Friday in South Africa

Well, Friday was just wonderful!!! We really experienced Joburg and saw that it is truly the most AFRICAN city in South Africa.... downtown Joburg is GRITTY, swarming with people, impromptu stands set up everywhere that sell everything from fruit to clothing to even a single cigarette. It's not a pretty place, but one must experience this to truly understand the country and Apartheid and its ending. The contrast of the dirt and grit of downtown Joburg with the King-of-Prussia-style mall where we were dropped off to find a bite for lunch was pretty extreme!My radio interview was fine... (thankfully not too long!) Reminded me of the experience Anne Mooney and I had with our 1992 radio interview in Dublin.... RACING to find the radio station, arriving JUST in time... that's exactly how this one unfolded!) The highlight of the day was unquestionably the workshop in St. Mary's Cathedral with Sidumo Jacobs, director of the choir there. Sidumo is an effervescent, warm and energetic young man who can communicate more with his eyes than most do with their entire bodies. As jet lagged as the choir was, they did everyone proud over the 2+ hour workshop in which they learned BY ROTE numerous pieces in Zulu.... a few brain dead by the end, for sure! But, Sidumo was thrilled, thrilled, thrilled.... so much so that he turned to me and said, "Jeffrey, I have an idea for ANOTHER song they might sing in ZULU." I probably gasped, then replied, "yes?" The choir was probably having other thoughts at that moment!! ANYWAY, he said, "I'd like them to learn 'Amen Siakadumisa"! I could only whoop and holler, since THAT was the very piece we had learned before the trip to use as a blessing at our communal meals. Everyone was thrilled! He taught us an additional verse in Sutu... not too difficult! Dinner was at a great place on Nelson Mandela Square... much glorious conversation and bountiful laughter, especially when the face painters decked Nathan, Jim Batt's and my face (and head) with ultra elaborate paintings.... pictures will follow!Love to all...

SA News

Philadelphia has cooled off a bit - thunder and lightening did the trick last evening! Down below mid 90's. First official "SA News" went out yesterday to a captive audience of 110! Not bad!
Stay safe and well -

We're HERE!

Well,

We are HERE!! Safe, uneventful flight... everyone raving about how fine South African airlines is. Joburg had 4 inches of snow yesterday (first time it's snowed in several decades!) BUT, all gone by our arrival.

Everyone is in great spirits, surprisingly coherent... our first group meal, a great exploration of S. African food (especially desserts).... and, happily, all remembered our sung blessing, Amen Siakadumisa! Yippee!

I suspect we'll all sleep very well tonight.... tomorrow we have a city tour of Joburg, JB has a radio interview to push Saturday's concert, and we have a choral workshop (IN ZULU) in the afternoon...

I'll keep this short.... 'cause, we're just a bit jet lagged... but, everyone is thinking of all of you back home and hoping that you keep us in your prayers as well!!Much love from S. Africa... more to come.

Tomorrow we go!!

Well, now we're 24 hours away from departing. So exciting. I hope all will check this blog often. We plan to add photos and various narratives throughout this journey. We also invite and encourage your prayers for a safe and spirit-filled tour.

KNYSNA CONCERT

Oyster English bigoysters, originally uploaded by bmpcsouthafrica.

12 days left, everyone!

The Knysna concert, which is part of the Oyster Festival, is being widely publicized throughout the Garden Route, and is actually the first event of the festival!

I just sent over this poster for them to hang in store windows, hotels, etc, so be on the lookout in Knysna!

I can't wait to share a Windhoek and a dozen on the half-shell with you all in this unbelievably beautiful town. See you all SOON!

-A

3 Week Mark!

Hello Everyone! This is my very first blog post, and I'm testing it out. We're now three weeks from departure and the excitement is growing! Above is the concert poster for the first concert in Kwa Thema, on the East Rand side of Jo-burg. The concert is shaping up nicely indeed!

Here is a link to the Knysna Oyster Festival homepage:
http://www.oysterfestival.co.za/programme/2/
I suppose you could say we're the kickoff event!

See you all soon!

Sunset in Johannesburg! Our 2nd night in Joburg during our May 2006 site visit!

Welcome to the blog of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church's Senior Choir and its upcoming tour to S. Africa. We depart in just 2 weeks for an adventure that includes visits to Johannesburg, Soweto, Pilanesburg, Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown (where we perform in Africa's largest arts festival), Kynsna (with a performance in the local Dutch Reformed Church), and on to Capetown! Be sure and check back to this blog for updates and, depending on computer access, PHOTOS!