we saw in the humid night air was a nearby McDonald sign…of course. We then did our final 9 hr flight to Johannesburg where we met another person on the program, the director, John Daniels and a leader, Langa. Langa brought us to our lodging outside of the city, a Catholic monastery, where we napped, swam in a icy pool, and waited for the rest of the group to arrive. We spent the next few days bonding by visiting the Apartheid Museum and a few other places in the city. It is a huge and very busy city. We did not have email/phone access until Monday. On Monday we left the city on our two minivans and drove 7 hrs to Durban. The drive was beautiful- the country is full of green, tropical mountains – and very fun (Langa kept us supplied with lots of good music =).
Ahh we are out of time to write now but will finish updating tomorrow!
We love and miss you!
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