Hellooooo...
Well, yesterday - our free day - we traveled to Red Rock... which if you haven't looked up... you should. It is beautiful, and I took many pictures. They also have a natural ampitheatre there... which is cool, because many a famous band has taken the stage with the natural acoustics.
We also went grocery shopping, which in itself was an intersting experience. Trying to find things that all of us knew, and that we could together combine to make edible meals...haha...we had many good laughs.
It is neat... we went swimming, and the people at the pool knew of UWP. So did the woman behind us at the grocery store. When they hear my roommates talk with their accents, they inquire as to where their from and why they are here. When we say UWP, so far we have gotten nothing but positive responses. In fact, of all the people who mentioned it... each one is looking up our schedule to attend a show!!! How exciting is that!?!?!
Mayke and I made dinner tonight... it was pasta primavera with fresh tomato and basil sauce!!! We included zucchini, red bell peppers, mushrooms, yellow squash, etc... Neele and Barbara loved it... which is good! Pum, you would have been proud ;-)
Okay. So as for the title of my post. Tonight totally reminded me of why we are here. We had our orientation show, which means that the members of past casts who are now on staff, perform the show for us so we can see what we are in for. Most were in tears by the end of the first song. The lights dim, and one by one, the countries which our cast represents are announced. As each one takes the stage, the kids from that country cheer... as do their host families, who are so supportive of their *kids*... after every country is called, the flags wave, and the cast sings about everyone having a place in the world. And you are just filled with overwhelming pride for your country, and your cast... which is this incredibly diverse dynamic of almost 100 people from an array of backgrounds and cultures, and lifestyles. Then they went around with microphones, and asked cast members to volunteer to tell why they joined UWP. Hearing your fellow castmates, all with their unique accents... articulate why they chose to sign on... to give five months of their life to try and make others better... just made every doubt disappear. These people are so amazing. They are selfless, and concerned, and educated.. and haven't yet lost hope that we can change... the capacity of this cast to make a difference is incredible. The world better watch out.. we are on a mission ;-)
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Tour Schedule
Sorry for the two posts on the same day...
But many have asked about my tour schedule... I have copied and pasted it, although it may very well change. For additional information, you can also visit the Up With People website at www.upwithpeople.org
Cast B 2008 Tour ScheduleJuly 11th - December 16th, 2008** Tour cities and dates subject to change.**
United States:
Orientation: Denver, Colorado: July 11- August 11
Breckenridge,Colorado: August 11 - August 17
Mexico:
LaPaz, Mexico: August 18 - August 25
Cabo, Mexico: August 25 - September 1
Tepic, Mexico: September 1 - September 8
Culiacan, Mexico: September 8 - September 15
Hermosillo, Mexico: September 15 - September 21
United States:
Arizona: September 22 - September 29
Albuquerque, New Mexico: September 29 - October 6
Colorado Springs, Colorado: October 6 - October 13
Salt Lake City, Utah: October 13 - October 20
Wyoming: October 20 - October 27
Wyoming / South Dakota: October 27 - November 3
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: November 3 - November 10
North Platte, Nebraska: November 10 - November 16
The Philippines:
Manila, Philippines: November 17 - December 4
Cebu/Subic, Philippines: Decemeber 5 - December 16
End of Tour - Decemeber 16
But many have asked about my tour schedule... I have copied and pasted it, although it may very well change. For additional information, you can also visit the Up With People website at www.upwithpeople.org
Cast B 2008 Tour ScheduleJuly 11th - December 16th, 2008** Tour cities and dates subject to change.**
United States:
Orientation: Denver, Colorado: July 11- August 11
Breckenridge,Colorado: August 11 - August 17
Mexico:
LaPaz, Mexico: August 18 - August 25
Cabo, Mexico: August 25 - September 1
Tepic, Mexico: September 1 - September 8
Culiacan, Mexico: September 8 - September 15
Hermosillo, Mexico: September 15 - September 21
United States:
Arizona: September 22 - September 29
Albuquerque, New Mexico: September 29 - October 6
Colorado Springs, Colorado: October 6 - October 13
Salt Lake City, Utah: October 13 - October 20
Wyoming: October 20 - October 27
Wyoming / South Dakota: October 27 - November 3
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: November 3 - November 10
North Platte, Nebraska: November 10 - November 16
The Philippines:
Manila, Philippines: November 17 - December 4
Cebu/Subic, Philippines: Decemeber 5 - December 16
End of Tour - Decemeber 16
And the adventure begins...
Hey everyone!!!
I arrived safely in Denver - my flight touched down at 1:03...42 minutes earlier than expected. I quick found the bathroom, which much to my entertainment, had a large sign which read "Tornado Shelter" ~ for some this may be offputting, for me, it just proves that this will be one heck of a sweet adventure.
As a sidenote, we were informed that we reach Mexico during the height of hurricane season in the Baja Peninsula. Great. Even more phenominal is that we hit the Philippines during the end of monsoon season. Again, spectacular.
Anyways, I managed to navigate myself to the main terminal where my Up With People FMs (Field Managers) and castmates were awaiting my arrival. It was nice to be greeted with so many smiles and hugs. You'd never have guessed that we all were meeting for the first time - to a stranger it probably looked like a reunion of lost friends.
We went back to a civic center of sorts right outside of Denver - and we got to know eachother and tied up loose ends until 8. We played games, and chatted, and generally just had a good time. This cast surely does not lack personality. Even our FMs and staff were laughing at how enthusiastic and energetic everyone was - despite the jet lag that plagued many.
Our cast represents 22 countries. Off hand, I know that includes: Germany, Finland, Sweeden, Holland, Singapore, Japan, Ethiopia, Bangledesh, South Korea, Denmark... and so many more. Its been intriguing to talk to everyone - because its sort of like to find common ground in conversation, you really have to include a history of yourself and where you come from.
At 8, our host families arrived to take us *home*. We are matched up via host codes, which all involve a "lost at sea" theme...
(PS: We are currently explaining to Mayke the American "red light districts"... it is quite funny actually)
Anyway, my host code is "Caribbean Sea".. so my host mom held up a big sign. Other people (with easier codes) dressed the part. A little girl, came to greet her *sisters* dressed as a pirate... a man and his wife covered themselves in paper triangles - to represent the Bermuda Triangle. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. It made the transition to a totally different lifestyle a whole lot easier.
My host mom is a single woman, whose name is Barbara. She is sweet... and her home is GORGEOUS. We have a pool that we are allowed to use, and a full basement (where she told me I can dance!!!). We each have our own bedroom... and mine is so big!! I have a dog too... her name is Cuddles... but to date, she hasn't been very cuddly. Its ironic of sorts - that the dog dislikes Mayke and I so much - but loves Neele. Barbara said something about how it is because of our suitcases... Neele arrived late, and Cuddles was asleep (therefore didn't see the suitcases). Anyhoo.. my roomies are great. Mayke and Neele. Mayke (pronounced like Micah) is from Holland. Neele (like Neelah) is from Germany. Both speak English well... so we talk a lot.
It looks like we are in for a busy month. Today is practically the only day we have off... and all other days we have rehearsal from 8:30 til 5:30. Wednesdays, rehearsals go until 7:30. We practice in Downtown Denver... so we must take a train in each morning, and home each night. We'll see...
I promise I'll keep you updated.
And I apologize for rambling... but dude, its UWP, and a LOT has already happened!
*luvs*
PS: We might go Whitewater Rafting down the Colorado River. CRAZINESS!!! :-)
I arrived safely in Denver - my flight touched down at 1:03...42 minutes earlier than expected. I quick found the bathroom, which much to my entertainment, had a large sign which read "Tornado Shelter" ~ for some this may be offputting, for me, it just proves that this will be one heck of a sweet adventure.
As a sidenote, we were informed that we reach Mexico during the height of hurricane season in the Baja Peninsula. Great. Even more phenominal is that we hit the Philippines during the end of monsoon season. Again, spectacular.
Anyways, I managed to navigate myself to the main terminal where my Up With People FMs (Field Managers) and castmates were awaiting my arrival. It was nice to be greeted with so many smiles and hugs. You'd never have guessed that we all were meeting for the first time - to a stranger it probably looked like a reunion of lost friends.
We went back to a civic center of sorts right outside of Denver - and we got to know eachother and tied up loose ends until 8. We played games, and chatted, and generally just had a good time. This cast surely does not lack personality. Even our FMs and staff were laughing at how enthusiastic and energetic everyone was - despite the jet lag that plagued many.
Our cast represents 22 countries. Off hand, I know that includes: Germany, Finland, Sweeden, Holland, Singapore, Japan, Ethiopia, Bangledesh, South Korea, Denmark... and so many more. Its been intriguing to talk to everyone - because its sort of like to find common ground in conversation, you really have to include a history of yourself and where you come from.
At 8, our host families arrived to take us *home*. We are matched up via host codes, which all involve a "lost at sea" theme...
(PS: We are currently explaining to Mayke the American "red light districts"... it is quite funny actually)
Anyway, my host code is "Caribbean Sea".. so my host mom held up a big sign. Other people (with easier codes) dressed the part. A little girl, came to greet her *sisters* dressed as a pirate... a man and his wife covered themselves in paper triangles - to represent the Bermuda Triangle. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. It made the transition to a totally different lifestyle a whole lot easier.
My host mom is a single woman, whose name is Barbara. She is sweet... and her home is GORGEOUS. We have a pool that we are allowed to use, and a full basement (where she told me I can dance!!!). We each have our own bedroom... and mine is so big!! I have a dog too... her name is Cuddles... but to date, she hasn't been very cuddly. Its ironic of sorts - that the dog dislikes Mayke and I so much - but loves Neele. Barbara said something about how it is because of our suitcases... Neele arrived late, and Cuddles was asleep (therefore didn't see the suitcases). Anyhoo.. my roomies are great. Mayke and Neele. Mayke (pronounced like Micah) is from Holland. Neele (like Neelah) is from Germany. Both speak English well... so we talk a lot.
It looks like we are in for a busy month. Today is practically the only day we have off... and all other days we have rehearsal from 8:30 til 5:30. Wednesdays, rehearsals go until 7:30. We practice in Downtown Denver... so we must take a train in each morning, and home each night. We'll see...
I promise I'll keep you updated.
And I apologize for rambling... but dude, its UWP, and a LOT has already happened!
*luvs*
PS: We might go Whitewater Rafting down the Colorado River. CRAZINESS!!! :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)