Thursday, August 30, 2007
Camping!
Gladwyn’s Dad’s campsite was SO MUCH FUN!! Kokopelli was supposed to go there for a ‘desert adventure day’ and stay overnight but unfortunate circumstances came up and we weren’t able to. We thought it would have been like an African Nakamun!
After hanging out in Narraville and Kuisebmund for a bit we finally headed out. We got there about 7:30ish. You have to drive through a dried river bed in order to get there so not just any car can do it… it’s incredibly soft sand and cars can get stuck very easily!
So all the ladies were there - Lex, Pam, Jenica, Ellen, Michelle, Natasha and myself. The guys were Garth, Gladwyn and Mervyn. They left to buy wood and other random stuff while the ladies claimed their beds and then sat around and chatted. Ellen and I decided to be pro-active and start the fire without the guys... we did very well, only going through one box of matches! Hahaha
It was so nice though – we were completely spoiled rotten by those boys!! They wouldn’t let us help at all!! Mervyn completely took care of the potjiekos (which is kind of like a stew that make in the fire) and Gladwyn worked the braai. I kept going to the kitchen to see if they needed any help so they finally said I could be in charge of the maize pap. THAT was a mistake! I’ve never made it before... so Pam came into the kitchen to help me. Now, it totally seems like it would be a simple thing to make, you just need salted boiling water – and then you slowly pour the dried maize meal in. Simple, huh? Not! As I’m making it Garth walks into the kitchen and says “Why is it lumpy?” like he’s never seen a lump before in his life! I just calmly replied, “IT’S MY FIRST TIME!”
Great fun... Gladwyn and Mervyn helped me out though and made it a little less lump-tastic.
So when we finally sat down to eat out dinner at 11pm we had an incredible spread - A huge vegetarian potjiekos, chicken, beef, pork, baked beans, and pap. It was fantastic!
We stayed up late talking, listening to music, and dancing (that was mostly just the guys though... those African boys just love to dance!)
Michelle and Garth heading home for the night but the rest of us stayed. There were cute little rooms, 3 beds to a room each with our own bathroom including a shower. They were super nice. These rooms were spread all over the campsite with the fire pit, braai, area, kitchen and hall in the center. We were the only ones out there aside from the care-taker.
The next morning we took our time getting up and had a little bit of breakfast. There was a big tree near by that had a bunch of rope swings and stuff from it so we went and played on there for a while. After that we headed out to the dunes to do a bit of sandboarding. Now that was fun! We basically just used almost like pieces of cardboard and just rubbed a candle on the underside to make it slide better on the sand. We all took turns going down and up and down and up these HUGE dunes. Gladwyn by far did the coolest thing ever. Mervyn and him went up to the highest/steepest point and when down face first. Mervyn went first and zoomed by me... I have no idea how fast he was going but Pam said when she was sandboarding before they said you can get up to 80km/h. I honestly wouldn’t doubt that he was going much slower. So, near the bottom of the dune there are a few plants. Mervyn was trying to steer with his feet but still ended up going through one of them. Gladwyn was next .... he’s zooming by me with sand clouds flying behind him when suddenly we all see him hit this plant which had kind of made a little mound of sand. So, he hits this mound and just goes flying!! He must have been in the air for like 5 seconds and flew probably close to 10 feet. It was ridiculous! I’m surprised he’s not dead but he was okay. His right side of his body hurt cuz that’s what he landed on but other than that he said he was fine. What a crazy, crazy boy!
After we finished with the sand boarding we headed back to the camp and jumped into the pool to try and get all the sand off of us. It was so refreshing!
We hung around a bit more and then decided to head back home. It was so much fun out there and we all kind of want to do it again before I leave!! Maybe....
Last night Mrs.Venter and I hosted a farewell dinner for Michelle and Jenica. Lex, Ellen and Pam came as well. It was really nice... it’s so weird to think that a month has passed by already since they came! Garth, Theo and Tanya (Theo’s wife) came by a little later. We all headed to Lex’s house after to help Jenica pack, hang out and say our goodbyes. Oh...and we also got the CD last night from all the recordings Kokopelli and Mascato did in Windhoek. We also have the entire concert recorded! I'm listening to it as a write!! hahaha.. it sounds SO good! He was a great recording person!! I can't wait for you all to hear it!
Anyhoo... Jenica and Michelle left for Windhoek early this morning – I think it was 7am or something like that... So now we just have Lex, Ellen and Me left representing Canada! haha!
So today, I was supposed to get my hair cut at 9:30. I got there and they told me it’s actually on Saturday even though I told the lady Thursday and I’m pretty sure I even saw her write it in there... oh well. I changed it to this afternoon instead at 2:30. I wanted to get it cut before I get braids put in just cuz it’s been about 9 months or so since I last had it cut and it’s pretty damaged at the ends!
Alrighty... I should run! Have a great day!
After hanging out in Narraville and Kuisebmund for a bit we finally headed out. We got there about 7:30ish. You have to drive through a dried river bed in order to get there so not just any car can do it… it’s incredibly soft sand and cars can get stuck very easily!
So all the ladies were there - Lex, Pam, Jenica, Ellen, Michelle, Natasha and myself. The guys were Garth, Gladwyn and Mervyn. They left to buy wood and other random stuff while the ladies claimed their beds and then sat around and chatted. Ellen and I decided to be pro-active and start the fire without the guys... we did very well, only going through one box of matches! Hahaha
It was so nice though – we were completely spoiled rotten by those boys!! They wouldn’t let us help at all!! Mervyn completely took care of the potjiekos (which is kind of like a stew that make in the fire) and Gladwyn worked the braai. I kept going to the kitchen to see if they needed any help so they finally said I could be in charge of the maize pap. THAT was a mistake! I’ve never made it before... so Pam came into the kitchen to help me. Now, it totally seems like it would be a simple thing to make, you just need salted boiling water – and then you slowly pour the dried maize meal in. Simple, huh? Not! As I’m making it Garth walks into the kitchen and says “Why is it lumpy?” like he’s never seen a lump before in his life! I just calmly replied, “IT’S MY FIRST TIME!”
Great fun... Gladwyn and Mervyn helped me out though and made it a little less lump-tastic.
So when we finally sat down to eat out dinner at 11pm we had an incredible spread - A huge vegetarian potjiekos, chicken, beef, pork, baked beans, and pap. It was fantastic!
We stayed up late talking, listening to music, and dancing (that was mostly just the guys though... those African boys just love to dance!)
Michelle and Garth heading home for the night but the rest of us stayed. There were cute little rooms, 3 beds to a room each with our own bathroom including a shower. They were super nice. These rooms were spread all over the campsite with the fire pit, braai, area, kitchen and hall in the center. We were the only ones out there aside from the care-taker.
The next morning we took our time getting up and had a little bit of breakfast. There was a big tree near by that had a bunch of rope swings and stuff from it so we went and played on there for a while. After that we headed out to the dunes to do a bit of sandboarding. Now that was fun! We basically just used almost like pieces of cardboard and just rubbed a candle on the underside to make it slide better on the sand. We all took turns going down and up and down and up these HUGE dunes. Gladwyn by far did the coolest thing ever. Mervyn and him went up to the highest/steepest point and when down face first. Mervyn went first and zoomed by me... I have no idea how fast he was going but Pam said when she was sandboarding before they said you can get up to 80km/h. I honestly wouldn’t doubt that he was going much slower. So, near the bottom of the dune there are a few plants. Mervyn was trying to steer with his feet but still ended up going through one of them. Gladwyn was next .... he’s zooming by me with sand clouds flying behind him when suddenly we all see him hit this plant which had kind of made a little mound of sand. So, he hits this mound and just goes flying!! He must have been in the air for like 5 seconds and flew probably close to 10 feet. It was ridiculous! I’m surprised he’s not dead but he was okay. His right side of his body hurt cuz that’s what he landed on but other than that he said he was fine. What a crazy, crazy boy!
After we finished with the sand boarding we headed back to the camp and jumped into the pool to try and get all the sand off of us. It was so refreshing!
We hung around a bit more and then decided to head back home. It was so much fun out there and we all kind of want to do it again before I leave!! Maybe....
Last night Mrs.Venter and I hosted a farewell dinner for Michelle and Jenica. Lex, Ellen and Pam came as well. It was really nice... it’s so weird to think that a month has passed by already since they came! Garth, Theo and Tanya (Theo’s wife) came by a little later. We all headed to Lex’s house after to help Jenica pack, hang out and say our goodbyes. Oh...and we also got the CD last night from all the recordings Kokopelli and Mascato did in Windhoek. We also have the entire concert recorded! I'm listening to it as a write!! hahaha.. it sounds SO good! He was a great recording person!! I can't wait for you all to hear it!
Anyhoo... Jenica and Michelle left for Windhoek early this morning – I think it was 7am or something like that... So now we just have Lex, Ellen and Me left representing Canada! haha!
So today, I was supposed to get my hair cut at 9:30. I got there and they told me it’s actually on Saturday even though I told the lady Thursday and I’m pretty sure I even saw her write it in there... oh well. I changed it to this afternoon instead at 2:30. I wanted to get it cut before I get braids put in just cuz it’s been about 9 months or so since I last had it cut and it’s pretty damaged at the ends!
Alrighty... I should run! Have a great day!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tired News
I forgot to mention my lovely news about Avis. I wrote a while ago about when we went to Sossusvlei and busted a tire on the way home. We ended up having to pay for it.
I just checked my Visa bill and it seemed WAY higher than I was expecting. I thought it would be closer to $1300 but it was $1890 (Namibian)
I had been trying to figure this out in every way possible for the past couple of weeks and finally decided I would just go back to Avis and see what was up.
I went in and told them I was having a hard time figuring out why my bill was so much.
They told me that at Avis they aren’t aloud to just repair tires (which costs under $100 namibian) but they have to actually replace them. Luckily we were just driving a tiny little car because the tires for that are a ridiculous $700!! (around $120 Cnd)
They said they just had to replace a tire on one of the big 4x4 trucks the week before and that cost $1700!! Crazy!! Tires are so expensive here!
Moral of the story – get tire insurance if you’re going to drive on the gravel roads here!
In other more happy news, all the Kokopelli ladies including Natasha and Pam are heading out to Gladwyns dad’s campsite tonight! It’s about 30km outside of Walvis Bay. Mervyn and I just went to pick up all the food for it yesterday!! We’re having a veggie potjiekos and a very meaty braai. We’re staying over night and maybe tomorrow we’ll do some sandboarding! I’m so excited! It’s going to be so much fun!! It’ll be a nice little farewell party for Jenica and Michelle as well, as they are leaving us on Thursday morning already! I can’t believe how fast that month went! September is in like 3 days!!
On Wednesday night, Mrs.Venter and I are having everyone over for dinner. It’ll be a whole house full of girls!! (Lex, Ellen, Jenica, Michelle, and Pam)
oh, I finally got pictures uploaded from the Crystal Gallery! Enjoy
and my mom just sent me an email wondering why I said in my last post the musical will be next summer instead of maybe in March. I guess I didn't really say why - I don't even really know why... I think between Mrs.Venter and Aldo Behrens they think that would be the best time. It will also give the choreographer plenty of time to recover. I found out that she actually had breast cancer and had both breasts removed!! Apparently she is doing quite well though!
alrighty...I'm off! Have a great day!
I just checked my Visa bill and it seemed WAY higher than I was expecting. I thought it would be closer to $1300 but it was $1890 (Namibian)
I had been trying to figure this out in every way possible for the past couple of weeks and finally decided I would just go back to Avis and see what was up.
I went in and told them I was having a hard time figuring out why my bill was so much.
They told me that at Avis they aren’t aloud to just repair tires (which costs under $100 namibian) but they have to actually replace them. Luckily we were just driving a tiny little car because the tires for that are a ridiculous $700!! (around $120 Cnd)
They said they just had to replace a tire on one of the big 4x4 trucks the week before and that cost $1700!! Crazy!! Tires are so expensive here!
Moral of the story – get tire insurance if you’re going to drive on the gravel roads here!
In other more happy news, all the Kokopelli ladies including Natasha and Pam are heading out to Gladwyns dad’s campsite tonight! It’s about 30km outside of Walvis Bay. Mervyn and I just went to pick up all the food for it yesterday!! We’re having a veggie potjiekos and a very meaty braai. We’re staying over night and maybe tomorrow we’ll do some sandboarding! I’m so excited! It’s going to be so much fun!! It’ll be a nice little farewell party for Jenica and Michelle as well, as they are leaving us on Thursday morning already! I can’t believe how fast that month went! September is in like 3 days!!
On Wednesday night, Mrs.Venter and I are having everyone over for dinner. It’ll be a whole house full of girls!! (Lex, Ellen, Jenica, Michelle, and Pam)
oh, I finally got pictures uploaded from the Crystal Gallery! Enjoy
and my mom just sent me an email wondering why I said in my last post the musical will be next summer instead of maybe in March. I guess I didn't really say why - I don't even really know why... I think between Mrs.Venter and Aldo Behrens they think that would be the best time. It will also give the choreographer plenty of time to recover. I found out that she actually had breast cancer and had both breasts removed!! Apparently she is doing quite well though!
alrighty...I'm off! Have a great day!
Monday, August 27, 2007
the weekend
holy cow...this page took SO long to come up today! crazy!! I think that's one of the biggest things I'm missing from home right now - fast internet!! Dial up is sucking my will to live!
anyhoo...I was hoping to post some pictures from the Crystal Gallery as well but I don't think it will be fast enough to load my pics today. boo-urns...
We had a fun-filled weekend here in Swakopmund. Friday Ellen, Jenica, Lex and her dad and his girlfriend and I went to the Crystal Gallery. It's very interesting...lots of pretty rocks! (and holy are they ever expensive! So much for souvenirs from there!)
We also went to the wood market where I had a bartering experience from hell. I'm just not mean enough apparently! I don't like making people mad at me but both Jenica and Ellen are like "come on! let's just go!" meh...I got what I wanted in the end...for just slighty more than I had hoped! haha
Saturday we had a Mascato rehearsal. It wasn't too long this week... 1-6. We realized that even if we say we're going to start at 10...most people just don't show up until 1-ish anyways! It was pretty good...we had hoped to do a little more but we just worked on the musical music in sectionals. I worked with the woman and they are coming along really fast! They sound great!!
Aldo Behrens and his wife came along again for the last hour or so of rehearsal to give us some more acting lessons. I'm still not too much a fan of that! I'll never be an actor! haha.. but at the end it's really fun! They split us into 3 groups and then give each a group a little section of text from the play. We then have about 20 minutes to put that text to music however we want - complete with choreography!
It's actually pretty fun! Last week when we did it, two groups (including mine) used the chord progression to Pachebel's Canon in D. So funny! What are the chances of that??
Yesterday Mrs.Venter and I headed back out to Walvis Bay to work with the marimba group. We started off by reviewing what I did with them on Tuesday and unfortunately pretty much everything was forgotten! hahaha...oh well! They started remembering by the second time through... we also learned all the new stuff! So now they know it all and I have one rehearsal left with them on Thursday just to review everything!
I won't see them again for like another year when the musical will actually happen! Crazy!
They're thinking it'll probably happen now next July, August or September!
I was hoping with marimba group would come to do at least one rehearsal with Mascato before I go but it doesn't look like that's going to happen! oh well - I'll just be in for a bigger surprise when I come in a year!
Last night Lex, Ellen, Jenica and I went to see "Transformers". ...it was...entertaining. By no means my favorite movie! I never saw the cartoon when I was a kid though... I just remember I used to have a semi-truck that turned into a robot. The movie is very, very action packed though.
alrighty...I'm gonna go.... I'm almost out of time on the internet. cya
anyhoo...I was hoping to post some pictures from the Crystal Gallery as well but I don't think it will be fast enough to load my pics today. boo-urns...
We had a fun-filled weekend here in Swakopmund. Friday Ellen, Jenica, Lex and her dad and his girlfriend and I went to the Crystal Gallery. It's very interesting...lots of pretty rocks! (and holy are they ever expensive! So much for souvenirs from there!)
We also went to the wood market where I had a bartering experience from hell. I'm just not mean enough apparently! I don't like making people mad at me but both Jenica and Ellen are like "come on! let's just go!" meh...I got what I wanted in the end...for just slighty more than I had hoped! haha
Saturday we had a Mascato rehearsal. It wasn't too long this week... 1-6. We realized that even if we say we're going to start at 10...most people just don't show up until 1-ish anyways! It was pretty good...we had hoped to do a little more but we just worked on the musical music in sectionals. I worked with the woman and they are coming along really fast! They sound great!!
Aldo Behrens and his wife came along again for the last hour or so of rehearsal to give us some more acting lessons. I'm still not too much a fan of that! I'll never be an actor! haha.. but at the end it's really fun! They split us into 3 groups and then give each a group a little section of text from the play. We then have about 20 minutes to put that text to music however we want - complete with choreography!
It's actually pretty fun! Last week when we did it, two groups (including mine) used the chord progression to Pachebel's Canon in D. So funny! What are the chances of that??
Yesterday Mrs.Venter and I headed back out to Walvis Bay to work with the marimba group. We started off by reviewing what I did with them on Tuesday and unfortunately pretty much everything was forgotten! hahaha...oh well! They started remembering by the second time through... we also learned all the new stuff! So now they know it all and I have one rehearsal left with them on Thursday just to review everything!
I won't see them again for like another year when the musical will actually happen! Crazy!
They're thinking it'll probably happen now next July, August or September!
I was hoping with marimba group would come to do at least one rehearsal with Mascato before I go but it doesn't look like that's going to happen! oh well - I'll just be in for a bigger surprise when I come in a year!
Last night Lex, Ellen, Jenica and I went to see "Transformers". ...it was...entertaining. By no means my favorite movie! I never saw the cartoon when I was a kid though... I just remember I used to have a semi-truck that turned into a robot. The movie is very, very action packed though.
alrighty...I'm gonna go.... I'm almost out of time on the internet. cya
Friday, August 24, 2007
Die Comedian Harmonists
yay! Ellen is now a year older!! Her birthday was super fun! We took her out for dinner where she got some birthday koeksisters! hahaha.. yummy though! We headed back to Jenica's place to watch "My Date With Drew Barrymore" (a movie that EVERYONE should watch! It was SO good!!)
and then we headed out to party! It was great fun!
Yesterday I had a pretty easy day. I'm almost finished all the songs for the musical. Only 1 more to right out for the piano/synth! w00t! Then just the marimbas to do!
Last night though was interesting... Mrs.Venter and I went to Die Comedian Harmonists. I thought it was going to be more like a concert but it was actually more like a play. Mrs.Venter told me a bit about them... apparently they started during World War II in Germany. They were called 'comedian' harmonists not only because they sang funny songs but mostly because of the way they used their voices. They were pretty much the only group like them back then. Unfortunatly they had to stop singing because three of the five members where Jewish.
So yeah...when Mrs.Venter told me this I thought they would be singing more...but they sort of acted out how they got started and what happened to them and stuff. It seemed like it would be very funny and serious at times too but unfortunately I didn't understand a word. Actually that's a lie, I understood und and I know schnelle but they never said that one.
I kinda want to find out more about them though. It seems like a very interesting story.
Well, I'm off the Crystal Gallery today with Jenica, Lex and her dad. I have no idea what it'll be like but I think Nigel went and said it was pretty neat.
cya
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
reflection
Yay it’s Ellen’s Birthday today!! Jenica and I are taking her out for dinner tonight and we’ll possibly go out too if Ellen’s up for it!
Yesterday was fun! I had to go back out to Walvis Bay to work with the marimba group again, only this time Fonie wasn’t there (he plays in the group but he is usually the teacher as well...) So I was all on my own to work with these kids again – and it was SO exciting!! We just reviewed the four songs that I taught them on Saturday. The first few times through them were pretty rough. Especially this one song that’s in 5/4. They were having a hell of time counting that one. But the coolest thing happened – the very last time we ran it for the day it just “clicked”. It was so groovy.... You could see every single one of them felt it when it happened – something in their faces changed!! It was so awesome! That made me so excited to keep working with them. I go back on Sunday to teach them the rest of the songs...
Last night I went over to Lex’s house. Now that I officially have less than a month left she got me to start really thinking about my time here. She was asking me to reflect on my experience here so far and how I felt about it. We had a nice little chat about it... her exchange time here was COMPLETELY different than mine. I was kind of comparing them and I felt like I haven’t really connected with Mascato as much as she did – probably mostly because she rehearsed with them three times a week and I only get once a week. But really there’s not too many chances to hang out with people either – they all work or go to school, and none of them live right in town. I’ve mostly just hung out with Marcelino and Linus because they both work at Mrs.Venter’s house so I get to see them almost everyday.
But between talking to Lex and John I have definitely tried to open my eyes more and reflect on my time. Even though I may not have necessarily connected with Mascato as much as I wanted to on a personal level I still feel that I have accomplished a lot with them. And really, Lex thinks that I have not only worked on music with Mascato but I have worked on stuff for Namibia’s entire music scene. Between Mascato, the musical, the marimba group, and Vera’s piano students I really have done a lot. It’s just gone by so fast that I feel like I haven’t done much at all.
In terms of myself, Lex was asking if I personally have felt a change in myself. I didn’t really think so but I was talking to John this morning and he feels like I have more confidence. I don’t really see it but I guess I normally wouldn’t want to put myself in a position where I don’t really know what I’m doing (for example – teaching people to play percussion) but I just went ahead and tried it anyways. And, it turns out I even enjoyed doing it in the end so it’s kind of nice to put your neck out on the line sometimes. If it doesn’t work out you just have to suck it up and move on.
It’s definitely making me more excited to start my job at Giovanni Yamaha! I’ve never taught piano before but after being here – and just trial and error – I think I’ll be able to do it!
I'm pretty pumped about the last month that I have left.
It's really funny how fast time flies when you're having fun. But at the same time, when I think about how I came in May - that feels FOREVER ago already! So weird! I totally imagine this month will fly by though... I only have like 4 more rehearsals left with Mascato! crazy!
I'm so pumped about coming back though too. I was talking to Mrs.Venter about the musical yesterday and she said that Aldo Behrens talked with the bank and they are definitely going to fly me back!! I can't believe it! We were trying to figure out when a good time would be for me (we're still waiting for the choreographer to get better as well) We think we might do it in March. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee that's so cool!!
Well, I guess I'll see you guys all in exactly a month from today! (at the Koko retreat no less! hahaha! way to get thrown right back into the swing of things!)
*mwah*
Yesterday was fun! I had to go back out to Walvis Bay to work with the marimba group again, only this time Fonie wasn’t there (he plays in the group but he is usually the teacher as well...) So I was all on my own to work with these kids again – and it was SO exciting!! We just reviewed the four songs that I taught them on Saturday. The first few times through them were pretty rough. Especially this one song that’s in 5/4. They were having a hell of time counting that one. But the coolest thing happened – the very last time we ran it for the day it just “clicked”. It was so groovy.... You could see every single one of them felt it when it happened – something in their faces changed!! It was so awesome! That made me so excited to keep working with them. I go back on Sunday to teach them the rest of the songs...
Last night I went over to Lex’s house. Now that I officially have less than a month left she got me to start really thinking about my time here. She was asking me to reflect on my experience here so far and how I felt about it. We had a nice little chat about it... her exchange time here was COMPLETELY different than mine. I was kind of comparing them and I felt like I haven’t really connected with Mascato as much as she did – probably mostly because she rehearsed with them three times a week and I only get once a week. But really there’s not too many chances to hang out with people either – they all work or go to school, and none of them live right in town. I’ve mostly just hung out with Marcelino and Linus because they both work at Mrs.Venter’s house so I get to see them almost everyday.
But between talking to Lex and John I have definitely tried to open my eyes more and reflect on my time. Even though I may not have necessarily connected with Mascato as much as I wanted to on a personal level I still feel that I have accomplished a lot with them. And really, Lex thinks that I have not only worked on music with Mascato but I have worked on stuff for Namibia’s entire music scene. Between Mascato, the musical, the marimba group, and Vera’s piano students I really have done a lot. It’s just gone by so fast that I feel like I haven’t done much at all.
In terms of myself, Lex was asking if I personally have felt a change in myself. I didn’t really think so but I was talking to John this morning and he feels like I have more confidence. I don’t really see it but I guess I normally wouldn’t want to put myself in a position where I don’t really know what I’m doing (for example – teaching people to play percussion) but I just went ahead and tried it anyways. And, it turns out I even enjoyed doing it in the end so it’s kind of nice to put your neck out on the line sometimes. If it doesn’t work out you just have to suck it up and move on.
It’s definitely making me more excited to start my job at Giovanni Yamaha! I’ve never taught piano before but after being here – and just trial and error – I think I’ll be able to do it!
I'm pretty pumped about the last month that I have left.
It's really funny how fast time flies when you're having fun. But at the same time, when I think about how I came in May - that feels FOREVER ago already! So weird! I totally imagine this month will fly by though... I only have like 4 more rehearsals left with Mascato! crazy!
I'm so pumped about coming back though too. I was talking to Mrs.Venter about the musical yesterday and she said that Aldo Behrens talked with the bank and they are definitely going to fly me back!! I can't believe it! We were trying to figure out when a good time would be for me (we're still waiting for the choreographer to get better as well) We think we might do it in March. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee that's so cool!!
Well, I guess I'll see you guys all in exactly a month from today! (at the Koko retreat no less! hahaha! way to get thrown right back into the swing of things!)
*mwah*
Monday, August 20, 2007
hair story
I forgot to mention I also straightened my hair with the help of Lex on friday night! I haven't had straight hair in SO long (well...since january I guess)
It was much fun! A bunch of people in mascato had wanted to see it straight and they all kind freaked out a little! It was cute! hahaha
And everyone has gotta do the typical hair toss!
Yesterday...
...was an interesting day. I went to Walvis Bay again to watch the marimbas rehearsal. I wasn’t completely sure what Mrs.Venter wanted me to do with them. Last week they basically just showed us what they have do so far....which was only adding djembes into a couple of songs. Mrs.Venter said she just wanted to stand back, watch and just have me do my thing.
Now what kind of thing do I have with percussion?? I did percussion my grade 12 year in band but never in my right mind would I call myself a percussionist that could possibly teach other people.
So, we started with the first song and luckily for 4 out of the 9 songs we’re doing I have a full orchestra score so I could just pick the instruments out of there and show them what rhythms to do.
It was kind of interesting though.... I really have no idea what to do with djembes! I don’t play them so I just let the guys do their thing. But for the other percussion instruments it was actually kind of fun. I had to even teach some of them how to play the instrument! Like a suspended cymbal! I taught them how to do the big crash sound.
And I taught them how to play claves....they were just playing them like sticks so I showed them how to hold it properly to get the correct sound. And same with a cabasa....most of them had never even heard of one!
So I actually had a pretty good time! Maybe dating a drummer for 3 years made me absorb some of this! Hahaha
We’re having another practice tomorrow where I’m supposed to show them the rest of the songs we haven’t learned yet. I’m going to keep going every Sunday as well to make sure they’re getting everything okay.
Last night was fun too... Lex, her dad and Pam all went out to Sussosvlei for the weekend and Casey and Beau went camping. So Jenica had their house all to herself. Ellen came over to and we all hung out listening to music, playing cards, eating pizza and fondue and watching the new Simpsons movie. (Casey’s friend got a ripped copy of it!) It was SO funny!!
But now, I need to seriously start cracking down and getting my ass in gear! From tomorrow I only have one month left!! I can’t believe how fast time has gone!!! One month! I feel like I still have SO much to do on this musical.
Oh, speaking of the musical I completely forgot about Mascato’s rehearsal on Saturday. THIS was interesting! We had another marathon rehearsal (from 10-5) The morning we just spent in sectionals learning music for the musical.
In the afternoon though – oh man – we had “acting” lessons. See, this is why I sing and play the piano, so I don’t HAVE to act. I can just be in the chorus or the band! I don’t think I have an acting bone in my body.
It was crazy to see how all of Mascato just lets go though...there was maybe only like 5 people that didn’t get completely into it! Professor Aldo Behrens (the man who wrote the script) had his wife come to give us these lessons. I guess either Aldo or his wife is going to come every week to help out.
Seeing Mascato do this is so funny! I just keep thinking what it would be like if Kokopelli ever did a musical? That would be hilarious!
So yeah…I still have to write out/make up all the piano/synth parts. Make up a motif for all the scene changes that the marimbas can play. Make up marimba parts for all the songs. And teach Mascato all the music! AH... this is going to be a hectic month!
Vera brought her klavinova over though so I can start picking out sounds for all the music. She told me at the beginning of September she wants me to come over and do workshops with all her piano students. She said she’s already been scaring them telling them that a Canadian girl is coming to watch them to see if they’ll be ready for their exams. Hahaha... I have no idea what I’m going to do! At least it will be good practice for when I get home and start teaching at Giovanni Yamaha!
Alrighty...enough procrastinating! I got work to do!
cya
Now what kind of thing do I have with percussion?? I did percussion my grade 12 year in band but never in my right mind would I call myself a percussionist that could possibly teach other people.
So, we started with the first song and luckily for 4 out of the 9 songs we’re doing I have a full orchestra score so I could just pick the instruments out of there and show them what rhythms to do.
It was kind of interesting though.... I really have no idea what to do with djembes! I don’t play them so I just let the guys do their thing. But for the other percussion instruments it was actually kind of fun. I had to even teach some of them how to play the instrument! Like a suspended cymbal! I taught them how to do the big crash sound.
And I taught them how to play claves....they were just playing them like sticks so I showed them how to hold it properly to get the correct sound. And same with a cabasa....most of them had never even heard of one!
So I actually had a pretty good time! Maybe dating a drummer for 3 years made me absorb some of this! Hahaha
We’re having another practice tomorrow where I’m supposed to show them the rest of the songs we haven’t learned yet. I’m going to keep going every Sunday as well to make sure they’re getting everything okay.
Last night was fun too... Lex, her dad and Pam all went out to Sussosvlei for the weekend and Casey and Beau went camping. So Jenica had their house all to herself. Ellen came over to and we all hung out listening to music, playing cards, eating pizza and fondue and watching the new Simpsons movie. (Casey’s friend got a ripped copy of it!) It was SO funny!!
But now, I need to seriously start cracking down and getting my ass in gear! From tomorrow I only have one month left!! I can’t believe how fast time has gone!!! One month! I feel like I still have SO much to do on this musical.
Oh, speaking of the musical I completely forgot about Mascato’s rehearsal on Saturday. THIS was interesting! We had another marathon rehearsal (from 10-5) The morning we just spent in sectionals learning music for the musical.
In the afternoon though – oh man – we had “acting” lessons. See, this is why I sing and play the piano, so I don’t HAVE to act. I can just be in the chorus or the band! I don’t think I have an acting bone in my body.
It was crazy to see how all of Mascato just lets go though...there was maybe only like 5 people that didn’t get completely into it! Professor Aldo Behrens (the man who wrote the script) had his wife come to give us these lessons. I guess either Aldo or his wife is going to come every week to help out.
Seeing Mascato do this is so funny! I just keep thinking what it would be like if Kokopelli ever did a musical? That would be hilarious!
So yeah…I still have to write out/make up all the piano/synth parts. Make up a motif for all the scene changes that the marimbas can play. Make up marimba parts for all the songs. And teach Mascato all the music! AH... this is going to be a hectic month!
Vera brought her klavinova over though so I can start picking out sounds for all the music. She told me at the beginning of September she wants me to come over and do workshops with all her piano students. She said she’s already been scaring them telling them that a Canadian girl is coming to watch them to see if they’ll be ready for their exams. Hahaha... I have no idea what I’m going to do! At least it will be good practice for when I get home and start teaching at Giovanni Yamaha!
Alrighty...enough procrastinating! I got work to do!
cya
Thursday, August 16, 2007
this little piggy went to the market.....
I got a pedicure!! Isn’t it lovely? I can totally see why people go to get those! It was very relaxing except for the few moments I had to bite the inside of my mouth to keep from laughing or pulling away when she tickled me! I have very ticklish feet!! She told me the nail polish I picked will make people want to eat my feet because they are like berries.....interesting.
I had an interesting experience in the afternoon as well. Lex, Casey, Ellen and Jenica where heading out to Walvis Bay to get return tickets for Lex and Casey. (they actually had to go out to the airport to do this.) They were going to take the MYO combie and asked if I wanted to come along. I said I could meet them at Shoprite, I made a peanut butter and honey sandwich quickly and left. I think this is probably the first time I’ve ever walked anywhere while eating. As I was walking I was about to pass a guy who promptly stuck out his hand and said “Here Frau!”
“Huh?” I was actually completely confused and had no idea what he meant.
“Here!” he said again and stuck out his hand further.
I finally clued in then that he wanted my sandwich. I had eaten like two bites of it and didn’t really want to give it up, as that was all I had brought for lunch. I asked him if that was what he meant and he just nodded. I ripped it in half and gave some to him. He smiled warmly saying danke and continued on his way. I was very shocked that someone would be outgoing enough to just flat out ask – well, not even ask – just demand that you give them the food that you are obviously in the middle of eating! So random!
So, I met up with everyone else and we headed off to Walvis Bay. It’s a two-lane highway (one lane each way) the entire way there.
It was SO incredibly windy yesterday there where times you couldn’t even see the pavement because there was so much sand covering it! It was crazy! But I finally got a picture of one of my favorite sign. I love how they have to remind people of sand when they clearly live in a desert and have sand dunes along the road. So funny!!
So, now after having a little fun day yesterday I need to crack down and get back to some work. I’m almost done copying/arranging all the vocal parts for the musical. Now I just need to work on the piano, synth, and marimba parts! Oh, and Mascato also has to sing a whole bunch of anthems for something coming up soon (and random anthems like Swaziland, Botswana and Zambia) She mostly only has the melody line and piano accompaniment so she wants me to arrange them so they can be 4 part a cappella. It seems like it will be a lot of work but at least it’s good practice for me! It’s not like I have to do anything super fancy…it’s just tough when I don’t actually know how the anthems go. Did you know the Zambia anthem is the same tune as the South Africa anthem? Just very different words!!
I also got a phone call from John last night and another from my parents. That was nice. It’s good to know things are going great at home! I also borrowed Marcelino’s Oprah DVD’s and watched a couple of those last night. Damn Oprah and here ability to make me cry! Hahaha It was a fun night!!
Miss you all!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Not too much to report. It's still Africa, still misty and wintery, still slow moving. I don't have any idea what I'm going to do when I get home and my life suddenly shifts back into high gear! I'm might go into a bit of shock! It's not too hard to get used to the laid-back relaxed life style here.
I have been working a lot on the music for the musical though - arranging and copying for Mascato. On Sunday I went out to Walvis Bay to see the marimba group. they are going to be performing in the musical as well so Mrs.Venter wanted me to see if I can add anything or give them comments.
I'm getting pretty excited about this whole musical thing...it's going to be a pretty huge deal!
As far as I know, we now have all the applications in for the new exchange person and will be picking them in the next week or so! I'm getting SO excited!! I've talked with Mrs.Venter about it and I think I know who it is!! eeeeeeeeee!!!
Tomorrow Ellen, Jenica and I are going to pedicures. I've never had one before so I'm pretty excited/nervous about it. After walking in sandels almost my entire time here my feet are getting pretty nasty!! Should be a grand time!!
well...I only have a minute left on my internet time!
miss you all...
until next time...
I have been working a lot on the music for the musical though - arranging and copying for Mascato. On Sunday I went out to Walvis Bay to see the marimba group. they are going to be performing in the musical as well so Mrs.Venter wanted me to see if I can add anything or give them comments.
I'm getting pretty excited about this whole musical thing...it's going to be a pretty huge deal!
As far as I know, we now have all the applications in for the new exchange person and will be picking them in the next week or so! I'm getting SO excited!! I've talked with Mrs.Venter about it and I think I know who it is!! eeeeeeeeee!!!
Tomorrow Ellen, Jenica and I are going to pedicures. I've never had one before so I'm pretty excited/nervous about it. After walking in sandels almost my entire time here my feet are getting pretty nasty!! Should be a grand time!!
well...I only have a minute left on my internet time!
miss you all...
until next time...
Saturday, August 11, 2007
more randomness...
I finally got some pictures up from Okaukuejo Primary School (just inside the Etosha National Park gates)
I only had to try uploading this album like 5 million times! argh!
Enjoy the pictures though!! Those kids are SO cute!
Okaukuejo Primary School
I also stuck up some pictures from when we went out for dinner with Lex's parents the other night.. click here
so...we got Lex and her roomates all moved into their new house yesterday. It's GORGEOUS!! it's massive and brand new everything (the whole place is only like 4 years old!) Astroboy (Lex's cat) doesn't seem to impressed with it yet probably because they are on the second floor of an apartment and now he can't run outside whenever he wants!
We had a movie/fondue night there last night which was great fun! Michelle came in from Walvis Bay to hang with us too! She stayed overnight at my place.
Oh...I think I mentioned this a really long time ago... Before Kokopelli came Garth was rehearsal with the bank he works for (Standard Bank) because they were doing a contest with all the standard banks in Africa. it was for who could right the best jingle. All the Standard Banks in Namibia had their part of the contest last night in Windhoek and all had to perform their songs! Garth's bank WON!!! They get to go to Jo-burg now and represent Namibia!! I'm so excited for them!!
well...I'm off! I have my first Mascato rehearsal today since over a month! Crazy!! It'll be nice to see everyone again though!!
*mwah*
I only had to try uploading this album like 5 million times! argh!
Enjoy the pictures though!! Those kids are SO cute!
Okaukuejo Primary School
I also stuck up some pictures from when we went out for dinner with Lex's parents the other night.. click here
so...we got Lex and her roomates all moved into their new house yesterday. It's GORGEOUS!! it's massive and brand new everything (the whole place is only like 4 years old!) Astroboy (Lex's cat) doesn't seem to impressed with it yet probably because they are on the second floor of an apartment and now he can't run outside whenever he wants!
We had a movie/fondue night there last night which was great fun! Michelle came in from Walvis Bay to hang with us too! She stayed overnight at my place.
Oh...I think I mentioned this a really long time ago... Before Kokopelli came Garth was rehearsal with the bank he works for (Standard Bank) because they were doing a contest with all the standard banks in Africa. it was for who could right the best jingle. All the Standard Banks in Namibia had their part of the contest last night in Windhoek and all had to perform their songs! Garth's bank WON!!! They get to go to Jo-burg now and represent Namibia!! I'm so excited for them!!
well...I'm off! I have my first Mascato rehearsal today since over a month! Crazy!! It'll be nice to see everyone again though!!
*mwah*
Thursday, August 9, 2007
mmmm...lasagne
It's been really nice hanging out with Jenica and Ellen the past week or so... It's especially been nice getting to know Ellen better! She's great!
I forgot to mention in my last post that Mrs.Venter and I had Ellen and Jenica over for dinner the other night... I made my very first home-made lasagne! I turned out surprisingly well (even if it did explode over the top a bit....)
Tonight Jenica, Ellen, Marcelino, Lex and I are going out for dinner with Lex's parents! It's so nice having them here...I hope they have enjoyed their time so far!!
I've been working on music for the musical all day... even though it's been postponed they want to have everything completely prepared so the second the choreographer is better we can start the movement!! I should bring some of the music home for Kokopelli! It's really awesome!!
oh...and Mrs.Venter and I have been chatting about the new exchange student coming from Mascato.. there have been some people applying that I haven't expected! I'm getting really excited to see who it's going to be! We should find out by the end of the month!! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
well..I'm off to dinner! *mwah*
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
thinking of you
I've realized lately that I'm beginning to miss a few things from home...
I'm not homesick or anything but I just wish I could bring some stuff here and enjoy it as well!
for instance.. I miss my car! I miss driving on the other side of the road (so much so that I turned into the wrong lane doing a right hand turn the other day!) that was fun...
I also want a Perogy Pizza from Boston Pizza SO BAD!!! There's a few food things I've been missing (like good cereal and good movie popcorn)
Maybe it's just that I'm jealous or something that everyone got to go home after tour and I didn't. I've never stayed behind on a tour before so it was a little weird to watch everyone go! I'm not complaining though because I do still love it here and I love being with Mascato and Mrs.Venter...I'm just missing a few things from home... maybe it's just one of those days...
I need to stop listening to choir music on my iPod!
anyhoo...here's some more pictures.
Boulder Beach in South Africa (PENGUINS!)
Zambezi River Cruise in Zambia (HIPPOS!)
I'm not homesick or anything but I just wish I could bring some stuff here and enjoy it as well!
for instance.. I miss my car! I miss driving on the other side of the road (so much so that I turned into the wrong lane doing a right hand turn the other day!) that was fun...
I also want a Perogy Pizza from Boston Pizza SO BAD!!! There's a few food things I've been missing (like good cereal and good movie popcorn)
Maybe it's just that I'm jealous or something that everyone got to go home after tour and I didn't. I've never stayed behind on a tour before so it was a little weird to watch everyone go! I'm not complaining though because I do still love it here and I love being with Mascato and Mrs.Venter...I'm just missing a few things from home... maybe it's just one of those days...
I need to stop listening to choir music on my iPod!
anyhoo...here's some more pictures.
Boulder Beach in South Africa (PENGUINS!)
Zambezi River Cruise in Zambia (HIPPOS!)
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
pics pics pics
On thursday afternoon Scott, Nigel, Bruce, Erin and I headed off to the "Moonscape" area (about a half hour out of Swakopmund or so) It takes about 2 hours to drive through this park which is supposed to look like the moon. It was really neat! There's a bunch of different things to see along the way including these crazy rare plants. One we saw was over 1500 years old! Check out the pictures!!
Here's some pictures from further back in the tour when we where in Zambia at Victoria Falls!
ENJOY!
Here's some pictures from further back in the tour when we where in Zambia at Victoria Falls!
ENJOY!
Monday, August 6, 2007
random stuff...
well...I found out this morning I have to pay for the tire we blew. Lame...I hope it won't be too much!
In other news...I came across the song that Joel and I wrote on the tour about all our wonderful sicknesses! I thought I'd post the lyrics for your enjoyment!
Verse 1
There's a place in northern Namibia
They call it Popa Falls
The food there was oh so yummy
But now nature desperately calls
Chorus
Puke, spew
Harf, barf
Vomit, chuck
Lose your lunch
Hurl, ralf
Toss your cookies
Blow chunks
Throw it up
Verse 2
Then we finally made it to Zambia
And that's where it got really bad
And though Dreamy Fahimy really likes his poop
Diarrhea isn't so rad
Chorus
Bridge
And then came the dawn
With a technicolour yawn
To fertilize the lawn
Now everybody....
Chorus x2
yup...we had a lot of time on those bus rides!
anyhoo....here's some picture from Sossusvlei
and from Spier
~enjoy
In other news...I came across the song that Joel and I wrote on the tour about all our wonderful sicknesses! I thought I'd post the lyrics for your enjoyment!
Verse 1
There's a place in northern Namibia
They call it Popa Falls
The food there was oh so yummy
But now nature desperately calls
Chorus
Puke, spew
Harf, barf
Vomit, chuck
Lose your lunch
Hurl, ralf
Toss your cookies
Blow chunks
Throw it up
Verse 2
Then we finally made it to Zambia
And that's where it got really bad
And though Dreamy Fahimy really likes his poop
Diarrhea isn't so rad
Chorus
Bridge
And then came the dawn
With a technicolour yawn
To fertilize the lawn
Now everybody....
Chorus x2
yup...we had a lot of time on those bus rides!
anyhoo....here's some picture from Sossusvlei
and from Spier
~enjoy
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Sossusvlei
We just had such a great weekend!! Jenica, Ellen, Michelle, Scott, Nigel, Bruce, Erin and I all headed about 6 hours out of Swakop to Sossusvlei which has the red sand dunes which are some of the tallest in the world! Even bigger than dune 7!
We left early on friday morning and hit the road....or should I say gravel? 400km on gravel roads SUCK! (especially in a little VW hatchback!) oh well...I'm a pro at driving on gravel now!
We arrived at our camp just in time to settle in and relax before dinner. It was a super nice little area where we were - complete with a mini watering hole!
We got up SUPER early the next day in order to make it to the main gates by sunrise. We were about an hour away so we left the camp at 5:30am! OUCH!
But that was the first African sunrise I've seen since I've been here! Very nice!
We finally got into the park at 6:45 and drove for about another hour to the dunes.
The first hike we did was about two hours and SO cool! I'm SO glad we came early in the morning because we finished by 10am and it was already SO hot!! The hike we did was called "hiddenvlei". Basically it's a trip over some dunes and suddenly when you reach the top of one of them you come to this 'hidden' salt pan. It's so neat...completely white and flat with these giant dead trees. Really creepy but very cool to look at! (if you've ever seen The Cell with Jennifer Lopez - that's where her crazy dreams are filmed!)
we finished that lovely hike and decided to head onto Sossusvlei then which was only 5km away. Unfortuantly you need a 4x4 to drive there because it's super soft sand. There where shuttles there to take you in if you didn't have a 4x4 so we told Scott's car to go ahead and we'll meet them in there. We went to a shuttle to ask to get driven in and he says "$90 per person". .....now, we've already paid $80 each at the gate to get into the park...so we figured these shuttles would be free!
We all decide that's highway robbery and screw it instead. Jenica and Ellen went back to the car to read but Michelle and I decided to be adventurous and try to walk instead. We're like "5km...that's not so bad! we can do it!". After about 20 minutes of walking in the heat and super soft sand we realized what a stupid decision we made! We met up with some people who were walking back and they said it's not that bad and we should be able to make it. We chatted with them for a little bit and found out they were Canadian too. Even more crazy is that when we said why we were in Africa they told us they were from just outside Nelson and saw Kokopelli there! What a small world!!
Anyhoo...Michelle and I trekked on a little more when the shuttle we had first tried to get on stopped by us. He said it's too far to walk and we should come with him...for only $50 together. I told him we had no money because we left it in our car when we decided to walk. We gave us a ride anyways after talking a bit more...he said to meet him at 12:15 and get a ride back with him so we can pay him.
We we finally arrived we found Scott's car right away and hooked up with them instead. We hiked around there a little more and all started to feel a little gross after being in the sun and heat for so long! We caught a ride back with them instead so we wouldn't have to wait around and pay this other dude!
We headed back to our lodge after to chill by the pool and read a bit.
Speaking of reading - I just finished Harry Potter. So, I thought it was a pretty good ending but what was up with the whole "19 Years Later" thing??? That was SSSSSSOOOO cheesy!!
lame lame lame
So...we headed back this morning and were making pretty good time! When we were about an hour and a half from Walvis Bay I heard a "BAM" and got a little freaked out. I pulled over hoping we didn't get a flat tire but low and behold...we did.
4 girls...in the middle of the desert with no cars anywhere to be seen. And the tire didn't just go flat - it pretty much got a big ass whole in it! I must have hit one huge sharp rock in order to do that!
We started taking the spare tire out and tried to figure out how to jack it up when a car came towards us. We kind of tried to flag it down but it didn't even slow down at all! But luckily another truck came by no more than 30 seconds later! A super nice guy came out and changed the tire for us! He even offered to drive the rest of the way behind us to make sure it would be okay! I told him we all had cells with coverage there so it would be fine! But it was so nice of him to offer though!
We made it back to Swakop with no further adventures! The weekend was super fun overall though! Scott and his gang went on to Waterberg to do some crazy horse back riding safari. Ellen, Jenica and I are just chilling at the internet cafe. It's very exciting too!
oh...and other random news - the big musical that Mascato was getting ready for (September 15 & 16) ...and the whole reason why my stay was extended...has been postponed! The choreographer who that had lined up found out she has cancer and has to go for emergency surgery! They don't want to do the play without her so they postponed it till whenever she's better!
I was looking really forward to see how it was going to turn out but I'm glad with lady caught it in time in order to do something about it! Mrs.Venter is thinking that they might even be able to fly me back for it (because the Bank of Windhoek is sponsoring the play) That would be so crazy!
Scott and Mrs.Venter were asking if I wanted to go home earlier now because it's not happening anymore but I said I still wanted to stay. The original exchange was supposed to be 3 months and I arrived on the 10th of May. So really I should have been going back on September 10th (the month Kokopelli was here didn't count as part of the exchange) so really I'm only staying like an extra 11 days! I said I definitaly want to stay!
I should run though... I'm almost out of time on the internet! I normally pre-write my posts on my laptop and then bring them to the internet cafe on my memory stick - but I'm just writing as fast as I can now instead! crazy!
Hope everyone in Kokopelli made it home okay with nothing broken!!
mwah
We left early on friday morning and hit the road....or should I say gravel? 400km on gravel roads SUCK! (especially in a little VW hatchback!) oh well...I'm a pro at driving on gravel now!
We arrived at our camp just in time to settle in and relax before dinner. It was a super nice little area where we were - complete with a mini watering hole!
We got up SUPER early the next day in order to make it to the main gates by sunrise. We were about an hour away so we left the camp at 5:30am! OUCH!
But that was the first African sunrise I've seen since I've been here! Very nice!
We finally got into the park at 6:45 and drove for about another hour to the dunes.
The first hike we did was about two hours and SO cool! I'm SO glad we came early in the morning because we finished by 10am and it was already SO hot!! The hike we did was called "hiddenvlei". Basically it's a trip over some dunes and suddenly when you reach the top of one of them you come to this 'hidden' salt pan. It's so neat...completely white and flat with these giant dead trees. Really creepy but very cool to look at! (if you've ever seen The Cell with Jennifer Lopez - that's where her crazy dreams are filmed!)
we finished that lovely hike and decided to head onto Sossusvlei then which was only 5km away. Unfortuantly you need a 4x4 to drive there because it's super soft sand. There where shuttles there to take you in if you didn't have a 4x4 so we told Scott's car to go ahead and we'll meet them in there. We went to a shuttle to ask to get driven in and he says "$90 per person". .....now, we've already paid $80 each at the gate to get into the park...so we figured these shuttles would be free!
We all decide that's highway robbery and screw it instead. Jenica and Ellen went back to the car to read but Michelle and I decided to be adventurous and try to walk instead. We're like "5km...that's not so bad! we can do it!". After about 20 minutes of walking in the heat and super soft sand we realized what a stupid decision we made! We met up with some people who were walking back and they said it's not that bad and we should be able to make it. We chatted with them for a little bit and found out they were Canadian too. Even more crazy is that when we said why we were in Africa they told us they were from just outside Nelson and saw Kokopelli there! What a small world!!
Anyhoo...Michelle and I trekked on a little more when the shuttle we had first tried to get on stopped by us. He said it's too far to walk and we should come with him...for only $50 together. I told him we had no money because we left it in our car when we decided to walk. We gave us a ride anyways after talking a bit more...he said to meet him at 12:15 and get a ride back with him so we can pay him.
We we finally arrived we found Scott's car right away and hooked up with them instead. We hiked around there a little more and all started to feel a little gross after being in the sun and heat for so long! We caught a ride back with them instead so we wouldn't have to wait around and pay this other dude!
We headed back to our lodge after to chill by the pool and read a bit.
Speaking of reading - I just finished Harry Potter. So, I thought it was a pretty good ending but what was up with the whole "19 Years Later" thing??? That was SSSSSSOOOO cheesy!!
lame lame lame
So...we headed back this morning and were making pretty good time! When we were about an hour and a half from Walvis Bay I heard a "BAM" and got a little freaked out. I pulled over hoping we didn't get a flat tire but low and behold...we did.
4 girls...in the middle of the desert with no cars anywhere to be seen. And the tire didn't just go flat - it pretty much got a big ass whole in it! I must have hit one huge sharp rock in order to do that!
We started taking the spare tire out and tried to figure out how to jack it up when a car came towards us. We kind of tried to flag it down but it didn't even slow down at all! But luckily another truck came by no more than 30 seconds later! A super nice guy came out and changed the tire for us! He even offered to drive the rest of the way behind us to make sure it would be okay! I told him we all had cells with coverage there so it would be fine! But it was so nice of him to offer though!
We made it back to Swakop with no further adventures! The weekend was super fun overall though! Scott and his gang went on to Waterberg to do some crazy horse back riding safari. Ellen, Jenica and I are just chilling at the internet cafe. It's very exciting too!
oh...and other random news - the big musical that Mascato was getting ready for (September 15 & 16) ...and the whole reason why my stay was extended...has been postponed! The choreographer who that had lined up found out she has cancer and has to go for emergency surgery! They don't want to do the play without her so they postponed it till whenever she's better!
I was looking really forward to see how it was going to turn out but I'm glad with lady caught it in time in order to do something about it! Mrs.Venter is thinking that they might even be able to fly me back for it (because the Bank of Windhoek is sponsoring the play) That would be so crazy!
Scott and Mrs.Venter were asking if I wanted to go home earlier now because it's not happening anymore but I said I still wanted to stay. The original exchange was supposed to be 3 months and I arrived on the 10th of May. So really I should have been going back on September 10th (the month Kokopelli was here didn't count as part of the exchange) so really I'm only staying like an extra 11 days! I said I definitaly want to stay!
I should run though... I'm almost out of time on the internet! I normally pre-write my posts on my laptop and then bring them to the internet cafe on my memory stick - but I'm just writing as fast as I can now instead! crazy!
Hope everyone in Kokopelli made it home okay with nothing broken!!
mwah
Thursday, August 2, 2007
back at 'home'!
well...back into my daily routine... just with a few extra friends along now! That's exciting!
Yesterday Jenica and I met up with Ellen at the internet cafe and then hit our favorite restaurant, The Village Cafe, for lunch. Jenica needed to pick up a few things for her month long stay at Lex's house (like a towel, pillow and air mattress) as well as a new pair of glasses (her's were unfortuantely sat on during the koko tour...at least she has contacts along!)
I also went over to Avis to rent a car for the weekend because we're taking a little drive down to Sussisvlie (spelling?) where the red dunes are!
We came back to Mrs.Venter's house later to find Scott, Nigel, Bruce and Erin had arrived from Windhoek. It's kind of weird actually to be here - getting back into my routine - and have a bunch of people from home around! It'll take some getting used to!
Later in the evening MYO was debuting their brand new MYO DVD. We all went to see what it was all about! It was awesome...expecially seeing Lex in there! Very cool!
We all went out later to the Light House restaurant along with Lex's parents! It's so neat having them here as well!!
Scott, Nigel and Bruce are staying in their fancy truck thing that has tents of top of it in Mrs.Venter's driveway. It's pretty neat actually... but I got a nice surprise this morning...Scott told me at 11am a local radio station was going to do a phone interview with us! CRAZY! I've never done anything like that before! It was a little scary...but not too bad...he just asked questions about the exchange and how I like it in Namibia and stuff like that!
They all just took off to the Village Cafe to grab some lunch but I decided to stay home and bake a cake! It's Mrs.Venter's birthday tomorrow!! the big 7-5!!!
...and she hasn't even mentioned one little thing about it yet! And I seriously don't even think she would!! She never likes making a big fuss about herself! She's feeling a little under the weather right now so I hope she feels a little better tonight! I'm hoping we'll all be able to make a big supper for her! (and have some cake too!)
YAY!!
Yesterday Jenica and I met up with Ellen at the internet cafe and then hit our favorite restaurant, The Village Cafe, for lunch. Jenica needed to pick up a few things for her month long stay at Lex's house (like a towel, pillow and air mattress) as well as a new pair of glasses (her's were unfortuantely sat on during the koko tour...at least she has contacts along!)
I also went over to Avis to rent a car for the weekend because we're taking a little drive down to Sussisvlie (spelling?) where the red dunes are!
We came back to Mrs.Venter's house later to find Scott, Nigel, Bruce and Erin had arrived from Windhoek. It's kind of weird actually to be here - getting back into my routine - and have a bunch of people from home around! It'll take some getting used to!
Later in the evening MYO was debuting their brand new MYO DVD. We all went to see what it was all about! It was awesome...expecially seeing Lex in there! Very cool!
We all went out later to the Light House restaurant along with Lex's parents! It's so neat having them here as well!!
Scott, Nigel and Bruce are staying in their fancy truck thing that has tents of top of it in Mrs.Venter's driveway. It's pretty neat actually... but I got a nice surprise this morning...Scott told me at 11am a local radio station was going to do a phone interview with us! CRAZY! I've never done anything like that before! It was a little scary...but not too bad...he just asked questions about the exchange and how I like it in Namibia and stuff like that!
They all just took off to the Village Cafe to grab some lunch but I decided to stay home and bake a cake! It's Mrs.Venter's birthday tomorrow!! the big 7-5!!!
...and she hasn't even mentioned one little thing about it yet! And I seriously don't even think she would!! She never likes making a big fuss about herself! She's feeling a little under the weather right now so I hope she feels a little better tonight! I'm hoping we'll all be able to make a big supper for her! (and have some cake too!)
YAY!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
picture links
I just realized I haven't put these picture links up yet! Enjoy!!
Waterburg Plateau Pictures
Etosha Pictures
Waterburg Plateau Pictures
Etosha Pictures
The rest of the tour
Well...the tour is officially done and I have sure forgotten to write in my blog for a good ten days or so... Let’s see what I can remember!
On July 20 we headed off to South Africa. We checked into our AMAZING hotel, The Lord Charles, who was one of our sponsors on the tour. It was like walking into the Hotel Macdonald at home! Holy fancy batman!
After checking in we headed off to Somerset College to do meet Siyacula and do a small rehearsal with them. It was so great getting to see them all again, especially Marijka!
That night we were in for a treat….the World Youth Choir were having a performance in Stellenbosch and we were lucky enough to get tickets for it! It was incredible!! It’s so hard to imagine that all those singers are the same age as us in Kokopelli! They sound SO professional! It was such a neat experience! And it was so great getting to some fellow Canadians in the group as well…Dawn Bailey, who I used to sing with in the Alberta College Choirs, was one of their Soprano 1’s! It’s so neat getting to watch someone you know singing in a group like that!
The next morning we had another rehearsal with Siyacula. We learned some of their music, which was fun and very challenging! We came back to the hotel after to get ready for the Gala fundraiser. I guess they put this fundraiser on every year to help different charities – this year Siyacula was one of them!
It was quite the event (I have never seen so much cutlery for one person in my life…what can you possible do with 4 forks and 4 knives???)
Everyone looked really great too mostly thanks to Amanda!! We set up a little beauty parlor in her room before the fundraiser and did lots of the girls makeup!
On the 22nd we headed off to Spier. I don’t even know how to describe this place…it’s kind of like Fort Edmonton Park except cooler. I think you have to pay an entrance fee...and then when you get inside there’s a fancy restaurant, a cheetah sanctuary, an eagle encounters place, gift shops and picnic areas. For lunch we had a choice of going to the restaurant or just having a picnic. I think most people chose the restaurant but I thought it was a little too expensive (and I wasn’t that hungry) so John and I did the picnic instead. We heading down to the little lake area they had and sat with the ducks. It was really nice and then we had extra time as well to do more of the other things.
We first headed over to the cheetah sanctuary where we actually got to go in and pet an adult cheetah! That was pretty crazy! It even purred for us!!
After that we headed over to the eagle encounter. They had TONS of birds in there including hawks, owls, falcons, secretary birds and of course, eagles. We even got to hold one of the eagles. They put on a little show later too with some of the birds. We got to hold a piece of raw meat on our hands high above our heads and an eagle would swoop down and grab it so fast you barely even notice it! It was really fun!
That evening we all were billeted. I was with a group of 17 people who stayed at what used to be a bed and breakfast (but they are currently tearing it down)
It was SO beautiful there! They live on a vineyard and have a pool and sheep and chickens. The mountains are all around them there. Such beautiful buildings too!
The next morning we did an early performance at Somerset College for an assembly. We just did a couple of songs to get them interested for the concert later that evening.
After that we headed to Lwandle (where Thulani is from) and did a couple of performances there. The first school we visited was HUGE! I think they said they had over 1300 kids (and only 35 teachers! Yikes!) It was an outdoor performance and was a little weird... but still fun.
After that we headed over to a little primary school (like kindergarten age) where Katelyn had been volunteering. There were maybe 30 kids there and they were SO cute! They really seemed to enjoy having us there!
Later that night we had our performance back at Somerset College with Siyacula, which went really well! It was tons of fun!
The next day was a free day where people could do whatever they wanted. Most people decided to go into Cape Town to get some shopping done but John and I decided to sleep in and take it easy! (mostly because I had coughed the entire night and we barely got any sleep!)
So, we stayed at our billets house for the morning watching the rain and reading some Harry Potter. We decided that we would try to walk somewhere to find a restaurant for lunch. We got maybe 10 minutes away when Phillipa, our billet mom, drove by us and said she would drive us to an amazing restaurant. It was a winery called Avontuur Estates that apparently has been voted the best place in South Africa to have lunch. After eating there….I would completely agree! At home we probably would have paid over $100 dollars for what we ate and the service we got but it was so reasonable priced (like maybe $50 cnd) and we both had wine, main course and dessert! It took us just over a half hour to walk back after buying a couple bottles of wine in the store there. We just chilled some more at the house and waited for everyone to get back. We did a little mini performance in the house for Phillipa and her kids.
On the 25th we headed to Cape Town. We went to Boulders Beach where we saw tons of penguins. SO CUTE!!
Later on we headed to the Waterfront Market and did a little performance in the amphitheatre. Then we shopped, shopped and shopped! I think everyone was starting to realize how few days we had left so they needed to get all their souvenirs sooner than later!
The next day was also a shopping day. It was a free day to do what we wanted and unfortunately it was SO rainy again! That was the day we were supposed to go shark diving but they phoned and said it was too dangerous to take the boat out because it was too windy and rainy. Sad :(
But was had fun at the markets again. We also went to the new Harry Potter movie later in the afternoon.
The next day we flew back to Windhoek. We spent 4 days there, which included our final concert with Mascato at the National Theatre. It was a really great concert to end the tour! We also did some recordings with Mascato (and they recorded the concert as well). I’m really excited to hear how those turned out!
For Kokopelli, we had one final celebration at Joe’s Beer House. This place is sort of more for tourists…they have things on the menu like the “bushman platter” which is a kebob of meat like kudu, ostrich, crocodile and zebra. I had that last time we were in Africa and my favorite meat on that was the zebra so this time I just got a zebra steak. Holy cow it is SO good!!! We had a great time there!
Our very last night we were privileged enough to get a workshop with the director of the World Youth Choir. We also got a workshop with Marcelinus, who is a great composer and has worked with Mascato before. He taught us two of his songs.
The next day was our last time altogether. Everyone was to head off to the airport at 4:00. Me, Jenica, Michelle, Ellen and the Mascato boys that stayed behind all left at noon so we could catch a combie back to Swakopmund. That was a long ride back…it’s about a 4 hour drive but it was SO hot! They totally over crowd those combie’s to make as much money as they can. The one we were in should sit max. 11 people. We had 15!! Ew...sticky sweaty people...at least it wasn’t smelly!
So…now we’re back in Swakop and everyone else is in London. Scott, Nigel, Bruce and Erin are still in Windhoek though on their way to Swakop sometime today.
It was a really great tour overall…with lots more adventures and challenges than we had our previous time to Africa. But that’ll just make it all the more memorable.
I have now been in Africa for almost 3 months and have another 1 month and 3 weeks to go. That seems like such a short time!! Wow…it’s been going by so fast!
I’ll try to post pictures as soon as I can! I have lots and lots to upload so it could take a while!!
Miss you all at home! Hope you’re still having a wonderful summer!
On July 20 we headed off to South Africa. We checked into our AMAZING hotel, The Lord Charles, who was one of our sponsors on the tour. It was like walking into the Hotel Macdonald at home! Holy fancy batman!
After checking in we headed off to Somerset College to do meet Siyacula and do a small rehearsal with them. It was so great getting to see them all again, especially Marijka!
That night we were in for a treat….the World Youth Choir were having a performance in Stellenbosch and we were lucky enough to get tickets for it! It was incredible!! It’s so hard to imagine that all those singers are the same age as us in Kokopelli! They sound SO professional! It was such a neat experience! And it was so great getting to some fellow Canadians in the group as well…Dawn Bailey, who I used to sing with in the Alberta College Choirs, was one of their Soprano 1’s! It’s so neat getting to watch someone you know singing in a group like that!
The next morning we had another rehearsal with Siyacula. We learned some of their music, which was fun and very challenging! We came back to the hotel after to get ready for the Gala fundraiser. I guess they put this fundraiser on every year to help different charities – this year Siyacula was one of them!
It was quite the event (I have never seen so much cutlery for one person in my life…what can you possible do with 4 forks and 4 knives???)
Everyone looked really great too mostly thanks to Amanda!! We set up a little beauty parlor in her room before the fundraiser and did lots of the girls makeup!
On the 22nd we headed off to Spier. I don’t even know how to describe this place…it’s kind of like Fort Edmonton Park except cooler. I think you have to pay an entrance fee...and then when you get inside there’s a fancy restaurant, a cheetah sanctuary, an eagle encounters place, gift shops and picnic areas. For lunch we had a choice of going to the restaurant or just having a picnic. I think most people chose the restaurant but I thought it was a little too expensive (and I wasn’t that hungry) so John and I did the picnic instead. We heading down to the little lake area they had and sat with the ducks. It was really nice and then we had extra time as well to do more of the other things.
We first headed over to the cheetah sanctuary where we actually got to go in and pet an adult cheetah! That was pretty crazy! It even purred for us!!
After that we headed over to the eagle encounter. They had TONS of birds in there including hawks, owls, falcons, secretary birds and of course, eagles. We even got to hold one of the eagles. They put on a little show later too with some of the birds. We got to hold a piece of raw meat on our hands high above our heads and an eagle would swoop down and grab it so fast you barely even notice it! It was really fun!
That evening we all were billeted. I was with a group of 17 people who stayed at what used to be a bed and breakfast (but they are currently tearing it down)
It was SO beautiful there! They live on a vineyard and have a pool and sheep and chickens. The mountains are all around them there. Such beautiful buildings too!
The next morning we did an early performance at Somerset College for an assembly. We just did a couple of songs to get them interested for the concert later that evening.
After that we headed to Lwandle (where Thulani is from) and did a couple of performances there. The first school we visited was HUGE! I think they said they had over 1300 kids (and only 35 teachers! Yikes!) It was an outdoor performance and was a little weird... but still fun.
After that we headed over to a little primary school (like kindergarten age) where Katelyn had been volunteering. There were maybe 30 kids there and they were SO cute! They really seemed to enjoy having us there!
Later that night we had our performance back at Somerset College with Siyacula, which went really well! It was tons of fun!
The next day was a free day where people could do whatever they wanted. Most people decided to go into Cape Town to get some shopping done but John and I decided to sleep in and take it easy! (mostly because I had coughed the entire night and we barely got any sleep!)
So, we stayed at our billets house for the morning watching the rain and reading some Harry Potter. We decided that we would try to walk somewhere to find a restaurant for lunch. We got maybe 10 minutes away when Phillipa, our billet mom, drove by us and said she would drive us to an amazing restaurant. It was a winery called Avontuur Estates that apparently has been voted the best place in South Africa to have lunch. After eating there….I would completely agree! At home we probably would have paid over $100 dollars for what we ate and the service we got but it was so reasonable priced (like maybe $50 cnd) and we both had wine, main course and dessert! It took us just over a half hour to walk back after buying a couple bottles of wine in the store there. We just chilled some more at the house and waited for everyone to get back. We did a little mini performance in the house for Phillipa and her kids.
On the 25th we headed to Cape Town. We went to Boulders Beach where we saw tons of penguins. SO CUTE!!
Later on we headed to the Waterfront Market and did a little performance in the amphitheatre. Then we shopped, shopped and shopped! I think everyone was starting to realize how few days we had left so they needed to get all their souvenirs sooner than later!
The next day was also a shopping day. It was a free day to do what we wanted and unfortunately it was SO rainy again! That was the day we were supposed to go shark diving but they phoned and said it was too dangerous to take the boat out because it was too windy and rainy. Sad :(
But was had fun at the markets again. We also went to the new Harry Potter movie later in the afternoon.
The next day we flew back to Windhoek. We spent 4 days there, which included our final concert with Mascato at the National Theatre. It was a really great concert to end the tour! We also did some recordings with Mascato (and they recorded the concert as well). I’m really excited to hear how those turned out!
For Kokopelli, we had one final celebration at Joe’s Beer House. This place is sort of more for tourists…they have things on the menu like the “bushman platter” which is a kebob of meat like kudu, ostrich, crocodile and zebra. I had that last time we were in Africa and my favorite meat on that was the zebra so this time I just got a zebra steak. Holy cow it is SO good!!! We had a great time there!
Our very last night we were privileged enough to get a workshop with the director of the World Youth Choir. We also got a workshop with Marcelinus, who is a great composer and has worked with Mascato before. He taught us two of his songs.
The next day was our last time altogether. Everyone was to head off to the airport at 4:00. Me, Jenica, Michelle, Ellen and the Mascato boys that stayed behind all left at noon so we could catch a combie back to Swakopmund. That was a long ride back…it’s about a 4 hour drive but it was SO hot! They totally over crowd those combie’s to make as much money as they can. The one we were in should sit max. 11 people. We had 15!! Ew...sticky sweaty people...at least it wasn’t smelly!
So…now we’re back in Swakop and everyone else is in London. Scott, Nigel, Bruce and Erin are still in Windhoek though on their way to Swakop sometime today.
It was a really great tour overall…with lots more adventures and challenges than we had our previous time to Africa. But that’ll just make it all the more memorable.
I have now been in Africa for almost 3 months and have another 1 month and 3 weeks to go. That seems like such a short time!! Wow…it’s been going by so fast!
I’ll try to post pictures as soon as I can! I have lots and lots to upload so it could take a while!!
Miss you all at home! Hope you’re still having a wonderful summer!
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