Photo Updates!

Hello Everyone!

I'll let Jeff and the choir members fill you in on exactly how incredible Saturday and Sunday were, but I wanted to post some photos for you to see what we've been up to.

Blogspot is limiting me to 5 photos at a time, so i'll have to post more at another time.



Jeff gives a radio interview with TiTi from Classic FM about the choir and its tour, specifically the concert in Kwa Thema, which would be the following night.



Typical home in Kliptown, the site of Pam's Creche. We were treated to a quick walk through the Shanty town, where were greeted by curious but welcoming faces, many of which belonged to children saying "shoot me!" ("take my photo") We'll not soon forget this adventure, as the images we saw will certainly stay with us forever




The children at Pam's Creche found my red hair intriguing, and immediately started playing hair-dresser!



Sidumo Nyemezele from St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral leads the group in their first singing of the tour- a workshop to work on Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, etc...



The INCREDIBLY ENTHUSIASTIC crowd at Kwa Thema Methodist Church was overwhelming, not like any other audience I've ever seen. The soloist could barely be heard over there was so much rousing applause and Ululating!

More soon!!!

Amanda

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.