Jumping from a perfectly good airplane…

Most amazing experience this year so far...SKY - FREAKEN - DIVING!!!

Yip as Lelia (my SA counsellor) told us when we decided to join the au pair program, I took the plunge!

My partner in crime...Tamarski

The story begins and ends with 4 crazy girls deciding to jump out of an airplane at 13500ft...random instructor and parachute attached! I can't even begin to explain the feeling...but I'll try.

After our jump...we ALL survived!

So there you are at the door of the plane and you think wait and am actually going to do this? Yes, I think I am. Then you just jump and you feel the weirdest sensation as you know you are falling but as you are 'passing' nothing on your way down, and it's not a normal falling feeling as the pressure pushing up on you is pretty intense! When the parachute is pulled you lift up before you start coming down again, and when you do you feel like you are in the most surreal dream, I kinda felt like Alice in Wonderland. I could see my feet beneath me, and I could see the cars and roads and with the size comparison it was like everything was from mini town. It's a pretty trippy feeling! While we were in the canopy stage the instructor allowed me to "control" the direction of the parachute, so we did left and right circles which was really fun!

Yip, that's me :)

Also they let me fly the plane! Hey wait, was that the reason everyone decided to jump...?I got to sit in the passenger seat  and once we had taken off and were at a reasonable height the pilot let go of the control, and asked if I was going to fly the plane or not? I have to admit I felt a little bad for the people in the plane as I was wearing the headphones with the microphone attached, and I’m pretty sure my hysterical squeaks were anything but fun to listen to! Flying the plane was really fun, but also a little scary as I kept worrying I would hit into something, crazy I know since there isn’t much stuff just floating around in the sky…

Are we seriously doing this?

After surviving and being on an adrenaline high we brought dinner and headed over to my house to watch our videos and relive our special moment! Ah, what fun!

We made it :)

At the moment I am at the gym waiting for my Yoga class to start, Zumba has just finished and I am feeling energized and ready to conquer the world! Hope you all have a super fantastic week! To my family (both or should I say ALL sides) I love and miss you all, I think about you all often and pray that things improve. To my country, YOU ROCK! I am so so so proud to be a Safa! Xxx

Representing my country

PS: I recently attended an American wedding, which was super fun…plus only knowing like 4 people in a wedding of 300 means you can dance the funky chicken and honestly not be embarrassed….cos no one knows you! What fun! 

Tamara and I at the wedding

Wow, one amazing year…with one amazing family…

My second year (yip can you believe it?) in Wisconsin just started and to celebrate my host parents decided to plan a little BBQ (aka a braai) for me...I invited all my friends (which ended up being a group almost bigger than the dining room table) and of course the rain decided to join us so we all stayed inside. 

My host family and I

Well all except for Dave who insisted on grilling and pulled the grill right outside the backdoor and hopped in and out of the house turning burgers and hotdogs. I think he was in his element! It was a successful party and so we ended the evening by going out and dancing (after we helped clean up...don't worry mom...the slave job has continued!) I continue to become a domestic goddess! 

Little AJ hugs :)

Well maybe not really, but I do make my own bed, do my washing and clean my room...wait I'm kinda of like a teenager all over again. Which is pretty funny as one of the cleaning ladies remarked that I am pretty clean for a teenager (which I am not sure is meant to be a compliment or not?) which shocked Amanda how was worried that they would think she was the mother to a teenager or worse the grandmother to the boys...

All the girls out and about...

Past, Present and Future…and goodbyes…

Hello, Hello at the moment I’m am sitting in my room, just thinking of my journey thus far, of all the friends I have made, places I seen and things I have learnt. It makes your head spin when you realize how much there is out there…

Fernanda and I celebrating a friend's Birthday at an Irish pub

These last few months have been the months of ‘Farewells’, when you are an au pair you get used to meeting new people as well as saying goodbye to nearly everybody you met sometime in your year. And since I have chosen to extend that means everybody that was here when I arrived, I will have to eventually have to attend a farewell for. Anna (my Swedish friend) had her farewell  dinner at Casablanca, which is a Middle Eastern cuisine restaurant, we even had a belly dancer come and dance at the tables…which really made me miss dancing! We decided on a few entrees, that we could all share. The meals came…with no cutlery. Being South African and having been to India I was like just eat with your hands, that’s the way it’s supposed to be eaten…Anna was shocked! Haha, apparently so was the waitress when she past our table she said, Oh my, did no one bring you silverware? When she brought it most of us were happy to use our hands and carried on…well all except for Anna. Anna also had a girl’s night out, which is always really funny as people get pretty confused with all the accents!

Za, Kor, Anna, Fernanda and I at Casablanca

My Brazilian friend Fernanda left in April, so we had a “Fernandii weekend” which involved, dinner at a local brewery/pub, a girls night out and dinner with her host parents…fun times!

I miss you Fernandii

Celine (France), Za,(Thailand), Aneth (Panama), Fernanda (Brazil), Vera (Moldova), Yady (Colombia), Tamara and Reiki (both Germany) and me (South Africa)

Then Vera (from Moldova) left, we had a big outdoor lunch, and later had a bonfire. That really made me think of home! Then a few of us went out to a dance club called Suite that night. It was my first time there, but we had a good time!

Vera and I representing Wisconsin

Hilde (my favourite and only Norwegian friend) left in May, so we had a simple dinner with her host family, with all her favourite meals (none of which were American)

Hilde and I having our last tea at Alterra (by the lake)

Audrey a fellow South African just had her farewell, and then left on South African Youth day (June 16^th) Hopefully I will get to meet up with these girls again, either In South Africa…or in their countries.

Saying goodbye...to Audrey (in the front, in the middle)

So with all those farewells my American friends keep telling me that I am going to run out of friends to say goodbye too, but then I tell them that’s what they are for!

See why I need friends...so they can do stuff like this with me (",)

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page

Adventures of a snowy kind…

Wow with this being my 28^th post from the USA I realize you are either sick of reading my long posts, or are so entwined in my American adventure you eagerly await the next one…I’m hoping it is the latter!

No, I do not wear these when I am typing my blog...but they're cute!

My last post left you in a spin after a wonderful California vacation and a visit from the cop…Now I will start with my American winter adventures…

Tamara and I at Bayshore Mall, WI

‘Tis the season to be jolly, to skate and sled and of course ski! I have attempted all three of these in the course of one month! I love, love, love ice skating! It is really fun, although the first 5 minutes brought back memories of skating in Durban ice rink as a little child…and falling over a lot! (Thanks Dad, haha) After a few supportive words from my friends I went out and really started to enjoy myself, I may not be the best, but I have fun while doing! 

Rieke, Nadine, Lauris and I skating at the Pettit center

There is an indoor rink, and an outdoor rink (downtown) I have to say I definitely prefer the outdoor rink though…I think being outside skating while snowflakes are falling is just so magical! (You can see I’m not from a snowy country!) 

Skating outside at Red Arrow, downtown Milwaukee, WI

We also went skating (as in roller blading and rollerskating in an indoor rink, which had funky music and disco lights!) I felt like a superstar! There were some kids (okay teenagers) that were dancing around and break dancing on skates, I was a little intimidated! Considering the fact that I was just happy I never killed myself dancing around while moving around on what I consider to be "death on wheels" no my big goal in life, but props to them! I wish going to post a pic of us actually skating, but thought this one was better because you can see all the girls from the different countries...can you guess without looking?

Germany, Germany, Germany, France, SA
Colombia,  SA, Brazil, Germany and SA (yes, we are ALWAYS outnumbered by Germans :)

The sledding was relatively tame as we only had a baby hill to sled down… although when you get 10 au pairs together it’s never tame! Amanda (my host mom) made a comment that she would love to see us all out together, as we all speak different languages, constantly look like 5 year olds trying everything for the first time…and of course there is the incessant picture taking!

Tamara, Nadine and I ... yes, we went down on the hill like that :)

This brings us to skiing… so Fernanda, Yardley and I went out on the Saturday fully intending to go skiing at 10 the next morning. Well, after getting home at 3 we decided an extra hour of sleep was worth losing an hour of skiing for. We met two nice guys out that night, they asked us if we wanted to join them for some coffee sometime on Sunday, we told them if they wanted they could join us in our first skiing experience, as we had no time for coffee. They decided (not sure if they heard the part where we said we have never skied before) to join us. We all arrived at Crystal Ridge at 11 the next morning; I must tell you for those who have never skied before, getting ready to ski is just as complicated as actually skiing! 

Marco, Ross, Yardy, Fernanda and I getting ready to ski...

There are certain layers you have to put on to keep warm, special ski boots you have to wear, poles you have to find and of course your skis! The next step is trying to attach your skis to the ski boots you are wearing (which bear in mind look like moon boots!) You do this by putting the toe of the boot into the front slot then pushing down really hard with your heel (as if you’re trying to kick start a motorbike) This idiot could not do it…then one of the clever guys figured out it was the wrong size…light bulb moment. (It also made me wonder how long we would have been trying to get it right, if the guys weren’t there to help!) 

Okay now I'm just playing around..

Pretty much the only thing I remember about the ski session was “PIZZA WEDGE” (which is apparently how you stop…yeah right!) But after practicing on the bunny hill, Fernanda and I advanced to the big hill (green circle I think it’s called, the next one is a blue square, then a black diamond…if I’m not mistaken) Which had a ski lift, it was really exciting! I managed to not fall going down the hill at all, but the funny thing about skiing is you can fall anywhere! So there were 4 of us just standing around chatting and all of a sudden, 3 of our skis ended up entwined and I ended up on the floor! So the one guy instead of rushing to help us all, asks for a camera and starts taking pictures…Thanks for the memories!

Ski Stack...

My first ski experience *recorded*

Moving on and meeting up with my host family…

On the 3^rd of Feb I caught a bus to Naples (Florida) where I met up with my host family. We spend about 8 days in Naples, which is a relaxed little coastal town. It is very quiet (there are lots of old people there) so it was a stark contrast to Miami! Anyway this part of the vacation was very relaxing and I really enjoyed it, unfortunately it wasn’t as warm as everyone told me Florida would be, but considering there was still snow on the ground in Milwaukee and I was able to wear only one layer of clothing at any given time…I can’t exactly complain.

AJ the 'mermaid'

Another first for me was watching the Super bowl. I felt very American for a moment, then I realized not only did I have no idea what was going on, how the Super bowl worked...or even who was playing. After a few annoying questions I figured out the Colts (Indianapolis) played the Saints (New Orleans) and lost 17-31. You are supposed to drink beer, eat wings and watch football...well I tried. Although I'm not sure I make a very good American.

Beer, Wings and Football. Am I doing it right?

We then made a pretty uneventful road trip (back) to Disney; the only things of mentionable worth are…my host mom almost getting peed on while trying to change Braden’s diaper in a moving vehicle, oh and Annabel almost puking on me…ewwww!

Finn and Braden ready to travel

Dave and Amanda had a medical conference at Disney, so I worked most of the time I was there, but it was still fun because we stayed in a different hotel than we did the first time I was there. The Contemporary is the only hotel that the monorail runs through, so it was really fun to watch. We also eat at T-Rex again, which was fun and the kids enjoyed it.

Finn and I in Disney

Valentine’s Day was not the romantic, flowers and frills day it’s supposed to be, and instead it was spent on an airport flying back to Milwaukee, then waiting at the airport for 2 hours while the airport connection service tried to find a taxi big enough to take us all home. We never drive to the airport as the bigger of the two cars that we have can fit exactly two host parents, a three year old, a set of twins, an au pair and a double stroller, while this is perfect for day trips it leaves no space for luggage! Finally arriving home at 8pm, I was so ready for my bed!

Just hanging out with Mickey

Bienvenue à Miami…

That afternoon we (being Alba from Columbia and Leslie from Mexico) headed towards Orlando airport, of course our flight was delayed! After a 2 hour wait for our plane, it was announced that it had a arrived but there was no (what’s that thing that connects the plane to the airport terminal?) well whatever it’s called, we didn’t have one so we had to run across the tarmac (in the rain) to our plane. Not noticing the size of the plane until I got on board, I started to laugh. There were 19 seats, which means three at the back, then one on each side of the aisle, NO bathroom and NO airhostess. It was a tiny plane! Everyone got out their cameras and phones and started taking pictures, no one could quiet believe this ‘toy’ plane would get us to Miami safely, and I have to say, it was a bumpy ride!

Remembering that I am 5'3" this doesn't seem so big huh?

Safely in Miami we made our way to South Beach Hostel, which was very close to the beach but not so close to downtown Miami. South Beach has quite a lot of bars and clubs lining the main street. We went out for drinks both night and even danced it up a little in some of the clubs.  We even went to the Dolphin Mall, which is a huge outlet mall...which means we shopped and shopped...and shopped a little more of course!

Leslie, Alba and I going out in Miami

On the last day I walked around South Beach by myself because Alba and Leslie had early flights to catch. It’s okay though, I’m so used to being solo amigo by now.

Miami South Beach, FL

The last few hours of Disney...for now...

The last full day was spent visiting Hollywood Studios, a ride to mention here ‘Tower of Terror’ which is basically a whole bunch of people strapped into seats in a make-shift elevator … which falls 13 stories, again and again and again! But wow, what a thrill!

The Tower of Terror

We managed to catch the 'Beauty and the Beast' show too, which for any girl that has dreamed of being a princess is a real treat. Belle was beautiful and sang like an angel. And of course she ended the finale wearing the iconic yellow dress inspired by the fairytale.

Belle and her prince

I got to catch the Idols finale too, which was pretty fun to see. I'm not totally sure how it works but I guess everyday the have a mini version of the popular tv show and choose a new winner each day. It was fun to sit in the seats and imagine what the atmosphere of an actual Idols finale would feel like.

The 'Idols' set

That night there was a firework and water show titled Fantasmic, it was a really pretty show! Unfortunately Florida had decided to not stick to its nickname of “the Sunshine State” and it has actually been pretty cold at night, so I ran around trying on various kitschy Disney inspired jerseys until I settled on a bomber jacket that managed to keep me warm enough for the show.

A small part of the Fantasmic show

Being our last night Karolin and I decided to do what we had been threatening to do the whole trip...swim in the hotel pool. Never mind the fact that, as previously mentioned, it was pretty cold in wonderful place called Florida. We did a pretty quick swim I must say, but at least we have pictures to prove we did it...plus we never died of hypothermia which is definitely a bonus!

Midnight swim

Monday was our last day at Disney but as we only had a half day some of the girls and I headed to Disney Quest which is an interact theme park. My favourite ride was one where you create your own rollercoaster on a computer …then ride your own rollercoaster! Kind of scary, but really fun!