CANADA

I'M HOME! oh...it feels so nice! I really miss Namibia already (especially a bunch of the people from there!) but it's really nice to be back! Everything is so green and leafy!! NO MORE SAND!!! (although I do miss seeing the dunes...I just really don't miss walking in sand and getting it everywhere!)

Well, Linus and I had a pretty easy trip home with just a few minor problems...well not even problems, just annoyances. In Walvis Bay our flight was delayed for two and a half hours. It sucked because the whole airport is like the size of a gym. But at least it made our layover in Jo-burg shorter. So, we got to sit together on that short(ish) flight from Walvis Bay to Jo-burg. In Jo-burg we get down to our gates and Linus goes to stand in the line at Gate 24, which is currently getting ready to board.
I say "What are you doing? We're at Gate 23."
he says "No... Gate 24"
"No. Gate 23..."
We compare tickets and realize that we aren't on the same flight! I couldn't believe it!! We were both on South African Airlines but he's flight to London left not even on hour before mine! I was just riding on his tail the entire way there! So dumb!
Well, that was a pretty uneventful flight.. Eleven hours long (yuck). The people on the flight were fantastic! I loved the flight attendants! We all had our own TV's on the back of the seat in front of us where we could watch our choice of movies, tv shows, and play games. The only problem was that there was NO leg room! I mean ZERO! ZIP! NADA!
I was sitting in just a normal position and my knees touched the seat in front of me.
Then the stupid guy in front of me kept his seat reclined for the entire flight! Even during the meals!!! I had to keep tapping his shoulder to get him to move it forward so I could eat! meh...I survived it though - maybe with just slighty more stiff legs than I began!

I met up with Linus in the Heathrow airport later on. We were just making ourselves comfortable in the sitting area when the fire alarm went off and we had to evacuate. It was pretty funny actually! We were thinking there couldn't possible be anything else that happened during our way home! And nothing else did so that was great!!
We arrived in Edmonton at 2:03pm, made it through customs with no problems, got to my house by 3:30ish, both had a quick shower and made it out to the Kokopelli retreat at Nakamun by 5:30. It was crazy! We were both incredibly jetlagged by it was really nice to be back!

so, I guess this is the end of my blog... This was an unforgettable, life changing experience and I'm glad I was able to share at least a little bit of it with everyone! Thanks for reading!
Now go visit Africa too!! haha


from the last post here's some pictures from the Camel riding and theFarewell Potjiekos

Last day!

wow. I can't believe I'm on my last day! In exactly 24 hours I'll be traveling to Walvis Bay to catch my flight!!
It's been a very busy past few days trying to cram everything in! So busy I haven't been able to get to the internet cafe! (well that's a lie, I made it yesterday but all the lines were down so I couldn't use it anyways! ...oh I can't wait to get fast internet again!!)
So when did I last write..I think it was tuesday morning?
So, after the internet cafe Ellen and I went to Mondesa to meet up with Linus. He wanted to give us a nice African culinary experience - and an experience it sure was!!
He took us to the market area which they kind of call their "food court". It was sort of like what I wrote about in my first week when we had fatkoeks and capana.
We had a few different things this time though! We had good old fatkoeks (which I friggin love! I could gain 500lbs just by eating those!) and we dipped them into this sauce (sort of gravy). He wouldn't tell us what it was though until we ate it. I had NO idea what the meat was...it almost looked like a flexible honeycomb and the lady serving us didn't speak any english so I couldn't ask her!
Finally a guy was standing near us and decided to buy me and Ellen some of the meat (he just wanted to see if we would actually eat it or not)
So he pops a big piece into his mouth and leaves the rest for us to try...
Linus still wouldn't tell us but said he would if we ate it. It kind of looked like fat with short hair on it (like a brown, meaty astroturf)
I have to admit...I almost puked getting it down..I gagged just slighty. Ellen put it in her mouth but spit it out (she is a vegetarian after all!)
so...it turns out... it was a cows stomach lining.
Not something I ever wanna try again!!

We also tried a traditional drink (which I've had before) It's not my favorite but it was neat to get there in the market! Everyone just sort of gets a big jam jar type thing and stands around and chats and shares the drink.

We then went to get "snacks". These ladies just sit on the side of road near the taxi rink and have cartons of dried fruit, nuts, and fish. I have no idea why you would want to snack on tiny little fishes but apparently lots of people do. eeww...
We got dried fruit...

Then we went back to Linus's house where he gave us an "African Melon". That was interesting! He pulled it out of the fridge and asked if we knew what it was... I thought it was a grapefruit...
It touched it though and it's ROCK hard!! He could barely get a knife in to cut it!
Finally he made a hole big enough for us to stick our fingers in to grab at the fruit inside.
I look inside it and decide right then and there that I do not want to try this. It looked like a brain or a bunch of snot or something! So gross. Finally he convinced us though and it was surprisingly good!! I really enjoyed it!

We had a really good time! It was really nice of Linus to take us out and do all this!
After we left his house we meet up with Pam and then headed out of town to the Camel Farm!!!
Riding a camel is hilarious! They are SO friggin tall! I had no idea! We all got to wear turbans and feel just like an arab in the desert! hahaha! I got to ride Freddie, Pam had Bushman and Ellen was on Olga! hahahaha Olga the camel. I love it
It was a really bumpy ride but still fun. I'm glad we only went for 20 minutes because I don't think my butt would've lasted any longer!

That night we had a rehearsal with Mascato (they have a performance coming up on Monday and Tuesday! busy busy busy!)
So I just came along to help out on the piano... Mrs.Venter used to be an amazing piano player but unfortunately she has really bad arthiritis now and can't really play. So she conducted and I played instead!

Yesterday I met up with Lex and Ellen and the Village Cafe. My last time there *tear* it was wonderful and I got a travel mug to remember it! Lex went off to school and Ellen and I headed off to the wood market. I got a few last things (Erin - I got you some really wicked necklaces there! bone, wood and shell! I hope you like them!!)
Vera came over in the afternoon to give me a little present from her and her piano students. She said they were actually asking if I was coming back! So cute! I actually made an impression on them! I guess that's a good thing if I'm coming home to be a piano teacher!

Last night we did one last fondue night at Lex's house. Pam, Ellen, Mervyn, Fonie and Shannon all came as well! We also decided to make a brie bake as well.
Actually...after we did the Village Cafe in the morning we went to Woermann Brock (a grocery store) and got some dough. (just plain bread dough, nothing fancy!)
So..Lex brought it to her house before she went to school.
When we got to her house at 7 that evening we realized that dough should be kept in the fridge!!! She had just kept it on her counter all day and I think it almost grew legs and walked away!! hahaha
It had exploded through the bag and rose up on her counter! so funny! It took a while for us to beat it back down to normal! We then wrapped the brie up inside and baked it! It was INCREDIBLE!! We ate SO much! And instead of eating it with apples or jam or whatever we dipped it in the fondue! hahaha! So good!!
It was a really fun night and was nice to be able to say goodbye to Shannon, Fonie and Mervyn there!

This morning I took Mrs.Venter out to the Lightkeeper's Cottage for brunch. I can't believe I haven't eaten there before! It was SO good! And so cute too...it's right by the ocean and has a bunch of birds all around (like parrots, budgies, ducks and chickens) Really nice to sit outside and enjoy the food and nature all around!

Tonight I'm going to be having a little packing party in my room. Marcelino is staying over for dinner and then Pam, Lex and Ellen are coming later just to hang and say goodbye and stuff!

ok..this is kind of weird.. I'm listening to my iPod in the i-cafe right now.. I think it's trying to say something to me!! The last 3 songs have been about saying goodbye! First "Say Goodbye" Eva Cassidy, then "Beautiful Goodbye" Amanda Marshall and now the Real Group just came on singing "Hard to Say Goodbye".

well... Goodbye Namibia! It is going to be hard to say goodbye tomorrow!! I'm going to miss you and all your beautiful people!
At least I have a lot of good stuff to come home and look forward to!
See you all in 2 days! Have fun tomorrow at Nakamun! Make sure you don't eat all the rice with gravy without me!!
love you all! *mwah*

last bit...

it's nice to have everything back to normal here! Mrs.Venter got back home around 6ish on Sunday night. She's good as ever and probably running around doing more stuff than she did before! Crazy lady!
yesterday was a nice easy day... I packed one of my suitcases (mostly filled with my huge souviniers). I'm actually really amazed with how much I got in there! Fonie brought my kudu hors for me (which he cut and engraved! so cute) They JUST fit inside! I stuffed as much of my clothes around everything as I could to sort of pad it as well! It's SUPER heavy but I think I'll still have plenty of room in my other suitcase then! w00t!!
So...this is basically the last chance then...if anyone wants anything else from here I can bring it back for you. You have to message me pronto though cuz I think tomorrow might be my last day to shop!
So for the rest of yesterday I walked around town a bit and went into a bunch of shops that I've never been in yet. I bought a couple more small souviniers!
It was really nice actually! Really chilled.
I think I also found a really nice flowering plant that I'm going to get for Mrs.Venter before I go.

Today should be interesting! For the past month or so Linus has been telling me and Ellen he wants us to do a mission for him. He wouldn't tell us at all what he was talking about though!
I think I finally got it out of him yesterday though.. he wants to take us to the market in Mondesa and get fatkoeks and capana and stuff like that! yummy!!
After that we're heading out for CAMEL RIDES!!! I'm so excited for that! It's gonna be so weird!

Alrighty..I'm gonna be off! Only 4 days left till Linus and I leave! CRAZY!!

crazy dayz

Wow. A lot has happened here in the past 2 days! Good, bad and everything in between!
Friday continued nicely... I got home from the Internet café to find Theo and his wife, Tanya there. They had brought their brand new baby along... Not a brand new baby but brand new to them! They just adopted an 18 month old boy named Valentino. He is SO cute and smiley and curious. They stayed and had lunch with us and then it was time for me to head to MYO.

I saw two of Pam’s music classes, the grade 4’s and then the grade 5’s. They both learned the Adiemus dance. It was awesome! They were picking it up really quickly...it’s going to look really cute!

Afterwards Pam and I went shopping for the potjiekos we were having the next day. I still had no idea how many people where coming and how much food we should get. Luckily we met an Afrikaner in the grocery store and she helped us out a bit. Haha
We got TONS of veggies and meat!

We headed back to her house then to prepare the salads and cut up all the veggies for the potjiekos so the next day we would be able to do everything really fast. It was just after 6:30 by the time I left her house. I walked home and got there around 6:45. I figured Mrs.Venter had probably eaten by then so I thought I would just have some soup or something for myself. (I usually always make supper for both of us)
But it was a little weird when I got home because she wasn’t there...but I checked in the garage and her car was still there. Anytime she’s gone her car is gone too, so I thought that was a little odd. I decided to eat though thinking she was maybe just talking to a neighbour or something in the complex. I was going to Lex’s after to get my hair done by Tiro and Sandra but I didn’t want to leave without telling Mrs.Venter because I figured I wouldn’t be back until really late.
She still wasn’t back to I phoned her cell phone to see if I could get a hold of her. She answers and says “Oh sorry to make you worry Jen, I’m just in the hospital”.
“WHAT???” I instantly panicked because she had been feeling ill the day before a bit (like a fever or flu or something...we weren’t sure..)
Apparently she had internal bleeding. Her daughter came to drive her to the hospital.
Now, this sounds worse than it is...I got a call from her the next morning. She said the bleeding was caused from an ulcer. (They did a gasto-whatever to her in the morning...where they stick a camera into your stomach)
So, she had to stay in the hospital all yesterday getting blood transfusions. She’s still there today but phoned this morning to say she’s doing much better but just has to stay for observations till 5pm.
That was quite the scare though... of course being Mrs.Venter she didn’t want anyone else to know or worry about her. She didn’t even want me to tell Mascato! But after I heard everything was fine I told them anyways...

Which brings me to rehearsal – I ran it all by myself yesterday. Mrs.Venter felt so bad and kept apologizing for not being at my last rehearsal! She’s crazy! I told her a million times not to worry and I’d be fine! I’d much rather see her get better and take care of herself!
Rehearsal was really fun though!! I told them right at the beginning that it was my last rehearsal and gave them a little speech about my time here. I told them that I wanted to give them all presents or take them back to Canada or something just to show them how much I love them all but I decided on a potjiekos instead. They were SO excited to get over there after rehearsal. So we ran through the stuff that they needed to do for this dinner in the dunes coming up. We were going to finish at 5 and then head over to Pams for the party but it was only 4 and I had basically done everything we needed to do! So people just started requesting songs like Sanctuary and Baba Yetu and Shed A Little Light. It was really fun! We sang a bunch of traditionals and basically got the party started there.
So I finally decided why don’t we just move it over to Pam’s and then we could at least start cooking and stuff.
EVERYONE came!! I couldn’t believe it! I was sure a few people would leave but everyone in choir came! It was SO much fun!!

Those crazy Namibians really know how to party. There was literally dancing going on wall to wall in Pam’s house! Straight through the kitchen to the living room and right outside! Ernet was incredible and basically took over making the potjiekos for us! She said she makes them all the time and gave us tips and stuff for how to do it. I was really worried about having enough food since there were about 40 people there. We decided instead of doing like a buffet line that we would serve everyone instead! It worked out PERFECT! The last person had just as much as the first and then all the bowls were completely empty! We had a green salad, a pasta/tuna salad, baked beans, maize and potjiekos. It was incredible! Everyone loved it and had a great time.
After the dinner they put on a little show for me. Some of them made up song, they also changed the lyrics to Sweet Spirit (“We’re so sad that Jen is leaving” instead of doom vap va) and sang Hard Goodbye. I got a bunch of speeches and a few presents from people. I was presented from Mascato as a whole with a Springbok skin and a springbok pillow. It was so great. They really now how to make someone feel appreciated and missed.
We finished off with a little dance party and some more singing of traditionals.
After things started winding down and almost everyone left we had a nice little chill out time in Pams room. I had bought wine and beer for some of the older people and also people not in choir (Fonie and Shannon)
We headed out to Fagins and Grunie’s after which is probably going to be my last time there too! Crazy! I had only gotten about 3 hours of sleep the night before so I was started to fade pretty fast. I think I lasted till about 1 and then decided I needed to go home to bed!
It was a fantastic evening! I loved it!

This morning I had Pam, Lex and Ellen over for pancakes. REAL pancakes! Not the little crepes that they call pancakes in Namibia! It was so great to have them! Lex brought over her maple spread. Mmmm it was so yummy!

I kind of feel like I’m going to pass out now though from tiredness! I think I’ll go have a nap! My last lazy Sunday! I’ll miss these!!

Sudoku

Interesting how fast this little game can take over your life. Well...maybe I won’t go quite that far but it definitely is occupying a lot of my time!!
If you don’t know what it is go look it up! It’s sort of numbers-puzzle/mind-game thing...
I first tried one of these games at Vera’s house on Tuesday. I had a bit of a break while we were waiting for another student to show up. Vera was teaching one theory so I thought I would entertain myself by reading the magazine that was on the table. Unfortunately it was in Afrikaans so it wasn’t too entertaining. But wait! There at the back! It was a sudoku puzzle!
I tried a bit of it and I think I got a bit of the numbers in but then the student showed up and I had to stop.
That night I printed a couple of puzzles off the internet and did one before bed. I couldn’t believe how fast the time went by when I was struggling with one of those! I did another on Wednesday and decided to but a book of them yesterday morning. Unfortunately the only ones I could find were in German but I guess it doesn’t really matter...not when you’re just looking at numbers. Some of the books had playing tips and stuff in them though, which would be nice to read (since I don’t really know the best way to start these things)
I figured it would be good for the super long plane rides!

I also found some locks for my luggage yesterday. It wasn’t until I got home and tried them on the zippers that I realized my one suitcase already had a lock on it! The keys are still attached too! Hahaha...I guess that’s what happens when you buy a brand new suitcase and don’t really look it over too much before you pack.

I’m almost finished present shopping too. There’s still one more thing I want to get for Mrs.Venter but everyone else I was planning on getting stuff for is done! YAY!

I went back to Vera’s yesterday for the last time to work with her kiddies. They all showed up, some with their moms in tow, to play for each other. Both Vera and I commented on their performances after. I think it’s pretty good experience for them – just to get them playing in front of people before their exams. (I know I used to always be SO nervous!)

Today I don’t have too much on my plate. If I get a hold of Tiro I might start braiding my hair today! Yay!
I’m heading out to MYO this afternoon to watch Pam’s music class. They have a performance in November and she’s opening with Adiemus. (She’s getting the grade 4’s and 5’s to do choreography with scarves!! Sound familiar? Hahaha) Lex, Ellen and I helped out her come up with the movement a bit!

Alrighty..I’m off! One week and counting! CRAZY!

blah

I'm heading out to Walvis Bay today for the last time.
It's really weird to think I'm doing some stuff for the last time! AH so many mixed feelings!
I don't even know what to think anymore... lots of people have been asking how I'm feeling. If I'm excited to go home? Sad? what?
I don't even know how to answer that anymore... I've been away now for about 4 1/2 months.. this is the longest I've ever been away from home. It's weird...I don't really know what to think.
Beau got to go home to the States for 10 days for his cousins wedding. Lex said that she's dripping with jealousy. I think that's almost how I felt too when Kokopelli left...I was jealous everyone got to go home and be with each other and talk about their experiences.
But, at the same time...I also feel like in the past couple months I've grown a lot closer to a lot of people as well! I think before I wasn't quite as close so that's why I wanted to go home with everyone too...

argh...I don't know.
I think it will be hard no matter what.

I think I'm starting to get more excited to come home thought too because of all the comments I keep hearing about choir. It sounds SO incredible! I can't wait to get back!
Linus and I will be arriving at Nakamun on Saturday hopefully around 5ish (maybe a little earlier..hopefully customs doesn't take too long..)

see you soon...

Yummy!

Just finished a nice breakfast at the Village Café with Lex and Ellen. We also found a salon that sells a bunch of different colours of hair so both Lex and I bought a bunch! (Tiro is braiding mine on Saturday night!! I’m so excited)
They even had crazy colours at this place like neon green and pink. Lex got one bag of bright blue! She’s crazy!! I’m just sticking with the regular browns.

Yesterday went really well again! I went back to Vera’s house to work with some of her piano students. There was one girl who’s only been playing for a few years.. she just skipped grade 2 and started grade 3. She was incredible!! I’ve never seen a little kid be so musical!! Vera also told me that she sings like an angel! She is going to be a talent to reckon with one day!!

I actually don’t have to go back today so I’m going on Thursday instead. Vera said she’s getting all of her students (except two from Swakop) to come that day. They all have to play at least one song for me…it’ll be like a little recital kind of – but then I’m also giving each one a few comments and stuff. Should be interesting!!

Um..well..I think that’s about all that’s new right now!
I’m gonna go walk around a bit...maybe head down to the wood market for a while...
Oh..and thanks so much to the people who have been sending updates about choir!! I’m SO excited to come back and hear how it’s going!! Both Oran and Kokopelli sound amazing!!
See you all soon!

no interesting title today!

Camel riding is happening a week from today! I’m so excited! heehee...it just seems like such a random thing to do!

Yesterday Pam came over for a bit to do some computer stuff. I gave her a program so she could watch season 3 of Lost (Everyone is getting so hooked on it here! haha)
We also figured out all the food we’re going to make for Saturday’s party with Mascato! I’m so excited for it!
I borrowed Elizabethtown from her and Ellen came over later to watch it with me. That was a super cute movie! Very chick-flick but I still enjoyed it!

Today I’m heading back out to Walvis Bay to work with some more of Vera’s piano students. I’ll be seeing some of the same ones I saw last week so it’ll be interesting to see if they have worked on anything I said...
I’m also going out there for my last time tomorrow.

Well, not too much else is happening out here. The weather has amazingly turned worse! It’s supposed to be Spring right now and I was hoping to catch a bit of the warmer weather before I left but it really doesn’t seem like that’s going to be happening! This was probably the coldest morning we’ve had since I’ve been here!! I was freezing while I was eating breakfast... should’ve had oats this morning! meh..

I’m off! See you all in 11 days!

Leaving Again/In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning...

That's my new favouritest song! Thanks John!

Anyhoo...yesterday was another nice relaxing Sunday!
Dollar came over for a bit to talk to Mrs.Venter. She had to drive her grandson somewhere so I gave him some company while he waited for her. It was fun because he really wants to learn how to play guitar and also wants to learn some basic theory. I wrote out a theory sheet for him and gave it to him at Mascato on Saturday. So yesterday I kind of went over it with him. It was crazy, remembering all the little tricks that I learned years ago (like All Cows Eat Grass and Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge) I tested him a bit and now he can figure out where all the notes go on both the treble clef and the bass clef. He figured because he wants to learn the guitar he’d only need to learn the treble clef but I told him he should learn both because he sings bass ‘and wouldn’t it be nice to know what you’re singing in Mascato?’
I started arranging a new song for jazz choir but unfortunately Finale “closed unexpectedly” and I lost everything I had done. (I didn’t save! BAH!)
So that just made me frustrated and I went and watched the new Pink Panther movie on TV instead... It wasn’t really that great. Meh. It kept me entertained for an hour and half though...

I figured since I don’t have too much time left I would ask if anyone wants me to bring back anything for them? (Providing it’s small – I don’t have too much room left in my suitcases!) I’ve already gotten a few requests but I’m still open if there’s anything you’d like me to bring back for you!

Alrighty...I’m off – gotta go find out about riding camels! Toodles!

watching fish

Cool…On my way to the internet café I saw the Queen. Well, not really but this old woman totally looked like her. And I swear was even wearing a coat that I’ve seen Queen Elizabeth wear before!! All she needed was a sparkly crown in her perfectly curled grey hair! Hahaha

Anyhoo, yesterday Ellen and I decided we were going to visit the aquarium. Marcelino came along with us as well. It was really cute...
I went to the aquarium in Cape Town and that one was incredible! It was huge!
The Swakop Aquarium was on a MUCH smaller scale but it was still nice to visit. They had one huge tank with sharks, turtle and crazy big fish in. There was kind of a tunnel way that you could walk underneath it. That was fun. Other than that it was pretty tame...


After that we went to rehearsal. It was great! We didn’t have to act today!! Hahaha
At least I’m not the only one who feels that way... Natasha leaned over to me and asked if the ‘Emotions Lady’ was coming! Haha (she got us to act out different ‘emotions’ last week)

So, I only have one more Saturday rehearsal with Mascato left. That is so crazy! I went over to Pam’s last night and we were chatting a bit about that and also about doing a farewell party for Linus and me. She said we were welcome to use her place for a braai/potjiekos and that we could do it after rehearsal next week.
Now, apparently Mrs.Venter told the choir that next week was my last week and that they should all bring some goodies and stuff so we could have a little party. Of course, I didn’t hear any of this because she was talking in Afrikaans and I usually just space out when people do that.
So, I told Mrs.Venter of my plan this morning and she thinks we can maybe combine the events. (Pam lives like a 2 second walk from the school)
I’m so excited!! I’m going to provide all the meat and salads as sort of my gift to Mascato (because I can’t really think of anything else to get them!)
Mrs.Venter is getting drinks and everyone else is bringing goodies! Should be great fun!!

I think I’m going to go to Pam’s MYO music class on Friday because that’s the last Friday I can! She said that and I was like “No, I still have 2 Fridays” but then I thought about it and I actually leave the next Friday! Time is flying by!!
I’m just trying to fit everything in now... I think Ellen, Pam and I (and maybe Lex, I haven’t talked to her yet) are going to go on a camel ride in the desert! I found a place that does it and it’s surprisingly cheap!! Hahaha...that’ll be crazy! Who can say they’ve rode a camel in a desert?? So random!

So, last week I was thinking that I’m totally ready to come home. Now, this week I wish I had more time! I don’t want to leave!!
Well, I guess in actuality I wish I could come home and have EVERYONE come too! I’m going to miss everyone so much!! At least I get to come back in a year!

Well, 12 days and counting! Linus is getting super pumped too!! It’ll be really fun having him in Canada!

interesting...my last 3 posts started with "Y's". I like alliterations!

Today has been a nice chilled day. I visited the Internet café in the morning and then went shopping a bit. My mom asked me to see if I could find come white calamine lotion. All I got were a bunch of weird looks and no lotion. Apparently it only comes in pink.
I also tried to find a lock for my suitcase but haven’t found any yet.

Since I was out I decided to check out some of my favourite clothing stores. I got a new shirt and a pair of capris! Whop whop!

Mrs.Venter got some awesome things for lunch today as well! She picked up some fatkoeks that were stuffed with curry and mince. It was amazing! I didn’t know you could get fatkoeks like that!! I still don’t understand how everyone in Africa is not 500lbs with all this amazing food they have here!

So, I’m just writing out the last couple of pieces for the musical right now when Marcelino walks into my room and asks if I smell anything strange. I take a sniff and say “Well, it kind of smells like Belka”
He says “Come out here”
So we walk into the office and I almost gag. The neighbours next store just spread compost all over their lawn. It reeks in the house now because the front door was open and the lawn is right next to it!!
Marcelino sprayed a bunch of air freshener so now it smells like fresh laundry rolled in garbage.
Pretty disgusting.

I hope the smell dissipates by the time we have to go to bed.

Excuse me while I puke! Blech...

YAY!

AAAHHH I’m having such a good day I can’t contain it!! I’m so excited!
First off, Scott is amazing! He presented my arrangement of “Mary, Did You Know?” at the choral symposium in Ontario and I’ve already gotten someone emailing me asking if they could do it! MY FIRST CHART SOLD!!!
AND I just got a message on facebook from someone else that knows Scott. She wants to do it in Vancouver!! MY SECOND CHART SOLD!!!

I’m so excited!!!

Secondly, I went to Vera’s house this afternoon to help teach her piano students. I’ve never really done anything like this before so it was pretty cool. Her students are all getting ready for exams (which happen in about 6 weeks) so they are just picking their pieces and getting them good to go. It was really neat because Vera said I gave her some new ideas completely but also reiterated some of the stuff that she’s said to them already, but just put it in a different way so they understood it a little better. It was fun!
She wants me to go back on Tuesday to see them again.

After that we went to The Sea Gulls rehearsal. This is a little group of woman who formed a choir. Wilna directs them. She’s the one that gave Mascato a little mini workshop on Saturday. (I can’t remember if I wrote about that before or not...)
It was really cute!
Wilna gave me a ride back to Swakopmund. She’s a music teacher and does tons of work. She was hoping I could come and see her piano students as well but it looks like I might be gone back home before I have time! She also teaches voice and guitar. Crazy busy! She told me to give her a call sometime though and I could come over to her place and either watch how she teaches (I told her I’m starting to teach when I get home!) or take some guitar lessons! Hahaha...that would be fun!

Cool...so now I’m at home just chillin’. South African Idol is on TV. It’s so crazy because they are WAY harsher on people here than on American or Canadian Idol!! It’s ridiculous! They don’t let people through because their head is bigger than their body, even if they sound fantastic! They are all about the image... it’s crazy! And really funny too because people sometimes sing African traditionals that they just put a ‘pop’ spin on!

Alrighty...well I’m gonna go watch some more bad singers!
*mwah*

*yawn*

ug...Mascato had a performance bright and early this morning! We had to meet at the school at 6:45pm. I don't even really know exactly what it was for... I think the power company or something.
We where just supposed to sing the Anthem at the beginning and the end of their ceremony but we ended up doing way more than that. I was kind of excited though because I've barely gotten to sing any traditionals with Mascato since I've been here! And the best part was that I KNEW the songs we were singing and half of the group DIDN'T!! hahaha It was mostly all the new members this morning so I was teaching the sopranos what to sing! I love it!
So, we started performing at about 8, just singing random traditionals. Finally the minister showed up (he was late) and then we sang the anthem. We were provided with a fantastic breakfast and then went back to sing the anthem at the end.
I just finished meeting Lex and Ellen at the Village Cafe for coffee (well, hot chocolate for me..) and now Ellen and I are hitting up the Internet Cafe.
I'm totally ready for a nap!
I think later on this afternoon I'm going to be heading out to Walvis Bay to go to Vera's house. I'm going to be giving her piano students workshops today and tomorrow. Should be fun!!
Well, I'm off! Havea great day!

Yoga

wow!
I'm really stiff today.
Yoga was fun but really hard!
I would totally look into a beginner class at home though. Shannon is freakishly strong! I tried to do one of the more complicated poses at the end that she made look so simple. I could not even get close to doing it!

maybe we could start a Kokopelli yoga class! hahahaha... can anyone teach?
We should start up Kokobelly again..I'm a little worried to step on a scale when I get home. Too much full fat foods here!! (but so very, very good!)

well..that's about all I'm gonna write for today. My fingers are tired...I wrote out my life story for Fahim because he sent me his.

Only 4 hours of typing later.... ug

Congratulations!

The newest Mascato exchange member is LINUS!
We just told him a few hours ago and he is SO excited!!

oh...this has almost killed me not being able to tell anyone! YAY! Linus!!! YAY!

The Gravel Road

We had another fun-filled weekend here in Swakopmund! Well, more just a fun-filled Saturday Night!! Rehearsal went okay... it was a little more frustrating than it has been in the past but I think it just seemed everyone was kind of in a bad mood.
We didn’t really get very much accomplished. I worked on Tre Cantos and Sweet Spirit with them. Then Mrs.Venter took the rest of the rehearsal and I could tell she was getting frustrated with people, which in turn made the choristers frustrated.

That night was super fun though.. we headed to Gruna Kranz (sp?) to watch Fonie’s band – The Gravelroad
Well... actually first we went to Lex’s house to have a little wine and cheese party. It was cute! Pam, Ellen, Shannon, Fonie, Lex and I were all there. We headed over to the bar after that.
I didn’t really know too much about the band but I knew before hand that they don’t play the ‘standard Namibian’ music. They are more rock influenced I would say. They just met a new girl, Robyn, who has been playing with them for the last little while. She was supposed to open with just her on guitar and vocals with Fonie drumming and doing backups. They sounded really great but unfortunately they were having issues with the sound system and you couldn’t hear her that much. She was supposed to do 4 songs (including Mushaboom) and then the entire band was going to go up. The bass player, Peter, was standing by me during their second song when one of the guitar players ran up to him and said “Management wants us up there after this song!”
Lex and I were SO upset she didn’t get to do Mushaboom!! We told her she should do a private concert for us outside so we could hear it! Hahaha... oh well, maybe some other time...
Anyhoo... I have never seen Gruni’s that busy before! It was completely packed by the time the band started playing. Fonie was incredible – he’s only been playing the drum set for about 8 months! He rocked! Their lead singer/guitar was crazy... he completely reminded me of Jack Black!! So funny!! They were so good – I’ve totally missed being a band groupie. I love it!!
It was so fun having a bunch of people out there too! Aside from the people at Lex’s house - Mervyn, Marcelino, Romano, Reggie and two guys from the marimba group were also there! We all danced up a storm for the remainder of the night all the while trying to avoid the creepy, old, drunk, German man. Isn’t it nice to know you have creepy’s all over the world, no matter what city you go to? Just like home! *sigh*

Sunday was pretty tame... I relaxed, worked on some music, and kind of nursed my aching head. (which I totally swear was from the all the loud music and dancing!!) Don’t worry Mom! I don’t drink here! Haha
I just about finished watching the 3rd season of Lost, which John brought along for me. Holy cow that is the best show ever!! I watched like a good seven episodes yesterday! Haha! It was lovely!

So, today I’m going to do some yoga. I don’t really know the first thing about it but Shannon (Fonie’s girlfriend) teaches a class here. So Lex and I are going to go check it out at 2:30. I thought it was supposed to be all relaxing and like meditating and stuff but apparently it’s actually really hard. Pam told me she went to Shannon’s class last week and was stiff for days! Crazy!

Yay for trying something new!

In other news – Mrs.Venter is going to tell the exchange person today! I’ll let you all know as soon as that person knows! I’m so excited!!!!!

It's September already!!! Holy cow!

WOW! The streets are just swarming with people this morning! It’s the end of the month and everyone’s been paid so everyone’s out shopping! It’s crazy!!
In other news, we have a Mascato rehearsal today and we’re actually not going to be working on any stuff for the musical today! It’ll be kind of nice actually to do some other stuff for a while (always after a rehearsal of the musical I get the music stuck in my head for days after!! Karl Jenkins is just too damn catchy!)

Pam and I had a nice day together yesterday. We hit up the Village Café (which I am SO going to miss when I leave here!) We both brought our computers along so we could trade music and pictures and stuff. After her computer died we headed back to her house to charge it and trade some more. She gave me so much great stuff I’ve never heard of – lots of it she said is very popular in Boston.
I introduced to her the Real Group and Rajaton, which was very exciting! It’s always great to make more a cappella fans! It was great hanging out at her place and eating all her no-bake cookies! Hahaha... yum! We want to have a baking party one day before I go! (random I know...but totally worth it!)
I told her she should come up to Canada and come join Oran! Even if she comes just for a tour or something that would be awesome! She’s an incredible singer! So yeah... hint hint nudge nudge Scott! Haha

Lex, Ellen and I hung out last night and watched a bit of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog on Beau’s computer. Lex’s house is pretty lonely right now with Jenica gone and now also Beau and Casey are out of town. Ellen has been staying with her the past couple of nights which I think is probably a nice change for her! No more crazies from the hostel!
Tonight after the rehearsal we’re going out to watch Fonie’s band play! I’m so excited to hear them!!
It was so funny because last week he was asking me if I had any Canadian bands/music he could listen to because he wants knew ideas for his band. I started playing him some stuff on my iPod and Mushaboom by Feist came on. Suddenly he says “Hey! This is Mushaboom! We play this one!”
I almost fell off my chair! I only found out a couple months ago that Feist is Canadian and I love her! So.... Lex and I are even more excited to see them perform tonight!

Well, I’m home 3 weeks from today. I’m getting a little excited to come home but at the same time I feel like there’s still so much I want to do here but don’t know where to start! I think I have pretty much accomplished everything though that I had originally thought of....
It’s weird – lots of mixed feelings I guess... I miss a lot of things from home right now but at the same time I know I’m going to miss tons of stuff from here!! Especially all the people!

Guess I’d better make the best of these 3 weeks!