Boston

Hi there,
So this is a post about Boston which I sadly left yesterday morning. I really loved this city and I feel like its a place that I'd want to live in. Its a great student city with over 100 universities and collages. It feels like New York in terms of being able to walk everywhere but there's less chaos and noise and maybe even a little less soul. I will say that even despite the cold, I'd love to live here. Suddenly I'm entertaining ideas of studying a masters in journalism... maybe at Harvard? Anything is possible. I feel like being away I've started to realize that anything is possible with God. He has blessed me so abundantly both now and even before I left.
On thursday morning I took a train from Ipswich into Boston and I nearly died it was so cold. No joke, i was so cold that i was like, 'This is what people feel like when they're about to die'. I made it to Boston Collage. I have no idea how because like I said I've been so cold and it wasn't even snowing!

It was wonderful catching up with both old ad new Boston Collage friends! BC feels like something out of Gossip Girl with the architecture and wealth. Culture shock. A different way of live than louisville Kentucky. This being said I think I'm definitely an East Coast girl.

One day soon, I hope to come back to Boston.
P.S Post soon about DC where I am now.
xx

Boston bound

Hi all,
I've given up trying to be a regular blogger. And for that I apologise. But here's a quick update:
I finished finals on thursday and left campus on saturday. Very sad but very exciting to be moving on to the next chapter of my crazy life! Today I'm leaving to go to Boston. And from there I'll go to Washington to visit with Will and Sonya. From there I'll bein Philadelphia for Christmas. And from there New York for new years. I'm leaving for South Africa on the 2nd of january. 20 days till SA!!!!!!
I will be much more dutiful about putting mu pictures up on here and on my facebook.
Love you all.
Sarah.

Aaahhh, worst blogger ever.

Aaahhh, worst blogger ever.
Forgive me dear friends.

So today is the first November and my last post was in September. What happened to the time? I guess this really reflects my state of mind right now because I'm in shock that three months have passed since I left. I suppose not keeping a record through the blog or even through my journal can be blamed. But I know that this can also be attributed to the fact that i don't like to confront things. But I can feel my time here drawing to a close and I feel like I'm living two lives; one here and one back home. And shockingly the one back home in tiny Grahamstown is winning right now. In so many ways I belong at Bellarmine- I fit in, I've grown up a lot and been exposed to new ideas and been challenged but its not home...And Rhodes is? Maybe not the place but the people definitely. Lately I've been wishing to be able to go to the Rat to have a drink or to go to Reddits for some tea. I guess its true what they say, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' But enough bitching because i know I'll come back and miss life here!

So what have I been up to?
Well I performed in a play in the beginning of October which was fantastic! Very liberating! I've also been writing a column for the paper from an international perspective. I've been blown away by the popularity of the column and how people care about what I have to say.

Lately, life outside of Bellarmine has really been taking off. I've been going to an amazing church with a service specifically for young adults. It's called 'The Post' and God has been doing amazing things there with me. I feel like i've grown so much spiritually as well as making friends with such incredible Christians. Its kind of bittersweet since the more I get to know them, the sadder I become that i have to leave soon. So much of my life has been in transition for the last year and a half and I'm beginning to get to this place where I need to be settled. Apart from Church stuff, I've been lucky enough to go away for the weekends to work at Christian youth events as a leader. This has been such a blessing with God really teaching me so much about who he is. I think these weekends are going to be ones that I'll really cherish. I never know where I'm going, for how long and what we're doing. But thats when God really shows up- when I don't have any expectations.

The next month is going to be centered unfortunately around academics! i finish exams on the 10th of December and am planning on leaving Louisville on the 12th of December. From Louisville its San Francisco, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia and finally New York!

49 days till South Africa and there's still so much to see and do!
I love you all!
Here are some photos of my room and Bellarmine in the fall.

My Tour of the United States

Ok, Firstly I'm so sorry that I haven't been blogging recently! Life is crazy here, inexcusable but its the truth.
In the last few weeks I've been travelling around a bit and seeing both the wonderful parts of the US as well as the not so great things.
Last weekend I headed up to Cleveland to see both Joshua Radin in concert as well as one of my best friends, Robin. I took the Friday off school (as you do when an exchange student) and braved the Greyhound...DODGY (No one says that here so I'm trying to make it popular). The Greyhound isn't like in SA where its a fairly decent form of transport. Instead its a lower class form of transport and with that in America comes the Hillbillys. No joke. Initailly I was way freaked out but after travelling on it for six hours each way I both confronted my own prejudices and ended up feeling quite proud of myself. When people told me here that travelling on the Greyhound wasn't a great idea I was like, "I'm from South Africa and I've travelled on the bus there. Believe me if I could do that then I can do this too." One thing I've realised that when you're away from all that you know and by yourself- you get brave. And independent. Pretty cool :)

Anyway, Cleveland was wonderful. It was so good seeing Robin again! We pick up right where we started from like we do everytime we see each other. I also met Chris which was fantastic. Great to meet someone who is a major part of her life. On my first night there we went out to the bars in Cleveland. So nice to be going to bars again! On Saturday, we walked around Rob's neighbourhood and went down to Lake Eerie. Later we went to this huge Vintage shop and almost got lost in it. Unfortunately it all go to overwhelming for me! Too many clothes! In the evening of course was the concert. Bloody fantastic! I'm more in love with Joshua Radin than before! It was also lovely to share his music with Robin.




On Sunday, I met Robin's parents who were just lovely. Again, it was wonderful to share this part of her life. Her house looked just like I imagined it would. Very American and homey.



I almost missed my bus back to Louisville! That would have been a tragic chapter in this part of my adventure but would have made for a good story.

I've just gotten back from the Kings of Leon concert in Indianapolis. Indy was so cool; it reminded me a bit of Johannesburg. Kings of Leon were phenomenal. They sound fantastic live! And the general vibe of the show was so cool even though it was raining. Maybe that's why it was so much fun!

On the way to Indy.


Outside the Verizon music centre




Sexy Caleb from Kings of Leon


This morning, I went to breakfast with Dale and Davis Straubinger. David is a very good flute friend of my fathers. It was lovely even though we only had an hour. I was really struck by how warm and generous they were.

So now I'm back in Louisville. What really surprised me was how relieved I was to be back 'home'. Of course this isn't home but in so many ways it is. Don't you love the irony in that it takes me coming 80 000 km from home to find where I belong. Gotta love it.

Anyway, I love you all.
S.

A Tale of Two Cities

I recently created a photo collection titled 'A Tale of Two Cities' which features the two cities which have captured my inspiration; Johannesburg and Louisville.

As a die hard Johannesburg girl, the noise and excitement of this city makes it hard for me to appreciate most other cities. What inspires me about Johannesburg is how there are so many different cultures, time periods and people that are reflected in the buildings. These various things are reflected in the area that I chose to photograph: Newtown. This area is historically known as a place where bricks were manufactured in a racially mixed environment. Today, Newtown attracts an artistic set with its mixture of theatrical, dance and music venues.

What makes Newtown stand out even more is that it's right in the heart of the city. You are at once immersed in the skyline and enveloped by the noise of the traffic and people.

Louisville in contrast to this reflects a much more tranquil history with the old Victorian buildings that still stand. Louisville is a city proudly rooted in its history. The first time I walked downtown, I was enchanted by the old iron facings, Victorian turrets, the red doors of the Churches and the views of the Ohio River. Louisville for the most part looks like an industrial city until you walk downtown, then it feels like walking into 19th century England.

I think it’s in the fact that these two cities are so different yet in so many ways they echo who I am. Johannesburg reflects the diversity and multicultural aspects of being South African. In contrast to this Louisville epitomises the romance and nostalgia of scenes from old Hollywood movies.

When I look at the pictures from both cities I feel a part of both these worlds. It inspires me that I'm weaving my own tale through both of these cities.

First day of class

Today was the first day of class and I have to say that it was great to get back into a routine even though everything's new for me! My class schedule here is a lot more relaxed than back at Rhodes and hopefully my communications courses won't be as intense as journalism back home!

I only had two classes today but they were both very interesting in terms of seeing things from a new perspective. One of these was multicultural American Literature which looks at the theme of race within American literture written by Latino, Native American and black writers. Its refreshing to be able to explore this theme within a new culture and maybe generate new ideas concerning race. As you all know it gets to be an old topic in South Africa!

My second class was social inequality which was very enjoyable. I was nervous that as a South African I'd be called up on a lot to talk about what's going on in South Africa. I wasn't 'picked' on but part of me feels like that's why I'm here; to be an ambassador for South Africa and God has been amazing in generating conversations about South Africa with people. So I'll have to let you all know what happens!

Another reason why today was so good was because I felt as though I had started to bond with the university. I suddenly realised how great it actually is. I know this sounds weird as I've been here for a week but hardly anyone was here and we were stuck in orientation and just getting to know America never mind the university! So despite the fact that I stick out like a sore thumb (that'll be the next post; American fashion) I'm loving it!

Missing you all.
S.


My family here :)

Here safe and sound!

Hi all!
I arrived safely on tuesday morning at like 1am after 33 hours of travelling (this includes the eight hours that I spent in New York). Needless to say I'm exhausted but running on a high of excitement.

I'm sorry for not posting anything but I've been so busy and am still suffering from jetlag. Today's the first day that I've had free to actually write properly. I'll give you all a break down of what's been hapenning over the last few days.

Monday- New York was phenomenal! Words cannot describe the energy and pulse of the city! Once I arrived at JFK I set out into the city with only a vague idea of what I was doing. I think for most of the ride into the city I was in a state of disbelief and only once I climbed up the subway stairs did I realise where I was. The first thing to hit me was the noise and then the heat! I walked up and down sixth and seventh avenue and ended up in the fashion district :) I stumbled into Bryant Park and it is by far my most favourite place in New York. Its like an oasis amongst the chaos and noise of the city. The park is surrounded by the most beautiful old architecture. That's another thing about New York; the architecture is beautiful. In fact all you can do is look up! I felt so small and tiny amongst the buildings and all the people. All in all New York is as fabulous as they say!

Tuesday- My lovely roommate collected me from the airport at 1am in the morning. Needless to say I was feeling a 'little' exhausted but on a high about finally arriving in Louisville. While I was in the Chicago airport I had a mini panic attack about getting to Louisville. It didn't help that my flight was delayed. But after resting up I started to explore Bellarmine. The campus has been really quiet because the only people here right now are the internationals and the athletes. Later we explored a suburb in Louisville called the Highlands. There we had some sushi and went for a walk in the park. Walking in the park felt like I was an extra in a movie. There were kids playing soccer with their mom's watching with their mini-vans and people jogging at like 8pm. That's so weird as at home it would be dark by then and people definitely don't run at night!

Wednesday- We had a welcome breakfast where we all officially met. Though we were all a little nervous we all warmed up and shared a little about ourselves and our countries. We all come from all over the world which is really exciting! Later on Wednesday I went to Walmart! OMG, its ridiculous and scary! I've heard things about middle America which I wasn't totally sure were true and while some are exaggerated; the level of excess is ridiculous. But I will say that an entire country should be judged on one store ;) Especially when there is so much that America has to offer.

Thursday- We had a scavenger hunt on one of the main streets very close to campus. Its called Bardstown road and its similar to High street in Grahamstown but BETTER! Rice, you would die for this street! My group won which was great and we all bonded together.

Later in the afternoon I went to Indiana which was only about a half an hour away where we had a typical southern meal and went on a hayride! Yip, I'm in the South now!
Later in the afternoon I went to Indiana which was only about a half an hour away where we had a typical southern meal and went on a hayride! Yip, I'm in the South now!

Friday to Sunday- We went to Crossroads which is similar to an American summer camp. All I can say after Crossroads is that if you like camp then Crossroads is for you. But if you're like me it's painful. That being said I had fun at the dance and at the campfire so all was not lost.


Monday- We went on a downtown tour of Louisville. Louisville is absolutely enchanting and parts of it are similiar to a Victorian city! I love it and can't wait to explore it properly!

So thats been my life so far for the past week! Exhausting, overwhelming and amazing!
I'm going to be better about blogging now!
Love you all!
S.
P.S My international friends are AMAZING! We're all like a family and its great having this support system so soon!

Psyching up!

4 days!!!! That's 4 days until I leave... Wow, a year long process and now I'm only 4 days away from actually starting this crazy adventure! It doesn't feel like this is my last week in South Africa (for while) but I suppose it doesn't help that I'm so sick. Just my luck to be healthy all holiday and when I need to be well I'm sick. Oh well,illness aside I'm just organising lifts, bedding and my itinerary for New York!

I suppose never mentioned that I'll be in New York for a day before I get Louisville! I can't believe that on Monday I'll be in the city thats inspired me in things like 'ex and the City' or my favourite movie; 'Breakfast at Tiffany's!'Though I don't ahve much time in the city with travelling in and out from JFK the number one thing to see is Tiffany's!!!! The first time I ever saw Breakfast at Tiffany's, I started crying in the opening scene where Holly walks up to Tiffany's. I think it was a combination of finally watching this highly anticipated movie and the beautiful sweeping shots of New York. So after this embarrassing confession I think its safe to say I'll be quite emotional when I get to New York. I plan on going back there in December to spend more time exploring the galleries and museums but right now just a day is a wonderful way to begin my adventure!
Let me leave you with a few pictures from the movie that inspires me (to tears).
S.

photo project