August 31

Sydnee and I woke up to a phone call from Blake (we have to adjust to a new calling time, and by we I mean Sydnee, Blake, and me :)). It was okay, though, I was ready to get up. I got ready for the day and then Syd and I went down to breakfast. It was pretty diverse, serving many countries' breakfast. (picture a chinese buffet and Shoney's together). Then Syd and I set out for the town. Since I had already been out in the city and Syd was still recovering, I got to do some serious tour guiding, which can sometimes get on my nerves, but I usually end up doing it anyway because I guess I'm a control freak about our "itenarary." Anyways, Syd was such a trouper and was able to go all day and I'm so glad she is feeling better.
First we took the metro/skytrain to a tourist information desk to ask some Bangkok questions. Then we took a Rikshaw/Tuk-tuk from a really annoying driver who wouldn't take us where we wanted and kept trying to talk to us even though we couldn't understand him. So we got out and opted to walk. Even though we paid him plenty, he continued to try to get us to ride him. He did help point us to this Thailand Tour Company that Syd and I are 99% is legit. We booked a bus and bungalow from them for an island in southeast Thailand. Then we walked about 2Ks to another shopping road, Silom. On our way, we passed a temple that was so Asian and ornate. We also stopped for me to get a pedicure and manicure ($8). Down Silom road were tons of stalls selling fake designer everything. There were also loads of street food vendors, some food looks unedible, some looks mysterious, some suspicious, and some yummy. We stopped along the way to get a facial ($13). We both had some icee "bubble-tea" drink. After we finished seeing all Silom Street has to offer, we took the metro back to this Thai Massage place we'd seen earlier (it is one of hundres with similiar prices and offers, but we were lured by its free internet and tea). I got an hour long Thai massage ($4) and Syd got a Thai foot massage. The internet didn't work with Skype (a way for Sydnee and Blake to talk), so we went back to MBK to use the internet there. I had trouble finding the same internet place I had been to the night before because it is such a HUGE place. We both used the internet for an hour and then I went to find some dinner and Syd stayed to use the internet another hour. By the time we got done the mall was closing so we metro-ed as close to the hotel as we could and then took a taxi the 1K back (we were being safety concious).
To all you Bangkok Bashers- I like it here! (I like pretty much everywhere I've been, though, so I may have rose-coloured glasses on). I also may like it because so far its 3 major attractions I've taken part in are shopping, pampering, and eating. There is more shopping here than anything I've ever seen before- it is crazy how many stores and shopping complexes there are. There are also super-cheap "spa" places everywhere- why not get a $4 massage everyday??? And the street food is great! If you just want one sushi roll, you can buy that-25 cents. Or one chicken skewer- 25 cents. Or one glass of fresh juice- 25 cents. You can progressively eat as you walk through the city!

August 30

Luckily, Syd survived the night, and I got about 2 hours of sleep. We departed the plane and caught a cab to the Radisson (pronounced "Lad-E-son") and checked into the hotel my parents so generously are paying for so we will be safe in this dangerous city! We got to the hotel around 1pm and Syd crashed and slept all day to try to recover from her food poisoning. I, on the other hand, took a much needed shower and headed out for the town! I took the hotel shuttle to MBK shopping center. I was blown away when I arrived by the size of the place. Words can't describe how huge it is and how much chaos it contains. There are so many stores and food stalls and a supermarket and kiosks selling "fake" goods. After being overwhelmed I tried to find a place to eat dinner, but their where too many options. I had to just pick one and go with it. I sat down at "Noodi", a place with many Asian dishes. I got glorified ramen noodles. A guy next to me from Australia was also dining alone and we started talking and ended up not having to eat "alone." My dinner was $1. I then took the very organized and clean public transportation (skytrain and metro) to a pick up point for the hotel shuttle van, caught the last one back, and crashed- I'd only had about 3 hours of sleep in the past 60 hours.

August 29

Brussel to Bangkok.
Because Syd and I had successfully shifted our time to "Egyptian time" we met our taxi driver at 2 am with no problem (and no sleep). We went to the airport where we were screened (along with everyone else) about five times (no kidding, maybe that's what flying out of the Middle East has to be). We both stayed up most of the flight, but we arrived in Amsterdam ready to go! We had a 12-hour layover this time, and we decided to take a train down to Brussle, Belguim. It is a great town! Very chic, clean, friendly, and French without the snobbery.
While there, I had the best (Belgian) waffle of my life (sorry to say, mom). It was pretty cold and a little rainy, but Syd and I did our best to still enjoy the city. We didn't even feel the effect of our sleepless night. Syd finally found a signature scent in this great "Cosmeticary". I also found one I liked but I didn't buy it (...yet). We even went to see this fountain you may recognize. I'd rather not dexcribe it, so I'll let the picture do the talking (when I put it up). There were a million (Belgian) chocolate places, but we found "the best" one, Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier. We sampled a few very inventive chocolates (mango-caramel, balsamic vinagrette, violet, earl grey).
We both were really glad we went to Brussel and think it is a great town. When we got back to the airport to leave for Bangkok, Sydnee started feeling really sick. I won't go into details, but she had food poisoning, even though we ate the exact same thing all day, except she drank some tap water in Brussels that she was warned not to drink (we both thought that was rediculous that we couldn't drink tap water in Western Europe after having drank the water in Cairo)- the waiter told her it would make her sick and sure enough it actually did. We both thought he was just trying to make us buy bottled water, I just happened not to drink any because I had gotten a latte.
She had a miserable flight to Bangkok, but because the flight wasn't full they were able to give her a row to herself (and that meant they HAD to move me to another row all to myself- I'm not complaining!)

August 28

Syd and I woke up "early" (8:30am) to eat breakfast downstairs, but their were no beans, so we had plain eggs. Then we went back to sleep until noon. Then we took advantage of having a free washing machine in our dorm building and the fact that our clothes dry faster hung in Cairo's dry heat than in our dryers at home.
After doing laundry, we went into town to have one last Cairene juice, use the internet, and an ATM. We then took a taxi back to the Khan market to try to see the Whirling Dervish dancers ("Sufi" dancing), but they weren't on tonight, so we fought through the crowd to take another taxi to the Cairo Sheraton. We had a nice Lebanese "mezze" including a little Lebanese band and a bellydancer. This didn't get started until about 10 pm, so around midnight we made it back to our room to pack up and meet the taxi at 2 am to head to the airport.

August 27

We tried to sleep as long as possible, but by 10 am we were up. We had breakfast and got ready, taking as long as possible (we are trying so hard to shift our "day" to night). Then we went to a HUGE Four Seasons Hotel to look down on the city from the roof. Everywhere we went (the pool, restaurants, spas) they thought we were guests of the hotel, so they kept giving us a tour of the facilities and telling us about them. We owned them. (just kidding) We also looked around in their uber-chic boutique in the hotel. Then we went downtown to use the internet and have a shwarma lunch. yum. We walked to go get some fresh juice before getting a taxi back to where we are staying. Around 9:30pm, Ahmed and two of his friends picked us up and we drove to Zamalek, the "going out" part of Cairo. We drove past, and headed to the "Sonic" of Cairo called "the Queen" where we had "fatta", an Egyptian rice dish. After much driving around and debate between going to ride horses at the pyramids or go see belly dancing, we nixed both and went home "early" (1 am).

August 26

I slept past breakfast which we had planned to have with the seminary students to experience a real Egyptian breakfast- eggs and fu'ul (fava beans), so when I woke up we went downstairs and Syd got the cafeteria workers to cut up a mango (they are everywhere here) she bought yesterday and I had yogurt and honey in our room. We eventually got ready to go (both of us with head scarves) and we took a taxi downtown to use the internet a while (the computer lab is closed for the weekend where we are staying). As we were leaving the hole-in-the-wall internet place I got a call from a facebook friend- Ahmed. He went to AU and found out we would be in Cairo and he lives here now. He came and picked us up. We drove around Cairo, past their presidents huge mansion. Then we went to a juice stand for a wonderful glass of fresh juice (mixed- strawberry, whole banana, mango, and sugarcane)- only L.E.1 (20 cents). Then we went to pick up his friend "B" (short for a name we couldn't pronounce). Then the four of us went to "lunch" (it was about 3:30pm at this point- Egyptians do everything later, coming out at night to avoid the heat). I had shwarma again, but this time at a real restaurant, not just a stand. We were able to ask the guys a million questions about Cairo, Egypt, and the Middle East. I'm so interested in Arab countries now- there is so little I know about them.
From lunch, we drove to Coptic Cairo, the old Christian part. We saw the supposed site of where Mary and baby (toddler) Jesus walked when they were in Egypt. We also saw this "hanging" church (when you are inside you can look beneath the floor and it seems like it is suspended). We then drove all over Cairo which made seeing everything much easier, faster, and cooler. At dusk, we took an hour long cruise on a felucca boat on the Nile. The skyline from there is really incredible. Being on the water after the sun has gone down and there is a nice breeze was wonderful. Leaving the Nile, we had to cross the street in crazy Cairo traffic and at night- I thought I might die, but I stuck close to the locals and made it alright.
We then drove to the famous Khan al-Khalili bazaar- a sprawling maze of vendors selling their goods in Islamic Cario. It is also beside several mosques- one the oldest in Egypt. We were able to go in and see the tomb of Hussien, Mohammad's grandson (Mohammad as in founder of Islam). Anyone can appreciate the historical significance of such a figure.
Then we walked through the chaos that is "the Khan." The merchants are some of the greatest smooth talkers ever- they have to be- almost anything can be bought in the Khan and if one merchant doesn't have what you are looking for, he'll happily find someone who does (for a little baksheesh-tip- of course). We ended the night at Fishawi's Coffeehouse. It was packed and it claims to have been open continuously (day and night) for 200 years. Our entertainment came from roaming salesmen/women/children hawking wallets, sheesha-style cigarette holders, and packet after packet after packet of tissues. Syd and I tried an Egyptian drink called "Sahlab." We never could get a translation on all its ingredients. It was hot, milky, sweet, with nuts, raisin, coconut, cinnamon, and sahlab (whatever that is- don't worry, it's not alcohol, Muslims "don't drink alcohol") After that, Ahmed and B took us home.

Quotes of the day:
"Only Cairo would put their shoes behind glass and their bread out on the street." -Ahmed in reference to the stores showcasing shoes in the windows and bread out for flies to get to.

"I don't know what you're looking for, but I have what you need." -Khan merchant

August 25

After waking, Syd and I ventured downstairs to find our breakfast. After some confusion in Arabic-English translation, we figured out we would be having loads of honey and yogurt.
After getting ready to go we used the internet while it was open. We tried to ask the guard at the gate to the seminary to call a taxi for us, but eventually we realized we needed only to walk to the street and hail any taxi that passed by. The $2 taxi took us to a central location in downtown and we walked to Cafe Riche, a restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet. We droved in around 1 pm while the men in the city left their work place and headed for carpets outside to pray. Apparently that only happens on Friday, other times you can hear the prayers from speakers piped out, but no one really seems to pay attention.
From there we walked to the Egyptian Museum. Our 3 blocks walk was our first experience out alone on Cairene streets. I was wearing my head wrap, but Sydney wasn't and sure enough a persistent Egyptian guy kept trying to talk to her. I couldn't help giggling which didn't help the situation or Sydney's annoyance. The Egyptian Museum was huge and unorganized- just like Cairo- but it houses hundreds, maybe thousands, of incredible artifacts.
From there we walked next door to the Nile Hilton to cool down (the museum isn't airconditioned and it is sweltering hot here). The heat made it hard for us to walk around, so we took another $2 taxi to another street downtown where we were able to walk around and see thousands of cheap displayed goods. We stopped along the way and had tea at an outdoor cafe where all the men stared at us because typically only men sit there and smoke the sheesha (water pipe)- but it is okay for western women. We went to some fruit stands and juice bars, but when it turned to dusk Syd had had it with all the stares and "welcome to Cairo" from the men, so we took a taxi back to the campus. I honestly didn't mind the attention (but that probably doesn't speak highly of me), although I agree the crowds were thick and the heat only makes that worse. I really enjoyed walking down the street, soaking up the atmosphere- I've never been somewhere that I stand out so much (you can't really hide blue eyes and pale skin- well, I guess I could have, but I didn't go to that extreme). Although some of the Egyptian men and boys were too pushy, I thought many were just genuinely friendly, when they would tell us "welcome to Cairo"and move on (you just don't know if smiling and saying "thank you" will encourage them negatively). I didn't feel at all unsafe, just that we totally stand out.

August 24

My watch alarm woke us up at 8 am. We ate breakfast in the room and hurried to get ready to meet our tour guide, Eman, on time at 9 am.
Eman and the van picked us up from where we are staying. She was a very friendly and knowledgable. She told us all about Egyptian history as we rode along through sprawling Cairo to “Memphis” – the ancient capital of Egypt.
At our first stop of the day we saw a huge statue of Ramses II and other old Egyptian artifacts. This was my first experience with the Egyptian custom of “baksheesh” or tipping. I had to use the restroom, which I was told was free, but on my way out a lady “working” there insisted that I give her some money. The smallest bill I had was 10 Egyptian Pounds (L.E.), so I think I was slightly ripped off, but now I know to try to keep smaller change on me.
Our next stop was to see the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. It is a smaller pyramid and I believe the oldest tomb built. We were able to walk down into the burial area, which was thankfully not too narrow, although we did have to bend at the waist to get there. Eman was great, she would give us some information and then tell us we had 10-15 minutes to see things for ourselves, “don’t talk to anyone,” and then meet her back when we were through.
Next we went to see an Egyptian Carpet factory. We were able to watch them hand weave these beautiful carpets and rugs. Children as young as 9 or 10 were working there and when I asked Eman about this, she said they are the lucky ones that are talented enough not to have to work out in the fields. At the carpet gallery a nice Egyptian man tried to see us his carpets, but he wasn’t too pushy- “no pressure”. We did learn how to distinguish between handmade and machine-made carpets, a skill I hope to test next time I’m at someone’s home (just kidding). Honestly though, the silk, hand made carpets were incredible!
From there we went to a Papyrus Factory/Store. We saw how papyrus is made (from lotus plants) and some paintings done on them. Eman told us there would be a special discount for us if we wanted one, but we politely declined. She then took us upstairs to a jewelry store where a man started to show us how he could engrave our names on a cartouche in hieroglyphics (no thanks again).
For lunch we went to an Egyptian fast food place and had some yummy falafel. We ate our “Egyptian hamburger” on the way to the pyramids in Giza (pronounce the “g” like a “j”). The Pyramids- our reason for visiting Cairo- they were incredible and huge, but not too different from what I expected. We rode a camel and got tons of pictures. We also went to see the Sphinx, which is just down the street from the pyramids. There were people around, but it wasn’t just overflowing with tourists. There was probably an equal ratio of Egyptian peddlers and foreigners.
On our way back to the seminary we stopped at an Egyptian cotton store. When we got home I read through the part of Exodus involving Egypt, Pharaoh, and Moses. Relating the plagues to places we have now seen with our own eyes was really neat and made it “come to life” for me.
Some side notes about Cairo so far:
*the driving is just as crazy and chaotic as we had heard
*the Nile is prettier than I expected
*this city is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life: palm trees, desert, dusty, hazy skies, tan and brick buildings, half with unfinished roofs, donkeys carrying carts, people, and crops, right along with the cars, mosques, all the Arabic

August 23

We successfully made it through customs by 2:30 am, got our luggage and we were met by Brice, a guy my grandmother hooked us up with, who works at the Evangelical theological School in Cairo, where we are staying in an empty dorm room. We slept in and then met up with Brice to get a tour of the campus. He showed us the cafeteria, laundry, internet, etc. We also made plans for a tour guide to take us to the Pyramids tomorrow. Syd and I napped and did laundry pretty much all day to get caught up. We ate in the cafeteria for lunch and dinner with some friendly Egyptian guys. The lunch was great and the dinner wasn’t our favorite.

August 22

List of complaints for my flight from Cape Town to Amsterdam:
The sound on my personal TV didn’t work, so I could only watch (but not hear) the movies.
There was an Asian man with no sense of personal space to one side of me.
Across the aisle from me was a lady who snored all night (and never used her TV).
I was cold all night.

But most importantly, I arrived safely.
Syd and I went in to Amsterdam for me to see the city, since we had an 8-hour layover. It was a chilly, cloudy day. We hit the major cites- Anne Frank’s house, the canals, the museums (just kidding), a huge department store, the “coffee” shops, and the red light district (sad). I’m glad I got to see Amsterdam, but it would rank very low on my favorite cities list.
We returned to the airport in time to wait 2 hours to get on our flight to Cairo. That flight wasn’t full, so we could stretch out more and this time my TV worked. The flight was only four hours and thankfully uneventful.

August 21

Syd and I actually woke up around the same time this morning and packed up our stuff and checked out of our hostel. Then we wondered around the many African market stalls. I actually got a scarf to wrap around my head (1. what is getting into me, why am I buying souvenirs I don’t really need, 2. mom should be glad I will cover my blonde hair up in Egypt).
We window shopped to pass the time to what we were really looking forward to- the best tea in the world! We had high tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. The hotel is huge, beautiful, and best of all- pink. The tea was buffet style and very delicious. We enjoyed the food as well as the live piano music and tastefully decorated room. After tea we went back to our hostel to make arrangements for getting to the airport- we fly to Amsterdam tonight!

August 20

We woke up to a rare Cape Town winter day- beautiful blue skies, few clouds, and temperatures in the lower 70’s- perfect! We walked from our hostel on Long Street all the way up to the bottom of Table Mountain (about 3 miles up hill). We chose to take the cable car up to the top (rather than hike up a steep incline for about 3 hours). We were pleased with our decision and walked around the top for a while, taking in all the spectacular views. We started to climb down for our decent on food, but after seeing how steep the going would be and seeing a “danger- difficult trail” sign, we decided again to take the cable car down, but we still walked from the cable car to our hostel (stopping to have a fabulous lunch/dinner of chicken curry). I showered and then we got a cab to take us to the University of Cape Town where we met up with Tim and Jade. They showed us around the beautiful, huge campus and then we went to a very contemporary church service. When you walk in the room they give you a drink voucher to be used after church in a bar downstairs (the church meets at a country club/sports complex). After redeeming our vouchers (on hot chocolate) after church, Tim and Jade dropped us off back at our hostel.

August 19

I woke up early and waited for Sydnee to get up. Eventually she did and we went down the street for a “red cappuccino” (made with rooibos) and a scone. After that we walked to the Bo-Kaap district, the colorful Indian or Muslim area. Then we got picked up from our hostel by Cathy, our tour guide for the afternoon. We drove first to SPIER, a wine farm, and I did my first wine tasting. Also on this farm there is a cheetah reserve, so we saw some cheetahs.
From there, we went to see the town of Stellenbosch. Cathy was a very nice tour guide, with good information and flexible to our preferences. We saw the University of Stellenbosch and all its Dutch architecture. Nearby was another wine farm we stopped in to have a cellar tour. Then Cathy drove us back by a different route, allowing us to see False Bay and Cape Point. It was a beautiful drive as the sun set. Then Syd and I had what we call a “progressive dinner.” We have theses when we are in different moods about what or when we want to eat. Syd went first, back to the vegetarian restaurant (he fifth time). We then used the internet and then I had schwarma from a street vendor called Mohammad.

August 18

Sydnee and I got up and walked to the Waterfront (it is safe to do so in daylight). We had breakfast there and then I went and got my hair highlighted. I was nervous about the quality of getting my hair done here, but it was very well done and I really like it! Sydnee just decided to wait on me instead of check out the surroundings, so after I finished we walked around the Waterfront a while. We stopped at the tour information office there to make arrangements for a tour tomorrow. We walked back before it started getting dark and had hot chocolate at a hotel on the way and then a curry dinner at a vegetarian restaurant across from our hostel. I made Sydnee some rooibos tea when we got in for the night that I had brought with me for her to try- she liked! Then she talked to Blake and I watched some TV with a bunch of random hostel people.

August 17

Back to Cape Town!
I woke up this morning, anticipating my departure. After breakfast, Avryl, the lady from church who drove me to Durban on Tuesday, drove me to the airport. I caught my flight with no problems. Instead of flying over the coast, as we did last time, we flew over the Transkei and the Drakensberg Mountains (which are snow covered). I am glad I got to see them from the sky. I got picked up at the airport and taken to the hostel- right in the center of Cape Town on Long Street. I met up with Sydnee and we have talked non-stop trying to catch up on the last three weeks- not an easy task and we still haven't shared all our stories with each other. We walked around a while and had dinner, but all we were really interested in was catching up!
It is going to take some adjusting back to "travel mode", I had gotten settled into my "life" the past three weeks, making new friends, being the only American, etc.
I also found out that Blake is actually meeting us in Sydney, so Syd and I will only be travelling for four weeks and then I will be really and truly on my own when I arrive in Australia (not with her for the whole two months like I thought originally, or even for a few weeks to help me get settled). I'm just trying not to worry or think about that now and enjoy the present. I know I am so thankful for the way it worked out for me to have gone by myself the past three weeks, so I know God is in control of the situation, I'm just not sure what I need to do about it (other than pray, obviously)!

August 16

My last day!!!!
Today was hectic! I got to work and discovered they had needed me to get there at 7:30 am (not 8 am), there was a mistake in communicating that to me. I was supposed to go into a school with them at 10 am and then get a ride from their to a church to meet up with the Crusade group. So then my plans were messed up and I had to find someone to take me to this church down the street which, according to the Crusade people, is right next to where we were meeting, however, it was actually not. So then I walked about 30 minutes down the road (it was a main road and not too unsafe and it was the middle of the day) with a 7 kg box (containing all my surveys, voice recorder, etc that I needed to mail home). I ditched the plan to meet up with the Crusade people because of the time and went to the post office instead to get rid of the now very heavy box. It was actually a good thing I did that because if I had gone with the Crusade group to a school, by the time we would have gotten back, the post office would have been closed (at 3 pm) and I would have missed being able to ship that box back (which wasn't an option). So, after the post office I went into this shopping center and called this girl whom I had made plans with to go to some touristy shops before I left. She came and picked me up and we went to this crocodile farm and some Zulu shops. Then Neill met up with us and we went to a coffee shop where we ran into all the Crusade people and I was able to explain my absence. Finally, I got a ride home and had a nice last dinner with the Hotchkiss' and tried not to be too sad for my last night! But I am going to Cape Town in the morning!

August 15

Today this very nice lady from Honduras I met at Alpha picked me up and took me to a hospice in Durban. This Indian-run hospice goes into the local township to help HIV/AIDS patients. I went with them on their visit. It was probably the most eye-opening experience since I've been here- worse than in the Valley. The houses were smaller and more crowded and garbage was all over the place. We visited a lady with HIV whose sister just died of AIDS so she has to take care of her sister's and her own kids (5 total, under age 10ish). The kids were so cute of course and I enjoyed playing with then, but it was pretty sad to see their life. It was helpful to my research to get a different perspective from people who regularly work with AIDS patients.
Then I treated my "driver" to lunch and she dropped me off at home. I ran the hill 10x again, showered, and tried to get organized for leaving. Around 5, Neill came and picked me up and then James and we went to the Pavillion (mall and movie theatre) and met Charlene and two other people I haven't mentioned before that they are friends with. We watched Pirates of the Carribean II (finally). Then we decided to go over to Neill and Charlene's house (for tea). We ended up staying up talking until past midnight (Charlene went to bed early). I have to go into the office before 8 am, so I will be so tired, but, as my last time to hand out with everyone, it's worth it.

August 14

Today was spent at a conference center with a Campus Crusade team from Boston. They are being trained how to teach an abstinence education program called “Better Choices” to schools in the Valley. I was able to learn all about their curriculum, which is very different from the other one I have been looking at. All in all it was a productive and good day. From their, Janet picked me up and we went to see the school where Tim went for 8th-12th grade, called Kearsney College. It is amazing! It is like a mini-university with stately buildings, multiple athletic facilities, a coffee shop, clothing store, and dorms. Maybe boarding schools in the Northeast are like that, but it had more in common with SMU than Auburn High! Then we went to church to set up for Alpha. James also had to help set up early, so I didn’t have to hang out with all adults the whole time :). Once again, I really enjoyed Alpha and my small group, and I wish I could stay!!! I didn’t want to have to say goodbye to my friends yet, so I made sure we had plans to hang out tomorrow night.

August 13

Sarah, David and I went to church (Janet went early, but we didn’t have to). At church they recognized it was my last Sunday and told me they’ll miss me, etc. After it was over, James and I cooked up a plan to go to the Durban beach. So Sarah and I ran home to get our swim suits and then we all drove down to the beach. Durban beach is awesome! It is one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen- it has a great “boardwalk” with restaurants, public pools, kiddie rides, cable cars, piers, and clean sandy beaches.
We parked up at the north end, so we could walk down to the end and see everything before actually going on the beach. On our way I noticed a “trampoline park” (just about 10 trampolines in the ground) and Sarah and I went a jumped on them while Neill patiently waited on us. It was so fun- we got this cute little African boy to take turns jumping with us (because you have to pay 3 R to jump). After our fun jumping, we went to the beach and all the girls (Charlene, Sarah, me, and two other girls with us) ran into the water. Apparently the waves were lower than normal, but it was very nice surf. Just around the bend is Durban’s port, the largest in Africa? South Africa? And you can see boats lined up forever to go to the port.
When everyone had enough beach we drove to James’ house (which is huge and beautiful- pool, hot tub, skate ramp, tennis courts, gardens, boat garage, HUGE) for tea and cake. After that David and Janet picked Sarah and me up and we took the dogs for a walk around the sugar cane field. During our walk a ferocious dog attacked one of the Hotchkiss’ dogs. It was kind of scary, but ended up okay. Stupid dogs (just kidding)
I took a wonderful hot shower (I had gotten pretty cold with my wet hair and swimsuit when the sun started setting) and had dinner. In a few minutes we are going to watch Heartlines and then I’ll go to bed!

August 12

Tala Game Reserve!
I woke up at 6 am and Sarah, Janet and I left about half an hour later for this really neat farmer's market. It is on a big field and sells fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other things. We had pancakes (crepes) for breakfast there. I also got to try a "cooked sister", an Afrikaans sweet fried thing. I actually bought my first souvenir, as well, a Zimbabwean painting. It was only 70 R and I thought it will be cool in my house one day.
Soon we were off and headed to Tala Game Reserve about half an hour from here. It was so neat and so fun! We drove their 4 x 4 Condor over the rough trails and saw all kinds of animals- up close! We saw hippos lazily sunning themselves in a pond, rhinos munching on grass, skiddish antelope (of many varieties, which I don't remember their names), ugly wildebeest, beautiful zebras, graceful giraffes, funny-looking ostriches, and many more (except no elephants). As you may know, I don't really care for animals, particularly pets, but I was definitely able to appreciate these wild creatures in their natural habitat.
After we had seen all the animals there were to see (luckily without our car getting stuck in mud or rocks) we had a picnic in the park they have on the reserve. In the park there lives a 3-legged warthog.
After our picnic lunch we headed back home. Since I have gotten out of shape due to my more sedentary lifestyle the past few weeks, I went for a jog up this hill right by their house. I just ran up and down it ten times since I can't really venture too far away.
I showered and Janet and I had dinner (Sarah and David went to Sarah's school in Maritzberg because she had something going on). Then I went and hung out with James and Neill (Charlene was at a 21st birthday party). We watched Notting Hill and eventually they took me home. They are such nice guys! I always have fun hanging out with them.

August 11

Today I worked on some stuff for my last three days next week, because it is my last full day in the Focus office. One "exciting" thing was that I put together a simple 1 page survey that Focus is going to translate into Zulu to us in the rural areas to try to measure the effectiveness of their program. All afternoon I waited for Sydnee to call, but I think she got busy.
I don't remember what I did after I got home, but eventually we all had dinner, including a traditional Afrikaans dessert "melktert" and then Sarah and I watched some TV.

August 10

Today was similar to Monday and Tuesday, I went to work early, went to the school, interviewed and surveyed 7th graders, observed the No Apologies program, etc. When we got back to the office around 3pm we found out that the water had been off all day and the toilets were all smelly and they had to go buy jugs of water. Apparently there was some construction in the area and apparently that sort of thing just happens. Bev took me home and I hung out with Sarah (she is still home but feeling better). We ate dinner (Janet and David had gone to an all-Africa missions conference for the night) and watched the news (I was a little concerned about all that UK-US flight terrorism). I'm not home sick, but all afternoon I was just thinking about how I wanted to call home, so I interrupted mom's ADPi rush work and we got to talk for while. That was a nice treat for me! She also assured me she getting togther a nice bunch of stuff for Sydnee to bring me when she comes to meet me in Cape Town. Hopefully our flights won't be affected by the terrorists!

August 9

Public Holiday- National Women's Day.
So after only five hours of sleep, I got up at 5:30 am to use the Hotchkiss' computer before 7 am (they only use their internet off-peak time because it is dial-up). I also got up that early because we were supposed to go to their mountain home in "the berg" at the Drakensberg mountains a few hours away, just for the day, for me to see it. However, it ended up being too rainy and Sarah came home from school sick yesterday with tonselitis. Although it would have been great to get to go to "the berg" it would have been about 5 hours in the car since we were just going for the day, so I was okay with our change in plans. I happily went back to sleep until noon.
After lunch I hung out with Sarah and we watched a little TV although nothing was on. I also read my book- it starts in 1919 when Mandela was born, and I am already to page 450 in his first years on Robben Island. Before long Neill called to say they were going to watch a movie on the big screen at their church. He came and picked me up (isn't that nice? I usually love to drive, but it is actually nice to be driven around) and we met up with James at the church. Charlene soon joined us and we watched "Finding Neverland."
I was dropped off early, because I have work early again tomorrow!

August 8

Things don't always go according to plans.
I was dropped off at the office early, just like yesterday. The girl driving us to the school decided to take a different way, a back way, that runs along a gorge and is very windy and contains a steep hill before meeting up with the main road. On this steep hill the car begins smoking so bad it was pouring out the hood and in the car. I immediately got out of the car- I knew my mom would be furious if I blew up in a car in South Africa. The girl parked the car on the side of the road and we popped the hood to see what the problem was (like we know anything about cars). A very nice pedestrian stopped and let us use his cell phone to call for another ride and the Toyota Dealership. The driver had burned the clutch (or something like that), people keep trying to tell me the advantages of manual cars here, but I'm not convinced. We ended up being an hour and a half late to the school, but they were very understanding and I was glad it wasn't my fault! It worked out fine for me, because I had planned to do my surveys at the end of the day anyways. We both adjusted to the situation and things worked out just fine.
When I got home, Janet told me there was a message for me that the Manley's (Charlene and Neill) were going to have a Braai (a barbeque in Afrikaan) instead of going to see Pirates of the Caribbean 2 like we had planned. Being the silly person I am, I was sort of pouting inside because I was really looking forward to the movie. When Neill picked me up, though, he assured me that we were going to do both and I chided myself for my bad attitude. It was the four of us again for the braai and we had a great time- I wouldn't call it a barbeque, just grilling out, really. Then we found out that the movie was sold out (it was half-priced Tuesday and South Africans are very frugal). By this point, I was totally okay with not seeing the movie and we opted to just hang out instead. Soon it was getting late and James was nice enough to take me home this time.

August 7

Early morning, long day.
I had to meet up at the office at 7:15 am to go with a team to Westville Senior Primary School, where they are doing an HIV/AIDS Life Skills (aka Abstinence) Program. I surveyed about 60 students, talked to teachers, and observed the workshop. It was a busy and productive day. From the school we took 2 team members to the airport and then I went back to the office for an hour to get some copies made for tomorrow. After Bev dropped me off at home, I rode with Janet to church for Alpha. I helped with the set up, until finally my new friends got there and I hung out with them. We had a sit-down dinner and then went upstairs to watch the first session, "Who is Jesus?" on DVD. Then we broke into our assigned groups to discuss things. I wish I could go through the whole 15 weeks with my group. It is a diverse bunch of people- married couples, young adults, old and new Believers, and those just searching for answers.

August 6

Charlene and I made french toast for breakfast and woke the boys up. Soon we got ready and went down to the beach again. It was less windy and a little warmer, but the water was more churned up. Only the boys went out to surf. After laying out a while I went for a walk down the beach. In one direction there is a sugar cane mill. When the wind blows it smells so good, like Molasses. I walked in the opposite direction towards all the beach cottages. The whole walk I kept thinking- "I can't believe I am in South Africa, with my feet in the Indian Ocean- this is amazing!" I feel so blessed to be having this experience and to see all of God's incredible creation.
Before long it was time to go and we went back to the house. I made the boys peanut butter and jelly- a true American food (they told me it was good, but they are used to having peanut butter and syrup sandwiches). We had to pack up and lock up the whole place the way we found it. Can you imagine that? If anything my time in South Africa has made me more patriotic, more thankful for my home in America. South Africa is a beautiful, wild country, but we have so much to be thankful for!
All weekend the boys teased me about being from America. They say Americans are always trying (or are) to do everything "bigger and better." Its great to be from America- whether people love or hate us- they know us and have to admire us. Most people know more about America than we know about their country (although I am changing that here as I read Nelson Mandela's autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom" - it is a really interesting history if you are interested). As Syd and I say- it's good to be on top!

August 5

We didn't sleep too late and after breakfast (and tea) we got our bathing costumes (swim suits) on and went down to the beach. It was really windy and Charlene had brought a kite she had made in art class. This wasn't the dinky diamond shaped kite I was thinking it would be. Oh no, this was a parachute type kite with two handles at the end. It takes some practice to fly it and the wind is so strong you can jump up and it will carry you a ways. It was so fun flying it. We played with that for a while and then got into the water. It was pretty cold, but not unbearable. The Indian Ocean is warm enough year round to be able to swim in it even in "winter." The water is pretty blue, but rough so it churns up the sand, so not completely clear. The beach has a good amount of sand but there are rocky patches. Also the area is very undeveloped so after the sand there is all this green growth- plants, trees, it is very natural looking. We were in a sort of cove, surrounded by rocks on two sides. We all took a turn on the long surf board, but with the wind it was pretty rough so we didn't last long. We layed out and dried off and then headed back to the house. Charlene's friend who has a beach house near by came over and we all sat around and had tea. After she left we started cooking dinner. James had brough a big fish he had caught from a spear fishing trip in Mozambique. I was a little skeptical of eating this big fish, but once we cut it up, battered, and fried it, the fish fillets were quite good!
After dinner we all went up on the roof (which is flat) and watched the stars. We were all starting to fall asleep eventually so Charlene, James, and I snuck down to leave Neal alone on the roof. We thought it would be so funny for him to wake up in the morning and be by himself on the roof. He has a great sense of humor, and apparently realized he was the only one up there half way through the night.

August 4

After "work" I rushed home to pack my bags before Charlene fetched me. We drove to Neill and James' (James is their friend from church, he is 24, and working on his honors in building science by helping build their new church building) "rec" soccer game. They have neighborhood/community "club" teams, kind of like at home. Charlene and I sat on the bleachers and watched the game (unfortunately, their team took a beating, but the guys had a great attitude about it). When they finished playing we all piled in the car and drove to Charlene and Neill's family's beach house at Bazley Beach. It is about an hour south of Durban. When we got to the house (which was locked on the ouside with a gate and padlock) we went inside and everything in the house (mattresses, pillows, shelves, chairs, etc) was locked behind a garage style door (that is in the house) so that the people from a nearby township won't break in and steal. It is hard to describe all the measures they have to take to lock away everything in the house so their won't be a theft. We had to unload the furniture and kitchen stuff and set up the house. Finally it was all set up and we just hung out and talked (often the conversation veers towards comparing America and South Africa). I'm excited to spend the weekend with my new friends!

August 3

Guess what I saw on my way to "work" this morning: Monkeys! Apparently, they are the deer or possums of this area. I saw about 6 gray, furry, 2 ft high, black-faced, real monkeys tramping about someone's front yard.
"Work" was slow to begin with, although I enjoyed talking at lunch with this young guy who works here and has traveled through the east coast of the US by train (I didn't know people used trains in America). He's even been to Birmingham. Then I talked via a poor international cell phone connection to my professor and he put me to work preparing some stuff for going into schools this next week. Oh and I had about 5 cups of hot Rooibos tea (yum!)
When I got home, I went on a super short walk with David, Janet, and the dogs- so I guess you can go walk outside, but you have to have dogs and other people with you.
We had dinner by the fire, which was very nice and then I read by the fire for a while.
There is this 38-year-old guy who is renting the Hotchkiss' back house, but I never really see him because he is usually out. Tonight however, he came in the house to get Janet to cut his hair. He is a VERY talkative fellow. He told me the Bible story of lowering the cripple through the roof from FOUR different perspectives (the house owner's wife, Jesus, the cripple, and one other- I think I may have zoned out). He also added details about roofs because he does roof thatching work.

August 2

Going to "work" was pretty uneventful. I talked with my professor in Dallas (through email, we are going to talk on the phone tomorrow) and some people here about the limitations I have with my study, due to time, contacts, safety (I wonder the extent of this issue), etc. I was able to talk to a few teachers about the abstinence program.
Have I mentioned yet about the sweet tea? Janet is so great, because she knew sweet tea is big where I am from, she made some (even though not many people like it here) because she knew I would like it. She is a great example of a servant, always doing things for others.
On the way home, Bev took me by this big country club and housing development called Camelot. There is a chapel there for weddings in the shape of a castle. If I were to live in this town, that is where I would want to live! It is a huge gated community, but there aren't individual gates for each house (unlike houses here on normal streets). So it is more like an American neighbourhood, where you have plenty of room to walk out of your front door and go on a couple miles walk or run without worrying about being attacked or run over by a com-vee (taxi van).
When I got home I jumped rope for about 30 minutes because I was desperate for exercise.
After dinner, Janet and I watched the South African news. This is one of the coldest, wettest, snowiest winters South Africa has had in years. Luckily, that isn't affecting us because we are so close to the coast and we get warm winds off the Indian Ocean (or something like that), so it is always perfect weather here (good thing since my warmest clothes wouldn’t help me if it was snowing). After watching the news, Janet showed me some picture albums of her families' trip to Egypt and India (their oldest, Paul, married an Indian girl). It made me excited to go to Egypt and I'm not sure what I think about whether or not I would want to go to India. Also, Neal called and we made plans for the weekend- so it looks like I'll be going down the coast- which I'm pretty excited about.
I am staying in Johanna’s (their oldest daughter, 24) old room, and I found Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, in her bookshelf. I started reading it a few days ago- it is really good, I recommend it!

August 1

Is it really August?
Today was a very good day. I went to work with Bev again and on the way she had to go to the petrol station because gas prices go up at midnight. Every gas station is full service, no one fills up their car. Bev says it gives unemployed blacks a job. About an hour into work I was driven to Hillcrest High School and I interviewed and surveyed about 10 students age 16 and 17. I thought it went really well, but I need to do more and I am at the mercy of other people setting up times for me. I then got picked up and taken back to the Focus office. There, Janet fetched me and we took food down to the valley (I think it is called Valley of 1000 Hills, or something like that). It is where all the rural, poor blacks live. It was just the way you see on TV or picture it (maybe not too the worst extent, but very similar). Poor orphan children running around, people milling about, rondavals (round, thatch roof houses, possibly misspelled). One “house” where we took some food had 6 children under the age of 10 watching over each other. They were happy to get the food and loved posing for my picture. Then we went and had tea at another lady’s “house” where Janet has sewing classes at every Thursday. Once home I made fruit salad while Eunice, the housekeeper, cooked dinner. Then David, Janet, and I had dinner and my fruit salad for dessert (they call post dinner sweets “pudding”). Today was just great, I am becoming so “at home” here in South Africa. Everyone I am meeting is so nice and it is a neat place to be living for a while. One of my favorite things about the house where I am staying is Eunice! If I give her my dirty clothes in the morning, they are clean on my bed when I get home, she makes my bed every day, sets out everything for meals, and then clears the table- no one has to lift a finger to do any house work! I am becoming so spoiled with that, I can't stop talking about it!