Today

Im on my way home right now...

Wandered through airport in Germany...

Nobody was around... It was weird.

Airport's are all the same...

Need to update blog...

Long trip

Nyanga Gardening

This past Friday, we took a trip to a township in the Cape Flats, called Nyanga. Many of the individuals who work/help with VAC are from this particular township and Gabby was lucky enough to find an opportunity to help this community in a huge way.

There is an amazing unused large area that we are clearing to transform into a community garden! In this space, there is a nursery and different "crop-like" areas where we, and members of the community, are planting different vegetables and such for the people of Nyanga to grow and eat or sell their own food. I am so excited to be able to leave a mark here in Africa.... Something we all did to improve the livelihood of these individuals. This will be an ongoing project for the interns of VAC and I hope to see it grow and prosper. Below is a link to some pics we took at the garden.

Work the last couple of weeks has also been great! I have seen even more "stuff" and learned so much from the Doctors and Nurses I am working with. If you don't have a weak stomach and want to know about some of the crazy things I have seen, feel free to ask! Dr. Steytler has taken me in the last couple of weeks and allowed me to sit with him and his patients. He is teaching me the basic's of examining a patient and getting to the root of everyone's ailments. He is a great doctor to learn from and is teaching me in a way that I can understand and put things together. Medicine is like a jigsaw puzzle-- you have to extract all of the information possible from a patient (find all of the pieces) in order to figure out what is causing their problem (put it all together). This may be obvious, but it is something that I am seeing first-hand, and its great!

Yesterday, I brought in a package sent by my wonderful parents. It's amazing to see that something as simple as soap, gloves, and hand sanitizer can make everyone feel special and give them a sense of pride in their work. They were very grateful for the surprise (and so am I). There are a lot of things that should be done with gloves and such, that aren't. It isn't because they don't want to protect themselves by using them or washing their hands-- there just aren't enough resources from the government to give these township hospitals everything they need. We must conserve as much as possible-- something people in the USA take for granted.

Well, I am preparing for an exciting weekend-- so updates to come soon!

Have a great week-- thanks for reading!!!!

Nyanga Gardening Pictures

The Loft

This is where I live:

5 Howe Street

Loft 7

Also, went to the Biscuit Mill today. Delicious food every Saturday-- kind of like a farmers market with lots of different stands of food!!! I had a pita filled with lamb, hummus, lettuce, tomato, tzatziki, and yummyness!

Interesting... on the way there, you walk through obs. and into a bit of a ghetto with a lot of beggers and barred shops, then you get to the BM and it is packed with mainly white people. It is a bit sad in a way to still see the separation. And it is frustrating to know there is nothing you can do about it.

No. 2

I have been so bad about keeping up on this… but I promise after this update I will give you short and sweet blurbs about the happenings and observations of the day!!

Since I last wrote, I have definitely felt more of the essence of Cape Town. This city is so amazing and beautiful in so many ways! I adore the multi-cultural aspect of this place and the sense of pride everyone has for this country. It is also interesting to learn about different perspectives about the apartheid reign and the time since it ended. There is still extreme poverty and subtle/not so subtle segregation but all in all, they are moving forward—which is great.

Some activities that I have done with the group are: Touring the township of Langa and visiting a medicine man aka “Healer,” experiencing a traditional African Braai (barbeque) at Mzoli's, the V & A Waterfront, the Vangard mall with some coworkers, Hiking to the top of Lion’s Head, partying with the local’s until 5AM, Wine Tasting, and touring the southern part of the Cape—including a bike ride to Cape Point with another wine tasting!!!!!

I was going to try and pick a favorite, but it is too difficult. Each event is so unique and special in its own way. I LOVE the V&A Waterfront especially at night—when it lights up it is breathtaking! Seeing the whole city and as far as you can see of the ocean from on top of a mountain was incredible—something everyone should experience! The hike was not easy but totally worth it! Bike riding to the end of the Cape was also wonderful! There are amazing beaches and you can spot sunken ships in the ocean by looking for a pooling of water (which turns white). On that trip we also saw some more penguins, wild ostrich, naughty baboons along the road – they will steal anything, its pretty funny, breaching whales, and some animal that is the equivalent of a deer in CO (in my mind at least)!!! The wine here is great, as they have the perfect environment for growing grapes in a valley along Table Mountain. It is similar to California (Napa Valley) I guess.

Moving on to work… I love my clinic and the people I work with! Everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful! My first impression was impressive in the fact that women pretty much run the clinic!!! From the first day, my supervisor of sorts, Anthea, has taken me under her wing. She makes sure that every day counts and that I am experiencing as much as possible related to nursing.

I started out in the administration part of the clinic, learning how to check people in, finding/filing charts, scheduling, etc… pretty mundane but a great place to get introduced to the clinic. I think it is important to learn every aspect of the “business” when entering a new environment.

The next week, I moved on to the injection room/ER. It isn’t even close to what you are thinking, which you will see when I snap some photos. The sisters (what they call nurses) are awesome! They let me do as much as I feel comfortable doing which includes: drawing blood, pregnancy testing, HIV testing, TB (tuberculosis) testing, Hb (hemoglobin) testing, giving injections of medication, and performing ECG’s. It usually takes an intern a while to be comfortable doing this all on their own but they say I learn fast! Although I haven’t had the proper training to do any of these things—I am in Africa—that is why I am here. This is the way I learn! It’s great ☺ I also know that what I am learning here may not be relevant when I return in the fact that most of the hospitals and clinics in the US are much more advanced ie. Different ECG machines, different ways of testing for HIV and Hb etc… But it is eye opening to see such a different culture of medicine—in a way more unconventional yet still functional. It is different to see mostly everything done WITHOUT computers!! For a person like me (Generation Y or the Millenial’s) it almost sounds undoable! But, they do it and it works.

Now, I can elaborate on the facilities and the differences there, but I am not sure it would be appropriate because it may come out as criticism, so if you want to know, just ask me!

I think I have given you enough for now. I attached some more links for photos and if you have any questions or want me to write about something specific, let me know!! Until then… totseins!! (Goodbye in Afrikaans)!!!

Partying

Lion's Head

Mzoli's

Trip so far.....

I am finally feeling settled into my new place in the Observatory (a sort of “suburb” of Cape Town). I am living at 5 Howe Street L7—aka The Loft. My journey here was looooong, but not as bad as I expected! My stay in Chicago O’hare was brief and from there I went to London Heathrow. Flying in, the weather didn’t look so great and when I got into the terminal, I couldn’t decide if I should go out or not. I wandered around for a bit and talked to a few of the local’s. They said it was supposed to be a nice day but to be careful because it was a Bank holiday and some of the underground lines may be diverted. I decided I couldn’t just sit in the airport for 11 hours, so I put my carry on luggage in day storage and took the London Underground into the city.

London was beautiful! As soon as I emerged onto the surface of the street (lol, its really far down) Big Ben was directly above me! Many of the sites you would expect to see were all right there. The London Eye was across the street, house of Parliament was right there, the Westminster Abbey and tons of historic buildings and beautiful parks. I have to admit I was super tired, so I was walking around like a zombie! But I got some great pictures and got outside!

On my way back to the airport, I made a couple stops—one in a shopping center and one (hectic) trip to Notting Hill. Little did I know that it was the Notting Hill Carnival that day and all of the trains into Notting Hill were ridiculously over-packed. I thought that was the norm until I got there and saw thousands of people on the street. I couldn’t continue on that line to the airport, so I had to walk around and find another station. On my way there, I stopped at Kensington garden and took a quick walk around—it was nice. I finally got back to the airport, about two hours before my flight. I made a quick call to my mom (which I found out today- looking at my account- that it cost me $35!!!!) and went and sat at the gate.

The 11.5 hour flight to Cape Town wasn’t as bad as I had expected. I flew South African Airways on an older plane, but the flight attendants were nice. I sat next to a woman from Canada who moved to CT with her husband 45 years ago. She gave me some great advice on the city and safety (which I have gotten from everyone by now!)!!

Once I got to CT at 9:30 AM, I collected my luggage and went out to the front of the airport. At this point, my biggest fear that I had before my trip HAPPENED! There was nobody at the airport to pick me up! I sat for about an hour and a half before I figured I had to make a move, so I called Oliver, the owner of VAC. Apparently Sly, who was picking me up, thought I wasn’t arriving until 10:10 PM! It was refreshing to know that I could calmly handle the situation and once Sly came I was and still am able to give him trouble for it ;-)

That is my trip here in a nutshell, there are some links to my pic’s up to now… I will write more later! Thanks for reading!!!

Going Away Party

London

Penguins

RIP Marlene Riccatone 9/5/09

Quick FYI

I got a few questions this week about the previous site I was using to raise money (fundable.com)....

Just a reminder, I am no longer using that site to collect money as they wanted to take a huge chunk of it for themselves!

If you pledged any money, they WILL NOT (or at least they shouldn't) take any money out of your account!!!! If they do-- it has not gone to me and I apologize! You should be fine though!

Thanks!!!

12 Days!

Wow, I can't believe it!!! Only 12 days to go until I am on the plane to Chicago-->London--> Cape Town!

I am so excited/nervous! Although, I am also ready to get OUT of here! Sometimes you just gotta get away, right?

I think this internship is going to get me even more addicted to traveling the world and learning about every culture possible! I truly enjoy learning about people; the way they interact, different cultures, life perspectives, etc...

I would love to become a philanthropist. I don't know if you have seen the new show called "The Philanthropist" but I love it and suggest watching it if you have time. It is a great show based on a real guy who does great things for the world along with his family (Bobby Sager).

I guess the only thing left is to earn my billions! Not really... I hate money. I guess that is why I would share it, though.

Anyway... I have pretty much reached my goal for fundraising. A couple hundred short, but I got a new CC so its not a big deal!!!! I want to thank all of you who have contributed! I am so grateful and humbled by the amount of money you all so generously gave. A thousand thank you's to you all!

Dont forget to follow the blog so you can keep up with what is going on!!!!

Lots of Love

Lindsay

SA in the news!

Clinton and South African Discuss Somalia

Pueblo teacher helps students in Africa

The Countdown!

The countdown has begun! 27 days from today I will be getting on a plane headed for Chicago, then London and on to Cape Town! I have a 9 hour layover in London so I am trying to figure out something that I can do in about 5.5-6 hours there. On the way back I have another 8 hour layover in Paris.

I really want to go explore these amazing cities but after watching that dang movie "Taken" I am all freaked out. I will do it though. At least the movie put me more toward the cautious side of life traveling alone.

I paid my September rent and security deposit today. I will be staying in an internalroom at a place called The Loft. It is in the canter of the student hub area of Cape Town they call the Observatory. Here is the description from the housing document they sent me:

---------------------------------------------

Loft 7, No 5 Howe Street, Observatory Cape Town

This is a 'Loft Apartment.' It is 211 Square Meters in size, and

has 7 rooms in total. There is a downstairs kitchen and upstairs

lounge / relaxing area. It is in a renovated commercial building,

and is on the second floor of the building. The building has 24

hour security – the unit is fully furnished.

The rooms here all have double beds and are quite large.

Large Rooms rent for R3000 per month. Internal Rooms rent for

R2600 per month.

-------------------------------------------------

Just to give you all an idea of where I am going, I have uploaded some pictures of this beautiful city!!!!

Also, check out this website for some more info and pics: Cape Town

<--- Thats Table Mountain right down the center

Also, here are a couple pics of life as of late ;)

<------ That's John

<---- At Eilers

<----- Krista, John, Jessica, RaeAnne

<----- I had to add it, lol its Moxie with her Teddy sleeping!!!

Moving on.... I checked out my financial situation last night and I am still short. It's all good, though. Hopefully I get some last minute "donations" to the cause. I just can't wait to get there and share what I can of this experience with everyone. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience and I know so so many people who would never dare to do such a thing.

Even if I don't inspire anyone to go do good in a far-away country, I hope I put a bit of an itch in your pants to do something amazing for the people around you and the people less fortunate than you. Helping people is the greatest feeling in the world and it is up to you to experience it!

Thanks again!

I will update the countdown soon!

Cheers,

Lindsay

Plane Ticket!

Good news! I got my plane ticket on July 4th! Actually my parents got it for me for my birthday (yay!!) Unfortunately, I AM in fact cut off from flying for free/cheap as of my birthday... So that sucks, but its all good!

My Itinerary is below.

So that's that! Its a long trip- but well worth the wait, I'm sure. Also, my internship site is confirmed in Cape Town at the Heideveld Community Health Clinic.

I am really looking forward to my time over sea's and can't wait to share the experience with you all. The time is sneaking up on me! Goes faster as you get older, thats no lie!

I still have more money that I would like to raise but I haven't really looked at my financial situation in a bit. Hopefully I will have an update soon!

Other than that, life is great! I am meeting a lot of people at the golf course and gaining a ton of connections/resources etc ;)

Thank you all again for your generous donations and support!

Besos

Lindsay

Your Itinerary United Airlines Flight UA908 Depart 30-Aug-09 (Sun) 12:37p Denver Intl Apt, US (DEN) Arrive 30-Aug-09 (Sun) 03:56p Chicago OHare International Apt, US (ORD) Flight Time 02hr 19min | Economy Aircraft Boeing 777-200/300 Stops nonstop United Airlines Flight UA928 Depart 30-Aug-09 (Sun) 06:05p Chicago OHare International Apt, US (ORD) Arrive 31-Aug-09 (Mon) 08:25a London Heathrow Apt, GB (LHR) Flight Time 08hr 20min | Economy Aircraft Boeing 767-300/300ER Stops nonstop United Airlines operated by SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS Flight UA9839 Depart 31-Aug-09 (Mon) 09:00p London Heathrow Apt, GB (LHR) Arrive 01-Sep-09 (Tue) 10:10a Cape Town, ZA (CPT) Flight Time 11hr 10min | Economy Aircraft Airbus A340-200 Stops nonstop United Airlines operated by LUFTHANSA Flight UA9249 Depart 24-Nov-09 (Tue) 06:45p Cape Town, ZA (CPT) Arrive 25-Nov-09 (Wed) 05:25a Frankfurt International Apt, DE (FRA) Flight Time 11hr 40min | Economy Aircraft Airbus A340-600 Stops nonstop United Airlines operated by LUFTHANSA Flight UA8878 Depart 25-Nov-09 (Wed) 01:20p Frankfurt International Apt, DE (FRA) Arrive 25-Nov-09 (Wed) 03:50p Denver Intl Apt, US (DEN) Flight Time 10hr 30min | Economy Aircraft Airbus A340-600 Stops nonstop

Reassurance

Just wanted to let you all know that I am not just taking your money and laying by the pool all day!!! I got a new job working as a bartender at Elmwood Golf Course here in P-town. I will also be doing some serving tables and driving the drink/snack cart around the course!! AND, I am taking a class (Anatomy and Physiology I) for the next 8 weeks with a DVD lecture and hands on lab two nights a week.

Therefore, I will be super busy studying and working LOTS LOTS!

Thanks again!!

Besos!

The liberation of being "let go"

Well, I had a mutual agreement to NOT work at that dreadful office any more! They could tell I just wasn't taking it seriously... only because it was the most unchallenging and negative place I have ever been! It sucks cuz now I need to find a job for three months-ish but I am confident in finding something soon!

Being fired is a liberating experience. It was kind of like being in a bad relationship and trying to get the other person to break up with you... I don't know about you, but I've never been fired before-- it was a learning experience while it lasted, which is always the best thing. If you don't learn anything then it was hardly worth it!

I've learned that as a health care provider, I will actually care about the patient more than money. I will never talk badly about patients or their families.... It doesn't make for a good relationship. I hope to not have to work in an office for the rest of my life! I enjoy interacting with people and being out and about making a difference-- rather than attempting to follow orders of people who change their minds and moods daily!

I am so happy right now! I hope you can find this happiness in your life. It's not worth being angry or sad for too long... Let it out and let it go! I have found this to be the best philosophy for life in the past two months. I feel like an amazingly strong person (following a break up, the passing of my grandmother, and now losing a job). Find the strength in life! Live life to the fullest-- it's so not worth it to have regrets!

Thanks again for reading. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Besos (thats kisses in case you don't know spanish, lol)

Budget

OK, if you are donating anything to me-- you probably want to see this first!

I am assuming I will need around $6,000-$9,000 depending on if I can stretch my budget and a few other factors. Here is the breakdown:

After working for the next couple of months, including my savings now, and subtracting all of my upcoming expenses while here and away, I should have about $3,500.
My car is one expense that I will have to pay for while I am gone. I thought about selling it, but I would be upside down on it and that would lose me about $1,000-- so its cheaper to just pay the payment while I'm gone!
Another upcoming expense that I will have to start paying in June is my school loans. I am going to try to consolidate, so hopefully that will bring the payments down some!
I have to pay my phone bill until I leave, as well as continue paying off my credit card. With all of this in mind, plus any other expenses (gas, food, etc..) in the next few months, this is where I get my $3,500 left over!
I am so lucky to not have much more to pay for! Thank god for parents and family!!!!

Next, my expenses in Cape Town (where I get my total to be $6-9 thousand)

My flight is the most Topsy-turvy expense right now because my dad and I are trying to figure out if I will be able to fly for the 90% off with other airlines that I would typically get if I wasn't turning 24 next month!!!!! Its making for a superb dilemma.

Worst comes to worse, I pay around $2000 for a round trip flight
Best scenario is I pay around $300 or possibly less! Hard to tell at this point!

Housing will be with the company in one of their rooms in one of their houses (they have 7). The cost is around $300 a month, so I am anticipating about $1,000

Average cost of food with making your own and eating out some is around $500 a month, therefore around $1,500 (mid-estimate)

I will have to pay for my transportation to an from the site every day, which is going to cost me about $80 a month... so around $300 (including city wide transportation)

I haven't looked into the travelers insurance yet.. not sure if I need it?

The rest of my program fee is $1,150

Excursions/entertainment and travel $1,500 (low estimate)

Possible 30 day visa extension $45

and if I have anything leftover, I desperately need a new computer to communicate with you all while I am away... hopefully using skype, email, facebook, and of course this blog!

Therefore my total comes to:
Highest without computer could be plus/minus $7,495
Highest with computer could be plus/minus $9,495

Lowest without computer could be plus/minus $5,795
Lowest with computer could be plus/minus $7,795

These are my oddball totals right now... don't know if they make sense or if I left anything out... if you notice let me know!!!

Therefore, with the $3,500 I should already have, I will need to somehow get (corresponding to above)
$3,995
$5,995
$2,295
$4,295

I am well on my way... my goal is going to be at least $6,000-- If I don't reach that goal then all will still be amazing-- it will all work out! I have already gotten my first $5 (yay Myra)- which is inspiring! Oh and my grandpa gave me $2 today, lol- so cute! If I go far and beyond my goal, then I hope to donate to charity! One in the states, more than likely in Colorado.

Thank You AGAIN and AGAIN

Love all!!!

Linds

new slogan= "$5 from 1,195 people!" haha

By The Way

I wanted to let you know that I will be posting a list of what exactly I need money for and what I really need... Please don't feel obligated to give anything... reading this is great of you!!!!

Besos

New York

You can view more pics on my facebook page





I just returned from my wonderful weekend with my amazing friend Kate in NYC. My short journey began with a trip to Philly on Thursday night (silly overbooked flights to NY). It was awesome, though. I booked a hotel on priceline and got the Downtown Marriott for SUPER cheap! The room was great, but especially the gianormous bed with PILLOWS!!!! Yay for pillows, by the way. Whoever invented soft glorious pillows is a genius.

The next day I made my way from fantastic Philly to NY-- with a stop for a Philly Cheesesteak, of course! I took a bus from 30th street station to NYC for $11!!!!!!!! What a deal! One of these days I will go back to Philly to check it out. It seems like an amazing city with some great history and history in the making. Very very interesting....

Once I arrived in NY, I realized my phone didn't work... I guess that's what I get for choosing Cricket, huh? But it was my only option since I can't have a contract right now!!!!!!!! That made the trip very... don't even know what word to use... although it was awesome. No body could get a hold of me, which is always great, and I had to figure out how to do things the hard way-- which is how I like to do them!

NY was a blast and I am so happy I got to see my wonderful friend Kate. She is such a gracious and amazing person! We didn't do touristy things-- rather, we just hung out with friends and meandered the town. This made me want to be there even more! It is such a great place to explore and there is no way any one person could see it all in a lifetime. I highly encourage everyone to visit.

Some places and things that I really enjoyed this time around were:

• Havana Outpost-- great food, but even better outlook -- they are the first restaurant in NY to be fully run off of solar power and they recycle all of their water to use in the potty!!! Even better, its in Brooklyn!
• Columbus Square
• The subway and any other form of public transportation!
  
• JFK ( so far superior to LGA)
• Random street food
• Astoria (part of Queens)
• Brooklyn!!!
• McCarren Park in Brooklyn-- very near Kates place
• The Hudson Hotel
  

If you get a chance, click those links to learn more about where I went!

This makes me even more excited to get to South Africa because of the diversity you find everywhere you turn. I can't wait to work with a diverse group of people at the clinic. It is going to be such an amazing experience. Thank you to everyone once again for your support! It means more to me than you know!

Do something great for someone else today!

Good Times

Yay!

I made my deposit today to the company I am working with! (www.vacorps.com) Now they will go to the actual clinic and make sure everything there is ok and finalize the internship! Ahhhh!

I am also STILL working on fundraising, duh! Please please let me know if you have any ideas to get money over the internet!!!!

Thanks!

I'm feeling good today, can't wait to go! Right now, time to pack to go see KATE!!! Yay! And of course watch the season finale of LOST!! What an evening!

PS Did you watch the little guy from Rawanda (Noah) singing on American Idol!!! So so awesome! Love it!

Fundraising- UPDATE

Here is one way you can start helping me out!!!! This is the online way to fundraising that I found... we will see how it works. If you don't want to use this, you don't have to! Thanks everyone!!!!

Love

Lindsay


NOTE: AFTER READING THE FINE PRINT, I REALIZED THAT THEY ARE GOING TO CHARGE ME 10% OF WHATEVER DONATIONS I RECEIVE WITH THIS SITE. THEREFORE, I THINK I WILL JUST DO IT THE HARD WAY. IF YOU WANT TO HELP ME, THEN I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND YOU A SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE!!! NOT REALLY SURE WHAT ELSE TO DO. IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS, THAT WOULD BE GREAT! THANKS TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE FUNDABLE SITE ALREADY AND I AM REALLY REALLY SORRY ABOUT THE INCONVENIENCE!!! LOVE- LINDSAY

Welcome!!!!

Hey Everyone!!!! Thanks for checking out my new South African Adventure Blog!!!!

I'm so unbelievably excited to say that I have been recommended the internship that I was dying to get! I am working with a company called VA Corps (www.vacorps.com) who provides internships to undergrads and recent grads in Cape Town, South Africa. My internship will be at the Imizamo Yethu Community Medical Clinic, located in (well, just outside) Cape Town, South Africa!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be working with an underprivileged community and according to the website, my "major responsibilities for this internship include processing patients, family planning and administering injections. Interns will also work in an observation role with the HIV nurse and will assist the other staff nurses with a variety of tasks. Once a week interns will have the opportunity to assist the pre-natal nurses who visit the clinic."

This is going to be a great opportunity to get some medical and nursing experience before I go to school for it. It is experience that I would NEVER be able to get in the United States because I am not yet trained for some of it. I also can't wait to visit another country as much more than a tourist. At this point in my life I feel that I can do anything! I have nothing holding me back or tying me down. This is the time for an experience like South Africa... Im in a transition period and before I settle down, I want to make sure nursing is truly what I want to do!

Departure time is set for late August and I plan on returning mid December. Hopefully my friend Braie will be coming with me! She is still trying to get a site for her internship!!!! Yay!

My first step is to pay my deposit.... That will be done within the next couple of days (Ugh Paypal!). After that, the wonderful program directors will send someone to the site to confirm the internship. Next comes the super fun part! Raising $money$

This is such an amazing opportunity. I feel so privileged and humbled to be able to do this. I only have one thing standing in my way... of course the bane of my existence-- money. I am starting this blog to first of all, raise some money and second, to tell you all about my experience while I am there! If you would like to make a donation, I will be setting up a site soon--probably using Paypal. I also have a jar at Park East, or you can always mail it to me!!!! Working for free and working in a 3rd world country has always been a dream... and now it is a reality! Thank you for your help!

"$5 from 2000 people is all I need!"

12 Malibu Ct.
Pueblo, CO 81005

Thank you all for your support!

Love,

Lindsay Riggio

PS Thanks again Myra for my first $5 donation!!!!! Yay!!!!