The end of another chapter

I've ignored this blog for the past month as I've been super busy with 2 on-going projects at work and I was away to Mossel Bay and Cape Town with the South African Environmental Observation Network. It was such a relaxed trip and we ended up finishing our work early, which meant 4 days in Cape Town to enjoy the city. I went with Nikki, Sean and Tanith and we were collecting water and benthic samples from the two harbours for analysis. It was truly a perfect way to finish up my internship here in South Africa.

This week I have been scrambling to finish my sections on the Risk Assessment for the Introduction of Nile tilapia into the Eastern Cape as well as Environmental Impacts of Aquaculture for the Environmental Management Plan for South African Aquaculture. Overall, I'm pleased with the work I've done here at Enviro-Fish Africa and I'm excited to see the final outcome of these reports. It's very satisfactory to know that the work I've done will contribute towards environmental conservation efforts here in South Africa. I'm thrilled to have had this opportunity and I feel lucky to have been given the chance to travel to a new part of the world and gain experience in this field. Despite returning to Canada with no job and no place to live, I can't say I would change things or what I've done to make it to this point. I know things will work themselves out and I'll be okay. Thankfully, I have the support of family and friends that I know will help me along the way (I hope so anyway...)

I'm off tonight to Port Elizabeth to see Celine Dion live in concert. Haha...although I can't say I'm her #1 fan, I thought it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up...come on...I'm in South Africa people...how funny to see her when I would never go to a concert back home!?

Saturday morning, bright and early I'm saying goodbye to Grahamstown, the place I've called home for the past 6-months. Although I couldn't see myself live here forever, it's been nice to settle here for the internship and meet the people I have. I'm definitely going to miss the people at SAEON, EFA and of course the Drake family, who we rented our flats from and got to know very well.

I'm excited to travel again and I'm flying up to Durban, meeting Chantelle there then we're hiring a car and going scuba diving at Aliwal shoal. This is supposed to be the best place in South Africa to scuba dive and I can't believe it's taken me this whole internship to get into the water. I think the wait will be well worth it and one of the dives will be a wreck dive, which are my favourite!
From Durban, we’re flying back to Port Elizabeth for a few days then going our separate ways. I’m off to England before returning to Halifax and Chantelle is heading home to Calgary. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without Chantelle for different parts of this experience. It was incredible sharing it with another Canadian and I’m thankful we got along so well. It could have been long 6-months if we didn’t hit it off!

So I guess for now this is a goodbye. I’ve enjoyed being able to write out my thoughts and adventures and share them with you. I know this has been a life-changing experience and for those I will see in the near future, you must understand that I’m coming home with a new perspective on the world and although I’m the same girl, I have new found knowledge that will forever change my ideas and beliefs about life. Wow- I am getting far too philosophical!!!

All my love,
Melinda

Bird Island Research Trip

2 weeks ago I had the second opportunity to return to Bird Island and this time around it was definitely “roughing” it. The conditions weren’t ideal to leave the first day so by the second day we were anxious to go. It’s over an hour boat trip to the island and it was a bumpy trip out so my butt was bruised by the time we got there. Bird Island is not open to the general public and I was fortunate to be asked to join in on this research trip. The main purpose was to collect data for both Russell (who I work with at Enviro-Fish Africa) and for Craig, who is an honour’s student here at Rhodes University. Craig’s project is to look at the difference between hooks and the type of injuries that the fish sustains (i.e. which is the least harmful method of fishing). The team consisted for 4 guys who were all doing the fishing, and myself who was recording all the data.

After unloading all of our gear onto the island, we set out of a short (8 hour) day on the water. So basically the whole idea was to catch and record as many fish as possible, of course with the least amount of damage to the fish. The most common fish caught were Red Romans, Santer, and Fransmadam. There were also a few sharks (dusky? and one 2m Ragged tooth), Yellowtail (think sushi), and one octopus caught. I was recording the type of species, where it was hooked (corner of the mouth, upper or lower jaw, etc.), the length of the fish, and whether there were any injuries and what kind. It was interesting for me to watch and learn about fishing and the type of species in these waters.

The area around Bird Island is a Marine Protected Area so we had a research permit which allowed us to catch and release. The first day out on the water we saw at least 5 boats that were abalone poachers. They get away with it because there is very little monitoring and enforcement against the illegal fishing.
After a long day, we returned to the island and had a braai (bbq) before crashing early. There was a BBC film crew on the island sharing the same building where we were so there was little room to move. The BBC crew was there to film a documentary. Look out for it in 2009! The guys were nice enough to offer me a bed while they slept on mattresses on the floor. The first night however I swore I was being eaten alive by bed bugs!

At 5am we woke the next morning and headed back out on the water for a longer (11hr) day. If you’ve ever spent that much time out on the water you’ll know that it gets very exhausting, very quickly. There was the 5 of us on the 25 foot boat. A tight fit! Oh, and I got used to the idea of having to squat off the stern (back) of the boat when duty called. By the time we got back and had dinner we were ready for bed (9pm). Oh, no hot water on the island- just rain water for washing and drinking. I was craving a hot shower by this time.
The third day out on the water was special to me because it was my 28th birthday. I didn’t tell the guys though so I spent the entire day without any birthday wishes, aside from the few text messages I received (thank you to those people!!). The water was pretty calm and the sun was shinning. Really, a perfect day on the water. We saw whales, hammerhead sharks (at the surface), dolphins (swimming with the bow wake), and of course seals and penguins back at the island. Overall, I couldn’t ask for a more memorable birthday. Even though there was no huge party I was pretty happy with how the day turned out (aside from a bit of sun stroke and dehydration).

The last day out on the water was very short. We just a bit of pleasure fishing around the island before heading back to Kenton. It was a long day though as I didn’t get to Grahamstown until 4pm. Of course the first thing I did was jump in the pool then had a very long shower to scrub all the dirt off.
The best part of Bird Island is the penguins. They’re my favourite and I just love watching them and how they interact with one another.

The worst part of Bird Island is the SMELL!! Oh my word, it was nauseating!! Really, aside from the bird smell, the rotting seaweed down where the boat was docked was beyond anything I’ve ever smelt before. The poor guys had to go waist deep in it in order to tie up the boat. I offer to help with most everything…not this time.
Really, I can’t complain about anything because so few people in this world will ever get to see this place in person. It meant for me spending 4 days out of the office and away from my computer. Even though we were roughing it (no showers, bugs in our food, a toilet that didn’t flush properly) it was an incredible adventure..one I will never forget…..

Oh, they’re going back for another round of data collection in February and I’ve been asked to join them again. I think they like the fact that I don’t complain that I can’t fish because I have to do all the scribing. I’ve also been asked to go with SAEON on a trip back to Cape Town and Mossel Bay in mid-February and I’m REALLY excited about this trip because of where we’re going and the people who are going.

I’m sooo lucky to be involved with this work and be here on this internship.

With just over a month left in the country I have mixed emotions about leaving. I’ve adapted to this lifestyle and I’m very content in how my daily routine works. I’m missing my social circle of friends back in Halifax and really missing my niece and nephew. I’m loving the summer heat now and dread returning to the cold climate. Of course the biggest fear I have is the task in finding a “real” job when I get back to Canada. I’m also without a place to live, which means I’ll be turning to friends and family for their couch to crash on. Despite all of this, I wouldn’t trade how this experience for the world and I know that this has been a life changing trip. The things I’ve seen and done are beyond what I could ever make people truly understand or comprehend.
I’ve learned to appreciate the (small) things that I might not have ever considered back home, the biggest being a sense of security. I won’t miss feeling like I always have to look over my shoulder when I’m walking places (even during the middle of the day).

Hope all of you are keeping warm and enjoying the New Year so far!!
All my love,
Melinda

My Cape Town Adventure

In just less than 2 months I will be leaving South Africa and I can say this has been a life-changing experience. There’s still much to see and do between now and then but for now I’ll update you on my Christmas holidays in Cape Town.

Our first stop on the way to Cape Town was in Jeffrey’s Bay, which is famous for its surfing and outlet surf stores. Our hostel was literally right on the beach and it was thrilling to be back at the ocean. After spending the morning shopping, we hired surf boards and hit the waves. This time around I did not prove to be as successful as I had been in Australia and although I’d make it up on the board, I’d sink down before riding the wave properly. Still, I can say I tried surfing in one of South Africa’s most famous surfing spots.

The next day we continued on the bus down the Garden Route to our next stop in Plettenberg Bay. After arriving to a hostel that no longer existed (we were scammed by the owner who closed the hostel over 6 months ago but was still taking bookings) we were lucky to find another place to stay which ended up being one of the nicest hostels I’ve ever seen. The second day there we ended up hiring a car and driving to the Bloukrans bridge, where Chantelle did the World’s highest bungee jump. I was more than happy just watching as she plunged off the side of the bridge. From there we headed to the beach then off for an hour long horseback trail ride up through the hills with the most stunning view of the area.

The following day was a long 9 hour bus ride to Cape Town but we finally made it there on December 23rd. We met a wicked couple, Casey and Kevin and the next day we all headed to the famous V & A Waterfront and the Two Oceans Aquarium. I’ve seen many aquariums and to my disappointment this was not the most impressive one. Still, I always enjoy mingling with the fish and marine life. Later that day we found ourselves at this pub on the waterfront and spent the rest of the evening drinking. I can say that was the first time I’ve been drunk on Christmas Eve (I did make it to midnight mass, and had sobered up by then).

Christmas day involved brunch at the hostel, vodka punch by the pool, then the beach all afternoon. It was my mission to spend Christmas on the beach since of course I wouldn’t get to do that back in Canada. Christmas dinner was at an outdoor restaurant back on the waterfront followed by Hagen Daaz ice cream! I couldn’t get over how many people were out that night. I guess we’re used to staying home with our families on Christmas day but the South African tradition seems to be the opposite and I suppose the main difference for this is the weather.

This is how the rest of my holiday went:

December 26th
Went to Robben Island with Casey, Kevin, and Chantelle. We were lucky to get in on a cancellation as they were fully booked the entire time we were in CT. The ferry ride was 45 minutes and when we arrived we boarded a bus and had a tour of the island seeing penguins along the way. When we got out at the prison, we were greeted by an ex-inmate who guided us through and explained both the history and what life was like there. I suppose the main reason for people to visit is to see the cell where Nelson Mandela spent a quarter of a century.

December 27th
Went on a winery tour of 4 different wineries around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. We tasted over 20 different wines and learned about the wine making process and how to test wine. The scenery was spectacular and we had a long day sipping wine and eating cheese, chocolate and olives! YUM!!

December 28th
This was our day to go sea kayaking and last minute I discovered it was not out of Cape Town but down in Simon’s Town, which luckily was just a train and bus ride away. Due to high winds we didn’t get out as far as where the penguins were but it was fun nonetheless and this is something I’ve always wanted to try. I’ve been in a mini kayak before but just around a lake. Since we had gone that far and really wanted to see the penguins we trekked down to Boulders Beach, which is one of the most famous places to see penguins up close. We literally could have touched them we were so close and it was pretty sweet just sitting on the beach as they interacted and jumped in the cold water. One very memorable day (just as seeing the penguins on Bird Island was).

December 29th
We were pretty tired from the busy week so we decided to spend the day at the waterfront and go shopping!! That night we headed down to Camps Bay and watched the sunset over a bottle of wine with a local South African we met at the bar.

December 30th
Headed to the Sunday market where “African” crafts were sold. Everything from jewellery to carved bowls and masks. Of course as soon as a vendor heard your accent and knew that you were foreign they raised the price. There most definitely is a skill to bargaining and for one example the first price they asked was 120 Rand and I talked him down to 55 Rand (or about $8 Cdn).

That afternoon it was our mission to hike up Table Mountain. Table Mountain overlooks the city of Cape Town and is the number 1 tourist attraction in the city. The trail we climbed was over 1000 m high and definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done. They told us it would take over 2 hours and we did it in an hour and a half (with MANY stops along the way). We had been warned of the dangerous trek but I didn’t find it that scary. They warn you about muggings and over the years there have been a number of people falling to their death. Sweaty and tired, when we finally reached the top the view was spectacular! One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen! You could see over the clouds and it really felt like heaven! Looking down over Cape Town and the ocean was pretty unreal and you definitely need time to take in all the scenery. The cable car ride down was only 5 minutes and we left both exhausted but satisfied with our accomplishment!

December 31st
Ah yes, New Years Eve. Hmmm…I think that day was pretty lazy. I’m sure I wandered down to the waterfront at some point and that night, myself, Chantelle, Yvette (Holland), and Jo (England) dressed up and headed back to the waterfront for dinner and drinks. Of course we hadn’t planned ahead and every restaurant was either booked or more than we wanted to pay (or could afford). After over an hour we found a fish and chip take-away and ate our food on our laps sitting out on the steps and drinking 3 bottles of wine. We ended up back at the bar where we spent Christmas Eve. This is where we rang in the New Year. After watching the fireworks over the harbour we had a few more drinks then headed to Long Street, which is famous in Cape Town for all its clubs and bars. We spent the rest of the night dancing in an Irish pub (where I almost yelled at a guy for saying I was too tall).

January 1st HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!!!
Wow- was hard getting out of bed after stumbling home around 4am but we made it to the beach and despite the high winds, caught some rays and enjoyed a relaxed lunch in Camps Bay. Definitely a non-productive day but the weather was stunning so I wasn’t complaining!

January 2nd
Spent our last day in Cape Town back at Clifton beach. The water was absolutely freezing (Atlantic Ocean side) so it was just sun bathing and relaxation. Of course I didn’t put sun screen on soon enough and by the afternoon I was pretty red. That night, after a braai (BBQ) at the hostel, a few of us headed out for cocktails with good company. What a perfect way to spend our last night in an incredible city!

January 3rd
Sadly we had to leave Cape Town and head back to Grahamstown. We had planned ahead however, and skipped the long bus ride home by flying to Port Elizabeth where we spent 2 days before taking the bus to Grahamstown. The morning of the 3rd, we left pretty early for the airport…and from the cocktails the night before and lack of sleep I accidentally left my purse (with my camera, wallet, and Ray Ban sunglasses) at the hostel. Of course there was no time to drive back and make it on my flight so I had to risk sending a taxi with it. It arrived safely 25 minutes later with everything in it but it ended up costing me more than the original ride.

So I've been back in Grahamstown almost a week now and there's many things to be excited for in the next 2 months.
Next week I'm off to Bird Island again but this time for 4-5 days and we'll be sleeping on the island. Each day we'll be out on the water doing some research and data collection regarding fishing methods. So it looks like I'll be celebrating my 28th birthday on the island with the penguins (which isn't such a bad memory).

I've also just been asked to join SAEON (South Africa Environmental Observation Network) on a week long trip back to Mossel Bay then to Cape Town!!! We'll be doing more water and sediment collection which means I get to be out on a boat all day!! Even better, I get to go back to CAPE TOWN!!!!!!!!! This happens in mid-February and when I get back from that trip I will have only 2 weeks left of work.

I'm currently researching and collecting information on Environmental Management Plans and how aquaculture impacts the environmental, social, and economic state of South Africa. This report has been given to the company where I work and I'm thrilled to be a part of such an exciting project.

I apologize for such a long blog but I had to update you on the past several weeks.
Summer is finally here and I will be making great use of the pool in my back yard!

I hope all of you are well and I wish you all the best in 2008!!
All my love,
Melinda

Christmas in Cape Town!

Today is officially the start of my Christmas vacation!!

This evening, myself and Chantelle are jumping on the Greyhound bus and heading to Cape Town to spend Christmas and New Years, South African style!!
We'll be arriving in Jeffrey's Bay tonight and spending two nights there before heading further down the Garden Route towards Cape Town and stopping in Plettenberg Bay for 2 nights.

We have many exciting things planned for the next 2 weeks and I can't wait to see another part of this country and meet new people from other parts of the world!

Although it's difficult being away from family and friends during the holiday season I am excited to spend Christmas in the sun and experience another tropical holiday! MY first Christmas away from home was 3 years ago when I was in Australia (I CANNOT believe it's been 3 years!!) and I was much more homesick and not feeling the Christmas spirit. This time around I'm feeling more independent (and at a different point in my life) and thankful for this whole experience. Having the opportunity to do this internship has been incredible and I'm very thankful to be here!!

Although I will be thinking of snow and all the "Canadian" Christmas traditions, I am excited to experience new "South African" Christmas traditions.

I hope to hear from all of you over the holidays even if it's a quick email hello. I will be in touch and have many stories and photos to share in the new year!!
All my love,
Melinda

And the Countdown Begins!

Well, I suppose I've been counting down for a while but in 12 days, we're off to Cape Town for Christmas and New Years...YAY!!

SO it's Friday afternoon and I'm slightly bored so I'm going to write a quick post.

There's not much to report. This week I've been stuck behind a computer at work researching and writing about South African legislation and how it manages aquaculture. The project I'm working on is to develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for SA and Enviro-Fish Africa (my employer) has been asked to develop the plan. I am doing the introductory, background report.

Aside from work I've been in the gym everyday this week. What a great thing it has been to go there and work out. Basically my saving grace in terms of boredom here in Grahamstown. Now that Rhodes University is done for the holidays most of the students have left town and it's really quiet. Everyone here in the office is leaving for holidays next week. I might just do the same:)

So I know I've mentioned it to a few people but it's now official. I'm spending 9 extra days in England on my way home back to Canada. I'm so excited and I'll get to meet up with some old friends who I met while travelling in Australia. I've really got to keep my eye on my $$ as I'm running out of it very quickly. Anyone know how I can make some quick cash?? :)

SO it's SUPPOSED to be summer here but I'm not seeing any nice weather. I had heard Grahamstown had shitty weather....they weren't kidding! Last Sunday it was at least 30 degrees. All week I've been in long pants and sweaters. I know, I know...I can't complain..it's snowy and cold back in Canada...haha..

Okay, I better get back to "work". Ah, life is rough.
I have my staff Christmas party tomorrow evening.
Have a good weekend all!

Melinda

Here's me working hard in the lab.

Port Elizabeth and the Parents

Last Friday I braved the bus down to Port Elizabeth, which is just over an hour west from here. I wanted to get out of Grahamstown for the weekend and my parent’s arrival from Namibia was a perfect excuse to spend some time in a new place. Saturday, Chantelle and I broke down and hit up McDonald’s for the first time since arriving in South Africa. Normally, I’m not a huge fan but that egg McMuffin hit the spot. I suppose McDonald’s is the universal fast food. No matter the country, it always tastes like home! :)

While Chantelle was off doing her open water course I ventured down the board walk and found myself back to the place where we had lunch the very first day in South Africa. There are many different shops there and I was able to pick up a few gifts for the family. After meeting up with Chantelle for dinner and few drinks we crashed pretty early Saturday night. Sunday, the sun was shinning so I made my way down to the beach but the high wind prevented me from dipping into the ocean for a swim. Instead, I wandered back to where we were staying for the weekend and swam in the pool there. Once Chantelle was done her course that day, we walked down the waterfront as there were vendors selling a variety of merchandise.

Port Elizabeth beachfront
"The Boardwalk", Port Elizabeth

After Chantelle jumped on a bus back to Grahamstown, I headed out to the airport where I met my parents who had spent the last 3 weeks travelling around Namibia. They had booked that trip before I even found out I was coming to South Africa so it worked out well that I would be able to see them on this continent. Monday morning, we rented a car and drove to Addo Elephant National Park. This was my second time there but I really wanted my parents to experience it. We spent a few hours driving around and just as we were leaving we saw over 20 elephants by the side of the road (I was starting to get nervous because we hadn’t seen any up to that point). After arriving back to Grahamstown, I showed them where I lived, and then we went for some South African cuisine at a local restaurant with Chantelle.

Tuesday, the plan had originally been to drive down to Port Alfred, which is in the opposite direction from Port Elizabeth but we decided to stay in Grahamstown where I gave my parents the grand tour. I took them to Enviro-Fish Africa (where I work) and they got to meet my boss. The rest of the day was spent visiting the 3 local museums (which my parents LOVE to see). I was surprisingly impressed by these since Grahamstown is so small.

Male Kudu in Addo Elephant National Park
Display at the Natural Science Museum, Grahamstown
Me and my Parents at Addo

Wednesday morning we were all up by 4am and waited 2 hours for the late bus to arrive. They jumped on it and spent the long 14 hours back to Cape Town where they caught their flight back to Canada.

I was lucky to spend time with them and it was surreal seeing them here in Africa! Since I’ll be away from family and friends at Christmas, it was a refreshing visit.

I’m now involved with a new project at work. I’m doing research and gathering information that I’ll write up in a report dealing with current legislation and policy related to aquaculture activities in South Africa. I have the next 2 weeks to complete this and by the time I’m done everyone will be getting ready to leave for Christmas holidays. The majority of people here take about a month off over Christmas and New Years and we’re fortunate to have over 2 weeks off to take our trip to Cape Town. I’m getting super excited about it and I just hope I have enough money to do everything I want to do. Time is flying here and there are still so many things I’d like to experience!!
I know the weather is getting colder back home and ever so slowly it’s warming up here. I’m anxious to get in the water and go surfing and scuba diving sooner than later!

It doesn’t feel like Christmas is just around the corner at all! There are some Christmas decorations around the shops downtown but of course without snow or even cold weather is just doesn’t have the same atmosphere. As some of you might know, I HATE the cold, so I’m not complaining at all.

I hope all of you are doing well.
All my love,
Melinda

YES- there IS a (big) difference!!!

Haha...Okay, so I have to blog about this....just cause it's funny!

So twice this week at the gym I've been mistaken for an American. Now before I go any further I would like to say my disclaimer: My mother is American which makes me 50% American. I have American relatives and friends and I have lived in the States. I enjoy some parts of the US and there's other parts I would like to visit one day. I am not a hater....just hear me out!:)

So the first case of mistaken identity:

I asked this girl a question while using a machine at the gym and she asked if I was from America. I chuckled (cause I hate this question- I am slightly insulted) and said, "no I'm Canadian". Then she proceeded to say, "what's the difference?". and I said, "there's a BIG difference honey!". haha......she apologized after paying me a compliment (regarding something else).

Last night at the gym this guy (who had been staring me down while I was on the bike) came over to me while I was working out on a machine. He asked if I was new to Rhodes (the university here in town...apparently it's that small of town when you stand out as being new). I said no, that I was an intern working here. He went on to ask me if I was American. Again, I said no and that I was from Canada. His reply, "There's no difference to me". And I then asked him if he was from South Africa. He was. I said it was "like comparing him to Australians". Apparently South Africans really have something against Australia. Mostly cause of their rivalry in Cricket and Rugby. He didn't like that answer and I think he had a better understanding why I didn't want to be confused for an American. Then he started going on about why I would choose to come to Grahamstown and why at my age wasn't I married!! He also didn't think that Melinda was a very "Canadian" name. Anyway, I was glad when the conversation was over and he probably thought I was rude but I didn't want to have that conversation while I was sweating like a pig!!

Haha....Since Chantelle and I are both over 6 feet tall we stand out anyway but as soon as people hear our "accents", we REALLY stand out. I suppose it's the same for the other interns who stand out where they are because of their skin colour. In Grahamstown (and South Africa in general), we don't really notice that since there are a large mix of skin colour(s).






I'm off to Port Elizabeth (PE) for the weekend to do some sight-seeing and hopefully lounging on the beach. Port Elizabeth is a large coastal city about an hour and a half west from here by bus. My parents are flying into PE Sunday night from Namibia and we're spending three nights together before they have to head back to Canada.
Since I will be spending Christmas away from the family this will be a nice reunion and extra special since we're on a different continent.

xo
Melinda