If there's one thing in particular that Capece's do not excel in, it's patience. Especially this Capece. I admit it--I may have a small tendency to get hot under the collar about certain things.
Well, I'm learning a thing or 2 on this trip. And boy, am I learning quick... A glimpse of my day for your reading pleasure:
-6am - a breathtaking run in Cape Town with a fellow volunteer, Danielle. Fog over Table Mountain with a bit of sun peeking through to illuminate the apex of the mountain--picturesque....
-7am - All hell breaks loose. The girls learn "Heath Ledger has died"
-7:45am - One of "the Vicki's" (sorry Vic) screaming in the van on the way to our volunteer placements: "Like oh my god, i can't believe like about heath ledger. like oh my god. he was like so hot. I mean he was AMAAAAAAAAAAAAZING in A Knight's Tale. Like oh my god."
-8:15am - on our way to work in the townships, one woman states in complete amazement (this happens daily like we're not working the actual townships, driving to and from every singly day): "hmm, hmm, hmm (shakes her head in disapproval). Here we are in the ghetto again. such a shame, (slower this time) such---a---shame... ". Ok, I think we got it.
-1pm - "The Vicki's" (sorry Vic) on the way back from our volunteer placements: "oh my god, i wanna like get so wasted tonight. what are you doing tonight?" "Me?" "Like yeah you." "i'm gonna get wasted tonight too. This volunteering thing is, like, so hard..."
-6pm - Innocently eating my salad at dinner and watch a three inch worm, the color of our arugala, being pulled out of the salad bowl by the woman sitting next to me while I'm chewing a mouthful. The fried bread and lentil dinner (top quality) are not sitting so well...
-6:15pm - I walk into the maids quarters (our bedroom) and tell Steph that we need to escape for a drink. But we need to be stealthy to get out without any additions to our party. Stephanie and I decide a bottle of wine at our local restuarant, the fat cactus is completely necessary.
-6:30 pm -Order a bottle of Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon, local south african wine--79 Rand (about $11)
-8pm - wine gone
-8:05pm - Homebound. All along the streets of cape town, daily newspaper headlines are mounted on the streetlights. An unusual, but very cool, phenomenon. Carol and Stephanie come across one mounted on cardboard with the big bold headline "Heath Ledger Dies". It is brought home for "the Vicki's" (sorry Vic)--in memoriam....
-9:15pm - I decide to blog about my typical, somewhat ridiculous day and I appreciate my little sister much, much more...
I guess you need lots of personalities to make a trip memorable--and we've got them.
Hope you are all well!
Love
C
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Sibanye
Well, after many requests, here are the pics of Sibanye. I hope you can make out the quality of the goods. Most of it is really amazing.
Also, we went to a workshop today for a business called African All Sorts--they create wire and hand beaded safari animals, people, key rings, etc. I got a beautiful elephant which will be displayed prominently at 100 Remsen Street...
Hope you are all well!
Love,
C
Also, we went to a workshop today for a business called African All Sorts--they create wire and hand beaded safari animals, people, key rings, etc. I got a beautiful elephant which will be displayed prominently at 100 Remsen Street...
Hope you are all well!
Love,
C
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Weekend
It was a really busy weekend. We fit a lot in--new pics posted to the left.
Friday night was our first real night out in Cape Town. We put on makeup and everything--a first for this trip! We were supposed to go to dinner at a restaurant named Fork on Long street (the most popular/touristy street in cape town). However, as you may know, Cape Town is experiencing a pretty big energy crisis and the power at the restaurant was out. So, we went out for pizza instead. And I'll tell you, it was some good pizza. Things to know: wine and beer are very cheap. You can pay 17 rand for a beer (about $2.50) and anywhere from 42 rand up for a bottle (not glass) of wine (about $6). And, it's good wine.
We went out on long street to a bar called the Dubliner (super touristy and a little cheesy) and then across the street to a more "authentic" bar called Jo-burg. Both were fun. It was good to get out.
We got up really early on Saturday to take a nine hour tour of the Southern Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts. What beautiful scenery--south africa has amazing vegetation and beautiful beaches. It was extremely windy. I've learned that they do mean it when they say that you can experience all 4 seasons in one day. It's cold in the morning and night, and really warm in the middle of the day. (And I'm already starting to get a pretty sick tan!) On Saturday, it was just cold...and the winds were gusty enough to make you feel somewhat uncomfortable hiking up to the top of cape point--the point at which the atlantic and indian ocean meet.
How cool it was to see the indian ocean--it's something I've heard about my entire life and to finally see it was breathtaking. Plus the water on the indian ocean side (or False Bay side) is much warmer.
We also hit the famous "penguins"--I have about 30 pics of penguins and some movies for anyone interested. Also, we made it to an ostrich farm. They are really ugly animals.
We went to the beaches on the indian ocean side but it was freezing. While the young girls (heidi, danielle and myself) were taking shelter from the sand storms in the car, the older ladies (alana and debbie) braved the cold and went in the water. They said it was great but I'm pretty sure we made the right decision.
Today was much more relaxed but we were still up and on the go. This morning, Danielle and I went for a run to Cape Town University--about 5 minutes from our house in Rosebank. There are 3 parts to the campus--upper, middle and lower which are all at the foot at Table Mountain. But you feel like you're climbing a mountain as you go further up their campus. About a half mile after running up the hills of campus, we decided to walk. The campus is very large and beautiful. A bit different from my days at GW.
This afternoon, we went to Green Point market--a huge market where all sorts of goods are sold. It was great to see what everyone was making and there was some great art. That said, I'm going to buy most of my goods from Sibanye since I know that the funds go directly to the people of South Africa.
After Green Point, we brought a picnic dinner to Kirstenbosch botannical gardens (which are so amazing that we are going to go back to see more) and went to the Watershed concert. Watershed is a South African band I had never heard of but they were really good. It got really cold about half way through so we left.
So, the weekend is over and we're back to work tomorrow. I'm coming down with a bit of a cold so tonight I'm laying low. We are going on a little field trip after our placements to make some crafts tomorrow afternoon. Hope mine doesn't look like a five year old made it...I have a feeling it might.
Hope you are all well!
Love
C
Friday night was our first real night out in Cape Town. We put on makeup and everything--a first for this trip! We were supposed to go to dinner at a restaurant named Fork on Long street (the most popular/touristy street in cape town). However, as you may know, Cape Town is experiencing a pretty big energy crisis and the power at the restaurant was out. So, we went out for pizza instead. And I'll tell you, it was some good pizza. Things to know: wine and beer are very cheap. You can pay 17 rand for a beer (about $2.50) and anywhere from 42 rand up for a bottle (not glass) of wine (about $6). And, it's good wine.
We went out on long street to a bar called the Dubliner (super touristy and a little cheesy) and then across the street to a more "authentic" bar called Jo-burg. Both were fun. It was good to get out.
We got up really early on Saturday to take a nine hour tour of the Southern Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts. What beautiful scenery--south africa has amazing vegetation and beautiful beaches. It was extremely windy. I've learned that they do mean it when they say that you can experience all 4 seasons in one day. It's cold in the morning and night, and really warm in the middle of the day. (And I'm already starting to get a pretty sick tan!) On Saturday, it was just cold...and the winds were gusty enough to make you feel somewhat uncomfortable hiking up to the top of cape point--the point at which the atlantic and indian ocean meet.
How cool it was to see the indian ocean--it's something I've heard about my entire life and to finally see it was breathtaking. Plus the water on the indian ocean side (or False Bay side) is much warmer.
We also hit the famous "penguins"--I have about 30 pics of penguins and some movies for anyone interested. Also, we made it to an ostrich farm. They are really ugly animals.
We went to the beaches on the indian ocean side but it was freezing. While the young girls (heidi, danielle and myself) were taking shelter from the sand storms in the car, the older ladies (alana and debbie) braved the cold and went in the water. They said it was great but I'm pretty sure we made the right decision.
Today was much more relaxed but we were still up and on the go. This morning, Danielle and I went for a run to Cape Town University--about 5 minutes from our house in Rosebank. There are 3 parts to the campus--upper, middle and lower which are all at the foot at Table Mountain. But you feel like you're climbing a mountain as you go further up their campus. About a half mile after running up the hills of campus, we decided to walk. The campus is very large and beautiful. A bit different from my days at GW.
This afternoon, we went to Green Point market--a huge market where all sorts of goods are sold. It was great to see what everyone was making and there was some great art. That said, I'm going to buy most of my goods from Sibanye since I know that the funds go directly to the people of South Africa.
After Green Point, we brought a picnic dinner to Kirstenbosch botannical gardens (which are so amazing that we are going to go back to see more) and went to the Watershed concert. Watershed is a South African band I had never heard of but they were really good. It got really cold about half way through so we left.
So, the weekend is over and we're back to work tomorrow. I'm coming down with a bit of a cold so tonight I'm laying low. We are going on a little field trip after our placements to make some crafts tomorrow afternoon. Hope mine doesn't look like a five year old made it...I have a feeling it might.
Hope you are all well!
Love
C
Saturday, January 19, 2008
I pity the fool....
Paul, you are going to have to learn to read at some point. Maybe the months preceeding the birth of your first child is the best time to master this valuable skill. However, if I do see Mr. T walking around the streets of South Africa, I'll be sure to ask him if he'll record my blog so my 33 year old brother can listen to it. Sabonana (see you later in Xhosa!)
C
C
Friday, January 18, 2008
End of Week 1
For those of you who don't believe I am actually doing work and think mostly I'm on vacation (Steve), I figured I'd give a little update on what I did this week at Sibanye. I will work to get some pictures posted next week -- at most of the volunteer placements, they discourage taking and posting photos on blogs because children and patients infected with HIV are involved. I have a little more flexibility at my placement so I'm sure they'll be cool if I ask to take and post some photos.
As I mentioned, Sibanye is a non-profit organization committed to providing free raw materials, training, business skills education, and market access to HIV-infected and affected South African communities producing homemade crafts. It is located in the Khayelitsha township (about 30 minutes away from where I'm staying), and most of the local crafters are from Khayelithsha. They also sell goods from about 20 craft-based NGOs from around South Africa. It is hoped that acquiring these crafting (sewing, beading, glass-making, pottery, paper mache, etc.) skills will be the first step to economic independence for the majority of people in these low-income areas (and by low income, I mean shacks, no electricity in some cases, multiple families in a 2 room "house").
This week, I was able to put my skills to the test. I've been a copywriter, retailer, trainer, consultant, coffee-maker, handyman, and bookkeeper. I've learned that Jo-lene, our director, is an absolute saint playing all these roles (and others) every day since 04.
Currently, we're working on making the Sibanye "brand" cohesive. We're working on a new brochure that customers receive when they walk into Sibanye that really gives the history of the NGO, and lets people know that a purchase at Sibanye directly supports the local craftmakers. I'm also working on a branding style guide so everything looks cohesive going forward.
We've also been focused on getting the craft shop in order. It's a retail store so the 4 volunteers (all females) have had a blast moving things around, seeing all of the beautiful things that were made, and making sure they're prominently displayed. We tried using a drill today in cement walls--i learned i may not have my mother's knack for handywork, but i'm determined to learn.
Also, we've worked on developing a welcome speech for when local tour groups come that provides an overview of the organization. We are training the staff from Khayelitsha to deliver the speech in English and they have been AMAZING. These two women, Pulani and Noliolo, have been drilled over and again by yours truly to deliver the speech. "Make sure your projecting, do it again, pretend I'm a customer." And it's been truly the best part of my week. Not pushing them around--but really seeing them take ownership of this speech and gain confidence in their ability to speak to the customers.
There's a lot to do and we're just scratching the surface but it's nice to go to work everyday and feel like you've made a difference.
Dad and Uncle Vic, I see a CCS trip in your future. Who could see Dad and Vic with the cooks monitoring the cleanliness of the kitchen and sweeping the floors compulsively? I could!!! (But you'll be happy to know they scrub the bathrooms daily....) The food is a bit lacking...if i eat bran flakes and wheat toast one more day, I may lose it. But there are plenty of restaurant's here in cape town and I will experience my first tonight.
Hope you are all well and have a great weekend. I'm off to Cape Point (the cape of good hope) tomorrow and will be going into the city sunday (green market square, live concert in kirstenbosch to see a south african band. Will let you know all about it sunday night.
Love,
C
As I mentioned, Sibanye is a non-profit organization committed to providing free raw materials, training, business skills education, and market access to HIV-infected and affected South African communities producing homemade crafts. It is located in the Khayelitsha township (about 30 minutes away from where I'm staying), and most of the local crafters are from Khayelithsha. They also sell goods from about 20 craft-based NGOs from around South Africa. It is hoped that acquiring these crafting (sewing, beading, glass-making, pottery, paper mache, etc.) skills will be the first step to economic independence for the majority of people in these low-income areas (and by low income, I mean shacks, no electricity in some cases, multiple families in a 2 room "house").
This week, I was able to put my skills to the test. I've been a copywriter, retailer, trainer, consultant, coffee-maker, handyman, and bookkeeper. I've learned that Jo-lene, our director, is an absolute saint playing all these roles (and others) every day since 04.
Currently, we're working on making the Sibanye "brand" cohesive. We're working on a new brochure that customers receive when they walk into Sibanye that really gives the history of the NGO, and lets people know that a purchase at Sibanye directly supports the local craftmakers. I'm also working on a branding style guide so everything looks cohesive going forward.
We've also been focused on getting the craft shop in order. It's a retail store so the 4 volunteers (all females) have had a blast moving things around, seeing all of the beautiful things that were made, and making sure they're prominently displayed. We tried using a drill today in cement walls--i learned i may not have my mother's knack for handywork, but i'm determined to learn.
Also, we've worked on developing a welcome speech for when local tour groups come that provides an overview of the organization. We are training the staff from Khayelitsha to deliver the speech in English and they have been AMAZING. These two women, Pulani and Noliolo, have been drilled over and again by yours truly to deliver the speech. "Make sure your projecting, do it again, pretend I'm a customer." And it's been truly the best part of my week. Not pushing them around--but really seeing them take ownership of this speech and gain confidence in their ability to speak to the customers.
There's a lot to do and we're just scratching the surface but it's nice to go to work everyday and feel like you've made a difference.
Dad and Uncle Vic, I see a CCS trip in your future. Who could see Dad and Vic with the cooks monitoring the cleanliness of the kitchen and sweeping the floors compulsively? I could!!! (But you'll be happy to know they scrub the bathrooms daily....) The food is a bit lacking...if i eat bran flakes and wheat toast one more day, I may lose it. But there are plenty of restaurant's here in cape town and I will experience my first tonight.
Hope you are all well and have a great weekend. I'm off to Cape Point (the cape of good hope) tomorrow and will be going into the city sunday (green market square, live concert in kirstenbosch to see a south african band. Will let you know all about it sunday night.
Love,
C
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Working
So, I went on "vacation" and I have to work. Bad part: getting up in the sixes to be there at 8:30. Great part: working for Sibanye with the NGO director, Jo-lene. This organization does such great things and it really is the perfect fit for me. I am going to be helping the director out with some of the marketing activities at Sibanye including helping formalize the Sibanye brand, develop and refine grant requests, identify potential organizations for grants, and develop some collateral materials for their store. Lots to do in 6 weeks!
I was placed there with Marcy, another volunteer at CCS. There was a nice surprise when we got there in that 2 other girls are volunteering. They are from Scotland and London. Both are 19 (part of "the vicki's") but they seem great and have some really great ideas. So, that should be really fun.
Right now, I'm just trying to get my feet wet and understand the organization. I was so amazed at some of the goods that were developed by these local artisans. If you saw these townships, you'd think that nothing beautiful could come out of them. And you'd be totally wrong. I was. The website (sibanye.org.za) does no justice to the goods they've created and the store they've set up. It is so cute. Also, it is located in a government building right in the Khayelitsha township where there were local glassmakers, beadmakers, bagmakers, artists. It's like Williamsburg--but real (sorry to all you hipsters out there).
That's it for now. Going to head out tonight and grab some drinks with the ladies. See you soon!
I was placed there with Marcy, another volunteer at CCS. There was a nice surprise when we got there in that 2 other girls are volunteering. They are from Scotland and London. Both are 19 (part of "the vicki's") but they seem great and have some really great ideas. So, that should be really fun.
Right now, I'm just trying to get my feet wet and understand the organization. I was so amazed at some of the goods that were developed by these local artisans. If you saw these townships, you'd think that nothing beautiful could come out of them. And you'd be totally wrong. I was. The website (sibanye.org.za) does no justice to the goods they've created and the store they've set up. It is so cute. Also, it is located in a government building right in the Khayelitsha township where there were local glassmakers, beadmakers, bagmakers, artists. It's like Williamsburg--but real (sorry to all you hipsters out there).
That's it for now. Going to head out tonight and grab some drinks with the ladies. See you soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
