or rather I still have an assignment to begin and finish and lots of practicing to do!

But Smile Little Bird will slowly be making its way back into business. I still have lots of thinking of how I want to do things but slowly but surely I will be getting there!

In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of

there’s nothing you can’t do

now you’re in New York

these streets will make you feel brand new

big lights will inspire you, let’s hear it for New York New York

- alicia keys and Jay Z

One thing that I can comment about New York: one weekend is not enough to explore the city.

Where do I even begin to start reflecting over the weekend? Even though I was not as adventurous as the other members of the team – I do think I have had enough adventure for the weekend and am feeling rather sleep deprived! I must say being back in DC is rather lovely – it’s definitely more my type of city!

But New York, New York is just another story.

I guess the best way to explain our weekend is to give a brief schedule of what went down over the weekend

Thursday – bus to NY and reception at South African Consulate with young working South African professionals

Friday – New York Stock Exchange, lunch at Standard Bank NY Office, UN tour

Saturday and Sunday – free days

As you can read, it was a pretty jam packed schedule, but it is safe to say that the SAWIP team handled it with much spirit and awesomeness – even though we were getting really tired towards the end of the weekend. But, dear readers – time to reflect on the weekend. All I can say is that it was a privilege being able to spend it with my SAWIP teammates – we have really gotten to know each other better and definitely getting to know each other’s personality traits (even though some of them are rather odd heehee).

Fun and crazy things about New York:

- yet again – it is important to emphasise the fact that streets are BIG anywhere in New York. Last night we were meant to go to a South African Restaurant in Brooklyn and so we hopped onto a subway thinking this will be easy we just get off at the stop and then it’s right near the subway stop. Rookie error no.1. It turns out we were about 5 miles from the restaurant, and when we had started walking – we also realised that we were in the ‘hood. So we survived the ‘hood! There also happen to be quite a few Mercs in the ‘hood as well.
- NY Subway is madness. Absolute madness. And to add to more confusion – the same line doesn’t necessarily end at the same end that you want it to end.
- Times Square is absolutely huge. Capitalism! And you can stay out late – time flies by in New York. On Thursday night 3 of the guys and I were meant to get home early because we were rather tired – we made a stop by Times Square and was so awed by the whole experience that we stayed out a little longer than expected! Thanks Sizwe, Erik and AJ – it was a lot of fun!
- Shopping. There are way too many shops with way too many sales.
-  New York Stock Exchange. We were privileged to have the experience of going to the Stock Exchange and observe the opening bell. Needless to say, I think we were expecting more from the experience – as it was not as exciting as they portray in the movie. But it was pretty cool to experience the hub of the financial world.
- Going to a classic American Diner.
- Empire State Building. Dempers and I woke up early and went to the building to experience of the view of New York City. And wow, it was well worth the 22 dollars and the time we spent. The views of New York city are phenomenal.
- Staten Island – instead of going to Statue of Liberty – why not see the statue for free from a Staten Island ferry? We went early this morning – and it was a great time of chilling and reflection from the whole weekend.
Profound experiences in New York:

- Thursday night at the South African consulate: We got to meet some young professional South Africans working in New York. Their experiences and support was amazing – just hearing some of their stories was great – South Africa has got such great potential.
- UN tour: On Friday afternoon we went to the UN for a tour. All I can say is that for most part it depressed me: seeing how the world is like and the horrors of it all. Which just adds for the need for an organisation for the UN who are doing amazing things to try make the world a better place. This tour really opened my eyes.
- Phantom of the Opera. On Saturday afternoon we went to watch Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. This was the absolute highlight for myself for the weekend. I could really give up my aspirations of playing as a soloist and joining a broadway orchestra. It was simply amazing. I think I cried through some of the parts – the sheer beauty and talent of the show – broadway actors really are talented and this is especially demonstrated in the Phantom. I could go watch that show again!
- Dempers and I were on our way back home on Friday night after a night of exploring Times Square and were chatting about life when he noticed John 3:16 on the bottom of a Forever 21 shopping bag. Both of us were just in awe – I think for both of us it was just a testimony that God is everywhere – and was such an encouragement for both of us.

Other than that, there are so many other little things that happened that I can go on about but I know that the team would appreciate. Just little moments from Sizwe trying to teach me Xhosa (iYoh!), going shopping with the guys, laughing over the statements that our bus driver made on the way back to DC, listening to Erik’s reasoning for being a vegeterian, and there are so many other moments that I can go on about. All in all, this blogpost cannot begin to express the sheer awesomeness that was New York!

And now it’s back to another crazy week in DC – time is flying fast. I can’t believe that I am in my third week of the DC adventure!

That is the one thing about being in a city for a short amount of time – you really have to make the most of every opportunity to explore the city. Have I been doing that? Not as much as I could. Do I feel concerned about this fact? For some reason, some of me doesn’t feel worried about it. I feel content going home after a day of work and SAWIP event and just chilling.

I guess at this moment of my life I am in a reflective stage of my life – and being in a new city and all – I feel the need just to be on my own for a while, which I guess I have done really well in this last week. I guess in these last 6 months of my life I have quietened down a lot. But do I feel as if I have lost myself? Not actually. I feel more comfortable with myself: I do not feel the need to be all loud and vivacious the whole time – I am learning to be content with myself and with who I am. It is a hard job being lively and animated the whole time! Heehee!

One way in which this reflective mode has been expressed out is in SAWIP meetings: since I am in a new environment I have really come to have to force myself to listen instead of just being an active member of conversation. A part of me is nervous to ask questions at meetings – but another part of me is also just content in listening in to what my peers have to say. After all, they are definitely more proficient in these topics. But tonight I was challenged by Claire, our executive director – to partake as much as I can be able to have the bravery to question at events such as these. And it’s true: a part of me wants to – but heck – I don’t even know what to ask! Nothing pops in my head!

I guess that is the challenge that I need to pose to myself (and that Claire posed to me as well): Ask at least one question a week at a SAWIP event. And dear reader – you are invited to ask me what question I asked.

This week’s theme here in SAWIP DC edition is the idea of democracy. This evening we had a discussion with a panel about the idea of democracy. What did I take out of it? firstly, democracy is a set of ideals. Secondly, democracy is for the people and thirdly, to make democracy work people need to be involved. And democracy is different in different parts of the world. What did I gain from this though? Well, for a person that cannot vote in this country, I guess I am apathetic to the political situation in South Africa. But a point that was raised tonight was the value of voting – we can make difference in our communities even if we can’t vote.

And that’s today’s story.

At work summer camp has started: and this is the best description I can think of: holiday club gone crazy but more orderly! I am looking forward to being able to sit in classes and I know that this is the best chance to be able to learn about how programmes such as Sitar work. I think I need to interview each person before I leave DC! What was also really awesome is that one of the interns that I met today is a part of the Urban Alliance (read previous post) – what a privilege! God has really been doing cool things around here in our DC experience!

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit. It’s time to get into bed!

So in this last week I have experienced a whole array of emotions: from being utterly excited walking to work to nearly wanting to cry because I couldn’t find a bus to get on and I waited an hour for a bus – but I always take the wise words of my dear sister who believes that getting lost is a fun thing – which I agree – you just have immerse yourself in the adventure and just go with the flow. Even if it means wracking up a 13 dollar taxi bill. Facepalm. I’ve learnt to run down the escalator to catch the metro (which by the way is substantial exercise), take off my shoes and just enjoy the afternoon storms that DC has to offer, and whatever else comes my way.

So – how does a weekday in DC look like? Well, my body is slowly adjusting to waking up ay 7am and not at 5:40am. I usually just chill and catch up with friends  on Facebook/BBM/Skype until I jump into the shower and have breakfast with the family. Then off to work I go, do some practising before I start with work. I usually work until 6 or when I have to leave for a function and then go off to do some SAWIP activities. I usually get home by 9pm and then head off to sleep as soon as I can – it’s rather tiring. Fridays we have discussion days with our team – discussing leadership issues and having speakers come talk to us. Weekends are generally free … well with the busy week that we have had it was much needed!

So as a SAWIP student, what activities have we done?
This past week we got to meet the interns on our sister programme WIP (washington ireland programme) – yes the Irish! And we have another sibling programme called New Story Leaders which bring students from Israel and Palestine together. We had a good time at National Mall yesterday hanging out and playing some games – and obviously after hours socialising as well. Last night we all went to someone’s house to have a movie night which turned out great – spending time with the others has been great!

And how is the leadership programme?
It’s going well. Yes, I still have my problem of falling asleep in anything so I am learning the art of trying to stay awake. Nevertheless, the SAWIP team have had some incredible meetings this week – two of which were rather notable.
On Youth Day, we went to the South African ambassador’s house to have a discussion on economic freedom in South Africa and also a braai. The discussion turned out to be rather incredible – we also had some students from Howard University and young professionals take part in this discussion. I think it’s safe to say that South Africa is going to have some great leaders in the future – my fellow SAWIPians are amazing people with such vision that it can only be inspirational. The team also had a great time networking and meeting new people.
The second meeting was on Friday with this internship programme for inner city kids called Urban Alliance. about 100 high school graduates get chosen to do internships over the summer and  also have a development programme of how to cope in the working world. These kids were really inspiring: I was really inspired by the intelligence and depth that these students had – and I can definitely say on behalf of the SAWIPians that we would love to meet up with them again. The opportunity that they have also been given is fantastic.

All in all, the SAWIP team are having such a great time here – the people we are meeting and the experiences that we have had so far has been nothing short of amazing.

And for fun?
of course, fun! On Friday night we went to a baseball game of the Washington Nationals vs the Baltimore Orioles. It was a truly American experience: I wasted 6 dollars on a measly hotdog, and boy are games here an all round entertainment experience. In between innings they always provide entertainment which is rather amusing. It was fun to experience – even though we left in the 6th inning (baseball is one very long game).
I’ve also been walking a lot around the neighbourhood scouring out vintage shops – one of which I found a most beautiful bag which is coming back with me to Africa. I haven’t managed to  go shopping for clothes yet – but that’s on this week’s menu. There’s this most amazing book shop about 150m from our door – I keep on walking in and out – but it deserves a whole afternoon to be searched in. I cannot wait.
Things I love in DC this week:

- Krispy Kremes. Yes folks, there are a few of us girls on the team that are going gaga over Krispy Kremes. If you have ever had one – you will understand why you will gain weight in America. Simply divine.

- Starbucks: Quintessentially American. And they have the most amazing frappacinos. Which comes with a free itunes playlist. Win.

- Walking: It’s so much fun walking in DC – looking at all the houses and the shops.

Things I don’t like in DC this week:

- last night I waited an hour for a bus. Long story.

- it gets humid. This week is meant to have another 98 degree day. and 98 degrees is the temperature of the human body. And now I know why the boy band 98 degrees is called 98 degrees.

And that folks, is pretty much my update for this week. I should blog more – because there is so much I can write about! I’ve experience so much this week that can’t be put down in one blogpost. Check back this week for more blogposts – and we are off to New York this weekend! whoop whoop!

P.S.: Some sneaky person back in South Africa compiled this book of letters from everyone for this American trip – the book (as I call it) has been sitting by my bedside and is well read. Thank you to everyone who wrote in the book – there are some really awesome/funny/random letters in the book and I smile every time I read it. To the person who compiled the book – it means so much to me. The SAWIP ladies can testify how I have been going on about the book – we even had a showing of it last night! Might I just add – I even found a letter from my piano lecturer and head of music department (talk about sneakiness)!

And we head into week two …

Weatherwise, I know it’s pouring in Cape Town, in DC however it’s still unusually cool – I didn’t pack in a cardigan: I think it’s time to go shopping.

So…. work? Work? Yes, work. Monday morning arrived after a good Sunday evening chilling at home – and on Monday Ed (dad) walked me to work. I am very fortunate to be the only one to be walking to work, which I find awesome. So this week I only spent money on Starbucks chai latte (it’s so omnomnomnom) and a copy of Vogue (I had to!). Anyway, I got to work – and for the first hour it was rather chilled, but then I got going. Just a quick background of the place that I am interning at: Sitar Arts Center is a multidisciplinary arts center which runs for kids and teens. There are a variety of classes given – from pottery to percussion ensemble class – the facilities of this place is something that us as South Africans can dream of and hopefully be able to have in arts centres back home. I will post up photos of the place soon.

What I love about the center is the personal element that is factored into the center. After sitting in a staff meeting yesterday, it is evident that these staff members have a keen interest in being involved in students’ lives and try their hardest to. They attend the high school graduations to the art exhibitions that these students involved in. I believe that this is probably what makes the center different: and families are welcome to be involved in the center as well.

And the work that I have been doing? Getting ready for summer camp. Since the schools are closing this week – it’s the beginning of another long summer here in the States. Sitar will be running a 6 week summer camp (3 sessions of two weeks), where the kids select to take various classes. We’ve had to clean out the rooms, sort out logistics, and make sure that the everyone is prepped. So in essence, it’s like running Cross Word Cape Youth camp again. Heeheehee.

Other than work, I’ve been exploring Adams Morgan, and last night we had a fundraiser at a most amazing flat in the area which by the way has some awesome views of DC. It was also full moon here last night which was gorgeous. I also met this most interesting person (who is one of the MT’s host brothers) – we had a cool conversation about music and what it is all about – and he encouraged me to explore DC – which I am really keen to do. I’ve found some pretty awesome record stores in the area – and this really cute book shop (which I am yet to explore). So all in all, from home to work there’s a lot to do!

Things I love about DC so far: The fact that the sun sets late, the awesome shops, walking in the city. Ahhhhh so much to do, so little time!

And the adventure continues …

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!

Not tomorrow.

Not next week.

Today.

In less than 24 hours SAWIP team 2011 will be leaving to American shores, and in just over 24 hours we will be landing in a rather warm Washington DC. I can’t believe that 10 weeks have flown since we first found out that we are going to America. God has been awesome all the way, planning every step and making this happen. Yippee!

My bags are packed, my friend Fran organised a lovely farewell filled with a rather raucous session of 30 seconds (it’s always more fun when everyone is screaming heehee). I’ve said my goodbyes, today I’m running around doing last minute admin and trying to stay awake as long as possible so that I can just sleep on the plane.

I have also found out about my internship: I will be working at the Sitar Arts Center. I am really excited to see how music programmes are run in DC and what experiences I can bring back. I am excited. God is good.

The next blogpost will be from Washington DC, USA. Oh that just sounds cool!

And just to end off – my host mom sent me this photo of the temperature in DC at the moment. Summer here we come!

Stay safe, have a good winter. I love you all, you guys mean a lot to me.

]]> http://lifeasirene.wordpress.com/2011/06/11/today/feed/ 0 irene SAMSUNG http://lifeasirene.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/tick-tock/ http://lifeasirene.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/tick-tock/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:23:16 +0000 irene http://lifeasirene.wordpress.com/?p=1649 ]]> Warning: this is a dialogue between me, myself and Irene. I know I’m turning schizo – but yes, we all need weirdos in our lives right?

How long until you are in DC?
This time next week I will be sleeping in an apartment in Adams Morgan, Washington DC, and probably sweating, musing, dreaming, and freaking out over my first day of work. I’m excited!

I really cannot believe that it is time to go to Washington DC – did the second term fly by that fast? It’s been a term of being lazy to be honest (oh no, Irene- a future leader of South Africa confessing to being lazy? A lazy asian? is that possible – yes folks. it is), hanging out with friends, and a lot of reflection. God has been good though – and with the plans for DC He’s shown his provision!

Where are you working?
We still have not found out about our internships, but I am very relaxed about it. I think I’m freaking out more about what I am going to do there – and where am I going to find time to practice? But I am not going to fuss about that until I know what my days are going to look like in DC. The reasons why internships were delayed is because of visa drama: the American consulate decided to change regulations. But God has been good, and thankfully we can still travel on B1/B2 visas. Yippee!

Are you planning to stay in a dustbin, or have you found your family?
And my host family? Yes, I finally got an email from them yesterday after worrying all weekend about why they didn’t email the first time. And they sound awesome: I’m going to have 2 little host sisters who are 4 and 11 – how exciting! And the 11 year old plays piano – how appropriate! I am going to be staying in an area called Adams Morgan, which is right near the city. The family stays in an apartment and I think I get the back room (or something like that) – basically Adams Morgan is the cool part of town apparently. I’m also glad to be in AM because it also happens to be in the area of a church that I am interested in going to. So, God is good. Yeah!

And how is packing going?
Packing? What’s that? Kid.ding. Well, I am still in the process of packing my res room, so that is a bigger priority. I have got some clothes for the first few days of work, so I will be shopping in DC (H&M beware!). The camera has been packed, I’ve got my cash passport. Now to just squish everything into 20kg. I’ve said bye to Macgyver (my faithful laptop) – so now it’s getting down to business!

Anything else?
Hmm. Not really. I just need to pack and get prepared. Boom.

And I still need R2500 for funds. Anyone – can you help?

And fluit fluit, my storie is uit. SAWIP team see you on Saturday night!

What has been going on during this time? Well, I managed to raise some funds after realising that the corporate world will not be donating any money to us. What has surprised me through this whole experience is the generosity of people. People have given money when they shouldn’t have, even though they probably don’t have a lot of money themselves. To all who gave me money, I am thankful. I really do appreciate it from the bottom of my heart – and I hope to be just as generous one day starting even now.

I’m sad that I haven’t managed to see my SAWIP family in a while because I was writing exams whilst we had meetings. Miss you guys!

I also managed to finish community service (what – can you believe it? I actually did it?). And what a ride it was, trying to find a community service project and then going through with it. What I ended up doing is going to play with kids at a creche just outside of Stellenbosch called Siyavuya creche.

Wow, and how those kids touched my heart. Fortunately these kids do have a home to live in, but the conditions of which they live in. It just makes me realised how blessed I am to be studying at university. What struck me however, is just how much you can do by just loving the kids. Love goes a far way people. Yes, it may be cliche, but it’s an age old rule that sure works. Just by giving one of the kids a hug, or playing with them, even though there is a big communication barrier (I really want to learn Xhosa now), love sees no boundaries.Which makes me want to adopt children one day.

I highly suggest that you, dear reader, go find a creche to go play in. You never know how you could affect someone’s life.

And back to studying and packing we go!

But first, some photos of Siyavuya of course.

This photo above made me laugh. Trying to get kids to smile for a photo was a rather trying affair, and then they look away anyway.