Time spent at the Jersey Shore ...

No, not that Jersey Shore...I am definitely not referring to the location of the trashy, "reality" TV show which is at present entering it's 4th season. Although I did tell my host parents I was going to tell everyone I went to the Jersey Shore, to which they replied... we took you to the nice part of Jersey!

Avalon, New Jersey

The week in Avalon was really great and it is a beautiful place BUT the most memorable experience was going to Wildwood, which is along the beach front and has lots of clothing stores, food stores and rollercoaster rides! So yes I rode the rollercoaster (and screamed like a little girl “we are gonna diiiiiiiieeee!!!”) but I went again and tried new ones too, so I guess I enjoy the near death experiences.

My first real rollercoaster!

The last few days in Avalon were spent traveling to the surrounding areas of Cape May and Ocean City. We played putt putt the one day, which apparently is not a good game for a 2 ½ year old to play as after the 5^th hole Annabel started to ‘gently’ kick the golf ball, pick it up and moving it or just walk away from it. We flew back home on the Sunday and as sad as I was to be “leaving” our vacation, I was excited to get back to Wisconsin as I have become rather attached to my new home in the States, plus I’ve been told  summertime is the best time to be in Milwaukee. Oh and just so you know where I am staying…

Mini Golf in Stone Habour, NJ

I am in Whitefish Bay (the Village of) which is 10 minutes from Milwaukee (the closest city, and the county we are part of) and it is in Wisconsin (that’s the state aka WI) So “we” as in WI is known for its cheese, dairy products and beer – go figure!

The Wisconsin State Quarter (google image)

I have had a little beer here and must say, I am no fonder of US beer as I am of SA beer, I would love a Hunters Dry if anyone wants to send one? I did see Black Label the other day, I was actually so excited I brought it, it tasted pretty close to ours, but when I read the labeled I realized that it was brewed here, in Milwaukee, USA.

The other thing I realized the other day while scanning through a “Sa food shop in the Us” (I know it’s so lame) is that we have pretty awesome food in Sa! I spoke to Des my aunt and she knows what it is like to oogle the Sa wares and dream of braai’s with Savannas, pap en wors. I have yet to attend a BBQ, football game or thanksgiving celebration but I feel that in my 70 or so days in the US of A I have already experienced many things that will leave a lasting impression on me.

Hilde and I on Brady Street, WI

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page

Our first vacation as an extended family ...

We left Milwaukee (Mitchell International Airport) on the 7^th of July in the morning. When I say “we” please bear in mind that this small two letter word actually means Dave (Host Dad) Amanda (Host Mom) Annabel (2 ½ year old girl) Finn and Braden (both 3 months at the time) and Me! After working out that there was no way “we” plus luggage would fit into the car (even though it’s so big) we decided to go by airport shuttle. I’m going to skim over the details but just keep in mind we were going through an American airport (so you take your shoes off going through airport checks) they even checked the milk Amanda brought in the bottles. While standing in line to go through airport check point we had a well-dressed business man that kept throwing causal glances our way, and I knew he was praying that “we” were lost and not boarding the same two hour flight as him. After boarding the plane and doing some serious rearranging as you cannot have more than 3 people in one side of a row on the two seats. (the original Game Plan was Annabel and I together, Dave, Amanda and both boys together but that made 4 on their seat, so I was moved to my own seat by the emergency exit (which is not allowed to have children in its aisle) and Dave went to sit with Annabel. I had space and I only had to promise that IF the plane should go down I would help the flight attendant, seems like a pretty fair deal to me!

This + me = "we"

The boys and Annabel were really well behaved (both ways) and on the homeward bound flight we even had someone say to the boys “you guys did well!” That was a relief! We flew from Milwaukee to Philadelphia which is in the state of Pennsylvania. *1^st state* We were “house sitting” for friends of my host family while they were exploring the Galapagos Islands. We stayed at the house for 3 days and in that time we went to the Aquarium, the Zoo (America’s first zoo) and a 4D movie, which for those for haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing, is a movie on a big screen with the 4^th dimension being the effects such as water being sprayed at you, air pumping into the back of your neck and things under your chair touching your legs, this is all while wearing 3D glasses so you feel like you are in the movie!

Annabel, Amanda and I watching a 4D movie

 I spent the next day on a hop on-hop off bus. I saw a natural world museum, the Ben Franklin museum, Liberty Bell, a few other sites (like the jail where Al Capone was held, but I never went into the jail) and of course the legendary Rocky Balboa (I think that was his full name) steps, where I ran up and did the famous jump (and got a picture of it!)

The rocky steps

Then my host parents drove down to Avalon, New Jersey and I got a lift with my host dad’s sister to Virginia *2^nd state* where I was to meet up with another South African au pair that I met at orientation. We met up and had a really awesome night (involving a bottle or two of wine and stories of home), and then contacted another South African au pair, and decided our plans for the next day…Washington D.C! We fetched Michelle and all three of us (Lorren, Michelle and I) got on the metro (the train system) and got off in the heart of DC. Wow, the president’s own home! We walked and walked and walked, as everything in Dc is pretty close together we decided this would be the easiest (and cheapest) way to explore. Yes, I saw the white house and all the other special DC landmarks but the thing that impressed me the most was the crime and punishment museum! It had CSI feel where you had to solve a crime by looking through the museum and finding clues. This involved a simulated high speed chase, crack the safe, scanning your fingerprints, escaping from a prison cell and even a cop shoot out. We spent about 2 hours there, and left with big smiles and many pictures! We caught the metro home at 8pm that night after a stop at Chinatown, which was really cool; all the signs were in Chinese (or Japanese?) except Nandos and Hooters. Crazy I tell you!

Lorren, Michelle and I at the Crime and Punishment Museum

 I stayed the night at Lorren’s house again, and then caught the metro back to DC on Sunday by myself, where I caught a bus to Philadelphia (Philly). Then I caught the New Jersey transit to Avalon. While booking my buses and making my plans my host parents thought I was either A: a crazy South African or B: going to get horribly lost and phone them from somewhere like Utah! But I made it! In the process I crossed Delaware *3^rd state* and Maryland *4^th state* and arrived in New Jersey *5^th state* I met up with my host parents in Avalon where they were having a family BBQ, so I got to meet a whole lot of people!

Waiting for my bus to New Jersey

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page

First month hi-lights ...

I really like the family I am with! They have really made me feel at home. My host dad (Dave) said his mission this year is to find me Biltong (this is after hearing me incorrectly and thinking I said Bull tongue...Yuk!) and my host mom is helping me to plan a trip to D.c and maybe to Disney world! (Yah!)

Yummy Biltong! (google image)

These are a few of the hi-lights of moving to Wisconsin so far...
1. Meeting a squirrel (luckily not at close range, as they kind of freak me out)
2. Pumping my OWN gas...ha ha what an experience. I washed the car windows too!

Filling the car with gas

3. Making friends - I have met 2 SA girls, 2 Brazilian girls, 3 German girls and 1 Norwegian girl. (Sounds like a scorecard rather than a friendship counter)
4. Buying tickets to see Blink 182 live in concert on the 4th of Aug!!!! (WOW super ampt for that!)
5 . My host mom (Amanda) and I planning to go see No Doubt on the 2nd of July

6. Hilde (my Norwegian friend) and I are planning to see Reliant K and Gavin DeGraw at Summerfest

Hilde and I at Summerfest

7. Ordering from Starbucks. Now you have to understand it’s not as simple as it seems, as there are so many choices PLUS you can tailor any of the choices to suit you. So finally you settle on something then you get asked what size you want, and no they don’t use Small, Medium and Large – they use Tall, Venti and Grande…but have to admit their drinks are pretty good J Just so you know at the beginging I would order whatever the first before me ordered…it helped me learn the menu a little better and exposed me to some nice and not so nice beverage options.

Hmmm...Starbucks (google image)

I think that is about all I can say about my trip thus far. I am going to Philly and New Jersey in July (7 - 19th) and I am sure that will mean more news worthy stories.

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page

Bye Bye SA...I'll miss you...

Hello everybody.

I have been really busy and haven't had much time to write, until now, so here it is - the story of my first 12 days in the USA.

I left Durban airport, after saying goodbye to my family (I had already had to say goodbye to my "Margate" family 3 days before that, Rebecca I hope you didn't cry too much!) and the last words I said were "No, you're a push-nut!" ha ha that’s sounds pretty ridiculous I suppose, but my little bro likes that word that’s what he calls everyone and although no one is quite sure what it means, the giggle it produces when he says it so worth letting a 5 year old call you a 'push-nut'!

Riley, Roic and I at Durban Airport

I got on the plane, planning to sleep...that didn't really happen though, probably 'cos I was seated next to a very nice gentleman who was telling me stories about the airports he built and although this was totally fascinating *yawn* I probably would have benefited from a few more hours of sleep! When I arrived at JHB my friend had arranged for another friend to fetch me as she was driving back from Kruger and wasn't going to make it back in time. After hanging around with Jade and Craig, Annelize came to fetch me and instead of heading home (like I thought was the plan) we headed to her previous job, a cocktail bar...but thankfully we didn't stay too long. Once we reached home...I was thoroughly ready for bed! We woke up early the next morning and went shopping a little then headed to the airport.

Pictures from the sky

Once at the airport I meet up with a fellow au pair from Durban, Annelize decided to stay away from long drawn out goodbyes and so we parted ways then and there. Ravashnie and I just chilled for a while then as we were getting ready go through the boarding gates I noticed a young blonde who was brawling her eyes out, I asked if she was an au pair, and her family just laughed...she is a repeat au pair, so it gave me hope that if people come back a second time, it can't be that bad, right?

Ravashnie and I just before boarding

I am not even going to TRY and explain what me trying to sit still for 18 and a half hours looks like - use your imagination! After 10 hours of flying and at least 1 hour of delays (true SA style) when landed in Senegal, only to re-fuel and to have these security men come and check all the seats (for hidden bombs) and to spray disinfectant in the air all around us, Argh cough cough!

My first look at America

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page

Orientation, Milwaukee and a new start...

Orientation was 4 days of rules, regulations, videos, lectures and a lot of info. Things like *don’t shake the baby* and other useful tips like that.  On the first day most of the girls received gifts from their families (flowers, cookies, sweets etc) I received - nothing! Until the second say when I arrived in my room and there was a lovely bouquet of what I thought was flowers, then upon closer inspection I realized the whole arrangement was made out of fruit...it was so pretty and healthy!

 

Fruit basket from my family

I think the hardest thing to deal with in the first few days was - the traffic! Everyone warned me that Americans drive on the other (wrong) side of the road but, they all failed to mention that means when you are a crossing the road you should look the other way too! So us Safa girls would start walking across the road (thinking it was clear only to suddenly realize we had to run, go back or get squashed - so we ran! I'm happy to report I am getting used to looking every direction when I across now!

Getting lost in Stamford, CT

On our last day of orientation we got told how we were getting to our families, I had to fly (about two hours) but since my flight was delayed (yes, even in America they have delays) I only arrived at the Milwaukee airport at 11pm...Shoo...I was tired! My host dad came to fetch me and took me to the house; it is a very pretty house. It’s a 2 story house plus basement; I’m on the main floor while the rest of the family is on the upper floor. That will make for noisy Saturday morning, hmmm.

My new home

My first few days in Milwaukee were pretty cool (the weather and the vibe)When I showed my host family my warmest "jacket" (a hoodie I had stolen from my brother at the airport *thanks Rayson*) they laughed and asked, do you realize it gets pretty cold here? Once I told them that this probably was the warmest thing in Margate and that I planned to buy stuff in Wisconsin, they realized I did know what I was getting myself into. I have since brought one warm jacket but am thinking I may need another one (or two!) The family couldn't believe that I thought it was chilly here (60 F/15.5C is chilly to me; I do come from sunny South Africa after all!) 

My limited wardrobe...guess I'll have to go shopping :) 

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page

Big steps and updates ...

My big news for the day is that I got my visa! Yah Yah Yah! So it is official, I am going to America!!!

Chris is doing well, work is going well…one of his best mates Angus is here (from England.) It’s amazing how it always coincides with my departure from the country, it happened when I went to India as well, am I slightly suspicious, maybe just a little! But it’s all good; at least he will have company when I leave. They play squash together quiet often, so Chris is getting fit, good for him! Of late I have not been the most energetic person alive!

Chris and his two best mates

Rebecca is doing well at the moment, she is going to be in a play that their school in producing, it’s called RE-peat and is based on the Peter pan fairytale. Originally she was casted as a “district 6 member aka a homeless hobo” hee hee, now she is being recast as a larger role as the teacher has noticed her enthusiasm and her commitment! Go girl! Now she is nagging me to help her with some school projects…ahh the joys of school!!! I can just see my skype conversations with her…

“Hi Robs, how are you?”

“I’m good I’m having a blast…”

“Good, please help me with my ……….. (* fill in arbitrary subject here *)”

Rebecca and I at the beach

Little Miss Riley is also doing so well (I think I need a new word other than well…suggestions?)

She is loving school and is becoming quiet the little artist! She is dancing her American awards at the end of the month, unfortunately I will miss it as I will onboard a plane heading for America, but will think of her…c’mon gold distinct this year!!!

Pretty miss Riley

Roic is…so cute! I know I always say that but in truth he is. Little boys are just the best! He is loving school, although he always gets shy even I quiz him (and I do) about school and his friends. I mean I am his big sister I feel like I have every right to know EVERY detail about his life.

Riley, Roic and I

Rayson is, believe it or not I actually know what is happening in Rayson World (for a change)! He is learning lots at work and working hard, but playing even harder, he is really getting into his whole Dj scene thing, he recently brought a new thing for Dj thingy-um-a-jiggy, shows how I know. He has a new girlfriend, Zoe, she is a journo, she seems really lovely, and Rays looks really happy, so good times!

My mom, Rebecca, Zoe, Rayson and my stepdad

Since I am backtracking with these emails they are a little outdated so I figured I would do a quick update. Chris and I continued to date for 6 months while I was in the States before we decided to “set each other free” and continue on our paths as friends rather than as a couple. We still chat and I wish him the best of luck, he truly is a great guy.

Rebecca is enjoying school high and becoming prettier and prettier each day (back of boys!) and I am enjoying learning about her life as she is now the big kid at home as well as the “only” child.

Riley is dancing like a star and recently preformed as Flicker the Fire Fairy in a production of Jack Frost.

Roic has officially started, wait for it…Grade one! Way to make me old, bro! He is looking super smart in his school uniform. Man that was a long time ago for me!

Rayson has decided to learn keyboard/piano instead of DJing, and I hear he is pretty good (he must have gotten Dad’s musical genes, well I, I guess I didn’t) He is also no longer dating Zoe and they have decided to rather remain friends. So it single time for big bro, watch out ladies!

Well I’m all typed out, big challenge to all of you out there…let me know what happening in your world! Please free to leave some feedback, I would really appreciate it.

Small steps to a big adventure...

Finally my new drivers’ license has arrived - Yah! That’s how you know you are getting old by the way, when things you had issued as a teenager expire and you are forced to face the (sad?) reality that you are now in fact an adult, even if you chose to not act that way. I am waiting for my criminal record check to come back, it’s taking so long I’m a little worried that maybe just maybe there is something in my past that I have repressed and they have found it - Oops! (Okay, for those of you that knows about the stop sign…DON’T JUDGE ME! For those of you that don’t know what I’m on about…it’s better that way!)

(Borrowed image)

I am managing the salon at present while Lucy is on leave, so I’m the “acting” manager…it’s quiet fun, but considering I am managing a staff of one being me…there is no one to even boss around! No fun.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sensasia-Day-Spa/200997518997

I will be in Durban from either the 27^th or 28^th of May because I have my pre-departure orientation in Durban. Then I’ll stay there till the 30^th and I will fly from Durbs to JHB. Annelize my mate that used to stay down here that moved up to JHB has happily offered to allow me to spend the night with her…ha ha I think she has an evil plan to show me JHB by night!!! I’m scared! (If I don’t get on the plane come looking for me – please!)

Annelize and I

I have some more good news, get ready to be proud…I am officially a voter! Yes, I have a big black mark on my left finger nail. I have heard many repeat and new voters complain about the “ugly” mark on your nail, to me that mark is a sign that empowers me each time a look at it. It reminds me that I care enough about my country and the future of my country to stand in a queue (okay, it was only a 5 min Q in Margate plus we got free Wimpy coffee) and be counted! It reminds me that *certain political parties* do not have a 2/3 majority, and I now have a right to have my say about going-ons in my country! I’m quiet attached to spot now…it will be sad when she finely fades. Now all of you that didn’t vote, don’t you wish you had??? (uhm…Rayson, pretty sure mom has been nagging, I mean suggesting you vote for a while now!)Right so I’m finished naming and shaming  (sorry bro, gotta make an example out of someone, you the nostril today…always being picked on!)

A thumb (not mine) with the voters stamp in their ID book (google image)

While writing I must let you know I am coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose. My body has decided to take a sick day, which means my voice has gone on holiday, my nose has spend the better half of the day wrapped up in a tissue and my nose is now a closer shade to Rudolf red that alabaster, not cool! But never underestimate the power of Sinucon, Vitamin C, Multivitamin and varies other make-you-feel-better-remedies!!!

I thought this may be more inspiring than a picture of me looking sick :)

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page