Melinda's South African Adventure

The end of another chapter

2008-02-27T01:35:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-28T04:06:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-11T01:41:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-19T00:03:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-30T06:11:00.001-08:00

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!!!

2007-11-23T04:12:00.000-08:00

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

A Few Random Thoughts...

2007-11-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well, today is one of those days....so I thought I would blog. hmmmm....some random things to talk about......

I've been going to the gym now for a week....feeling good, feeling stronger, and thinking I just might feel better in a bikini come December! Chantelle and I have set up a really good routine of heading over there and working out everyday straight from work. It gives me something to do and of course it's my stress relief (not that I'm stressed)!

Finally It' s heating up here in Grahamstown. Breaking out those summer clothes feel great. Looking forward to some major shopping in Cape Town over Christmas to add to my wardrobe! There's little doubt that I will be leaving a lot of what I brought here so I can take home all my new purchases in March!

I've decided I am going to try to do the Search and Rescue dive course sometime in the next few months. It's one step closer to becoming a Dive Master which is my ultimate goal. I also hope to get a few dives in up and down the coast here and of course I've mentioned before the cage shark diving we're planning on doing in December!!

So some random thoughts on what I've observed here in Grahamstown.......

Safety:

This does not seem to be a major concern for a lot of people here. One thing I cringe at all the time is seeing young children or babies in the arms of their mothers in the front seat of cars. I'm sorry, if you can afford a vehicle, you can afford a child seat!! You wouldn't believe how insane drivers are here. There's no mercy for pedestrians!! If you're not careful, you will lose an arm as a car passes you on the road (of course when there's no sidewalks and you have no choice but walking on the road).

Practically every house and building here is behind a fence. There's barbed wire everywhere and some people even have electric fences around there homes. As I said before, the poverty rate is so high here and those who have things worth protecting do so with high fences. I miss seeing open yards and kids toys and bikes left on the front yard without any worry of it going missing.

I will never take my safe sense feeling back in Canada for granted ever again. Being able to walk places at night in Halifax is something I never really appreciated until I came here. I don't want to put a negative vibe to this blog but I am more aware of the simple things that we have in Canada that many people don't even notice.

Jobs:
We were told about "African" time before we came here. Basically, this means that things happen at a much slower pace than they may back in North America. I can't really say I've seen this where I work although my office is pretty chillax and people come and go as they please. I know that in other parts of the continent, things happen only when they happen. There's no rush or push to get things done quickly.

Since there such a high rate of unemployment there are many small jobs that are created to provide a (small) income for those less fortunate. Most everyone has a "helper" who comes in and does the dishes, laundry, cooking, gardening, cleaning etc. This would only be the case for the very wealthy back home. I greet the gardener who comes to our property a few times a week. He keeps the grounds looking lovely and I'm guessing he's the one who will be responsible for keeping the pool clean all summer. I am very much looking forward to using that pool too!:)

Another simple job is car tenders. Most everyone drives to the pub and when you park your car outside on the street there is a person who basically watches the cars and guards them from thieves (although I've heard many stories of cars being stolen). At the end of the night when you return to your car, you tip that person a small amount (usually 1-3Rand basically around 25 cents CND). It's such a simple thing but as you can see it grabbed my attention.

Cross Cultural:
As some of you may or may not know, South Africa probably has the greatest mix of blacks and whites in all of Africa. In Grahamstown, I don't feel like I stick out because of my skin colour and I don't really feel racism from either side. There's such a rich pride from the whites and from the blacks and you definitely feel the African pride, no matter the colour. Maybe this is just what I see but I realize there still is much racisim, even if you don't hear about it or see it.
As I have said before I haven't really gone through "culture shock" and this is probably because South Africa is quite westernized compared to other countries. I can find anything I might need and I don't have to worry about what I wear or how I will communicate with those around me. I am facinated by the variety of languages and even the different hand shakes here and although I will never learn more than few new words I am amazed by the integration of it all!

Christmas is just around the corner and I'm becoming more excited about the holidays and experiencing new traditions in a new country. When I celebrated Christmas in Australia it was my first Christmas away from home but this year I am more excited about the independance and experience of sharing the holidays with strangers. I suppose because I am only here for 6 months I don't feel as sad being away for so long and know that just around the corner I will be leaving and saying goodbye to this beautiful country!

Well, I suppose that's enough for today. I still haven't received some people's mailing address. If there's nothing in your mailbox from South Africa you'll know why:)

Ngeyavalilisa (goodbye in Zulu)
love,
Melinda

A View of Grahamstown

Mossel Bay and Bird Island

2007-11-08T04:55:00.000-08:00

Back from another wonderful trip down the coast!! Last week I headed 5 hours west of Grahamstown with Guy and Russell to Mossel Bay where we had 2 days on the boat and one day on the beach, all while collecting data for a project that Russell is working on (he’s a co-worker of mine here at Enviro-Fish Africa). The first day we arrived late in the evening and of course because it was October 31st , there was a halloween party at the hostel. Well, it turned out to be a “rave” with loud techno music until 5:30am!! I only got about 3 hours sleep and had to head out on the water for a long 8 hour day! What we were actually doing was collecting bottom sediment which we are now sifting through in the lab and extracting anything that was once living for identification and will be used to prove if the area is in need of protection. Mossel Bay is famous for it’s high number of sharks in the waters and many tourist come here for cage shark diving!

For two days we covered 16 site areas where we dropped this large metal device that acted as a bucket and each time was dropped around 20-25 meters before pulled up and the contents transferred to jars. We also recorded surface and bottom water quality including temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen.
We also recorded bottom bathymetry over the proposed site which hopefully will be protected from further development and over-exploitation from the proposed aquaculture site.

The boys were stuck with all the physical work. Pulling the sediment was quite hard!

Here I am taking down all the water quality data

On the third day we walked 13 km along the beach taking GPS coordinates which basically mapped the beach for Russell’s report. Mossel Bay was stunning. It’s mostly Afrikkan so everywhere I went I purposely spoke first in English so they wouldn’t start talking to me in their language.

Beautiful beach in Mossel Bay

After 4 nights we arrived back in Grahamstown and overall the trip was sort of a vacation more so than “work”. Really I can’t complain about it!:)

The next day, myself and 4 guys from Rhodes University took a boat out to Bird Island. This is a protected area and is not open to the public. We were able to go because one of the guys is a researcher and the purpose of our trip was to pick some equipment up from the island. The island is a breeding ground for Cape Gannets and there were literally thousands of birds either huddled together in one large pack or flying around. It was incredible to see!! Also on the island are African Penguins (formally called Jackass Penguins) which are the most adorable birds in the world! I’ve always loved penguins and this was the first time I’ve seen them outside of a zoo and I literally was inches from some of them! Honestly, one trip I will never forget!!

Cape Gannets

African Penguins

After the island stop, we went fishing just off the waters of Bird Island but everything we caught was safely released back into the water. This was the first time I’ve been deep sea fishing..only before it was on freshwater lake. Within a minute or so of dropping my lure I had caught my first fish- a Red Roman. I caught another 2 of these then a Scotsman- all tropical fish and the colours were amazing!! I started to feel guilty about it (even though we were releasing them) after that so I just sat back and watched the others fish. The boys then started catching sharks and a highlight was holding one before releasing it back into the water. Incredible!!

Holding a Scotsman

Holding the shark

Overall, it was an awesome trip and definitely one I will never forget!

It’s been almost 2 months since arriving here in South Africa. I feel like I’ve done so much already but there’s still a lot I would like to see and do before I head back to Canada in March. Aside from all the touristy things (such as shopping, surfing, diving, cage shark diving), I would like to get more involved with community development type work or at least volunteer my time to a worthy cause. I hate to use it as an excuse but without a vehicle to get around this might be difficult. Still, I have 2 weeks off at the end of my time here so I would like to use that time wisely.

It’s finally starting to warm up and summer is just around the corner. Hopefully I’ll be rid of this ongoing nasal leakage I’ve had for the past month soon. Oh, I’ve joined the gym at the university so I’m on my way losing some pounds and toning up for bikini weather!!

Hope everyone is doing well!
All my love,
Melinda

Great Fish River and Beer

2007-10-29T02:18:00.000-07:00

Ah, back in the office again after another wonderful weekend here and around Grahamstown.
Last week Chantelle and I started to plan our Christmas vacation to Cape Town and I’m SOOO excited to do some extended travelling!! There are so many things we want to do!

This weekend began on Friday night with “sundown” at the G-town Golf Club. Beers were cheap (7 Rand= $1 CND) and chilling with new friends I’ve made since arriving here is always a nice way to end the work week.

Waking up with a hang over is never nice but getting the invite to another game reserve was just what we all needed on Saturday. We drove up to Kudu Game Reserve, which I was told is the only free reserve in this area. Once we were there we unfortunately didn’t see any Rhino’s (which was my hope) but we did see some Kudu’s, Warthog’s, Tortoise, Springbok’s, and Eland’s. We had brought a picnic lunch which we enjoyed down by the river. This was the “Great Fish River” which we continued to follow down into the Great Fish River Reserve and drove up to get a spectacular view. Wow- is all I can say!

Sunday was another relaxing day which included an invite to an afternoon “braai” (BBQ) of chicken stew and running a few errands in town. Overall, what a great weekend with great new friends!

Still waiting on the weather report for this week but keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be heading down to Mossel Bay with Russell and Guy for some data collection out at sea and on the beach. Wednesday of course is Halloween and since they don’t really celebrate it here I’m excited that we’ll be staying at a hostel where they’ve told us there will be a party in honour of the international backpackers. Hmmm…I must think up a costume!
Any ideas??

I suppose that’s about it for now,
Melinda xo

Mind over Matter

2007-10-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

I'm overly tired this morning since I was kept awake last night by what I thought were people on my roof. Just a few minutes after I turned the lights out I heard what sounded like people sneaking around the roof of my flat. This continued for over an hour and every possible scenario played out in my head. My flat is on the property of a very nice house and although there is a fence surrounding the property (and two loud Great Dane dogs) I swore people were plotting to break in to my place and my mind thought up the most extreme pictures of what was going to happen. Anyway, this hasn't been the first night I thought I heard people but definitely the most frightening. I was curled up under my blankets too frightened to even get up and investigate the situation.

I believe now it was a combination of the wind and tree branches and most definitely mind over matter!!

The other day I was walking home from work around 5pm and there was a man following me. Grahamstown has a bit of a ghost town feel and some days you can be walking around my neighbourhood and not see anyone. Of course when I got to my flat the man continued walking but I held my breath the whole time and really I probably had nothing to worry about.

As I mentioned before this sense of security (or lack thereof) is something I've struggled with over the past month in Grahamstown/South Africa. This is an incredible country but unfortunately the crime rate far exceeds my cozy little bubble back in Canada. In general back home we can leave our houses unlocked and not really think twice about it, but here, you wouldn't think twice about NOT locking your house, setting the alarm and bolting the second or third lock on your property. Luckily though it's not my safety I fear, it's the uncontrollable sense of having no control over a situation.

(As a disclaimer: you do not need to worry about me.)

During the week here in Grahamstown, the main street is busy and full of people shopping and running their errands. Everything closes down early in compared to North American standards and even on Saturday's most shops close by 1pm. I suppose as a western society we are often more consumed with consumerism and the need to want and obtain things. People here take and appreciate what they need for survival and although everyone wants the latest technology or fashion design, there isn't as much emphasis on this. I like that simplicity and I again feel so fortunate for what I have and realize that really I am selfish in what I feel I must have.

This week is slow here at work because most everyone is away from the office. Next week I'm looking forward to a 3-day trip down the coast to Mossel Bay. Stay tuned for more on that.

Oh, if you haven't heard- the South African Springboks beat England in the Rugby world cup finals last Saturday. The national pride I felt in the pub that night was a strong reminder of my Canadian pride and I was impressed by the patriotism of the people here.

I am so lucky to be here and I feel grateful for this experience!

All my love,
Melinda

In Search of an Aquaculture Site

2007-10-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

So it's been just over a month since I arrived in South Africa and so far it's been an amazing experience!

I've just returned from my most recent trip yesterday up the coast in search of an aquaculture site here in the Eastern Cape (i.e. province). I basically tagged along with Tom who is the aquaculture specialist here at Enviro-Fish Africa. We drove to our first coastal village of Hamburg which already has an existing oyster site but on a very small scale. There, we met with several others who flew in from Cape Town who are interested in the development of a site in order to create jobs for the community.

The next day we first visited Qolora, which was much more desolate and this was my first real sense of poverty here in Africa. We stopped to meet with some locals and there were small children who had no shoes and could not speak English but knew the word "money" as they reached their hands out to us. As we drove away Tom reached for the chocolate bar we had in the truck and started eating it..I wanted to grab it from him so these poor, starving children wouldn't see it. Wow- I felt completely spoiled and very much grateful for what I have!

Driving down these roads and through the small communities I got a better idea of how these people live. Very simple lives, in very simple homes. The lucky ones have electricity but the majority of the one-room homes were very basic and of course no indoor plumbing (i.e. outhouses!). The fortunate children go to school and they all have to walk a fair distance to these schools. The children were very friendly as we passed them all waiving and shouting out to us. I must learn some of the language so I can even say a simple hello. I believe there are over 13 official languages spoken in South Africa alone!

We then arrived in Dwesa (Nature Reserve) which was the third potential location for the aquaculture site. The only road down to the coastal reserve was over an hour and half long and it was a muddy, bumpy road. We stayed here two nights in a very nice log cabin with no electricity but luckily a gas stove/refrigerator. The first day I was reading in the common room and I turned around to see a monkey in the kitchen about to open the garbage can. They're very much a nuisance here (but I think they're adorable!). Oh, and saw my first scorpion. Lethal or not, I got it out of the cabin pretty quickly!

Safe and sound back in Grahamstown I am now very much appreciative of my hot shower and the electricity that I have in my flat. It's amazing what you're thankful for when you go without after only a few days!

Compared to the other CIDA interns who are in other parts of Africa (Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya) I realize we have it pretty comfy and I am grateful that. I however feel a bit of jealously that I haven't experienced the "real" Africa in the same way they have. To hear other stories of children running up to them because they're probably one of few (or only) white people that these people have seen and are so in awe of them sounds like a surreal experience. South Africa is known to be a mixed, and diverse African country so I probably won't come across that sensation here (definitely not in Grahamstown, where I'm living until March).

There have been small adjustments that I've had to make and really they're nothing I can't handle (well....). Not going anywhere by myself (or even with another person) at night is one adjustment that has been frustrating. The crime here is mostly petty theft but you don't take chances and since it's dark here by 7pm you really find ways of keeping occupied. Luckily, Chantelle (the other Canadian Intern) and I have made friends with people who have cars and have made many offers to come pick us up and who have driven us after dark to different social gatherings. The luxuries of home are all pretty much here. I can find the same toiletries and food as I would back in Canada and a real bonus is beer/wine is REALLY cheap. I won't tell you how much...It will only create jealously!:) Oh, and there is a 3-screen movie theatre here...only 22 RAND to see a movie ($3 Canadian).

Well, that's about it for my first real blog. There's so much I want to fill you all in on but I guess I have 5 more months to do so. Looking forward to some time off over Christmas and in March and then I will do some travelling to other parts of the country!! YAY, hostel-living here I come (again)!! Scuba diving, surfing and cage shark-diving are all on my must-do list!

My parents arrive in a month for a quick visit. They are travelling around Namibia (neighbouring country to South Africa, North-west of here) for a month then will come and see me here. I look forward to seeing them and them bringing me a few things from home that I can't get here (although they don't know of this yet!)...

All my love,
Melinda

Introduction to my site

2007-10-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hey friends and family!

So I've realized it's much easier if I just write a blog every once in a while instead of sending out group emails or trying to post messages on Facebook. This way you can bookmark my site and check it out at your own free will and I'll be able to write as much as I want and you'll get a better sense of what's happening here in South Africa. I've never "blogged" before so bare with me...haha...please leave comments (but only nice ones!!).

I'll try to post pictures here too so that people who are not on Facebook can see them as well!

hugs,
Melinda