For every Thursday that I've been here, it feels like a Tuesday. I announce it every time. Again, today feels like a Tuesday. This week just flew past me. For my own personal sake, I will write down a recap of the week so far:
Sunday: Aquila Safari
Monday: Work (meeting). OHSOSORE. The Office.
Tuesday: Work. Noon Gun Tea Room for dinner - Bo Kaap neighborhood.
Wednesday: Work (picture day - staff & new products, another meeting). Italian dinner night. Bourne Identity. Lunar Eclipse & hot chocolate.
Thursday: Work (scheduled to go into a township today: Gugulethu). Connect intern drinks at Asoka.
weekend plans: Dirty Skirts & Johnny Neon concert (indie electronica) at The Assembly. Beach. Sunday potluck brunch. Church. Cape Town scavenger hunt. Haagen Dazs. Celebrate Natasha's birthday. SLEEP.
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Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Picture Update One.
Dinner at Saigon (Kloof Street).
Valentine's Day / Neha's surprise birthday braai on the rooftop.
On the peak of Lion's Head!
Playing the djembe & hiking back down Lion's Head.
Wola Nani handcrafted bowls.
(Click to enlarge)
thanks : )
thanks : )
Monday, February 18, 2008
My Weekend Scoop
I had one of the best weekends of my entire life.
Not even exaggerating.
Friday: I hiked up Lion's Head for the second time...but I actually hiked my way to the top for the first time. It was more challenging
because we took the tougher route where you have to propel yourself up with a hanging chain. Scary, to say the least. And not to mention that once you get past the chain part, you have to free climb big rocks to get to the peak. But despite all of the moments of doubt where I thought I would fall over, collapse, and roll down the mountain...I felt like I was on top of the world when I reached the peak. It was breathtakingly beautiful - the panoramic view was something I've never seen before: mountains, the ocean, the city, and hillsides of residents. A couple of us decided to stay and soak in the scenery, while taking advantage of the situation to do a photo shoot. My heart raced like it never did before as I took pictures for the girls because they were sitting, standing, and waving 
on the edge of a cliff. But when I saw how they turned out, I wanted some as well... so I built my courage and went out there. I was pretty much shaking the whole time, but the feeling was (fill in the blank with some adjective better than amazing/awesome/incredible). After the photo-opp. we decided to head back down but then we bumped into a group of South African guys. They were carrying instruments & lanterns with them, and I was so intrigued by the guys with the djembes so I went up to one of them and asked if I could play. He handed me the smaller one and told me to follow his beat. I caught on for a little while, but then he sped up and then I lost the rhythm. 
It was a blast though. And I was ecstatic about the opportunity because playing the djembe was one of the things I wanted to do! I am definitely going to bring one home as my carry-on. Well, after our little jam session, we headed back down the mountain and caught the amazing sunset.
After the hike & dinner, we decided to go out to another fun place besides Long Street, so we decided to head to the Obz area (aka the SoHo area of Cape Town; also where I work). We jumped from Stones (definitely a college hangout - pool tables, games, and punk rock music) to Roots (a beachy-tiki themed place, but with a cool & fun atmosphere inside). My roommates and I danced away to the techno/house music although no one else would join us. I guess techno is hard to get into, but it made me nostalgic for all the French clubs from last semester. It was a fun night, overall. Oh, and we finished this gigantic vanilla cake w/ hot pink glittery frosting from Neha's surprise birthday party. Deelish.
Saturday: I slept in. Like woah. Like until 3 pm. It was glorious. But as soon as I woke up, I had to get ready quickly to catch the cab for the rugby game. It was the Cape Town Stormers versus the Pretoria Bulls. I love sports games for the sole reason of excitement. There is a certain energy buzz at games that I can't get anywhere else - men shouting their heads off, the smell of greasy fried foods, everyone dressed up in their team colors, and wild crowds. I love it. And this game was no exception - if anything, it was one of the best games I've been to. And it was also my first rugby game. I've never even seen it on tv, so I was confused with the rules and tactics...but it was loads of fun. It's such a direct contact sport, very brute and fierce. We were doing well the first half, but we ended up losing the game in the second half. Good game, though. We grabbed dinner at a local casual hotspot called Rafiki's (mmmm, falafel pita) and then headed home. After watching Thank You For Smoking, we called it a night.
Sunday: Greatest day in Africa yet. Woke up at 6 am because a group of 10 of us decided to go on a mini-safari.
So we had to meet early to drive two hours away from Cape Town to a resort-like place called Aquila. After a close-call of not getting there on time, we were relieved when we finally arrived and were welcomed with a yummy breakfast buffet. I filled up on eggs, fruit, toast, sausages, and apple juice. I was pulled out of a hat to be in the morning group (thank God!) so as soon as we finished breakfast, we jumped onto our horses to start the tour. I was placed with a beautiful, black 12-year old female horse named Raven. She was a very jealous and dominating horse though because our tour guide said she never let any horse pass her (apart from the leader horse). 
I felt bad for my friend behind me because Raven would keep trying to kick her horse, Shadow. But I secretly enjoyed being in the front because the pictures I took were a little clearer. Anywho. The tour was great. We started off riding by a lake where there were Egyptian geese and a family of hippops napping away on an island. I LOVE HIPPOS! They're so lazy & cute (but I hear also very dangerous). Then we started riding onto a more rough and rocky terrain with lots of bushes and things like that - very desert like. We spotted a lot of Springbok (their national animal) and saw a herd of Black Wilderbeasts. Ooooh, they were scary. The leader of the pack 
was obviously very territorial and started to motion for us to leave. So we continued along our way, spotted more Springbok, and then made our way to...the ELEPHANTS! There were two of them - two baby boys (human raised) - and they were oh so cute. We didn't have much time to watch them because some of the horses in our group kept trying to go into the pond near the elephants so we had to move along. We saw the rhinos next. They were hiding really well in the grass because there were big rocks behind them, but we actually got pretty close to them. They're a lazy bunch as well, it seemed. We spotted the zebras next. They were beautiful! It was so surreal seeing them in real life. They were horses - just with stripes and a mohawk. Up next were the giraffes. There were two of them, gracefully walking 
underneath the shade of tall trees. They were pretty young, still, compared to the ones I saw in France, but they were still very tall. Giraffes were the last ones we saw, to my sad disbelief. But it was an awesome game viewing all in all. I am hoping to see the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) sometime before I leave. Our horses didn't gallop like I wanted them to, but it was nice traveling around horse-back. I wish I could have lived in those days without automobiles. Just to see what it would've been like. But anywho, once we returned we were welcomed again with a lunch buffet. This time, I stuffed myself with lots of different kinds of salad, bbq chicken, sauteed veggies, cheese, and desserts. While the afternoon group set off on their game viewing, the rest of 
us stayed behind at the outdoor pool/lounge and napped/tanned. But man, as I was laying out...I was thinking about how lucky I am to be here...and sometimes it just feels like a big dream. I actually had to close my eyes for a minute during the safari and open them again to see if it was real. I just feel so lucky. The safari was definitely my favorite activity yet. It was like taking a glimpse of Lion King...in real life form.
So that's that.
Another memorable weekend.
(Click to enlarge)
Work is finally starting to pick up.
I am taking on a few more projects, apart from revamping the website. And I will be going into a couple of townships this week!
Oh, and after work yesterday, a group of us went to Sea Point during sunset to play soccer. It was pretty much my first time, but I got a good workout out of it. And the boardwalk was absolutely gorgeous with the huge waves crashing and the sunset in the background.
Once I find the time, pictures will be added to all this jibber jabber.
lots of love.
Not even exaggerating.
Friday: I hiked up Lion's Head for the second time...but I actually hiked my way to the top for the first time. It was more challenging
because we took the tougher route where you have to propel yourself up with a hanging chain. Scary, to say the least. And not to mention that once you get past the chain part, you have to free climb big rocks to get to the peak. But despite all of the moments of doubt where I thought I would fall over, collapse, and roll down the mountain...I felt like I was on top of the world when I reached the peak. It was breathtakingly beautiful - the panoramic view was something I've never seen before: mountains, the ocean, the city, and hillsides of residents. A couple of us decided to stay and soak in the scenery, while taking advantage of the situation to do a photo shoot. My heart raced like it never did before as I took pictures for the girls because they were sitting, standing, and waving 
on the edge of a cliff. But when I saw how they turned out, I wanted some as well... so I built my courage and went out there. I was pretty much shaking the whole time, but the feeling was (fill in the blank with some adjective better than amazing/awesome/incredible). After the photo-opp. we decided to head back down but then we bumped into a group of South African guys. They were carrying instruments & lanterns with them, and I was so intrigued by the guys with the djembes so I went up to one of them and asked if I could play. He handed me the smaller one and told me to follow his beat. I caught on for a little while, but then he sped up and then I lost the rhythm. 
It was a blast though. And I was ecstatic about the opportunity because playing the djembe was one of the things I wanted to do! I am definitely going to bring one home as my carry-on. Well, after our little jam session, we headed back down the mountain and caught the amazing sunset.After the hike & dinner, we decided to go out to another fun place besides Long Street, so we decided to head to the Obz area (aka the SoHo area of Cape Town; also where I work). We jumped from Stones (definitely a college hangout - pool tables, games, and punk rock music) to Roots (a beachy-tiki themed place, but with a cool & fun atmosphere inside). My roommates and I danced away to the techno/house music although no one else would join us. I guess techno is hard to get into, but it made me nostalgic for all the French clubs from last semester. It was a fun night, overall. Oh, and we finished this gigantic vanilla cake w/ hot pink glittery frosting from Neha's surprise birthday party. Deelish.
Saturday: I slept in. Like woah. Like until 3 pm. It was glorious. But as soon as I woke up, I had to get ready quickly to catch the cab for the rugby game. It was the Cape Town Stormers versus the Pretoria Bulls. I love sports games for the sole reason of excitement. There is a certain energy buzz at games that I can't get anywhere else - men shouting their heads off, the smell of greasy fried foods, everyone dressed up in their team colors, and wild crowds. I love it. And this game was no exception - if anything, it was one of the best games I've been to. And it was also my first rugby game. I've never even seen it on tv, so I was confused with the rules and tactics...but it was loads of fun. It's such a direct contact sport, very brute and fierce. We were doing well the first half, but we ended up losing the game in the second half. Good game, though. We grabbed dinner at a local casual hotspot called Rafiki's (mmmm, falafel pita) and then headed home. After watching Thank You For Smoking, we called it a night.
Sunday: Greatest day in Africa yet. Woke up at 6 am because a group of 10 of us decided to go on a mini-safari.
So we had to meet early to drive two hours away from Cape Town to a resort-like place called Aquila. After a close-call of not getting there on time, we were relieved when we finally arrived and were welcomed with a yummy breakfast buffet. I filled up on eggs, fruit, toast, sausages, and apple juice. I was pulled out of a hat to be in the morning group (thank God!) so as soon as we finished breakfast, we jumped onto our horses to start the tour. I was placed with a beautiful, black 12-year old female horse named Raven. She was a very jealous and dominating horse though because our tour guide said she never let any horse pass her (apart from the leader horse). 
I felt bad for my friend behind me because Raven would keep trying to kick her horse, Shadow. But I secretly enjoyed being in the front because the pictures I took were a little clearer. Anywho. The tour was great. We started off riding by a lake where there were Egyptian geese and a family of hippops napping away on an island. I LOVE HIPPOS! They're so lazy & cute (but I hear also very dangerous). Then we started riding onto a more rough and rocky terrain with lots of bushes and things like that - very desert like. We spotted a lot of Springbok (their national animal) and saw a herd of Black Wilderbeasts. Ooooh, they were scary. The leader of the pack 
was obviously very territorial and started to motion for us to leave. So we continued along our way, spotted more Springbok, and then made our way to...the ELEPHANTS! There were two of them - two baby boys (human raised) - and they were oh so cute. We didn't have much time to watch them because some of the horses in our group kept trying to go into the pond near the elephants so we had to move along. We saw the rhinos next. They were hiding really well in the grass because there were big rocks behind them, but we actually got pretty close to them. They're a lazy bunch as well, it seemed. We spotted the zebras next. They were beautiful! It was so surreal seeing them in real life. They were horses - just with stripes and a mohawk. Up next were the giraffes. There were two of them, gracefully walking 
underneath the shade of tall trees. They were pretty young, still, compared to the ones I saw in France, but they were still very tall. Giraffes were the last ones we saw, to my sad disbelief. But it was an awesome game viewing all in all. I am hoping to see the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) sometime before I leave. Our horses didn't gallop like I wanted them to, but it was nice traveling around horse-back. I wish I could have lived in those days without automobiles. Just to see what it would've been like. But anywho, once we returned we were welcomed again with a lunch buffet. This time, I stuffed myself with lots of different kinds of salad, bbq chicken, sauteed veggies, cheese, and desserts. While the afternoon group set off on their game viewing, the rest of 
us stayed behind at the outdoor pool/lounge and napped/tanned. But man, as I was laying out...I was thinking about how lucky I am to be here...and sometimes it just feels like a big dream. I actually had to close my eyes for a minute during the safari and open them again to see if it was real. I just feel so lucky. The safari was definitely my favorite activity yet. It was like taking a glimpse of Lion King...in real life form.So that's that.
Another memorable weekend.
(Click to enlarge)
Work is finally starting to pick up.
I am taking on a few more projects, apart from revamping the website. And I will be going into a couple of townships this week!
Oh, and after work yesterday, a group of us went to Sea Point during sunset to play soccer. It was pretty much my first time, but I got a good workout out of it. And the boardwalk was absolutely gorgeous with the huge waves crashing and the sunset in the background.
Once I find the time, pictures will be added to all this jibber jabber.
lots of love.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tough Stuff
"One day your life will flash before you eyes. Make sure it is worth watching."
A co-worker was telling us about the news last night, and she told us a 12-year old girl was shot in Jo'Burg and eventually died on the way to the hospital. The crime rate here is so high. So is the death rate. After she told us, she then went on with all the losses she experienced in her life. Her mother had 14 children, and 2 miscarriages. Now, there are only 9 children left. That is just her immediate family; she has lost many more in her extended family. An abnormally large amount of losses.
It's the harsh reality that gets to me and reminds me that life is way too short. Living at my age, there is a mentality of immortality - a feeling of being able to live forever. But it's so not true. I take it day by day, but the long-run and the future is sometimes lost in the back of my mind. I think I need to make a better effort at appreciating everything I am blessed with; the people that love and support me, the little things that make me smile, my basic needs, good health, and especially time.
The experience I have here is already life-changing. And it's only been a week. Everyday, a new door of opportunity opens to learn more about South African culture, their problems and issues that need to be reformed, and the chance to dive deep into this lifestyle.
My carpool buddy, Keith, and I always mention how tough the people have it here. They don't face the daily "struggles" that we deal with: studies, plans for the weekend, and time management. They deal with intense struggles: unemployment, crime, money shortage, and even death.
I don't mean for this to be such a morbid entry. But it's something that is always on my mind now from the stories I hear from co-workers and my fellow intern friends who who work at hospitals. It's just so apparent here and in your face, that you cannot help but think about it...
Well, to end on a happier note...here are some nice quotes about LIFE:
"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams." -Ashley Smith
"Only a life lived for others is a life worth while." -Albert Einstein
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Howard Thurman
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -Anne Frank
"Carpe Diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think." -Horace
A co-worker was telling us about the news last night, and she told us a 12-year old girl was shot in Jo'Burg and eventually died on the way to the hospital. The crime rate here is so high. So is the death rate. After she told us, she then went on with all the losses she experienced in her life. Her mother had 14 children, and 2 miscarriages. Now, there are only 9 children left. That is just her immediate family; she has lost many more in her extended family. An abnormally large amount of losses.
It's the harsh reality that gets to me and reminds me that life is way too short. Living at my age, there is a mentality of immortality - a feeling of being able to live forever. But it's so not true. I take it day by day, but the long-run and the future is sometimes lost in the back of my mind. I think I need to make a better effort at appreciating everything I am blessed with; the people that love and support me, the little things that make me smile, my basic needs, good health, and especially time.
The experience I have here is already life-changing. And it's only been a week. Everyday, a new door of opportunity opens to learn more about South African culture, their problems and issues that need to be reformed, and the chance to dive deep into this lifestyle.
My carpool buddy, Keith, and I always mention how tough the people have it here. They don't face the daily "struggles" that we deal with: studies, plans for the weekend, and time management. They deal with intense struggles: unemployment, crime, money shortage, and even death.
I don't mean for this to be such a morbid entry. But it's something that is always on my mind now from the stories I hear from co-workers and my fellow intern friends who who work at hospitals. It's just so apparent here and in your face, that you cannot help but think about it...
Well, to end on a happier note...here are some nice quotes about LIFE:
"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams." -Ashley Smith
"Only a life lived for others is a life worth while." -Albert Einstein
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Howard Thurman
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -Anne Frank
"Carpe Diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think." -Horace
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
HOWZIT?
Howzit is South Africans' colloquialism of greeting one another.
How cute is it?
11:35 am - Another day in the intern life at Wola Nani.
Not much has been done.
I'm sitting, waiting, wishing to be of some productive help.
Few more minutes and I can finally sit down with my supervisor to chat about my "goals & objectives."
Took some pictures of the workshop and the craft items. Excited to edit them.
Going to a township this week with a co-worker or two. More picture taking there. Possible interviewing. Very anxious to see what their living conditions are like.
Random thoughts:
Almost lunch time! : )
How cute is it?
11:35 am - Another day in the intern life at Wola Nani.
Not much has been done.
I'm sitting, waiting, wishing to be of some productive help.
Few more minutes and I can finally sit down with my supervisor to chat about my "goals & objectives."
Took some pictures of the workshop and the craft items. Excited to edit them.
Going to a township this week with a co-worker or two. More picture taking there. Possible interviewing. Very anxious to see what their living conditions are like.
Random thoughts:
- I wish I had my brita filter here. I miss drinking gallons of water a day.
- English is a rather boring language compared to others. No interesting intonations or accents. Just a bunch of petty grammar.
- There are not enough hours in a day when you start to work. I wish there were 30 hours in a day. Just 6 more to sleep and hang out.
- I had the most vivid and most awful nightmare. I somehow lost all of my teeth from a fight, and it was so graphic and ... REAL. I actually could taste the blood and could feel the looseness of my teeth. I slept through both of my alarm clocks, and probably would've kept sleeping throughout work if it wasn't for my roommate. Bless her heart. She's going to have to put up with more of my bear hibernation-ness.
- If there was a Waffle House, Dunkin' Donuts, Chik-fil-A, a southern diner, and a good Korean restaurant here...my life would be complete.
- I wish I knew more about sports. It's such a great conversation piece.
- My cell phones keep getting crappier and crapper wherever I go. Oh well, as long as they dial and receive.
- The Office has become a daily routine. One episode is like medicine for a day's mundane-ness.
- My roommate is trying to convince me to eat an ostrich burger. Apparently, ostrich is a popular type of game here. Hmmmm. I think I will, but we'll see when the time actually comes around.
- Mangoes are delicious (& cheap) here.
- I want to learn how to play a djembe.
Almost lunch time! : )
Monday, February 11, 2008
Recap of Week One
Monday: Arrival.
Tuesday: Settling in. Dinner at Tank.
Wednesday: First day of work at Wola Nani.
Thursday: Work. Drinks with Connect-123 interns at La Med. dancedancedance at Hemisphere.
Friday: Work. Hike up Lion's Head. First time on Long Street: Dubliner, Jo'Burg, The Waiting Room.
Saturday: Lay out at Clifton Beach number three. Lunch at La Med. Hookah at Bagdad. Chat with Masha at The Waiting Room.
Sunday: Church. Green Point Market. Rainy nap. V & A Waterfront. Atonement.
I'm pooped & happy.
In between all these activities, I am gaining a better grasp at what this country is like. Their
culture is much different than ours, not only in terms of language and food. They possess so much passion & skill, but don't have as many opportunities to utilize them. I went to the Green Point Market yesterday, and was blissfully overwhelmed with what the vendors were carrying. Traditional African art pieces, paintings, CDs, jewelry, hand-carved animals (I already bought myself three elephants!), hand-crocheted pieces, etc. And let me tell you, all of these pieces were legit handmade (with the exception of the rare few touristy/commercialized vendors. like "Someone in Cape Town loves me!" t-shirts ... ugh) But to get to the point, these vendors were not just vendors, trying to sell products that were already factory manufactured and bought at a cheap wholesale price. These people WERE the manufacturers, trying to make a living out of what they make. 
These pieces should be selling for much more than they were actually selling for. But since standards are so low here, they can't help but price them at (more than) affordable prices. It's scary to see first-hand how big of an economic inequality gap there is - there seems to be no middle class. And while it is important to keep in mind that their standards of living are relative to their upbringings, it is a pretty big culture shock when I see how much is lacking. Air conditioning, for one. I live in a high-rise apartment building right in the city, and we do not have AC ciruculation. It tends to get really muggy and hot, especially when it rains. We took a trip to the V & A Waterfront mall, and Kelly (my suite mate) and I were saying how significantly happier we were in an AC environment. I tough
it out without AC, but man...I love it when it's available. Apart from the economic difficulties, there are many great things about the society here. Locals take advantage of the beautiful activities, such as hiking up Lion's Head or Table Mountain. While you bump into a lot of tourists on the hike, you also bump into a lot of locals who seem to go right after work as a daily routine. (I love people who appreciate what they have in front of them.) And time doesn't seem to be much of an important issue here. It is fairly relaxed and easy-going (just like in France). On my first day of work, I spent most of my day just chatting with my co-workers and supervisor. They work, yes. But not like we, Americ
ans, work. There is no "work your way to the top" mentality. It's more like just be successful with what your position entails. So there is more time to get to know the people you work with instead of mindlessly clicking and typing away all day. People will treat you like family once they meet you. Two of my co-workers already gave me an African name! One in Xhosa. And one in Zulu. I should really get them to write it down because it's hard to rememeber. But it's amazing to see how strongly Ubuntu is at work here. This country is a kaleidoscope of people - people from all different walks of life. It is a beautiful city full of beautiful people.
I'm really excited about getting a traditional African dress made for me. After I complimented my co-worker on her beautiful skirt, she took down my measurements and said she will tell her neighbor to make me one as well. yayayy.
Plans for the week ahead: Bo Kaap exploring, salsa dancing, Valentine's Day/surprise birthday party, seal beach, rugby game (Stormers vs. Bulls), game ride (animal viewing on horse back !!), learning how to drive manual, more hiking, and lots of yummy eating out.
Sometimes ... I feel too lucky to be experiencing the world like this.
Tuesday: Settling in. Dinner at Tank.
Wednesday: First day of work at Wola Nani.
Thursday: Work. Drinks with Connect-123 interns at La Med. dancedancedance at Hemisphere.
Friday: Work. Hike up Lion's Head. First time on Long Street: Dubliner, Jo'Burg, The Waiting Room.
Saturday: Lay out at Clifton Beach number three. Lunch at La Med. Hookah at Bagdad. Chat with Masha at The Waiting Room.
Sunday: Church. Green Point Market. Rainy nap. V & A Waterfront. Atonement.
I'm pooped & happy.
In between all these activities, I am gaining a better grasp at what this country is like. Their
culture is much different than ours, not only in terms of language and food. They possess so much passion & skill, but don't have as many opportunities to utilize them. I went to the Green Point Market yesterday, and was blissfully overwhelmed with what the vendors were carrying. Traditional African art pieces, paintings, CDs, jewelry, hand-carved animals (I already bought myself three elephants!), hand-crocheted pieces, etc. And let me tell you, all of these pieces were legit handmade (with the exception of the rare few touristy/commercialized vendors. like "Someone in Cape Town loves me!" t-shirts ... ugh) But to get to the point, these vendors were not just vendors, trying to sell products that were already factory manufactured and bought at a cheap wholesale price. These people WERE the manufacturers, trying to make a living out of what they make. 
These pieces should be selling for much more than they were actually selling for. But since standards are so low here, they can't help but price them at (more than) affordable prices. It's scary to see first-hand how big of an economic inequality gap there is - there seems to be no middle class. And while it is important to keep in mind that their standards of living are relative to their upbringings, it is a pretty big culture shock when I see how much is lacking. Air conditioning, for one. I live in a high-rise apartment building right in the city, and we do not have AC ciruculation. It tends to get really muggy and hot, especially when it rains. We took a trip to the V & A Waterfront mall, and Kelly (my suite mate) and I were saying how significantly happier we were in an AC environment. I tough
it out without AC, but man...I love it when it's available. Apart from the economic difficulties, there are many great things about the society here. Locals take advantage of the beautiful activities, such as hiking up Lion's Head or Table Mountain. While you bump into a lot of tourists on the hike, you also bump into a lot of locals who seem to go right after work as a daily routine. (I love people who appreciate what they have in front of them.) And time doesn't seem to be much of an important issue here. It is fairly relaxed and easy-going (just like in France). On my first day of work, I spent most of my day just chatting with my co-workers and supervisor. They work, yes. But not like we, Americ
ans, work. There is no "work your way to the top" mentality. It's more like just be successful with what your position entails. So there is more time to get to know the people you work with instead of mindlessly clicking and typing away all day. People will treat you like family once they meet you. Two of my co-workers already gave me an African name! One in Xhosa. And one in Zulu. I should really get them to write it down because it's hard to rememeber. But it's amazing to see how strongly Ubuntu is at work here. This country is a kaleidoscope of people - people from all different walks of life. It is a beautiful city full of beautiful people.I'm really excited about getting a traditional African dress made for me. After I complimented my co-worker on her beautiful skirt, she took down my measurements and said she will tell her neighbor to make me one as well. yayayy.
Plans for the week ahead: Bo Kaap exploring, salsa dancing, Valentine's Day/surprise birthday party, seal beach, rugby game (Stormers vs. Bulls), game ride (animal viewing on horse back !!), learning how to drive manual, more hiking, and lots of yummy eating out.
Sometimes ... I feel too lucky to be experiencing the world like this.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
i love you, positive or negative
Wola Nani: Xhosa for "we embrace and develop one another."
A non-profit organization committed to providing a caring and developmental service that enables people living with HIV to respond positively to their status. Through counseling, home care, income generation opportunities, support groups and HIV/AIDS awareness and education, people with HIV are empowered to take control of their lives with confidence, dignity, and hope.
aka: My home for the next 4 months.
I accepted my internship with Wola Nani because I knew I wanted to get a more hands-on look at the non-profit sector, especially of one that specializes in an epidemic that impacts so much of the human race. South Africa has the fastest growing infection rate in the world. I am blessed with this opportunity to do my share and contribute as much of my skills as I can to further promote awareness for this cause.
Today is my first day of work.
It started off with an introductory meeting with the executive director. We sat and talked for a little bit about ourselves and the organization. She then gave me a tour of the office. It was definitely a lot more modest than my last co-op with CSN, but I like it. It's nice, small, and cozy. The employees here are very friendly and open. I was a bit nervous with how they would react to my Asian complexion (seems to be the case that everyone loves to stare at whoever looks different. oh well, at least I intrigue them), but they are all great. I have no clear job description, which is AWESOME. I love the fact that I can have all the flexibility I want to do whatever I want. My main goals are to: give the website a complete makeover, create an online catalog, work on product development ideas, help with design & sales of the craft shop, use photojournalism at the program/counseling sites to make brochures/newsletters, and whatever other help they need. It seems a bit ambitious, but hey...this is my first day of work and I tend to be too ambitious for my own good anyway. It's good to set goals, no? "Shoot for the moon: even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." [ha. ha. ha. gotta love the cheese]
Anyway, take a look at their website.
And look: they have a few products available at Anthropologie
--------
Yesterday's dinner was at this trendy sushi place called Tank. (Cape Quarter)
-Pink mojito (traditional mojito with added raspberry for flavor)
-Eel crunch roll (mmmmm, soaked in oily tempura batter)
Prices were great - for the ambience and awesome food, it only came out to R100. aka $13. I bet anything if it were the same exact restaurant in the states, it would've come out to well over $20. Gotta love the favorable exchange rates.
---------
Tomorrow's plans include: work & then drinks with Connect-123 interns @ La Med (Clifton) & clubbing at Hemisphere. (ABSA Centre)
A non-profit organization committed to providing a caring and developmental service that enables people living with HIV to respond positively to their status. Through counseling, home care, income generation opportunities, support groups and HIV/AIDS awareness and education, people with HIV are empowered to take control of their lives with confidence, dignity, and hope.
aka: My home for the next 4 months.
I accepted my internship with Wola Nani because I knew I wanted to get a more hands-on look at the non-profit sector, especially of one that specializes in an epidemic that impacts so much of the human race. South Africa has the fastest growing infection rate in the world. I am blessed with this opportunity to do my share and contribute as much of my skills as I can to further promote awareness for this cause.
Today is my first day of work.
It started off with an introductory meeting with the executive director. We sat and talked for a little bit about ourselves and the organization. She then gave me a tour of the office. It was definitely a lot more modest than my last co-op with CSN, but I like it. It's nice, small, and cozy. The employees here are very friendly and open. I was a bit nervous with how they would react to my Asian complexion (seems to be the case that everyone loves to stare at whoever looks different. oh well, at least I intrigue them), but they are all great. I have no clear job description, which is AWESOME. I love the fact that I can have all the flexibility I want to do whatever I want. My main goals are to: give the website a complete makeover, create an online catalog, work on product development ideas, help with design & sales of the craft shop, use photojournalism at the program/counseling sites to make brochures/newsletters, and whatever other help they need. It seems a bit ambitious, but hey...this is my first day of work and I tend to be too ambitious for my own good anyway. It's good to set goals, no? "Shoot for the moon: even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." [ha. ha. ha. gotta love the cheese]
Anyway, take a look at their website.
And look: they have a few products available at Anthropologie
--------
Yesterday's dinner was at this trendy sushi place called Tank. (Cape Quarter)
-Pink mojito (traditional mojito with added raspberry for flavor)
-Eel crunch roll (mmmmm, soaked in oily tempura batter)
Prices were great - for the ambience and awesome food, it only came out to R100. aka $13. I bet anything if it were the same exact restaurant in the states, it would've come out to well over $20. Gotta love the favorable exchange rates.
---------Tomorrow's plans include: work & then drinks with Connect-123 interns @ La Med (Clifton) & clubbing at Hemisphere. (ABSA Centre)
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