Today while my roommates were at the beach, I taped a bunch of paper to a wall and called it a drawing wall. Keeping in mind that I live with six boys, you can imagine how this wall looks now. Maybe if your imagination is not so... imaginative, here is a small glimpse into the work of art that is my living room wall:
Two smashed eggs (real eggs)
A penis car
A penis rocket ship
A big penis shooting out several small penises
A gay giraffe
A pooping chicken
Okay... I drew the last two. And I helped with the others. Who would have figured that I can draw a penis better than a boy can? (Dad, if you're reading this, don't worry, I don't even know what a penis is! I've only seen diagrams of them in the medical journals that I read during my free time). Pictures of The Wall of Gaylord (as it has been dubbed by my roommate Frank) will soon be available for viewing on facebook.
I'm leaving for my backpacking adventure tomorrow morning! I'm really excited to be on my way, but I'm a little bit nervous that I'm going to forget something important, like my backpack. "But Jordyn, how could you ever forget something as important as your backpack?" Don't underestimate me, people. Really. I'm also sad that I'm going to be away from my house for a week, I mean, with roommates like mine, who wouldn't be? My roommate Eva is leaving while I'm away, so tonight is my last night with her, and I'm definitely sad about that. She's just one of those people you're drawn to... truly an inspiring person. I'll also miss my "roommate" Lasse (quotes around "roommate" because he doesn't technically live here, but he's here almost 24/7). He reminds me a lot of Jordie Rees, so it's very comforting to have him around because he feels so familiar. He drew most of the penises on The Wall of Gaylord. There's also a huge party I'm missing this Saturday- I think most of the other Xchange kids will be there (about 70 people), so I'm kinda bummed that I'm going to be away, but I'm sure I'll be making other friends and having a good time. I'll make people throw me a big party next Saturday night before I leave to go home. ;-)
I'm so covered in bug bites that it's actually gross. They're mainly on my legs, which I DO spray with bug spray every night before I go to sleep. I think one of my roommates must have replaced my bug spray with sugar water at some point. The other night at about 3 AM, I was out in my living room alone in my bra and underwear, coating my body in bug spray, when my roommate Rens came out of his room, also in his underwear, and also in search of bug spray. We sat together in our underwear putting on bug spray. I think we bonded a little.
I bought new bug spray today... let's see how it goes tonight.
I won't have my computer with me for the next 7 days, but I'll try to keep a journal so that I can write about everything when I get back. Rak Shalom can expect regular email updates from my Blackberry (yes, I still have it!), as can my parents (stop worrying, you guys). Expect a mad baller photo album when I get back next week, too. And if you haven't checked out my cheetah photos on facebook yet, you're missing out!
Okay, movie time with Eva. Wish me luck on my trip!
Jordyn
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Hmm, I Should Do My Laundry
Sitting in my house right now next to the open patio door as the silky Cape Town breeze blows my long, free-flowing hair... into my hummus. Mm.. just the way I like it. I just got back from a trip to the Garden Center around the corner (like a mini mall), where I purchased some super-glue to fix my poor, broken shoe (visuals available on facebook). I then ventured over to Long Street (bars, clubs, clothing stores, tourist shops), where I booked my BazBus ticket for my backpacking adventure! I bought a ticket for a 7 day trip, during which time I may travel in any direction within my 7 day period. I'm leaving this Thursday morning for my first stop, Hermanus, where I can go whale watching and do other pleasant things, and from there... who knows? I'm just going to play it by ear. The plan is to make it to Port Elizabeth and back, but hey.. I don't need to come back. Ever. Sorry, Mom. The sweet girl at the desk in the backpackers place (from NYC) recommended some fun stop points for me and gave me some backpacking tips. Meredith, if you ever discover this blog, you are awesome. All I can say is that I. Am. Super excited.
Other than that, there aren't really any exciting updates. I saw Sherlock Holmes. Pretty good. It was exciting, fun, and sexy, but not so meaty. Disappointing performance from Rachel McAdams, too. Definitely see it if you enjoy seeing Robert Downey Jr. shirtless and sweaty, though.
I think I'm going to see another movie tonight. Its so much cheaper here than back in the States, so I might as well. Or I might go out to a bar or club. Or both. I love Cape Town.
Also, pictures of me and the cheetahs are up on facebook, by the way. Surprise! I wasn't making this internship up all along.
Why aren't there more Israeli men here,
Jordyn
Other than that, there aren't really any exciting updates. I saw Sherlock Holmes. Pretty good. It was exciting, fun, and sexy, but not so meaty. Disappointing performance from Rachel McAdams, too. Definitely see it if you enjoy seeing Robert Downey Jr. shirtless and sweaty, though.
I think I'm going to see another movie tonight. Its so much cheaper here than back in the States, so I might as well. Or I might go out to a bar or club. Or both. I love Cape Town.
Also, pictures of me and the cheetahs are up on facebook, by the way. Surprise! I wasn't making this internship up all along.
Why aren't there more Israeli men here,
Jordyn
Sunday, January 10, 2010
...And Then I Found 5 Dollars
Really! In my shorts yesterday. But, it's five dollars, so that's maybe a little more exciting than finding a tissue in my pocket. Okay, it was a lot more exciting at first, but then I remembered where I am, and I got really depressed. Such a fleeting moment of joy.
I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been so busy! It was my roommate Andre's birthday this past week, and my house threw a big braai party for him. (For those of you who aren't down with the lingo, a braai is what they call a bbq here). Around 25 people came over with meat and veggies and hung out all night, and then a group went out to the clubs afterward. I made chicken for the second time in my life, and I was surprised at how edible it was! Big success.
Work has been the same. The only reason I'm having fun is because I'm meeting some really amazing people from around the world... including a ton of UMD students and alumni. Seriously- every day I meet at least one person/family that knows someone who attends/attended UMD or went there themselves. Then they take a picture with me and give me their email address, and we high five and they go on their way. So far, I've been invited to two homes for the holidays or Shabbat dinner, and I'm being set up with two "nice, Jewish, South African boys." I feel like I never left home.
On Thursday I called in sick to work because I wasn't feeling well at all, and my friend Coralie and I went to Kirstenbosch Gardens to have a relaxing day instead. We saw plants. Thrilling.
Yesterday I didn't do much. I went out on Friday night to this really awesome club, danced my butt off, and slept in until 11 yesterday morning. I ended up going to the Two Oceans Aquarium with Coralie later that afternoon where we saw giant crabs, angry pufferfish, and talking frogs. Oh, the things you see in Africa. We also got to see some penguins...they are so cute and smelly! Awww..
Did I ever tell you guys about my Cape Point adventure? I can't remember, so I'm just going to tell you now. Sorry if I have already. Anyway, my roommate Sander, our friend Mart and I drove down to Cape Point last week just to say we did. It was the most beautiful drive I've ever been on. We passed by Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak, and about 20 signs that just said "Baboons!" Then we passed by some real baboons that were lying in the street causing a huge traffic jam. Africa has the most inconsiderate baboons. After about 45 minutes, we arrived at Cape Point, where we parked and walked to the light tower to look out at the amazing coast. Nothing too thrilling... except these gummies in the snack shop that were shaped like babies. Why would anyone want to eat a baby in gummy form? Perplexing. On the drive back to Cape Town, we passed by another pack (herd? group? rioting mob?) of baboons that were attempting to break into a car in the middle of the street. Imagine that zoo scene from The Omen (the original, not that shitty remake where they drop a fetus from the balcony... wtf?), but a little bit more humorous. I did not get sunburned that day. Huge success.
Today, I also did not get sunburned. I went on a lovely hike in Kirstenbosch Gardens with a bunch of other kids, and we really had a good time. We had been planning to hike up Table Mountain, but the weather wasn't too nice, so we did a lower trail instead (thank goodness). We stopped at a waterfall, but there wasn't actually any water in it since it's so damn hot during the summer here. I just got back, and I think we're planning on going to the movies tonight. We'll see how it goes.
And here's the big news. I'm quitting my internship. It's not what I thought it was going to be (I learn much more about wildlife at the CP Animal Hospital where I work than I do at Cheetah Outreach), and I'm not having a super great time. I already have all the hours I need in order for it to count for school credit, and I'm ready to move on and see some more of South Africa. I'm booking a ticket for the BazBus, a hop-on-hop-off bus service for backpackers that takes you all the way across the country. While I don't have time to go all the way to the eastern coast, I do have time to travel to Port Elizabeth and back. I'll be staying in random hostels along the way, taking appx. two days to sight-see in each city. I'm really excited to meet people while I'm travelling... that's what it's all about, anyway. And I'm going to ride an ostrich.
So now you are completely updated. Oh, I have some shout-outs to make.
1. Hi Allison! Eef I told you you chav a beautifool body, would you hold eet against me?
and
2. Caleb Fairfax is a huge penis. (Did I get that right, Caleb?)
Some other things on my mind:
I am super jealous that Becca Siegel got to meet Sam Tsui.
I still cannot believe that Rita is dead.
I have so many bug bites.
Love,
Jordyn
I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been so busy! It was my roommate Andre's birthday this past week, and my house threw a big braai party for him. (For those of you who aren't down with the lingo, a braai is what they call a bbq here). Around 25 people came over with meat and veggies and hung out all night, and then a group went out to the clubs afterward. I made chicken for the second time in my life, and I was surprised at how edible it was! Big success.
Work has been the same. The only reason I'm having fun is because I'm meeting some really amazing people from around the world... including a ton of UMD students and alumni. Seriously- every day I meet at least one person/family that knows someone who attends/attended UMD or went there themselves. Then they take a picture with me and give me their email address, and we high five and they go on their way. So far, I've been invited to two homes for the holidays or Shabbat dinner, and I'm being set up with two "nice, Jewish, South African boys." I feel like I never left home.
On Thursday I called in sick to work because I wasn't feeling well at all, and my friend Coralie and I went to Kirstenbosch Gardens to have a relaxing day instead. We saw plants. Thrilling.
Yesterday I didn't do much. I went out on Friday night to this really awesome club, danced my butt off, and slept in until 11 yesterday morning. I ended up going to the Two Oceans Aquarium with Coralie later that afternoon where we saw giant crabs, angry pufferfish, and talking frogs. Oh, the things you see in Africa. We also got to see some penguins...they are so cute and smelly! Awww..
Did I ever tell you guys about my Cape Point adventure? I can't remember, so I'm just going to tell you now. Sorry if I have already. Anyway, my roommate Sander, our friend Mart and I drove down to Cape Point last week just to say we did. It was the most beautiful drive I've ever been on. We passed by Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak, and about 20 signs that just said "Baboons!" Then we passed by some real baboons that were lying in the street causing a huge traffic jam. Africa has the most inconsiderate baboons. After about 45 minutes, we arrived at Cape Point, where we parked and walked to the light tower to look out at the amazing coast. Nothing too thrilling... except these gummies in the snack shop that were shaped like babies. Why would anyone want to eat a baby in gummy form? Perplexing. On the drive back to Cape Town, we passed by another pack (herd? group? rioting mob?) of baboons that were attempting to break into a car in the middle of the street. Imagine that zoo scene from The Omen (the original, not that shitty remake where they drop a fetus from the balcony... wtf?), but a little bit more humorous. I did not get sunburned that day. Huge success.
Today, I also did not get sunburned. I went on a lovely hike in Kirstenbosch Gardens with a bunch of other kids, and we really had a good time. We had been planning to hike up Table Mountain, but the weather wasn't too nice, so we did a lower trail instead (thank goodness). We stopped at a waterfall, but there wasn't actually any water in it since it's so damn hot during the summer here. I just got back, and I think we're planning on going to the movies tonight. We'll see how it goes.
And here's the big news. I'm quitting my internship. It's not what I thought it was going to be (I learn much more about wildlife at the CP Animal Hospital where I work than I do at Cheetah Outreach), and I'm not having a super great time. I already have all the hours I need in order for it to count for school credit, and I'm ready to move on and see some more of South Africa. I'm booking a ticket for the BazBus, a hop-on-hop-off bus service for backpackers that takes you all the way across the country. While I don't have time to go all the way to the eastern coast, I do have time to travel to Port Elizabeth and back. I'll be staying in random hostels along the way, taking appx. two days to sight-see in each city. I'm really excited to meet people while I'm travelling... that's what it's all about, anyway. And I'm going to ride an ostrich.
So now you are completely updated. Oh, I have some shout-outs to make.
1. Hi Allison! Eef I told you you chav a beautifool body, would you hold eet against me?
and
2. Caleb Fairfax is a huge penis. (Did I get that right, Caleb?)
Some other things on my mind:
I am super jealous that Becca Siegel got to meet Sam Tsui.
I still cannot believe that Rita is dead.
I have so many bug bites.
Love,
Jordyn
Monday, January 04, 2010
Two Words:
Tim.
Tams.
Only the most delicious chocolatey gift bestowed upon an undeserving mankind by a benevolent god.
I was shopping for healthy snack foods but a few hours ago, when I stumbled upon this heavenly dessert in the cookie aisle ("But, Jordyn, why were you in the cookie aisle if you were looking for healthy snacks?" HEY... Don't be a smart ass). Anyway, I was so overcome by shock and delight that I just couldn't hold back, and I turned to the complete stranger next to me, waving the tray of Tim Tams around like a raving maniac, yelling "They don't sell these in America!" He just said... "Oh." Yep. SO, I brought the tray of Tim Tams home to my roommates and taught them how to eat them the proper way (there is, after all, only one way to eat a Tim Tam). They enjoyed it, I think.
I'm presently reclining in my living room with all of my roommates, Sander, Sebastian, Ann-Krisitin, Eva, Frank, and Rens (none of them know I'm writing a blog entry right now, let alone a blog entry about them). We're listening to some Dutch rap and just hanging out, a pretty chill night for the Scott Street house. By the way, if you're wondering what Dutch rap sounds like, it's kind of like weird hebrew, but with phrases like "bitch" and "mother fucker" occasionally thrown in. Entertaining. Should I mention again that I love my roommates? I love my roommates.
Speaking of entertaining, I had a pretty interesting encounter today after work. I was walking to my train, and I saw a big van/cab, and I thought to myself, "Hey, if I push my boobs out enough, maybe I can get a ride to my train station as these guys are leaving." So I walked up to the window and asked the driver if he was passing the Lyndoch train station, and if he would be able to give me a ride on his way out of the cheetah facility. Then I leaned a little farther inside and saw that some kids who had visited the cheetahs earlier were sitting inside, so I waved and said "Hey guys! How did you like your cheetah encounter?!" They ended up giving me a lift home. After the driver dropped off the kids (about 19 years old) at the Radisson in Cape Town, he turned to me and said, "You know who that was, right?" I raised an eyebrow (I can only raise my right eyebrow), and said, "Okay, who was it?" Apparently I had just driven home with the daughter of the producer of the South African versions of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and The Apprentice and her rich friends. As most of America would say, MLIA.
So, that's today's update. I should get to bed soon since I have another early morning tomorrow. Like I do every day. Ugh.
Jordyn
Tams.
Only the most delicious chocolatey gift bestowed upon an undeserving mankind by a benevolent god.
I was shopping for healthy snack foods but a few hours ago, when I stumbled upon this heavenly dessert in the cookie aisle ("But, Jordyn, why were you in the cookie aisle if you were looking for healthy snacks?" HEY... Don't be a smart ass). Anyway, I was so overcome by shock and delight that I just couldn't hold back, and I turned to the complete stranger next to me, waving the tray of Tim Tams around like a raving maniac, yelling "They don't sell these in America!" He just said... "Oh." Yep. SO, I brought the tray of Tim Tams home to my roommates and taught them how to eat them the proper way (there is, after all, only one way to eat a Tim Tam). They enjoyed it, I think.
I'm presently reclining in my living room with all of my roommates, Sander, Sebastian, Ann-Krisitin, Eva, Frank, and Rens (none of them know I'm writing a blog entry right now, let alone a blog entry about them). We're listening to some Dutch rap and just hanging out, a pretty chill night for the Scott Street house. By the way, if you're wondering what Dutch rap sounds like, it's kind of like weird hebrew, but with phrases like "bitch" and "mother fucker" occasionally thrown in. Entertaining. Should I mention again that I love my roommates? I love my roommates.
Speaking of entertaining, I had a pretty interesting encounter today after work. I was walking to my train, and I saw a big van/cab, and I thought to myself, "Hey, if I push my boobs out enough, maybe I can get a ride to my train station as these guys are leaving." So I walked up to the window and asked the driver if he was passing the Lyndoch train station, and if he would be able to give me a ride on his way out of the cheetah facility. Then I leaned a little farther inside and saw that some kids who had visited the cheetahs earlier were sitting inside, so I waved and said "Hey guys! How did you like your cheetah encounter?!" They ended up giving me a lift home. After the driver dropped off the kids (about 19 years old) at the Radisson in Cape Town, he turned to me and said, "You know who that was, right?" I raised an eyebrow (I can only raise my right eyebrow), and said, "Okay, who was it?" Apparently I had just driven home with the daughter of the producer of the South African versions of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and The Apprentice and her rich friends. As most of America would say, MLIA.
So, that's today's update. I should get to bed soon since I have another early morning tomorrow. Like I do every day. Ugh.
Jordyn
Sunday, January 03, 2010
The Best of Both Worlds
That's right, everyone! The one and only HANNAH MONTANA is in Cape Town for four days... but no one here will go to the concert with me. Sad panda. Hmm, if Ilana Rubin were here, she would go with me!
I was supposed to go skydiving today, but the weather wasn't too great this morning- overcast and windy- so a few friends and I went to a theme park called Ratanga Junction for the afternoon. After an hour or so, the skies cleared up, and we were a little upset that we could have been skydiving instead... but we still had a good time! We're thinking about rescheduling skydiving for next Sunday, but we already had some other stuff planned, so we'll see how it goes.
Ratanga Junction was unlike any other theme park I have ever been to in that, well, I've just never seen a family oriented theme park sell sex as hard as this one. The only music that would play over the speakers was hardcore clubbing music, and some of the entertainment in the food court was, umm, surprising. We were walking through the court on the way to a roller coaster, and there was a dance show going on. Next thing we know, the emcee starts calling for "all the sexy girls" to dance along with the dancers onstage, and all the little 10 year old girls start to whoop and holler as the dancers (in what looked like shiny bathing suits) pranced out onstage and started dancing to David Guetta's "Sexy Bitch." My friends and I just stood there in complete disbelief, and one of the boys even said, "If anyone in the US or Germany tried something like this, [pantomimes handcuffs]." You bet.
I think a bunch of us are planning to go out to dinner tonight at a club, and then stay there for dancing and drinks, but we'll see how the night goes. I'm just trying to meet as many people as I can, and make as many friends as possible while I'm here... and I think I'm doing a pretty decent job! We had a chill party at my house last night, and a lot of people from my exchange programcame over. Man, everyone is just so awesome. We had a really baller time, and after the party, some of my roommates watched videos of their drunken escapades in Dublin from three weeks ago. There was poop involved. I don't think I have to explain any further.
Well, that was basically my weekend. What did YOU do?? Let's share.
Jordyn
I was supposed to go skydiving today, but the weather wasn't too great this morning- overcast and windy- so a few friends and I went to a theme park called Ratanga Junction for the afternoon. After an hour or so, the skies cleared up, and we were a little upset that we could have been skydiving instead... but we still had a good time! We're thinking about rescheduling skydiving for next Sunday, but we already had some other stuff planned, so we'll see how it goes.
Ratanga Junction was unlike any other theme park I have ever been to in that, well, I've just never seen a family oriented theme park sell sex as hard as this one. The only music that would play over the speakers was hardcore clubbing music, and some of the entertainment in the food court was, umm, surprising. We were walking through the court on the way to a roller coaster, and there was a dance show going on. Next thing we know, the emcee starts calling for "all the sexy girls" to dance along with the dancers onstage, and all the little 10 year old girls start to whoop and holler as the dancers (in what looked like shiny bathing suits) pranced out onstage and started dancing to David Guetta's "Sexy Bitch." My friends and I just stood there in complete disbelief, and one of the boys even said, "If anyone in the US or Germany tried something like this, [pantomimes handcuffs]." You bet.
I think a bunch of us are planning to go out to dinner tonight at a club, and then stay there for dancing and drinks, but we'll see how the night goes. I'm just trying to meet as many people as I can, and make as many friends as possible while I'm here... and I think I'm doing a pretty decent job! We had a chill party at my house last night, and a lot of people from my exchange programcame over. Man, everyone is just so awesome. We had a really baller time, and after the party, some of my roommates watched videos of their drunken escapades in Dublin from three weeks ago. There was poop involved. I don't think I have to explain any further.
Well, that was basically my weekend. What did YOU do?? Let's share.
Jordyn
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sie Sind Sehr Attraktiv
I'm learning German.
Most of my roommates speak it, so I'm learning some key phrases that will help me get by in conversations with them every day. This one means "You're very attractive."
Vanessa Williams visited the cheetah center two days ago along with Jimmy Carr (no, not together... they really just happened to be there on the same day. Cool beans). I did a cheetah cub encounter with Jimmy, who was incredibly funny and friendly, while the other volunteer ended up talking with Vanessa and her kids. So, I guess there is an upside to my internship after all!
After work the other night, I went out to dinner with two of my lovely roommates, and while we didn't really have a plan when we went out, we ended up at a super nice restaurant on the beach. I ordered a delicious drink and then fell asleep at the table. Man, I am such a party.
I think I'm getting tan. Jess Katz, I'm totally gonna kick your ass this year. Mmm, okay, probably not. But I'll at least get close. Working outside in beautiful Stellenbosch definitely has its ups. And the people are so warm and friendly! So far, I've gotten two rides to the train station from people who were at Cheetah Outreach visiting the cheetahs and saw me walking on the side of the road and recognized me. I would have missed my train today had it not been for, umm.. Whatshisface and Whatshername.
Last night I went out to a bar/restaurant with two of my roommates. It was karaoke night and 5 rand shots, so we just had to go, of course. I didn't end up drinking, but I did sing Somebody to Love.. or tried to, at least. Such a major Fail. I couldn't hear the music, and the words on the screen would only show up right before you had to sing them. Balls. Well, whatever. I still had fun. Maybe I'll even put the video up on facebook.
Tonight we were supposed to have a birthday party at one of the other houses, but apparently the kids who live there are getting kicked out because they took the table from their kitchen and brought it to our place for Christmas dinner and didn't return it until today. The people who own the house are only giving them until tomorrow to move out... where the hell are they supposed to go?! Such a shame. So now I'm sitting here all dressed up with no party to attend. Such a shame. And I took the day off tomorrow knowing that I'd probably be exhausted from partying tonight. Such a shame.
But... tomorrow night is New Year's Eve, and I'm sure I'll have fun then. My friends and I aren't really sure what we're doing, but we've been throwing some ideas around. I guess we'll see what happens.
Well, Happy New Year! Until next time,
Jordyn
Most of my roommates speak it, so I'm learning some key phrases that will help me get by in conversations with them every day. This one means "You're very attractive."
Vanessa Williams visited the cheetah center two days ago along with Jimmy Carr (no, not together... they really just happened to be there on the same day. Cool beans). I did a cheetah cub encounter with Jimmy, who was incredibly funny and friendly, while the other volunteer ended up talking with Vanessa and her kids. So, I guess there is an upside to my internship after all!
After work the other night, I went out to dinner with two of my lovely roommates, and while we didn't really have a plan when we went out, we ended up at a super nice restaurant on the beach. I ordered a delicious drink and then fell asleep at the table. Man, I am such a party.
I think I'm getting tan. Jess Katz, I'm totally gonna kick your ass this year. Mmm, okay, probably not. But I'll at least get close. Working outside in beautiful Stellenbosch definitely has its ups. And the people are so warm and friendly! So far, I've gotten two rides to the train station from people who were at Cheetah Outreach visiting the cheetahs and saw me walking on the side of the road and recognized me. I would have missed my train today had it not been for, umm.. Whatshisface and Whatshername.
Last night I went out to a bar/restaurant with two of my roommates. It was karaoke night and 5 rand shots, so we just had to go, of course. I didn't end up drinking, but I did sing Somebody to Love.. or tried to, at least. Such a major Fail. I couldn't hear the music, and the words on the screen would only show up right before you had to sing them. Balls. Well, whatever. I still had fun. Maybe I'll even put the video up on facebook.
Tonight we were supposed to have a birthday party at one of the other houses, but apparently the kids who live there are getting kicked out because they took the table from their kitchen and brought it to our place for Christmas dinner and didn't return it until today. The people who own the house are only giving them until tomorrow to move out... where the hell are they supposed to go?! Such a shame. So now I'm sitting here all dressed up with no party to attend. Such a shame. And I took the day off tomorrow knowing that I'd probably be exhausted from partying tonight. Such a shame.
But... tomorrow night is New Year's Eve, and I'm sure I'll have fun then. My friends and I aren't really sure what we're doing, but we've been throwing some ideas around. I guess we'll see what happens.
Well, Happy New Year! Until next time,
Jordyn
Friday, December 25, 2009
And There Won't be Snow in Africa this Christmas
...but there will be lots of sitting on the beach. The weather was gorgeous this Christmas in Cape Town, South Africa, and my roommate and I took advantage of that on the beach this afternoon. The water was too cold to go in, but I took a well-deserved nap on the sand and dreamed about all the cool shiznit I've been up to:
Work is getting better; the one other American boy I became friends with left to go home to NY, but I think the other girls are warming up to me. But even if they aren't, the cheetahs definitely are! Every day they let me cuddle with them a little more. There are six cubs and about ten adults, and they all have quite distinct personalities. I'm still learning how to tell them all apart, but it's getting easier every day. I've also been meeting some really interesting people at the cheetah center; people from all around the world come to pet the cheetahs... so far I've met some families from DC and SoJo (that's what I'm calling South Jersey starting now), India, Germany, other parts of Africa, etc. I even met a guy who owns part of the Yankees. We fought about the World Series. ...I told him the cheetahs here are trained to eat Yankees fans. I also met a nice Jewish family from Florida who gave me the number of someone who works at the Garden Shul, one of the most famous shuls in South Africa (I live in Gardens, so it's right in my neighborhood). They said she'd hook me up with a nice Jewish South African boy. Yeah... I'm calling her first thing after Shabbos.
So have I mentioned enough times that I love the people I'm living with and the other kids that are here through the same placement program as me? SO MUCH. We had a super fantastic Christmas dinner last night at my house. Everyone pitched in a little (I can't cook, so I helped clean up), and it turned out really great. The people in my house traded gifts for Secret Santa, and I got a CD of the best of African A Cappella music! And get this.. the person who got me the gift had no idea that I sing in an A Cappella group! ...Christmas magic. After dinner, we all went out to this classy club called Hemisphere where I showed off my mad eyo dance skills and grinded with a little Indian man who had Elvis hair and lots of bling. ...More Christmas magic. When we got home, one of my roommates shoved a cake in my face, and when I got up to throw it back at him, still quite inebriated, I tripped and fell on my face in front of everyone in the room. ...Oh mah gah, enough Christmas magic already.
I still have so much touristy stuff to do in Cape Town! A bunch of my friends left for Namibia today, but I work five days a week, so I probably won't be able to go on a longer trip like that while I'm here. I AM going skydiving with a bunch of friends soon, though! Super cool. And maybe tomorrow I'll go see the penguins, do a bus tour, and go shopping for some more going-out clothes and bathing suits. Definitely didn't bring enough of those.
And if you'll all please look at the box to the right-hand side of your screen, you'll notice that I've finally uploaded the pictures from my trip so far! I'll add them to facebook as well... I'll be able to add descriptions there.
Enjoy!
Jordyn
Work is getting better; the one other American boy I became friends with left to go home to NY, but I think the other girls are warming up to me. But even if they aren't, the cheetahs definitely are! Every day they let me cuddle with them a little more. There are six cubs and about ten adults, and they all have quite distinct personalities. I'm still learning how to tell them all apart, but it's getting easier every day. I've also been meeting some really interesting people at the cheetah center; people from all around the world come to pet the cheetahs... so far I've met some families from DC and SoJo (that's what I'm calling South Jersey starting now), India, Germany, other parts of Africa, etc. I even met a guy who owns part of the Yankees. We fought about the World Series. ...I told him the cheetahs here are trained to eat Yankees fans. I also met a nice Jewish family from Florida who gave me the number of someone who works at the Garden Shul, one of the most famous shuls in South Africa (I live in Gardens, so it's right in my neighborhood). They said she'd hook me up with a nice Jewish South African boy. Yeah... I'm calling her first thing after Shabbos.
So have I mentioned enough times that I love the people I'm living with and the other kids that are here through the same placement program as me? SO MUCH. We had a super fantastic Christmas dinner last night at my house. Everyone pitched in a little (I can't cook, so I helped clean up), and it turned out really great. The people in my house traded gifts for Secret Santa, and I got a CD of the best of African A Cappella music! And get this.. the person who got me the gift had no idea that I sing in an A Cappella group! ...Christmas magic. After dinner, we all went out to this classy club called Hemisphere where I showed off my mad eyo dance skills and grinded with a little Indian man who had Elvis hair and lots of bling. ...More Christmas magic. When we got home, one of my roommates shoved a cake in my face, and when I got up to throw it back at him, still quite inebriated, I tripped and fell on my face in front of everyone in the room. ...Oh mah gah, enough Christmas magic already.
I still have so much touristy stuff to do in Cape Town! A bunch of my friends left for Namibia today, but I work five days a week, so I probably won't be able to go on a longer trip like that while I'm here. I AM going skydiving with a bunch of friends soon, though! Super cool. And maybe tomorrow I'll go see the penguins, do a bus tour, and go shopping for some more going-out clothes and bathing suits. Definitely didn't bring enough of those.
And if you'll all please look at the box to the right-hand side of your screen, you'll notice that I've finally uploaded the pictures from my trip so far! I'll add them to facebook as well... I'll be able to add descriptions there.
Enjoy!
Jordyn
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