Just to respond, I get in around 11am on Tuesday morning. I believe I e-mailed you the flight itinerary before I left. I think we are flying united, but I am not positive. I got most of your gifts before I got Mikes response from you guys, so I hope you still like your stuff.
I am happy I did not go shark diving, because everyone else pretty much regretted it. Only one person actually threw up which was my concern. However, many people sat in the cage for a half hour and didn't even see ANY sharks at all. And they spent all day driving to the location and out on the boat. And they spent about $140 US on it. I went to Robben Island, which used to be a leper colony and then turned into a maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.
We climbed Table Mountain today. It was very very very difficult. But so worth it. Even though I got sick or something and almost didnt make it up. My arms felt like they were being pricked with pins and I started hyperventilating. Anyways, we made it to the top and it was the most gorgeous view. Again I can't wait to show you the pictures. I will be making my way around this week.
I am going to go shower since I have been sitting in my immense sweat for a couple hours (we went out on the ocean on a sailboat that the professor rented as a good bye and thank you gift).
I am so excited to see all of you, but so sad to be leaving. I am going to miss it here. I also feel like I have a responsibility to explore and take in as much as I can to be able to share with all of you. Hopefully I have somewhat fulfilled it. I cannot wait to share stories and pictures and memories and for you guys to meet some of my new friends.
Well that's all for now. I am off to the shower.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Last Couple Days
So I tried to post a blog last night and I did not get it off in time before the internet logged me out. We head home so soon, it is sad and exciting. Last night we went out to this club and were the only ones on the floor. It was weird. People just sat around the edge and watched. Creepy. I only got four hours of sleep so I am excited for bed tonight. I can't wait to get home and sleep a bunch.
Everyone is going shark diving tomorrow, but I chose not to. So I get a free day. Not sure what to do. Possibly hike Table Mountain. That may be saved for Sunday though, not sure. Today we went to a market for souveniers and a cheetah conservation center. The cheetahs reminded me of Katie's soccer team back in the day with CC and Teddy.
I went sea shell hunting on the beach twice today. It is amazing. There are a million beautiful shells just laying on the beach. There are layers and layers of them. You will absolutely love them. David and I discovered a new species of sea specimen. It is called the Daverica or another name that I will not post on this blog. It is so crazy. It is a blue jelly thing that kind of looks like it has electronic pieces in it, but then it inflates into what looks like a small blown up balloon. We took documentation photos so we will get credit for the discovery.
Sunday we will be going to a market, Table Mountain and a sunset cruise on a chartered boat. We leave Monday morning around 11am with a flight at 2pm. Then we are off for 30 hours of travel. We are not too excited for that, but it will be fun now that we all know eachother.
I cannot wait to tell you everything and show you pictures and just see your pretty faces. Oh and the phone calls are not likely because the price has tripled from one hotel to the next (even though they are owned by the same company). Is someone going to be able to pick me up from the airport? Or should I hitch a ride from Jillian and Andrew? I plan on going to Sumner, if that means anything to anyone.
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL MUCHOS MAS!!!!!
Everyone is going shark diving tomorrow, but I chose not to. So I get a free day. Not sure what to do. Possibly hike Table Mountain. That may be saved for Sunday though, not sure. Today we went to a market for souveniers and a cheetah conservation center. The cheetahs reminded me of Katie's soccer team back in the day with CC and Teddy.
I went sea shell hunting on the beach twice today. It is amazing. There are a million beautiful shells just laying on the beach. There are layers and layers of them. You will absolutely love them. David and I discovered a new species of sea specimen. It is called the Daverica or another name that I will not post on this blog. It is so crazy. It is a blue jelly thing that kind of looks like it has electronic pieces in it, but then it inflates into what looks like a small blown up balloon. We took documentation photos so we will get credit for the discovery.
Sunday we will be going to a market, Table Mountain and a sunset cruise on a chartered boat. We leave Monday morning around 11am with a flight at 2pm. Then we are off for 30 hours of travel. We are not too excited for that, but it will be fun now that we all know eachother.
I cannot wait to tell you everything and show you pictures and just see your pretty faces. Oh and the phone calls are not likely because the price has tripled from one hotel to the next (even though they are owned by the same company). Is someone going to be able to pick me up from the airport? Or should I hitch a ride from Jillian and Andrew? I plan on going to Sumner, if that means anything to anyone.
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL MUCHOS MAS!!!!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
cape town
I tried calling dad and mike last night but it wouldn't work. I may try again tonight depending on the cost. Or if I can figure it out I may try to call collect.
So right now we are on a bus tour through cape town. We are heading to see some penguins. The weather is nasty, I may as well be in seattle. Good thing I didn't bring any rain gear.
Yesterday we did a wine tour and tasting as a biz visit. It was hilarious because people were tipsy and drunk at a biz visit.
I love this group. Last night some of us watched cricket for a couple hours. Fun but boring. We also went to this huge, overly opulent mall. It had over 400 stores.
We had a tough time at botswana with lack of power and water at a nice lodgem we almost just walked out without paying our bills. Instead our prof payed it all with hois american express and is then planning to dispute it. So he just gave us each 60 dollars.so maybe you all will get souveniers after all.
We are looking over this bay with the highest concentration of great whites in the world.not sure about shark diving now cu its supposed to be about 200.
Tomorrow is our last business visits. Three in one day. Its going to be intense. We do not get to go to any sporting events, but we were invited to this huge bachelor of the year party by the people at the winery (the largest in south africa). I think its hilarious, but many of the girls plan on going and were shopping for outfits. I think I'm gonna join guys night instead of the drunken naked south african male party. I hang out with them more anyways.
Well I have to go because I am borrowing someones blackberry and missing much of this tour. Keep an eye out for a phone call between 11am and 2pm. Love you all! Can't wait to see you. Hopefully at the airport..
So right now we are on a bus tour through cape town. We are heading to see some penguins. The weather is nasty, I may as well be in seattle. Good thing I didn't bring any rain gear.
Yesterday we did a wine tour and tasting as a biz visit. It was hilarious because people were tipsy and drunk at a biz visit.
I love this group. Last night some of us watched cricket for a couple hours. Fun but boring. We also went to this huge, overly opulent mall. It had over 400 stores.
We had a tough time at botswana with lack of power and water at a nice lodgem we almost just walked out without paying our bills. Instead our prof payed it all with hois american express and is then planning to dispute it. So he just gave us each 60 dollars.so maybe you all will get souveniers after all.
We are looking over this bay with the highest concentration of great whites in the world.not sure about shark diving now cu its supposed to be about 200.
Tomorrow is our last business visits. Three in one day. Its going to be intense. We do not get to go to any sporting events, but we were invited to this huge bachelor of the year party by the people at the winery (the largest in south africa). I think its hilarious, but many of the girls plan on going and were shopping for outfits. I think I'm gonna join guys night instead of the drunken naked south african male party. I hang out with them more anyways.
Well I have to go because I am borrowing someones blackberry and missing much of this tour. Keep an eye out for a phone call between 11am and 2pm. Love you all! Can't wait to see you. Hopefully at the airport..
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Botswana
Hey! I have 5 minutes in a Botswanian internet cafe. I just wanted to say hi and I am alive. I will hopefully be able to catch you up once I get to Cape Town which is Monday or Tuesday. We are staying in the Ritz so I am sure they have internet.
Today we went on a safari at 5 or 6 in the morning. We got really really lucky to see the rare sight of both a male lion and a female lion. And also some cubs.
We have a whole day of travel tomorrow. From Botswana to Zambia to Joburg to Capetown.
I went bungi jumping two days ago. I am pretty sore from it. I has them take some videos on my camera, but if you are curious you should search victoria falls bungi jump on youtube. There are plenty of videos. Victoria falls was pretty, but not at its prime. The locals call it "Victoria Rocks" during this time of year. It is best in march. I want to come back then. Some day.
I am not so sure about shark diving, but if I do it it will be in a week or so. We are at our half way point in the trip I believe.
Businesses: in Zambia we went to the David Livingston Lodge and the Zambezi Worm Farm ( I want to start one, they eat your food and make it into compost).
Well I love you all and wish I could talk more, but I have to post this before the internet cuts off.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Erica aka Rikki aka ME aka Erticah
Today we went on a safari at 5 or 6 in the morning. We got really really lucky to see the rare sight of both a male lion and a female lion. And also some cubs.
We have a whole day of travel tomorrow. From Botswana to Zambia to Joburg to Capetown.
I went bungi jumping two days ago. I am pretty sore from it. I has them take some videos on my camera, but if you are curious you should search victoria falls bungi jump on youtube. There are plenty of videos. Victoria falls was pretty, but not at its prime. The locals call it "Victoria Rocks" during this time of year. It is best in march. I want to come back then. Some day.
I am not so sure about shark diving, but if I do it it will be in a week or so. We are at our half way point in the trip I believe.
Businesses: in Zambia we went to the David Livingston Lodge and the Zambezi Worm Farm ( I want to start one, they eat your food and make it into compost).
Well I love you all and wish I could talk more, but I have to post this before the internet cuts off.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Erica aka Rikki aka ME aka Erticah
Sunday, September 6, 2009
SOWETO!
I feel bad telling you this, but I am not coming home.. Ever.. ;) It is so amazing here. I think I have decided that I will come back next year. I will ditch Australia and come back to South Africa. I am going to start off with most important instead of chronological. If I have time I will get to the less important.
I am shocked I did not mention this in the other post, must have been too scatterbrained. But, the water shortage here is crazy. Well it is not a shortage by living standards, but what you are used to. For example, I am yet to see a water fountain in any business building, hotel, mall, etc. We are told the tap is ok, so I refill my water bottle. I am frightened for Zambia and Botswana because the water is not drinkable ( I am pretty sure), but it is supposed to be around 100-110 degrees and I have been sick and need hydration. Should be fine though, because you can usually buy water. It is like $2. As much as alcohol. It is hilarious that you can pay the same amount to be hydrated vs. drunk. My roomate bought two bottles of wine for $6. We do get to shower comfortably and brush teeth and everything. It just has made me realize what I take for granted. I have always heard that there are water issues, but never really understood.
Secondly, I met an amazing girl here at Lebo's Backpacker Lodge that we are staying at. Her name is Peacemaker. She is volunteering as a receptionist sort of person while she is at tourism school. She is 20 also. She wants to open her own beautiful backpacking lodge. She took Jillian and I on a special tour to the place where she wants to build it. It is amazing. It is in the shadow of the new FNB stadium (FIFA 2010). I really want to come back and help her with construction next summer. Maybe I can get you all to come as well. I am sooo excited for her. David, Jillian and I were looking at her business proposal and everything. Oh David, is this boy in our group that has similar career goals I guess. Well he has informed me about "social business" the term that refers to my vision of owning a company that makes money, but uses it for a good cause. Also thinking about accounting and entrepreneurship which I have never heard of another person. Very helpful.
Peacemaker, Jillian, and I took the taxis that our professor recommended us not to. But they were really fun and everyone is so nice. White people are scared to come here, but everyone is so nice and loves us. They do not care what color our skin is.
Today we went to a Methodist church. Everyone stares, but they enjoy us. The service was in Xhosa and possibly Zulu. Most of the people we have met speak Zulu, and a lot speak English also. Although they do have a VERY VERY strong accent that you are not sure if they are speaking english. By the way, I am sorry if my grammar or speaking is a bit off. I am thinking in the way that I have been tlaking to people around here that do not always understand me. Anyways, the church has us get in front of the congregation and introduce ourselves. Also sit down and stand up 30 times.
As far as the gifts go, I have given out half of the sunglasses they LOVE THEM. I have given out three soccer balls of eight. The first, and only new one (from walmart) got ranover the first night. Jerks. Oh well, still plenty left. I taught a little girl how to make the vibration lips noise. Held her on my hip for like an hour. All the little girls have braided our hair. Also, we have given out a bunch of candy. You will love all of the pictures. They all say "shoot me" I also have amillion of me because the kiddos like to take the camera and take pictures. They run off for a half hour.
To answer comments: I think I get sick from the medicine I am taking, but it is fine. The weather is nice. Warmer than I expected, but I have ben wearing jeans and shorts. Maybe like 70-80 degrees. Hard to convert from celsius to fahrenheit. Same with rands to dollars, but I think I have spent less than $100. And I am so excited to see the sounders pictures. The internet is too slow for me to open the e-mail. I will try later.
I have to go now. SO that you get at least all of this. We are going to a game reserve in Zambia tomorrow I believe. So maybe there will be better internet facilities and I can load pictures.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Mikey- I miss your hugs. :)
I am shocked I did not mention this in the other post, must have been too scatterbrained. But, the water shortage here is crazy. Well it is not a shortage by living standards, but what you are used to. For example, I am yet to see a water fountain in any business building, hotel, mall, etc. We are told the tap is ok, so I refill my water bottle. I am frightened for Zambia and Botswana because the water is not drinkable ( I am pretty sure), but it is supposed to be around 100-110 degrees and I have been sick and need hydration. Should be fine though, because you can usually buy water. It is like $2. As much as alcohol. It is hilarious that you can pay the same amount to be hydrated vs. drunk. My roomate bought two bottles of wine for $6. We do get to shower comfortably and brush teeth and everything. It just has made me realize what I take for granted. I have always heard that there are water issues, but never really understood.
Secondly, I met an amazing girl here at Lebo's Backpacker Lodge that we are staying at. Her name is Peacemaker. She is volunteering as a receptionist sort of person while she is at tourism school. She is 20 also. She wants to open her own beautiful backpacking lodge. She took Jillian and I on a special tour to the place where she wants to build it. It is amazing. It is in the shadow of the new FNB stadium (FIFA 2010). I really want to come back and help her with construction next summer. Maybe I can get you all to come as well. I am sooo excited for her. David, Jillian and I were looking at her business proposal and everything. Oh David, is this boy in our group that has similar career goals I guess. Well he has informed me about "social business" the term that refers to my vision of owning a company that makes money, but uses it for a good cause. Also thinking about accounting and entrepreneurship which I have never heard of another person. Very helpful.
Peacemaker, Jillian, and I took the taxis that our professor recommended us not to. But they were really fun and everyone is so nice. White people are scared to come here, but everyone is so nice and loves us. They do not care what color our skin is.
Today we went to a Methodist church. Everyone stares, but they enjoy us. The service was in Xhosa and possibly Zulu. Most of the people we have met speak Zulu, and a lot speak English also. Although they do have a VERY VERY strong accent that you are not sure if they are speaking english. By the way, I am sorry if my grammar or speaking is a bit off. I am thinking in the way that I have been tlaking to people around here that do not always understand me. Anyways, the church has us get in front of the congregation and introduce ourselves. Also sit down and stand up 30 times.
As far as the gifts go, I have given out half of the sunglasses they LOVE THEM. I have given out three soccer balls of eight. The first, and only new one (from walmart) got ranover the first night. Jerks. Oh well, still plenty left. I taught a little girl how to make the vibration lips noise. Held her on my hip for like an hour. All the little girls have braided our hair. Also, we have given out a bunch of candy. You will love all of the pictures. They all say "shoot me" I also have amillion of me because the kiddos like to take the camera and take pictures. They run off for a half hour.
To answer comments: I think I get sick from the medicine I am taking, but it is fine. The weather is nice. Warmer than I expected, but I have ben wearing jeans and shorts. Maybe like 70-80 degrees. Hard to convert from celsius to fahrenheit. Same with rands to dollars, but I think I have spent less than $100. And I am so excited to see the sounders pictures. The internet is too slow for me to open the e-mail. I will try later.
I have to go now. SO that you get at least all of this. We are going to a game reserve in Zambia tomorrow I believe. So maybe there will be better internet facilities and I can load pictures.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Mikey- I miss your hugs. :)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thursday Night
Ok, so I have about 10 minutes to try to write about everything that has happened in the past three or so days. I get confused, because I am still adjusting from the time zones and what not. The only thing I have realized that I forgot at home is a watch. So that sucks, being that I have a horrible sense of time. Other than that though, I am proud of mine/Mike's packing job.
So from the beginning. Stopped in DC, I was able to scarf the airport, including Obama. Youll be happy mom. Airplane- two NBA guys were on the flight from DC to Johannesburg. They were really tall. Heading to a camp they do in Soweto I guess. That was cool.
Got sick the first night, while everyone went out to dinner at the casino. Some guy was leaning against a car about 15 feet away just watching my vomit and cry. It was weird. Funny though in a way. Im starting to feel better. Still can't really eat much. Recovering the appetite though. We went to the US Consulate (satellite of the embassy) yesterday. It was interesting. Learned that there is actually a track for the foreign service. You can't take cameras in and two guys with us were going to take pictures outside and the security guard pulled them off the bus. Strange.
Today we went to South African Airlines Maintenance facility at the airport and got to see some planes up close and personal and go inside one made in the 50's. Pretty rad. Then we toured Johannesburg: Musem of Africa- cool, museum-ish; Top of Africa- tallest building in Africa (only 50 stories), met some little kids up there on a school trip and took pictures with them, they were ADORABLE! one little boy was so giggly; Homeopathic store- mom you would haveloved it, they had dead stuffed monkeys and hooves and stuff; Constitution Hill- used to be a famous prison, now their highest court, very beautiful.
My observations: a lot of street vendors, people literally stand in the middle of roads and intersections EVERYWHERE selling the most random things like sodas, cell phone chargers, dust covers for furniture, etc; a lot of people walk on the side of the roads on dust paths; the township taxis are crazy; the country revolves around the world cup next year all billboards and everything! It is awesome.
Things we have heard about: last week the military and the police fought, you should look it up; and the taxi drivers are on strike against the new public transit system. They shot some bus drivers. Supposedly the taxi's are run by a group similar to a mob.
We leave for Soweto in the morning so I do not know when I will be able to get online again. So I hope this is enough for you. I wish I could write more. We are about to go out to a club or a pub or something after dinner since it is our last night in the large city of Joburg.
Well I LOVE you all and miss you!
and GO SOUNDERS!!!!
I will get back ASAP.
So from the beginning. Stopped in DC, I was able to scarf the airport, including Obama. Youll be happy mom. Airplane- two NBA guys were on the flight from DC to Johannesburg. They were really tall. Heading to a camp they do in Soweto I guess. That was cool.
Got sick the first night, while everyone went out to dinner at the casino. Some guy was leaning against a car about 15 feet away just watching my vomit and cry. It was weird. Funny though in a way. Im starting to feel better. Still can't really eat much. Recovering the appetite though. We went to the US Consulate (satellite of the embassy) yesterday. It was interesting. Learned that there is actually a track for the foreign service. You can't take cameras in and two guys with us were going to take pictures outside and the security guard pulled them off the bus. Strange.
Today we went to South African Airlines Maintenance facility at the airport and got to see some planes up close and personal and go inside one made in the 50's. Pretty rad. Then we toured Johannesburg: Musem of Africa- cool, museum-ish; Top of Africa- tallest building in Africa (only 50 stories), met some little kids up there on a school trip and took pictures with them, they were ADORABLE! one little boy was so giggly; Homeopathic store- mom you would haveloved it, they had dead stuffed monkeys and hooves and stuff; Constitution Hill- used to be a famous prison, now their highest court, very beautiful.
My observations: a lot of street vendors, people literally stand in the middle of roads and intersections EVERYWHERE selling the most random things like sodas, cell phone chargers, dust covers for furniture, etc; a lot of people walk on the side of the roads on dust paths; the township taxis are crazy; the country revolves around the world cup next year all billboards and everything! It is awesome.
Things we have heard about: last week the military and the police fought, you should look it up; and the taxi drivers are on strike against the new public transit system. They shot some bus drivers. Supposedly the taxi's are run by a group similar to a mob.
We leave for Soweto in the morning so I do not know when I will be able to get online again. So I hope this is enough for you. I wish I could write more. We are about to go out to a club or a pub or something after dinner since it is our last night in the large city of Joburg.
Well I LOVE you all and miss you!
and GO SOUNDERS!!!!
I will get back ASAP.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
So Far..
So I have like 3 minutes to write this. I think I will buy internet time later tonight. Thats how much I love you all. So South Africa is probably the best diet. I have not eaten much in the last three days. I also threw up the first night. I think I am the first and only person in our group to do so. I am feeling better now, but I am boycotting my medicine. I think I will start back up on the malaria again today, but the sinus stuff is out.
We went to a lion park and I pet some baby lions. I will try to put pictures up later. We also have been to the US Consulate in Joburg, the GIBS school and today we are off to South Africa Airlines and a tour of Joburg. Well I have to go so other people can use the computer. Love you all!! Write me, because I miss you!
We went to a lion park and I pet some baby lions. I will try to put pictures up later. We also have been to the US Consulate in Joburg, the GIBS school and today we are off to South Africa Airlines and a tour of Joburg. Well I have to go so other people can use the computer. Love you all!! Write me, because I miss you!
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