It’s about 2:44pm here in DC, and I am sitting in the kitchen computer at work typing this post. Yes folks, I have made it to Washington DC and I’m loving it out here! Now lets get one thing straight – Cape Town is MY city, but I think Washington DC is getting close to it (okay I am a bit biased – I only explored the part that I am staying in).
The flight out to here was long. Rather long. On saturday night we flew from Cape Town to Amsterdam. It was average, especially since we had a scary flight attendant. But nevertheless, we got to Amsterdam unscathed and I got totally felt up by the airport official at Schipol airport (they do body checks and have this crazy machine that bounces vibrations off you or something like that). And onward to Washington DC. Most of us were so tired at that point that we slept for most of the flight. Finally, Sunday afternoon came by and we arrived in DC – to be welcomed by HEAT and a rather long customs queue, which by the way was quite nervewrecking. They really make you feel guilty even though you haven’t done anything!
We were expecting a horrendous heatwave when we got there, but thankfully it had rained when we were in the customs queue. We got out of the airport to be greeted by SAWIP team management and board members. The next stop: a BBQ at one of the host families’ homes. And wow, America really is America. Big cars, lots of cars, and the most beautiful homes that are quintessentially American. And seriously, there are no security gates like we have in South Africa. It really felt like a dream. After the BBQ my host family came and picked me up, and they are fantastic. I have two little sisters, one who is 4 and the other 11. Anna (the 11 year old) is very mature for her age. Flo on the other hand, is a typical 4 year old with a flair for the dramatic. It’s rather amusing to watch her and her antics, but I love her to bits. Polly (mom) drove me around the outskirts of DC, which by the way is gorgeous. There is this park that you can drive through (nature reserve), which has bike routes – I was totally in awe. This just outside of DC? Awesome! I can’t wait to go ride there soon!
After getting home, we took a walk around the neighbourhood which by the way is super kiff! I was so pooped that I went straight to bed when I got home. And we had to start work yesterday – so it has been a busy two days!
This is just a brief essay to say 1) I’m alive 2) I still need to get my new laptop so I can blog more and 3) I don’t miss Africa just yet but I love you all!
More coming soon!
Sorry for no photos – wil be rectified as soon as I get laptop!
Sarel Seerower
14/06/2011
Lollies I just left a comment without reading anything you wrote