Hm... long time, no.. type? Well, whatever it is, I do apologize for being so awful at updating this. So here's some quick updates on my life:
-I got a job at Fazoli's and have been there for three/four-ish weeks. I'm really liking it, for the most part...
-I quit my after school babysitting job. I was really having no time with my family and I was so tired all the time, and that stunk a lot. I figured after school time is critical to recooperate and a good time to spend with my family since I often work evenings at Fazoli's now.
-I was in my first accident... Luckily, nobody else's property was involved. I was home alone and was going to run to Wal-Mart to get some things. I went to go back out of the garage, but underestimated how far away I was from the wall... the side mirror on the passenger side caught on this metal shelf we have and not only did I make a pretty bad dent in the shelf, but I completely ripped off the mirror. I called my parents and was totally freaking out. They were on their way home and my dad told me to just calm down and they'd be there soon. They got home, my dad inspected the damage and just started laughing. I cried. Not a good day for me. Anyways, the mirror is just being held on my duck tape now, so I guess it's all good?
-So I've wanted to be a special education teacher since I was in 5th grade, right? Well, this morning at church when we were singing, it just hit me BAM! that that's maybe not what God has planned for my life. What I mean, is that God just kind of said to me today, "yeah, that's what I put in your heart before, but now, I want you to look into other things as well." And it was crazy. So now, I'm kind of not sure what I'm going to do with my life. I'm still thinking about special education, but another major one I'm going to look into is teaching English as a second language. Anyways, as I type this, it seems like it's not that big of a deal, but it toally hit me hard this morning and I guess it still kind of seems like a big deal to me, but when I say it or write it out, it doesn't seem like it would be that big of a deal to anybody else... Not the point! That was just my big, um, can't think of the word, so fill in with what word you find appropriate, of the day.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Summer
So pretty much, I've been really bad at posting this summer, in case you didn't notice. My apologies for that. I've had a pretty crazy summer, but I don't feel like I've really done a ton. Here's ten things that I have done with my summer, though...
1. Spending A LOT of time with my family. Jadon coming home has been a struggle, but God is definitely using it in so many ways in our lives. I can't even begin to describe all the ways that He is using it to work in us, and each in incredibly different ways, too. Jadon has been fun to have around, but sometimes, well, he hasn't been. But I guess that's the way it goes with pretty much any sibling...
2. Flambeau canoe trip for youth group. Early/mid June, our youth group took a three-day canoe trip. Our first day, we canoed 13 miles and it was pretty insane. But our second and third days, we only did about 3-5 miles each day. After only about an hour or so canoeing our second day, we stopped and camped on Cedar Rapids and it was AWESOME!! Katie, Kaera, and I actually walked across the rapids, which was probably my favorite part of the trip.
3. Calling Laura a couple times each week while she was in Maine. She was there for a little over a month and a half, but finally got home last night!! We went for a really long walk, and it was SO good to see her again!!
4. Youth group Mississippi trip. We spent a week in Lakeshore, Mississippi helping a church down there build a bunkhouse for their volunteers to stay in. Katie, Kaera, and I mudded and sanded a couple rooms most of the week, but on the last day, we were finally able to prime the two rooms.
5. Reading. On our way down to Mississippi, our youth leader, Jer, started reading to us A Voice In the Wind by Francine Rivers, requested by Katie and Jessie. We didn't get to finish the book, so when we got back, I aksed our pastor's wife, Brooke, (who had lent it to us for the week in the first place) if I could borrow it so I could finish. I will admit, I did cry at the end and then had to immediately go pick up the second book. Of course, it took about four days to get to the library, which was painful waiting for it, but it was okay. I didn't like the second book as much as the first, but the ending is what made it worth it.
6. The occasional hanging out with friends. Although I love my family to death, sometimes I just need a break and need to get out of the house. Jadon is very good at wearing us all out, and we all come to that point where we just need to be away. So I've especially enjoyed my friends' company this summer!
7. Coloring. Last week, Jessie and I decided that we really wanted to color and went to Gordy's and each got a coloring book and crayons. When we got back to Katie and Jer's we colored for a while and came to the conclusion that it was one of the most relaxing things you could probably do. When you're focusing so much on staying in the lines, that's pretty much all you think about, and it was relaxing to not think about all the craziness going on in our lives.
8. Kind of running... I'm doing cross country in the fall and we were supposed to be running this summer. Due to my kind of recently healed leg (okay, it's been two months now, but at the beginning of the summer it was recently healed), I started out only doing like a mile per day. After I got some new shoes (because when I went to see the foot doctor, I was banned from running again until I got new shoes), I looked up on Google Maps what route would be a mile. The route I came up with seemed kind of short, but whatever. The next few times I ran, my time was significantly better and I was so excited. Except then Andrew did a route that seemed super long and I did Google Maps for that and it was only two miles. I was kind of confused as my route didn't seem proportionate to his route and went back and found out that I had really only been doing .8 miles and was super disappointed. After that, I lost some motiviation. So then a few weeks ago, I started running with a few other friends, but they don't go nearly as far as I wish and they stop and take breaks and go at a much slower pace than I'm used to. So that, too, is an adventur and a half. Cross Country training starts in two weeks, so we'll see how that goes...
9. I got my results from the AP Exam... and I got a FOUR!!!!!! I was super excited!! I guess that's not really something I've done this summer, but it's something I'm excited about from this summer.
10. Finally, I took my drivers test yesterday morning. I was so nervous beforehand and felt like my stomach had just POOFED and left a big void where my stomach was supposed to be. When I was actually driving, it wasn't quite as bad, except for when I did my parallel park and hit the curb the first time, but then was able to fix it on my second attempt. I don't think he took any points off for that... So we get out of the car at the end of the test and my dad comes out and went over some things that I would need to fix, but... I PASSED!!!! So now I'm officially a liscensed driver. :) Yesterday, I drove myself to Best Buy and bought The Truman Show and a 60's CD, to which I half-blasted on my way home. It was fun. :)
And that's my summer so far. Two months down, one to go...
1. Spending A LOT of time with my family. Jadon coming home has been a struggle, but God is definitely using it in so many ways in our lives. I can't even begin to describe all the ways that He is using it to work in us, and each in incredibly different ways, too. Jadon has been fun to have around, but sometimes, well, he hasn't been. But I guess that's the way it goes with pretty much any sibling...
2. Flambeau canoe trip for youth group. Early/mid June, our youth group took a three-day canoe trip. Our first day, we canoed 13 miles and it was pretty insane. But our second and third days, we only did about 3-5 miles each day. After only about an hour or so canoeing our second day, we stopped and camped on Cedar Rapids and it was AWESOME!! Katie, Kaera, and I actually walked across the rapids, which was probably my favorite part of the trip.
3. Calling Laura a couple times each week while she was in Maine. She was there for a little over a month and a half, but finally got home last night!! We went for a really long walk, and it was SO good to see her again!!
4. Youth group Mississippi trip. We spent a week in Lakeshore, Mississippi helping a church down there build a bunkhouse for their volunteers to stay in. Katie, Kaera, and I mudded and sanded a couple rooms most of the week, but on the last day, we were finally able to prime the two rooms.
5. Reading. On our way down to Mississippi, our youth leader, Jer, started reading to us A Voice In the Wind by Francine Rivers, requested by Katie and Jessie. We didn't get to finish the book, so when we got back, I aksed our pastor's wife, Brooke, (who had lent it to us for the week in the first place) if I could borrow it so I could finish. I will admit, I did cry at the end and then had to immediately go pick up the second book. Of course, it took about four days to get to the library, which was painful waiting for it, but it was okay. I didn't like the second book as much as the first, but the ending is what made it worth it.
6. The occasional hanging out with friends. Although I love my family to death, sometimes I just need a break and need to get out of the house. Jadon is very good at wearing us all out, and we all come to that point where we just need to be away. So I've especially enjoyed my friends' company this summer!
7. Coloring. Last week, Jessie and I decided that we really wanted to color and went to Gordy's and each got a coloring book and crayons. When we got back to Katie and Jer's we colored for a while and came to the conclusion that it was one of the most relaxing things you could probably do. When you're focusing so much on staying in the lines, that's pretty much all you think about, and it was relaxing to not think about all the craziness going on in our lives.
8. Kind of running... I'm doing cross country in the fall and we were supposed to be running this summer. Due to my kind of recently healed leg (okay, it's been two months now, but at the beginning of the summer it was recently healed), I started out only doing like a mile per day. After I got some new shoes (because when I went to see the foot doctor, I was banned from running again until I got new shoes), I looked up on Google Maps what route would be a mile. The route I came up with seemed kind of short, but whatever. The next few times I ran, my time was significantly better and I was so excited. Except then Andrew did a route that seemed super long and I did Google Maps for that and it was only two miles. I was kind of confused as my route didn't seem proportionate to his route and went back and found out that I had really only been doing .8 miles and was super disappointed. After that, I lost some motiviation. So then a few weeks ago, I started running with a few other friends, but they don't go nearly as far as I wish and they stop and take breaks and go at a much slower pace than I'm used to. So that, too, is an adventur and a half. Cross Country training starts in two weeks, so we'll see how that goes...
9. I got my results from the AP Exam... and I got a FOUR!!!!!! I was super excited!! I guess that's not really something I've done this summer, but it's something I'm excited about from this summer.
10. Finally, I took my drivers test yesterday morning. I was so nervous beforehand and felt like my stomach had just POOFED and left a big void where my stomach was supposed to be. When I was actually driving, it wasn't quite as bad, except for when I did my parallel park and hit the curb the first time, but then was able to fix it on my second attempt. I don't think he took any points off for that... So we get out of the car at the end of the test and my dad comes out and went over some things that I would need to fix, but... I PASSED!!!! So now I'm officially a liscensed driver. :) Yesterday, I drove myself to Best Buy and bought The Truman Show and a 60's CD, to which I half-blasted on my way home. It was fun. :)
And that's my summer so far. Two months down, one to go...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
JADON
Okay, so this post is WAAAAAAY overdue, but my family is in China!! They left Eau Claire a week from today and got Jadon May 4th, which is yesterday our time, but two days ago for them in China. I got to meet my newest little brother yesterday morning on Skype and what a little ball of energy he is!! He's super full of personality. He's always playing with things, he learns VERY quickly, and we're all pretty sure attatching will be no problem. Within less than 12 hours of meeting our family, he was running around the room saying, "Mommy" and "Pappy", easily going to them and sitting on their laps to talk to my aunt, grandma, and I over Skype. He recognized me and called me jeh-jeh, which means big sister! So my dad will point to my face on the computer screen and ask who that is and he'll smile and say "Jeh-Jeh!" Yesterday morning when I first talked to him, he unprompted said "wo ai ni" which is Chinese for I LOVE YOU!!! There's bunches of other super super cute things he's done and said, but to easier follow that, check out my parent's blog. rieckramble.blogspot.com
Also, be praying for Jadon as he has a cold. :( He's been coughing a lot lately and when we talked to them last night and this morning, Jadon would be sitting on my mom's lap and grab her wrist and put her hand on his forehead, showing her that he had a fever. It was soooooo sweet, but please pray that he'll be feeling better soon! Another prayer request... my AP Euro exam is on Friday!!!! EEK!!! I'm definitely not prepared. Hopefully I will be by Friday, but pray that God would keep me calm, focused, but most importantly focused on Him!!!!!
Also, be praying for Jadon as he has a cold. :( He's been coughing a lot lately and when we talked to them last night and this morning, Jadon would be sitting on my mom's lap and grab her wrist and put her hand on his forehead, showing her that he had a fever. It was soooooo sweet, but please pray that he'll be feeling better soon! Another prayer request... my AP Euro exam is on Friday!!!! EEK!!! I'm definitely not prepared. Hopefully I will be by Friday, but pray that God would keep me calm, focused, but most importantly focused on Him!!!!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The results are in...
...and I do have a stress fracture. We got a call on Tuesday night saying that I have a grade 1 to 2 stress fracture and can't run for probably something around four weeks. Then, today, I got pulled out of 7th hour French at 2:30... to go get crutches. I'm not sure how long I have to have them, but I'm not supposed to put my full weight on my right leg, and approximately 50% instead. The Viennese Ball this weekend should be interesting... Actually, I'm trying to convince my parents to let me go without crutches and let me dance at least a couple dances. The way I look at it, I can actually fake swing dance without really even putting any pressure on my right leg. Of course, then I have to stay in the same place the whole time, but it's something!
Also, WE HAVE WEBCAMS!!!!! I know that some of you (*cough* Botzets *cough* ;)) have Skype and my family got a couple webcams so that my family and I can communicate while they're in China. Anyways, I thought I might let you know so that I can talk with y'all, too! So... my screen name like thing is kirsten.rieck and I'm pretty sure that we should talk soon. ;)
Also, WE HAVE WEBCAMS!!!!! I know that some of you (*cough* Botzets *cough* ;)) have Skype and my family got a couple webcams so that my family and I can communicate while they're in China. Anyways, I thought I might let you know so that I can talk with y'all, too! So... my screen name like thing is kirsten.rieck and I'm pretty sure that we should talk soon. ;)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Quick(ish) Update
1) WE HAVE OUR TRAVEL DATES FOR CHINA!!!! My parents will leave on April 29 and return with my little brother, well actually my two little brothers, on May 14th at 5:00 pm!! We've actually had this information for about a week, I'm just a little slow...
2) I've got a prayer request. I am going in tomorrow to have a bone scan. A week ago, my right shin started hurting after I ran. I ignored it the first day, because it wasn't excruciating pain and I thought that my leg just hurt. No big deal. After it hurt again on Tuesday, just earlier in my run, I went to the athletic trainer at school, and she said I probably had shin splints and should just take it a bit easier-- do shorter/slower runs. After it only got worse on Wednesday, I was told to come in before practice on Thursday, which is when I was banned from running and told that I need to get it checked out by a doctor to make sure it's not a stress fracture. So my mom and I went into Urgent Care on Thursday night and found out that I need to get a bone scan. Also, I'm pretty sure the guy who looked at me thinks it's a stress fractures. To really freak me out, he told me that I might go and see the bone doctor and he might tell me that I can't run anymore beacuse I might be prone to these types of things. Forever? I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope not. I love running. In church yesterday, though, my dad was praying something along the lines of how everyone who was sick and how when we were in Heaven we wouldn't have to deal with that. It would all be gone. Same with my shin issues. So really, "forever" on earth, really is nothing. Even if I can never run again until I die, I really do have FOREVER to run. Just thought that was pretty sweet. Anyways, the pain has just been getting worse and worse every day, and today especially it was super bad. So tomorrow is the bone scan. 8:00 I have to go in and get an injection and 11:00 is the actual bone scan. Please be praying!
3) I will get pictures up soon. Hopefully. I promise. (If that made any sense at all...) I'm not sure how in the world I'll fit them all on here, so I might just make a video slideshow of a few of my favorites and put that on here instead. The only bummer about that is that you'd then have to wait for the movie instead of being able to scroll right through... Any better ideas??
Well, I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is a big day and I'm sleep deprived. I hope you all have a marvelous day tomorrow and I will hopefully be back up with a bone scan update/results and hopefully pictures once I can figure out how to get them all on here!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 34:1-3
2) I've got a prayer request. I am going in tomorrow to have a bone scan. A week ago, my right shin started hurting after I ran. I ignored it the first day, because it wasn't excruciating pain and I thought that my leg just hurt. No big deal. After it hurt again on Tuesday, just earlier in my run, I went to the athletic trainer at school, and she said I probably had shin splints and should just take it a bit easier-- do shorter/slower runs. After it only got worse on Wednesday, I was told to come in before practice on Thursday, which is when I was banned from running and told that I need to get it checked out by a doctor to make sure it's not a stress fracture. So my mom and I went into Urgent Care on Thursday night and found out that I need to get a bone scan. Also, I'm pretty sure the guy who looked at me thinks it's a stress fractures. To really freak me out, he told me that I might go and see the bone doctor and he might tell me that I can't run anymore beacuse I might be prone to these types of things. Forever? I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope not. I love running. In church yesterday, though, my dad was praying something along the lines of how everyone who was sick and how when we were in Heaven we wouldn't have to deal with that. It would all be gone. Same with my shin issues. So really, "forever" on earth, really is nothing. Even if I can never run again until I die, I really do have FOREVER to run. Just thought that was pretty sweet. Anyways, the pain has just been getting worse and worse every day, and today especially it was super bad. So tomorrow is the bone scan. 8:00 I have to go in and get an injection and 11:00 is the actual bone scan. Please be praying!
3) I will get pictures up soon. Hopefully. I promise. (If that made any sense at all...) I'm not sure how in the world I'll fit them all on here, so I might just make a video slideshow of a few of my favorites and put that on here instead. The only bummer about that is that you'd then have to wait for the movie instead of being able to scroll right through... Any better ideas??
Well, I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is a big day and I'm sleep deprived. I hope you all have a marvelous day tomorrow and I will hopefully be back up with a bone scan update/results and hopefully pictures once I can figure out how to get them all on here!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 34:1-3
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Home Again
Well, we're back. South Africa was AMAZING!! I'd love to tell you all about it, but my brain isn't really functioning right now, as it's used to it being almost 4:00 am. I've gotten to the point where I can't even form complete sentences when I'm talking. It should be fun doing homework tonight...
Anyways, just thought I'd check in with you guys and let you know that we got home safely and had an AMAZING time. More about the trip will come later and with many, many picutres. (That is, if my computer finally lets me put pictures on... I've got a total of 1114 pictures & videos... I think my computer is afraid of blowing up so it won't let me put stuff on... isn't technology wonderful?)
Anyways, just thought I'd check in with you guys and let you know that we got home safely and had an AMAZING time. More about the trip will come later and with many, many picutres. (That is, if my computer finally lets me put pictures on... I've got a total of 1114 pictures & videos... I think my computer is afraid of blowing up so it won't let me put stuff on... isn't technology wonderful?)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Itinerary
So... I have no idea if I spelled that right, but that's not really the point of this. I leave for South Africa in 5 hours and 41 minutes!!!!!!!!!!! Well, that's what time our bus leaves the University. Anyways, I thought I'd let you guys know what we'd be doing each day. Please don't read all of it at once, you might die. There's a lot.
March 12-Deport Minneapolis
Board your flight from Minneapolis connecting to either the Washington to New York gateways to board your South African Airways flight. Overnight onboard the aircraft.
March 13-Arrive in Cape Town
On arrival in Johannesburg, connect to a domestic flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival in Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by your driver and your guide who will assist you to your awaiting coach. Porters will be arranged to assist with the transporting your luggage to the coach and transferred to your hotel for check in.
The Dutch settlement at Table Bay, under the leadership of Jan van Riebeeck was established in 1652. It purpose was to supply fresh produce and meat to the fleets of the Dutch East India Company for their voyages between Europe and the Spice Islands to the east. In the early days, the settlement was known among sailors from around the world as “The Tavern of the Seas”, and to this day Cape Town has maintained a reputation of friendly hospitality. With it’s majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is undisputedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Linger awhile to enjoy the timeless beauty of Cape Dutch architecture; the all-persuasive aura of history; the 17th century castle; enticing boutiques and a myriad of restaurants offering a superb medley of Oriental, contemporary European and traditional Cape Cuisine.
About your hotel: This stylish hotel is based in the heart of Sea Point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With majestic Table Mountain and Signal Hill as a backdrop, this distinctive hotel offers luxury and style. Soak up the sun beside the sparkling plunge pool, take exhilarating walks along the promenade or make use of the hotel’s gym and wellness centre. Accommodation consists of 124 newly refurbished, air-conditioning and en-suite rooms.
March 14-Half Day Cape Town Sightseeing Tour
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up at 8:30am for your half-day tour of this “Mother City”. Take a cable car up Table Mountain (weather permitting), before descending to savor the spicy aromas of the Malay Quarter. The tour ends at the shoppers’ paradise, the V&A Waterfront, or you may wish to return to your hotel. You will enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants on the Victoria and Alfred restaurants before being transferred to meet with the Kensington Chorale at 3:00PM to enjoy a cultural exchange prior to participating in an evening concert performance.
March 15-Peninsula Tour & Visit to Sellenbach University
This morning, enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up at 8:00am for your tour of the Cape Peninsula. See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the Fairest Cape. The tour begins with a drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. After a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point, continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Your tour will end with a lunch stop en-route.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before departing to Stellenbosch for a cultural interaction with a combination of the Stellenbosch University and the Schola Cantorum Music Faculty Choirs, starting at 4:00pm.
March 16-Robben Island & Table Mountain Tour
This morning, at 7:30am, your guides will collect you for your transfer to the Mandela Clocktower Precinct from where you will board the 09h00 ferry to Robben Island. The Island is situated a mere 7 miles from Cape Town in the middle of Table Bay, within clear sight of the city. It was here that Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years, much of it under hard labour. Prior to being a prison for political activists during the Apartheid era, the island was a leper colony. The island is now a museum and conservation area and was declared a World Heritage site in 1999. Former inmates lead tours around their old cells - a moving experience for both them and thousands of visitors from around the world. The tour includes a visit to Nelson Mandela's prison cell and the limestone quarry where prisoners work unceasingly day after day. There is the chance to view the wildlife and take photographs of Cape Town across the bay, with Table Mountain as the backdrop if the weather permits.
On return from Robben Island, you will enjoy lunch before returning to the hotel. At approximately 4:00pm, you will be transferred to Somerset to participate in an evening performance with the Siyacula Youth Choir. Warm up is scheduled to start at approximately 5:30pm before the evening’s performance
Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
March 17-Fly to Johannesburg, Visit Soweto School
This morning, at 7:30am you will transfer to Cape Town International Airport for check in at 8:10am on your domestic flight to Johannesburg departing at 10:10am. On arrival you will be met by your driver and your guide who will assist you to your awaiting coach. Porters will be arranged to assist with the transporting of your luggage to the coach. You will be transferred to the St Stithian School. Here you will meet and interact with the host choir and participate in an evening concert performance. Thereafter, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in and enjoy an evening at leisure.
About your hotel: This magnificent resort is located next to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). The resort offers a unique experience with luxurious accommodation and leisure facilities, a magnificent casino with unparalleled gaming enjoyment, the finest dining and entertainment, a unique retail concourse, a children’s paradise with an indoor themed entertainment centre, multifaceted conference facilities and impeccable service. The Metcourt Laurel Hotel offers comfortable accommodation with 80 rooms and suites, which include standard and family rooms. All rooms are large and conveniently equipped with an interactive pay television system, selected satellite channels, radio, hairdryer and fully adjustable air-conditioning. Metcourt Laurel Hotel guests enjoy breakfast at the Primavera Restaurant, or may order take away meals from selected outlets in The Emporium.
March 18-On Safari in Pilanesburg National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling city behind to experience the world famous African bush. Bakubung Bush Lodge is only a short 2-hour drive away from Johannesburg, tucked in the expanses of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park which is home to Africa’s Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Bakubung, or the “People of the Hippo”, provides guests with the peace and tranquility of a true African bush experience.
This afternoon, we set off in open 4x4 safari vehicles in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plants besides. Savor the magic of this enormous wilderness.
About your lodge: Air-conditioned, thatched roof rooms at the Bakubung Bush Lodge as well as the chalets curve into a horseshoe around the outside entertainment areas, huddling visitors in cozy intimacy while providing great views over the African bush. All rooms at the Bakubung Bush Lodge feature DSTV, direct dialing telephones, en-suite bathrooms, electric shaving plugs, coffee and tea making machines and hair dryers. The guest’s wildlife experiences are best shared at a blazing campfire, while one marvels at the spectacle of innumerable stars. Optional hot air balloon safaris as well as elephant back safaris are another very exciting way to get to know the African bush. Other facilities include a tennis court, swimming pool and an outdoor “boma” dining area.
March 19-Mourning Safari & Lesedi Cultural Village
This morning, you will have an early rise for another game driver in search of more amazing animals.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy a little time at leisure, before we head back towards Johannesburg to a cultural village for dinner. Lesedi Cultural Village is a multi-cultural African village set among pristine bushveld and rocky hills. Situated at Lesedi are a number of different homesteads or traditional villages where a kaleidoscope of African cultures awaits you. Each traditional homestead is inhabited by a family of elders, wives and children. Guest are in for an experience of a lifetime and are introduced to the art, dancing, history, tribal legend and cuisine of five of Southern Africa’s greatest tribes. The cultural experience begins with a multi-visual presentation on the history and origins of today’s rainbow nation, followed by a tour of four ethnic homesteads, namely: Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi and Sotho. After the tour guests are escorted to the boma where they enjoy dinner, and watch the different tribes of Lesedi Cultural Village perform dances and tell stories that date back to the days of their ancestors. After dinner, you will be transported back to the Metcourt Laurel Hotel for check in and overnight.
March 20-Soweto Tour & Regina Mundi Church Performance
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up for your morning tour of Soweto at 8:30am. We take you through the streets of the sprawling township of Soweto, scene of the tragic riots of 1976. Despite crowded, chaotic conditions, there’s a tangible sense of community in these neighborhoods, which the ordered, walled suburbs lack. Few who venture into this ‘other’ Johannesburg are unmoved by what they witness. Enjoy lunch at a traditional African shebeen (restaurant) and thereafter you will be transferred to the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto where you can enjoy an informal performance. The Regina Mundi Churhc is one of the most well known churches in South Africa and had a very important history. Not only has the vast church always been a spiritual haven for thousands of Sowetans, it also played a pivotal role in the country’s history of resistance against Apartheid. On 30 November 1997, declared Regina Mundi Day, former president Nelson Mandela paid tribute to the church saying such was the role of this church in the lives of many of us; such was the esteem with which is was held, that it popularly became known as the people’s cathedral.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with a singing together before returning to the hotel.
March 21-Visit Apartheid Museum & Fly Home
This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you will check out before departing for a visit to the Apartheid Museum. Visitors to South Africa’s first apartheid museum will be taken back to the days of racial intolerance through separate entrances for whites and blacks. Giant images of the passbooks that confined blacks to squalid ghettos, line a corridor which eventually leads to rooms of hope. They show triumph over apartheid with Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990 from 27 years of imprisonment. The Apartheid Museum is the story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the O.R. Tambo International Airport for your onward flight back home where you will take on board your last memories of a gorgeous African landscape.
March 22-Arrive Home
On arrival early this morning in Washington, connect to your domestic flights to Minneapolis. Welcome home!
Yep, so that's my trip and I am WAYYYY pumped!!! Especially to see the giraffes... :) No worries, I'll take MANY MANY MANY MANY MANY picutres!!
Well, I'd best go and finish my packing. I hope that you three of my dearest friends, Bekah, Bethany, and Jenny have a MARVELOUS time in California! I'll be praying for you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BETHANY!!!!!
March 12-Deport Minneapolis
Board your flight from Minneapolis connecting to either the Washington to New York gateways to board your South African Airways flight. Overnight onboard the aircraft.
March 13-Arrive in Cape Town
On arrival in Johannesburg, connect to a domestic flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival in Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by your driver and your guide who will assist you to your awaiting coach. Porters will be arranged to assist with the transporting your luggage to the coach and transferred to your hotel for check in.
The Dutch settlement at Table Bay, under the leadership of Jan van Riebeeck was established in 1652. It purpose was to supply fresh produce and meat to the fleets of the Dutch East India Company for their voyages between Europe and the Spice Islands to the east. In the early days, the settlement was known among sailors from around the world as “The Tavern of the Seas”, and to this day Cape Town has maintained a reputation of friendly hospitality. With it’s majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is undisputedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Linger awhile to enjoy the timeless beauty of Cape Dutch architecture; the all-persuasive aura of history; the 17th century castle; enticing boutiques and a myriad of restaurants offering a superb medley of Oriental, contemporary European and traditional Cape Cuisine.
About your hotel: This stylish hotel is based in the heart of Sea Point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With majestic Table Mountain and Signal Hill as a backdrop, this distinctive hotel offers luxury and style. Soak up the sun beside the sparkling plunge pool, take exhilarating walks along the promenade or make use of the hotel’s gym and wellness centre. Accommodation consists of 124 newly refurbished, air-conditioning and en-suite rooms.
March 14-Half Day Cape Town Sightseeing Tour
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up at 8:30am for your half-day tour of this “Mother City”. Take a cable car up Table Mountain (weather permitting), before descending to savor the spicy aromas of the Malay Quarter. The tour ends at the shoppers’ paradise, the V&A Waterfront, or you may wish to return to your hotel. You will enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants on the Victoria and Alfred restaurants before being transferred to meet with the Kensington Chorale at 3:00PM to enjoy a cultural exchange prior to participating in an evening concert performance.
March 15-Peninsula Tour & Visit to Sellenbach University
This morning, enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up at 8:00am for your tour of the Cape Peninsula. See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the Fairest Cape. The tour begins with a drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. After a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point, continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Your tour will end with a lunch stop en-route.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before departing to Stellenbosch for a cultural interaction with a combination of the Stellenbosch University and the Schola Cantorum Music Faculty Choirs, starting at 4:00pm.
March 16-Robben Island & Table Mountain Tour
This morning, at 7:30am, your guides will collect you for your transfer to the Mandela Clocktower Precinct from where you will board the 09h00 ferry to Robben Island. The Island is situated a mere 7 miles from Cape Town in the middle of Table Bay, within clear sight of the city. It was here that Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years, much of it under hard labour. Prior to being a prison for political activists during the Apartheid era, the island was a leper colony. The island is now a museum and conservation area and was declared a World Heritage site in 1999. Former inmates lead tours around their old cells - a moving experience for both them and thousands of visitors from around the world. The tour includes a visit to Nelson Mandela's prison cell and the limestone quarry where prisoners work unceasingly day after day. There is the chance to view the wildlife and take photographs of Cape Town across the bay, with Table Mountain as the backdrop if the weather permits.
On return from Robben Island, you will enjoy lunch before returning to the hotel. At approximately 4:00pm, you will be transferred to Somerset to participate in an evening performance with the Siyacula Youth Choir. Warm up is scheduled to start at approximately 5:30pm before the evening’s performance
Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
March 17-Fly to Johannesburg, Visit Soweto School
This morning, at 7:30am you will transfer to Cape Town International Airport for check in at 8:10am on your domestic flight to Johannesburg departing at 10:10am. On arrival you will be met by your driver and your guide who will assist you to your awaiting coach. Porters will be arranged to assist with the transporting of your luggage to the coach. You will be transferred to the St Stithian School. Here you will meet and interact with the host choir and participate in an evening concert performance. Thereafter, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in and enjoy an evening at leisure.
About your hotel: This magnificent resort is located next to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). The resort offers a unique experience with luxurious accommodation and leisure facilities, a magnificent casino with unparalleled gaming enjoyment, the finest dining and entertainment, a unique retail concourse, a children’s paradise with an indoor themed entertainment centre, multifaceted conference facilities and impeccable service. The Metcourt Laurel Hotel offers comfortable accommodation with 80 rooms and suites, which include standard and family rooms. All rooms are large and conveniently equipped with an interactive pay television system, selected satellite channels, radio, hairdryer and fully adjustable air-conditioning. Metcourt Laurel Hotel guests enjoy breakfast at the Primavera Restaurant, or may order take away meals from selected outlets in The Emporium.
March 18-On Safari in Pilanesburg National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling city behind to experience the world famous African bush. Bakubung Bush Lodge is only a short 2-hour drive away from Johannesburg, tucked in the expanses of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park which is home to Africa’s Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Bakubung, or the “People of the Hippo”, provides guests with the peace and tranquility of a true African bush experience.
This afternoon, we set off in open 4x4 safari vehicles in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plants besides. Savor the magic of this enormous wilderness.
About your lodge: Air-conditioned, thatched roof rooms at the Bakubung Bush Lodge as well as the chalets curve into a horseshoe around the outside entertainment areas, huddling visitors in cozy intimacy while providing great views over the African bush. All rooms at the Bakubung Bush Lodge feature DSTV, direct dialing telephones, en-suite bathrooms, electric shaving plugs, coffee and tea making machines and hair dryers. The guest’s wildlife experiences are best shared at a blazing campfire, while one marvels at the spectacle of innumerable stars. Optional hot air balloon safaris as well as elephant back safaris are another very exciting way to get to know the African bush. Other facilities include a tennis court, swimming pool and an outdoor “boma” dining area.
March 19-Mourning Safari & Lesedi Cultural Village
This morning, you will have an early rise for another game driver in search of more amazing animals.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy a little time at leisure, before we head back towards Johannesburg to a cultural village for dinner. Lesedi Cultural Village is a multi-cultural African village set among pristine bushveld and rocky hills. Situated at Lesedi are a number of different homesteads or traditional villages where a kaleidoscope of African cultures awaits you. Each traditional homestead is inhabited by a family of elders, wives and children. Guest are in for an experience of a lifetime and are introduced to the art, dancing, history, tribal legend and cuisine of five of Southern Africa’s greatest tribes. The cultural experience begins with a multi-visual presentation on the history and origins of today’s rainbow nation, followed by a tour of four ethnic homesteads, namely: Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi and Sotho. After the tour guests are escorted to the boma where they enjoy dinner, and watch the different tribes of Lesedi Cultural Village perform dances and tell stories that date back to the days of their ancestors. After dinner, you will be transported back to the Metcourt Laurel Hotel for check in and overnight.
March 20-Soweto Tour & Regina Mundi Church Performance
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up for your morning tour of Soweto at 8:30am. We take you through the streets of the sprawling township of Soweto, scene of the tragic riots of 1976. Despite crowded, chaotic conditions, there’s a tangible sense of community in these neighborhoods, which the ordered, walled suburbs lack. Few who venture into this ‘other’ Johannesburg are unmoved by what they witness. Enjoy lunch at a traditional African shebeen (restaurant) and thereafter you will be transferred to the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto where you can enjoy an informal performance. The Regina Mundi Churhc is one of the most well known churches in South Africa and had a very important history. Not only has the vast church always been a spiritual haven for thousands of Sowetans, it also played a pivotal role in the country’s history of resistance against Apartheid. On 30 November 1997, declared Regina Mundi Day, former president Nelson Mandela paid tribute to the church saying such was the role of this church in the lives of many of us; such was the esteem with which is was held, that it popularly became known as the people’s cathedral.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with a singing together before returning to the hotel.
March 21-Visit Apartheid Museum & Fly Home
This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you will check out before departing for a visit to the Apartheid Museum. Visitors to South Africa’s first apartheid museum will be taken back to the days of racial intolerance through separate entrances for whites and blacks. Giant images of the passbooks that confined blacks to squalid ghettos, line a corridor which eventually leads to rooms of hope. They show triumph over apartheid with Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990 from 27 years of imprisonment. The Apartheid Museum is the story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the O.R. Tambo International Airport for your onward flight back home where you will take on board your last memories of a gorgeous African landscape.
March 22-Arrive Home
On arrival early this morning in Washington, connect to your domestic flights to Minneapolis. Welcome home!
Yep, so that's my trip and I am WAYYYY pumped!!! Especially to see the giraffes... :) No worries, I'll take MANY MANY MANY MANY MANY picutres!!
Well, I'd best go and finish my packing. I hope that you three of my dearest friends, Bekah, Bethany, and Jenny have a MARVELOUS time in California! I'll be praying for you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BETHANY!!!!!
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