Days 14-18
The week went by so fast. We were able to meet with another 6 organizations to get their perspective regarding leadership development. We are definitely starting to see some themes materializing and pulled together those observations for a mid-point review on Monday.
We sat down as a group early in the week to figure out weekend plans. We ended up splitting into two groups one going East the other West. Phil, Roberto, David and myself opted to go for a combo tour starting with Addo National park, Daneill's Cheeta Breeding Project on Saturday, then the town of Graaff-Reinet with CamdeBoo National Park and the Valley of Desolation. The rest of the team went to the Bulungula Lodge where you are able to live in the village. I can't wait to hear more about their adventures.
We also decided on team meal plans for the week. We broke into small groups that would be responsible for dinner on a particular day. So we had Italian on Tuesday and Chineese on Wednesday. The food was awesome and a lot cheaper than eating out.
More to come on the weekend combo tour in the next post.
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Days 12 & 13 - What a lovely weekend! It was sunny and warm on Saturday, but quite breezey so you never got too hot. Eight of the guys headed out early for a surf lesson, and five of us headed out to downtown East London. We saw the East London city hall, the docks and an old jail that has now been turned into flats (spooky!).
We then headed to the beach for some sun, sand and relaxation. It had a really nice boardwalk and the sand was soft and fine (except when it was blowing into your face). The waves were quite large and we had lots of fun diving into them!
That evening we had a lovely group dinner on the balcony. I did not realize we had so many great chef's on our team! It was a great evening.
The next morning some of us headed out to the market on the waterfront. We all got some cool local handmade crafts and then stopped at the aquarium to take some pictures. After that it was off to plan the afternoon activities.
Note to self.....do not wait until the last minute to make plans...... We tried a few different places but they were all booked. =o( We finally found a small reserve just outside of East London that offered Quad Biking (or 4 wheeling as we call it in Canada). We had an awesome time on those, but it was too short for our liking. I think there may be more in our future! I also saw the largest grasshopper EVER! So did the local cat...... Don't worry lunch got away!
We then headed to the beach for some sun, sand and relaxation. It had a really nice boardwalk and the sand was soft and fine (except when it was blowing into your face). The waves were quite large and we had lots of fun diving into them!
That evening we had a lovely group dinner on the balcony. I did not realize we had so many great chef's on our team! It was a great evening.
The next morning some of us headed out to the market on the waterfront. We all got some cool local handmade crafts and then stopped at the aquarium to take some pictures. After that it was off to plan the afternoon activities.
Note to self.....do not wait until the last minute to make plans...... We tried a few different places but they were all booked. =o( We finally found a small reserve just outside of East London that offered Quad Biking (or 4 wheeling as we call it in Canada). We had an awesome time on those, but it was too short for our liking. I think there may be more in our future! I also saw the largest grasshopper EVER! So did the local cat...... Don't worry lunch got away!
Friday, 2 March 2012
East London Day 10-11. After arriving at the East London airport, we picked up our rental car and headed to the B&B to dropp off our things. Our Hosts Duane and Stephen from the University of Fort Hare, met us at the airport as well. It was nice to finally meet them in person.
After lunch (African Style) we finally set out for the UFH campus. We could not have asked for a better set up. It had everything we needed to facilitate brainstorming and collaboration. We learned a lot about the university, it's history, mission, current state, opportunities and challenges. We met a number of the faculty and staff who were all warm and welcoming!
We then headed for home to celebrate Mohit's birthday (including a freshly baked cake made by Rebecca, decorated by the team!)
Friday I drove to UFH (stick shift on the opposite side!) that was a fun experience, I think I gave David a few Grey hairs..... =o)
We had a pretty productive day including lunch out with Duane, a stop at the local market on the beach, crossed a few items off the "to do" list for our project and enjoyed a Mexican dinner with the team!
After lunch (African Style) we finally set out for the UFH campus. We could not have asked for a better set up. It had everything we needed to facilitate brainstorming and collaboration. We learned a lot about the university, it's history, mission, current state, opportunities and challenges. We met a number of the faculty and staff who were all warm and welcoming!
We then headed for home to celebrate Mohit's birthday (including a freshly baked cake made by Rebecca, decorated by the team!)
Friday I drove to UFH (stick shift on the opposite side!) that was a fun experience, I think I gave David a few Grey hairs..... =o)
We had a pretty productive day including lunch out with Duane, a stop at the local market on the beach, crossed a few items off the "to do" list for our project and enjoyed a Mexican dinner with the team!
The White House B&B in Gonubie SA. - It's a much larger B&B then you'd see back in New Brunswick, however it's warm and homey with the staff and owners make you feel like part of the family.
My room overlooks the Indian Ocean and the smells and sounds have me thinking of the Bay of Fundy. It provides a great place for reflection regarding the complexities we've uncovered thus far for our project and internalizing my personal thoughts.
My room overlooks the Indian Ocean and the smells and sounds have me thinking of the Bay of Fundy. It provides a great place for reflection regarding the complexities we've uncovered thus far for our project and internalizing my personal thoughts.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Days 7-9: What a whirl wind! David, Rajib and I have had a great few days in Joburg. We've had the chance to meet with some really interesting people and organizations that are all working toward ways to address Leadership gaps in South Africa. It was good to get their perspective and we're really starting to understand that our project is looking at an extremely complex challenge where there is no easy solution. However these organizations are at the forefront of starting.
We also had the opportunity to meet some extremely bright students at the ALA (African Leadership Academy) who are budding entrepreneurs. The Academy were our gracious hosts for 3 days and we got to participate in their Entrepreneurs Fest where students presented their ideas. They were awesome!
We also had a chance to visit the city of Pretoria on Monday to meet with another organization but it also happens to be where our local host and expert Jurie lives. He took us for a drive around town to see the city. The architecture was beautiful and the view from on top of the hill was spectacular!
We met up of Sydeny on Wednesday evening to catch-up on our activities over the last few days and then it was off to bed to catch our early morning flight to East London.
We also had the opportunity to meet some extremely bright students at the ALA (African Leadership Academy) who are budding entrepreneurs. The Academy were our gracious hosts for 3 days and we got to participate in their Entrepreneurs Fest where students presented their ideas. They were awesome!
We also had a chance to visit the city of Pretoria on Monday to meet with another organization but it also happens to be where our local host and expert Jurie lives. He took us for a drive around town to see the city. The architecture was beautiful and the view from on top of the hill was spectacular!
We met up of Sydeny on Wednesday evening to catch-up on our activities over the last few days and then it was off to bed to catch our early morning flight to East London.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Day 6 - The Sunday split business and pleasure!
Well the majority of our team caught an early morning flight to East London while David, Rajib and I stayed behind in Joburg. We will be spending Mon-Wed interviewing stakeholders from various organizations for our project before we head down to join our team and Hosts from the University of Fort Hare (UFH) on Thursday.
We spent the morning researching, brainstorming and prepping for those first interviews. By lunch our brains were mush and it was time for a recharge. What better way to do that then to head out on a tour to Lion Park! Our driver took us through the park where we got some awesome photo's of Lions, Cheetah's, Spring Bok and wild dog! Then we got to pet a giraffe and lion cubs! How AWESOME is that!!!!
We then headed out to Crocodile park where we got to hold a baby Croc and two snakes. Let's just say my mother was not impressed with the last two.... Then it was back to the hotel for dinner and an early night. We head out to meet one of our stakeholders at 6:15am tomorrow!
Well the majority of our team caught an early morning flight to East London while David, Rajib and I stayed behind in Joburg. We will be spending Mon-Wed interviewing stakeholders from various organizations for our project before we head down to join our team and Hosts from the University of Fort Hare (UFH) on Thursday.
We spent the morning researching, brainstorming and prepping for those first interviews. By lunch our brains were mush and it was time for a recharge. What better way to do that then to head out on a tour to Lion Park! Our driver took us through the park where we got some awesome photo's of Lions, Cheetah's, Spring Bok and wild dog! Then we got to pet a giraffe and lion cubs! How AWESOME is that!!!!
We then headed out to Crocodile park where we got to hold a baby Croc and two snakes. Let's just say my mother was not impressed with the last two.... Then it was back to the hotel for dinner and an early night. We head out to meet one of our stakeholders at 6:15am tomorrow!
Day 5 - IBM Office, Apartheid Museum and Rugby!
We got to meet our colleagues in IBM South Africa. It was great to get their perspective on the culture, history and vision for not only IBM in South Africa but for the country itself. I left that meeting with a whole new perspective. Then we got to meet a group of grade 10 students that are participating an education program led by IBM volunteers teaching students Math, Science and IT. It was amazing to met these bright students and hear about what they are aspiring to become.
After that it was off to the Apartheid Museum and I have to say it was an emotional and sobering experience that changes you. It makes you want to be a better person......
We then headed back to the hotel, changed and boarded the bus for the opening rugby match between the Lions and the Cheetahs! The atmosphere was great and the passion for the game was electric! Finding a place to park was it's own experience......Let's just say I will never complain about parking in Toronto again and I think I have learned the skills to successful negotiating.....Don't give up until you get your way.....
We got to meet our colleagues in IBM South Africa. It was great to get their perspective on the culture, history and vision for not only IBM in South Africa but for the country itself. I left that meeting with a whole new perspective. Then we got to meet a group of grade 10 students that are participating an education program led by IBM volunteers teaching students Math, Science and IT. It was amazing to met these bright students and hear about what they are aspiring to become.
After that it was off to the Apartheid Museum and I have to say it was an emotional and sobering experience that changes you. It makes you want to be a better person......
We then headed back to the hotel, changed and boarded the bus for the opening rugby match between the Lions and the Cheetahs! The atmosphere was great and the passion for the game was electric! Finding a place to park was it's own experience......Let's just say I will never complain about parking in Toronto again and I think I have learned the skills to successful negotiating.....Don't give up until you get your way.....
Day 4 - It's Friday already... Rebecca, Natalia and I headed out to the Mall for breakfast and to pick up a few items. We really wanted to take a tour of Soweto, unfortunately the tours that were available had left for the day. So we headed out to Gold Reef City which was described as a Town built on gold mining and highlighted the history of those that worked the mines......What we found a little of that and a lot more of something else.....
Gold Reef City is a Gold Mine.....no wait an amusement park......no wait a Casino......um a museum...... let's just say a bit of all of those things. Where else can you play the slots, ride a coaster, tour turn of the century homes and go 255 meters below ground to tour a retired gold mine???? Why Gold Reef City!
After our exciting adventure, we headed back to the hotel to meet the rest of our colleagues for the first time face to face. It was so great! I can't wait to get to know everyone better!
This is good old fashion family fun so if you're packing heat, leave it at the door!
Gold Reef City is a Gold Mine.....no wait an amusement park......no wait a Casino......um a museum...... let's just say a bit of all of those things. Where else can you play the slots, ride a coaster, tour turn of the century homes and go 255 meters below ground to tour a retired gold mine???? Why Gold Reef City!
After our exciting adventure, we headed back to the hotel to meet the rest of our colleagues for the first time face to face. It was so great! I can't wait to get to know everyone better!
Can you spot Rebecca and Natalia on the boat above???
255 meters below ground and yes we saw gold.....
My retirement fund.....
This is good old fashion family fun so if you're packing heat, leave it at the door!
Day 3 - Bush walk, Blyde River Canyon and back to Joburg. We headed out at 6am for our bush walk. It was great. We learned a lot about the plants, spiders, dung beetle and we actually came upon a giraffe! After that we boarded the bus for Blyde River Canyon. The view was spectacular and the crafts were really cool! I picked up a couple of items but had to keep the luggage situation in mind!
I met some really great people and had an experience of a lifetime making the 12 hour bus ride back to Joburg worth every minute! Thank you Rebecca and Natalia for sharing this experience with me you really helped make it!
I met some really great people and had an experience of a lifetime making the 12 hour bus ride back to Joburg worth every minute! Thank you Rebecca and Natalia for sharing this experience with me you really helped make it!
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