Rambles a la Myriam

Community Visit to Kuebung

2007-01-18T22:52:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures from my 2nd community visit to the village of Kuebung. It is an extremely rural area without electricity, indoor plumbing or network. It is such a beautiful place! I was there for 3 weeks in October to run a tournament, meet with women about an outreach program and organize women's netball. This was at a farewell for the last headman. Every area has a chief, but each village must have a headman to govern its people. It was all in sotho, but I think the learners were getting instructions for the day.
These are the chefs cooking for EVERYBODY! They made so much food!
And here is the Molutsoane family that hosted me. Darlings...everyone of them. I am dressed up in traditional Sotho wear. Funny coincidence- it happened to be halloween! :)

2 quick shots from Namibia

2007-01-18T02:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple pics from my time in Namibia at Sossuvlei. I was there in October for a KICKING AIDS OUT! training with the other Canadian volunteers and a few of us stuck around afterwards for a road trip. It was incredibly scenic.

Here is Kim on the long hike. The sand was so hot and it's exhausting to walk up. It seems as though you will never reach the top.

And here I am at the top! This was a sunrise climb so the sand was still cool enough for me to be in bare feet.

Hosted by SCORE!

2007-01-15T00:31:00.000-08:00

Tessa Jowell shuns luxury for an African hut

By Stephen Bevan in Pretoria and Melissa Kite
UK Sunday Telegraph
(Tessa Jowell - British politician - Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for the Olympics)

Last Updated: 12:30am GMT 14/01/2007
Tony Blair may have a taste for high life at luxurious holiday locations but his Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, has gone to the opposite extreme.

Tessa Jowell in her hut in Gwalana. Pigs woke her in the morning
She returned last week after four days in a hut with no running water, and just a pit latrine across a field, after working as a volunteer in a remote village in South Africa's poorest province.
While Mr Blair holidayed at the Florida mansion of Bee Gee Robin Gibb, Miss Jowell spent part of her Christmas break in Gwalana — where more than half of the 100 villagers are HIV-positive — near the town of Peddi in the Eastern Cape.
Working for the charity Sports Coaches Outreach, she scrubbed floors, weeded a football pitch and made 500 rounds of sandwiches for children. She also joined in ceremonial dancing wearing full African dress.
Last night Miss Jowell, 59, said she hoped to make other such visits and urged colleagues to do the same. "We all run the risk of a remoteness in government and we have to fight that pressure. I came back inspired by the experience, and by what I learned from the people I stayed with: the strength of their communities, their optimism in circumstances of great poverty and what we might consider hardship.
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"For someone used to her home comforts it was physically hard. But whatever I gave to them, they gave me more."
Miss Jowell slept in a hut with a leaky, corrugated iron roof through which the rain poured. "I was absolutely determined I was not going to wimp out," she said.
The lavatory was a "drop down", a wooden box over a pit in a corrugated iron shed, and she was woken in the morning by the grunting of free-roaming pigs.
Meals consisted of cereals and fresh pineapple, as well as umgqusho — a mixture of samp (boiled starch) and beans — and a porridge of maize meal and amasi (sour milk). The family she stayed with spoke little English, but they communicated by talking about football.
"They asked who my favourite team was and I said Arsenal, and they asked who my favourite player was and I said Thierry Henry. The little boy said, 'Oh, I love him'. Everywhere I went I tried to explain who I was and what I did, and it was difficult, but when I said David Beckham everyone knew who I was talking about."
Miss Jowell, who travelled with one official and no bodyguard, helped to run a sports festival in Peddi and said it was heartbreaking to see hundreds of children who had walked miles to be there just because there would be free food.
"There was amazing raw talent. One boy was a genius shooter at netball but his trainers were falling apart. A lot of the children who came were very hungry.
"I got involved in making packed lunches for 250 children. I made 500 rounds of sandwiches. I weeded the pitch. I cleaned up the stadium afterwards. I did timekeeping for matches."
At night, she joined in with local events, including a party to celebrate a young man's circumcision.
After one of the most difficult years of her career, Miss Jowell could be forgiven for wanting to get away from it all. She was recently spotted house-hunting following the break-up of her 27-year marriage to the lawyer David Mills, who is contesting corruption claims involving his links with the former Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi.
If she was looking for somewhere far removed from life in London, she could not have chosen better. The Eastern Cape — birthplace of Nelson Mandela — is a rugged land of green, rolling hills, cattle, winding dirt roads and picturesque villages of round huts with thatched roofs. It also has grinding poverty, Aids and violent crime.
Busiswe Nelson, 34, the daughter of the family with whom Miss Jowell stayed, said their guest had joined in all family activities.
"We ate together. She was comfortable with our African food, she didn't have any fuss, she was very down to earth."
Asked how Miss Jowell had coped with having to use a drop down lavatory, Miss Nelson replied: "She enjoyed the morning walk."
She also commended Miss Jowell on her attempts at traditional dancing. "She learned very well, she got the rhythm very quickly," she said.
To make a donation to the charity, visit http://www.score.org.za/

Mount Frere

2007-01-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

This was my bathing station - you actually feel quite clean afterwards!

And my favourite little brother "Konke". He would come into my room every morning at 6am to see if I wanted to play... adorable.

"Don't I know you from somewhere?"

2006-12-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

I love holidays! It's so nice to be off work and enjoying the company of some fellow Canadians.
Sara and Jenny (2 CGC volunteers in Namibia) joined me in Cape Town last week and this past Tuesday we flew to Joburg on our way to Mozambique!
I stopped in at an orphanage (TLC) to see my friend Simon who is volunteering there for a few months! It is an incredible place and even though I was only there for 2 days - I, like all the staff, picked my favourite little bundle of joy as well. It's amazing how they grow on you so quickly... really didn't see it coming.
While I was there, I ran into 2 girls I'd done a tour with to Cape Point in November from Germany, 2 girls I recognized from Wetaskin, AB (although we are still trying to figure out from where) and a girl from Saskatoon who went to my highschool! Random eh?! Plus it was great to catch up with Simon who I hadn't see for too too too many years. It was a grand time and we even went ICE SKATING for a social one night. It was so much fun and before we noticed the rules posted on the boards - we even snuck in a small snowball fight! I think that was enough snow to tide me over until... well next October/November! I can handle that.
Next I met my co-adventurers at the bus station and we began the journey to Maputo. However we were nearly not allowed on the bus because we did not have our visas. But they finally relented and let us board with a warning that they may have to leave us behind if we took too long at the border. We were ever optimistic and assured each other that all would work out. Jenny and I even scored 2 front seats together so we were really sure things were looking up. But, as soon as the bus started they announced that we would be stopping in Pretoria to change buses as the one we were on was not in suitable condition for the trip. uh okay - no problem. New bus, 2 hours later - we were back on the road. A little late, but still hopeful.
Then we got to the border, wow - I have never been so sweaty at a standstill ever in my life! It was sooo hot! We jammed too many people into the crossing offices, filled out the forms, paid the fee, sweated, and waited for the processing.. All the while our bus attendant is threatening to leave us behind if we delay them. Ok, we can do this I thought, no matter that I see the man behind the desk restart his computer every few minutes, it'll work out. Eventually Jenny and Kate did get their visas on time so they left on the bus with all of our stuff. Good plan.
Sara and I waited another hour and teamed up with a Dutch couple to see if we could hitch hike into the city (120 km away). We ended up meeting a lovely man with a truck who lived across the street from our hostel - all's well that ends well...
We've spent a day and a bit exploring Maputo and it's markets and now we're just waiting for the shuttle to Tofo - beach!! Sweet.
So far Mozambique has been lovely and we keep commenting that we don't feel like such an attraction here. I also had the most spicy meal ever - I felt like I had gained the capability to breathe fire - woah!
Merry Christmas!

Just had to show this...

2006-12-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

This is at Linde's guest house in Fish Hoek. An elephant "foot" stool and a zebra carpet (hooves, head and tail)!

"Born Again Express" - A real bus company

2006-12-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am going to see STOMP!! Can't wait - I'm so excited.

Aaaah - I am finally back in Cape Town for longer than a week - hasn't happened since September. Filling up my time with Christmas/Birthday parties, Braais, seeing friends and all the other social things you're supposed to do around Christmas time. I just can't get into the whole Christmas celebration thing yet though - not without the snow. The two seem to go hand in hand in my mind...
I just came back from another community visit to a small township called Mount Frere. And once again I was amazed by what the women can carry on their heads - it is absolutely incredible. Here's a list of things I've seen on tops of heads:
1. 25L pail FULL of water (no spilling)
2. A microwave oven
3. A roll of carpet (it was super long)
4. Groceries/Boxes/Milk crates
5. A HUGE log (like almost 1/2 a tree!!)
And most of the time they do it with babies on their backs! Way to go women!

I also got very used to being called "Mulungu" (white person) while walking down the street. You get so much attention being in a new community - especially one where the locals are not used to seeing a lot of white people, let alone foreigners. The most common thing is for people to stare, mostly kids... and men. I found it rude at first and sometimes I would stare back but I guess people are just intrigued. One volunteer from Norway said once, "everybody is staring at me, perhaps I should entertain them!" :) So she broke out in dance right in the middle of the street. I didn't have the courage to make such a scene! Although I have been teaching myself to juggle - so perhaps that could be my entertainment... I'll have to keep practicing.

Until next time - Keep fit and have fun!

Long time no see...

2006-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Wow - time is zooming by. It's been so long since I've been able to sit down and catch up on internet business... I've had many many adventures since September!! I've actually added it up to be over 125 hours of bussing these past few weeks. It all started with SCORE midterm training at a beautiful game reserve. We trained during the day but in the evenings we had an amazing game drive, fire side wine and waterfall showers!! It was a really great time of "unpacking" with the other South African volunteers. From there I bussed back to Cape Town with Nico. We rushed home, showered, then met back up at the bus rank to get to Windhoek, Namibia for KICKING AIDS OUT training with the other Canadian volunteers. I felt like I was in School again... Sooo much information to remember. But it was a really great training - I learned a LOT! From there, a few of us rented 2 cars and drove down to Sossuvlei to see the sand dunes. It was incredible. I can't believe how gorgeous big piles of sand can be. It was so red and very hot! One girl even got a burn blister on her foot!
From there, i went into another community visit in the Eastern Cape province of SA. It was RURAL!! No running water, electricity or telephone network. I loved every minute of it. It's a Sotho speaking community and they gave me a Sotho name within 2 hours of me being there: Dimpo Molutsoane. I went hiking almost every day, saw beautiful star scenes and fell in love with the people. They were so kind and taught me a lot about what we miss when we become too busy to get to know our neighbors.. My host mother, Macobano, said to me one day, "You make smile my heart". I almost lost it right there. Her family just accepted me right away and took me in as one of their own. Unfortunately they didn't speak much English and I learned only a few words in Sotho, but it's amazing how close you can get to people without communicating in the same language.
The same day I got back to CT, my mom flew in to visit! So last week we took a trip through the magnificent garden route along the South Coast. The tour guide in me came out in full force. I had every hour packed with activities... After canoeing, hiking, boarding, a river and yacht cruise, dolphin watching, tree top zip lines, shopping, and lots of beach - we came back to CT, exhausted and booked ourselves massages today! Superb. Sounds like I'm working very hard eh?! Well, I took my 2 weeks of holidays while my mom is here and it's been awesome. So good to enjoy all the touristy things for a change. I've been trying so hard not to be too obvious, you know?
After mom leaves, I'll be heading back to the Eastern Cape for another rural community visit, a new place... Sorry I've been so bad at keeping in touch. I'll do my best but things are hectic here. See you on the flip side!
Love Myr

1 pic

2006-09-23T10:34:00.001-07:00

Incredible eh? I think I've found a new desktop background...

Ching Chang Chong (South African Rock-Paper-Scissors)

2006-09-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's already been almost a month since I've updated this thing. Time is flying by! Unfortunately I can't load any pictures here to show you the amazing things I've been doing, but i'll find a way soon!
Well, I spent only 5 days in the township of Khayelitsha and then left because of the situation with my host family. I don't think they had been completely honest in their interview and they were not really in a capacity to host another hungry mouth. I've gone back in twice for a meeting and to do a women's workshop but I'm not sure what will happen next. It was unbelievable to me that such poverty can exist just 45 minutes from main Cape Town. It was another world. The people however were amazing, and although I picked up very little Xhosa, I managed to make a few friends. It was definitely a challenge but a cool experience now that I look back. One day I even saw a lady carrying a huge microwave on her head - Amazing! Unfortunately I picked up some kind of bed bugs or fleas while I was there and they've been tormenting me ever since - I'm so itchy!!! Please make it stop.
The Norwegian volunteers with SCORE came to Cape Town for a week to study - it was so good to see them and exchange stories. One of the girls, Randi, stayed with me an extra 2 days to sort out her visa... oh man - what a mission that was. We were both applying for a voluntary & charitable activities permit which we thought was a simple application but it turns out you need a chest x-ray, a doctor's certificate, R425, a ticket home, and 30 days to process! I was in a rush and didn't have 30 days so I came in every other day after they accepted my application to see if it was approved and finally this week, after a letter of apology and another to request a rush- I got my visa!!! I was so happy, the SCORE office ladies celebrated with me for lunch - we ate BIG gaspy's (a Cape Town thing) - it was breaded hake (fish) with hot chips (fries), sauce, salad on a big roll. Woohoo!
Today the Homeless World Cup started in Cape Town. Homeless teams from 48 countries come here to compete - and they play on the pavement rather than on a field!! The Canadian team is actually staying at Nedine's hotel so I'll have to go and greet them. I'm also playing soccer tomorrow with girls from my church, and we're playing a team from Australia?? I'm not sure how we got hooked up with that but whatever.
Today I took a beautiful drive along the coast to a small town called Fishoek with my 'other' roomie, Linde. It was such a great day - we stopped and took pictures, saw a whale jump, had ice cream and shopped around. We ate at my fave resto (Kauai) and played hacky sack along the beach! Doesn't that just sound like the perfect day? It was.
On Tuesday I'm bussing with Siphokazi to East London (another city about 5 hours away) for SCORE midterm training. Then Nico and I are heading back to Cape Town, arriving at 7am only to board again at 10am to Windhoek in Namibia. From there we get back on the bus to go to communities. It will be probably almost 50 hours total on a bus! Woah - I'm going to get really good at eye spy! I can definitely finally finish 'Long Walk To Freedom' (Nelson Mandela's auto-bio)...
I hope I can load pics from today soon because the view today was breathtaking. The combination of mountains, palm trees, sunny weather and gorgeous beaches was just too much for words. Anyways, things here are good, I miss all of you Canadians!

The next step

2006-08-27T03:38:00.000-07:00

Well, as much as I've been enjoying Cape Town and its many pleasures - it is time to get to work. I've been spending my day time in the SCORE head office but haven't had too much to do up until this past week. On Thursday I finally got my job description! I'm going to be designing a women's intervention program that will include 4 main modules: assertiveness, health awareness, cultural backgrounds & gender roles, and self-defense. I'm hoping to be able to run it as a workshop or possibly as an after school program. It's very much in a development phase so we'll see how it goes. So on Monday I will be moving to a township community just outside of Cape Town called Khayelitsha for a month. I'll be living with a host family and working with the local women sport leaders there. I'm really excited and I'm hoping that it will give me a more in depth perspective in regards to creating the program.
Actually the next few months will be very busy. When I return from Khayelitsha, I'll be traveling to Namibia for a Kicking Aids Out training with CGC and then I'm off again for another month to 2 different communities in another province (Eastern Cape). Then in November my mom is coming to visit for 2 weeks!!! Can't wait for that!
Things are really starting to pick up - and time is going so fast! I'll be back in Canada before I know it!

Beauty of Cape Town

2006-08-27T03:20:00.000-07:00

Wow - I cannot get over the amazing scenery in Cape Town. I've been walking to work and on my way home I try to take the scenic route down by the sea. It is just too beautiful for words and there are always people jogging and picnic-ing and playing sports along the grass. Cape Town is also surrounded by mountains - so yes, it is the best of both worlds. Beautiful weather, green all year round, surrounded by ocean and nice mountains to climb. Unbelievable!
And these are two beautiful girls I've come to know. Rochelle and Linda. They have taught me so much about ministry and what it means to really live for God. I must say, over the scenery - the people are also beautiful - there are so many different cultures - a true rainbow nation! South Africa actually has 11 official languages.
Oh and the food. My tastebuds were born for South Africa. Sometimes in Canada I would get an idea for a meal and make it, and I would like it but it would never be something that I would find on a menu. But here it's like my mouth has come home! Last night I had a grilled chicken sandwich on a toasted ciabatta bun with hummus, sun dried tomatoes, cheddar cheese and spicy mayo. Mmmmm... so good! Plus we had this famous hot chocolate. It's actually hard, rich chocolate that comes in a glass with steaming milk to pour in. I couldn't resist taking a picture.

Roommates and CT Life

2006-08-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

I've really been enjoying the laid back feel of Cape Town lately. I keep telling people how nice it is to sit and have coffee and just talk. I don't know how I let that get away living in Toronto. Seems like I was always too busy to really relax. But thankfully my new roommates are teaching me how to do just that. This it "the other" roommate! haha - Linde. She is back from Namibia and it's been a blast getting to know her. She is a painter and a graphic artist. An artist through and through actually - very creative.
Yesterday we went to a sweet Jazz show in this cute little place. I was amazed at how fast people can move their fingers. It was very much a Myriam & Denice sort of thing to do - except for the jazz... I really like living so close to the down town area of Cape Town - Much like Toronto there are always so many things to do and see.

This is Nedine and Jock. The three of us have been meeting on the occasional Saturday morning to do our laundry together and go out for breakfast. It was so nice - I think we sat and chatted for 3 hours. There is a cute little restaurant across from the laundromat that has a patio and since Cape Town is starting to warm up - we sat there and tanned while we ate. It was wonderful. Plus they have a breakfast special for 10 Rand - $1.60 Canadian! I'm a little worried about summer. I didn't think it got sooo hot here because we are so far south - but yesterday (still winter) was like 25 degrees! Yikes - September 1st is the first day of spring so it is going to get much warmer!!!

New Flat

2006-08-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

A week ago I moved out of my host family's house and into a cute flat in Sea Point with 2 girls. It's a cozy little place with my own room and bathroom but it's at the top of a very steep hill!! I've been getting a work out just walking out the door!

18 Firdale Rd. That little window on the top right looks into my bathroom! Ain't it cute?
These are the steps up to my room! I already have a few bruises...

Looking through the bathroom you can just see my bed - it's small but it's just Myriam-size. The view from my bedroom window. Can you see the ocean?? My flatmate, Nadine (one of two). The other one has been on a hiking trip in Namibia for the last week. And this is the view from outside the front door, "our patio", as Nadine says. We ate pizza and ice cream outside earlier today and a nice old man walked by holding a cockatoo (?)... It was a little random but I had to hold her and take pictures...of course. All in all - I'm quite enjoying where I live. On my day off, Women's Day, I took a stroll along the beach front and resisted the urge to collect shells as I'm saving my blatant touristy moments for when my mom comes to visit in November. It's less embarrasing in numbers i always say.

SCORE

2006-08-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

I've been working at the SCORE head office for 3 weeks already with the program director, Betty Lallis, to develop a women's intervention program. I haven't done too much yet but I've managed to make initial contact with a few communities to follow up on their women's day activities. Oh yeah - they have a national Women's Day holiday (August 9th). This is year is the 50th anniversary of the march to Pretoria in 1956 so it's BIG! I've already been to 2 women's conferences. One from Beth Moore at a huge church in Cape Town and another on women's participation in sports and recreation in Jo-bug.

Anyways - I've been keeping somewhat busy taking inventory of a huge Nike donation. They gave SCORE 20+ boxes of soccer and rugby boots, and a few shorts and things. Siphokazi and I sorting through the 113 white headbands. We divided everything up into groups of 11 and then we'll send it out to communities with teams that could use all this equipment.
This is Rupert - He actually works for Cape Radio which is the office next door - but I think he likes us better. :) He hooked me up with my new flat and has been explaining the history of South Africa to me Rupert style!

And this is Leanne who I share an office with. Right now we are in Greenpoint but I think we'll be moving to a new office space more down town.

The women's conference in Johannesburg was just this past weekend. It took place in a beautiful convention centre down town and was catered with AMAZING food! My tastebuds were born for South Africa. Two of my most favourite things: mint chocolate and avocados - not together mind you - are in abundance here! Anyways, the day was full of presentations from different speakers and then we split up into 3 different commissions with the objective of discussing different issues and coming up with resolutions to pass on to the minister of sport. It was really great and I was inspired by the amazing women around me! They finished off with a fancy gala dinner with an opera singer for entertainment! Unfortunately I was unaware of the occasion and had only jeans and runners to wear!

Host Family

2006-08-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

I stayed with a wonderful family for my first 2 weeks in Cape Town. They were such a blessing to me and I thank God for bringing them into my life. They made me feel at home with them and even managed to answer all of my questions! Here we are, Rochelle, Colin, myself and Lynda, at the beach in Blogerg (?). It was beautiful!! Surfing and seashells everywhere!
This is their house. Most houses are closed in with security gates and alarms. You get used to it after awhile... All of the windows also have bars across them.

Rochelle and I as full as can be. Colin and Lynda own a Chinese buffet so they treated me to a delicious meal!

3 minutes and counting...

2006-08-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! I'm in Johannesburg attending a women's conference this weekend! I'm so excited I feel like a grown up! We just flew in tonight and checked in to our hotel and it all starts tomorrow. Can't wait!
And I finally have my contact info:
18 Firdale Rd.
Seapoint, Cape Town
8060 South Africa
Cell #: 079 192 0287

Hard at "work"

2006-07-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I've left the beautiful coast in Simonstown and moved into a suburb of Cape Town called Pinelands. Sunday night I was introduced to my host family for the next two weeks. A wonderful couple named Colin & Lynda Gous and their daughter Rochelle. They've been so accomodating to me - Lynda even did my laundry! :) And they have two very friendly dogs too!
I've also had my first few days in the SCORE head office. Unfortunately there hasn't been too much for me to do as my supervisor is away until Monday but the staff are all very welcoming and I've been enjoying this chill time as I know things will pick up soon! Actually tomorrow there won't be anyone in all afternoon so i'm giving myself the afternoon off to peruse around the waterfront and scope out a more touristy area of CT. And on Friday - well, who really wants to work on Friday anyways?! (Right Fran??)
However on Saturday I've organized a meeting with a woman from Khayelitsha, a township near CT, that is working with some of the women's sports programs. So I'm hoping to get a better idea of what they're doing and how I can support them these next few months.
Also - I'm helping another girl from the office, Siphokazi, on a sports camp that we're going to run during the September school holiday, in Khayelitsha. She's estimating 400+ kids!! Wow! It will definitely be an interesting experience... So far we're just working on the proposal to get funding for the venue, equipment and such.
On a sad note - there was a shooting right across the street from my office this afternoon. Somewhat of a domestic dispute but 2 people ended up dead. Awful shame. But don't worry mom - I'm in no danger and everyone I've met has shown me extreme hospitality and is looking after me very well! :) There is defnitely a hightened awareness to be careful and not walk around alone in certain areas, but I must say that people really look after each other and there is a general feeling of concern for others. There is a South African saying, "Ubuntu", which means "You are because of me". I love the community feeling that is here.
Funny thing about Cape Town - there is a midday canon that is fired EVERY DAY at noon! How wonderful?! It gave me a little jump today while we were walking out for lunch but now that I know to expect it, I'm looking forward to my daily boom reminder that it's time to eat!

Pics from SA

2006-07-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Training, training and more training. We took a facilitator's course, an active youth course and A LOT of cultural and sport training. I don't think any of us could have handled more role plays or group work after these past 2 weeks!!

AFRICAN PENGUINS!! The 2nd one from the left was hissing at me...

Sara, Nico, Raviv and Myriam. The four Canadians that are working with SCORE (Sport Coaches OutREach).

TEAM SOUTH AFRICA!

The view from our lodge in Oatlands, Cape Town. B-E-A-Utiful.

Nico and I did a "Canadian role play". He went all out in his outfit... I was a little more conservative!!

2006-07-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well - I've been in South Africa for over a week already! Hard to belive - actually I don't even know what day it is anymore... Wednesday sounds familiar.
I arrived on Tuesday the 4th of July and was picked up from the airport in Cape Town by a couple of the SCORE (Sport Coaches OutREach) staff. I spent the day there with Nico, the other Canadian volunteer, and a few other SCORE volunteers from Holland, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It was a good time of World Cup soccer and bonding. The next day we picked up the other 10 volunteers from Norway at the aiport and headed to Paarl, outside of Cape Town to our hotel where we will stay until the 20th or so for training.
There are about 20 of us plus staff and we were supposed to stay in a school or somewhere but the schools are on a holiday and we got a really good deal on this beautiful resort! So, it's a little ridiculous but we're enjoying the luxuries of heated floors, beautiful rooms, an amazing mountainous scenery surrounding us and exceptional cuisisine! Definitely not what I expected! :)
So far we've been doing a lot of "in-class" training. We just wrapped up a facilitators course today and finished off the day with an afternoon of wine tasting!! Fantastique!
We also visited the township of Mbkweni a few days ago where we met a guide who took us around one of the poorer neighborhoods outside of Cape Town. It was very interesting and we met a lot of friendly people and picked up a few words in Xhosa (The South African clicking language - definitely a challenge!). I just can't believe the difference between the beautiful houses in the city to the shacks that are just outside. It's so close - yet such a different world.

Other than that, we have a little bit of physical activity every morning and a lot of ice-breakers and energizers throughout the day! I tried to post a few pictures but couldn't manage just yet so I'll try again later.
I got a cell phone!!! I'll post my phone number when I find it again!!!
And I also somehow got tricked into joining a dance group! We practice every night and we are going to perform for the group next week!! AAAAAh - They keep telling us that we'll be pushed out of our comfort zones - I just didn't think this is what they meant!! :)
I'm having a great time and I'm excited for the adventure to begin once our training ends and we have to say goodbye to all the new friends we've made and get out there to our communities!

Commonwealth Games Interns - TEAM SIX

2006-07-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here we are, very early in the am, at our orientation in Ottawa! I think this pic was taken right before the staff remembered that we had to take pictures with the vans we'd be using all week to send to our sponsors who'd donated them... Very hard to do in the middle of the night!

ON - SK - UK - SA

2006-06-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

We made it! My mom flew out to Toronto this past Monday and we drove my little Grand AM back to Saskatoon in 2 days!! A new Ullah-family record. We even saw a great big moose; crossed the road right in front of us, it did.
I leave this Sunday for Cape Town. It's kind of an anti-climatic start to this adventure though - I have a 12 hour layover in Calgary all day on Sunday. Actually, I take that back because I get to spend time with some of my favourite people while I'm there so that is pretty super.
As for Ontario - I miss Toronto so much already. I overheard a lady today say that she used to live in Ontario and I wanted to go over and hug her. Very normal reaction for me, but usually it's someone in Ontario mentioning Saskatchewan. Funny how that works...

Holland Christian Homes

2006-06-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my last day working at Holland Christian Homes. It is so hard to say goodbye to that place. My two years there have been amazing and I've learned so much from the staff and tenants. In some ways I feel as though I'm tearing myself away and I'm going to miss it so much, but at the same time, I feel ready for a change and excited at the adventure that's coming. Here are a few memories from HCH:

This is Diana teaching her Fun & Fitness Level II class. They sure took a liking to those stability balls!

A group of us went to Ottawa for the tulip festival last spring. This was in Kingston just after our lunch cruise!!

This is the HCH Accordian band! Here they are playing for a BBQ we had last summer.

This was at the African Lion Safari. I offered to pay for anyone who wanted an elephant ride and 10 people showed up! It was neat, they rode around in a circle and the elephant, "Maggie", even posed for a picture.
So many good times with my "Old Friends" (as Nadine calls them). Hopefully I can make a few more in Cape Town - it seems like a retirement friendly place!

Yikes, my first post!

2005-11-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

So, this is my attempt to keep in touch with friends and family. I'm leaving my "home" here in Toronto and heading off to Cape Town, South Africa. Someone told me the other day that it's just like going to Vancouver... in Africa! I'll have to see for myself. No matter where I go though - i always proudly proclaim my prairie roots. Hence the lovely Saskatchewan flag over here.