Remember Remember the 5 of November

Oh mornings with Edwin how fun they can be. Quite frequently we get up at the same time and then it is as if sleep was just a temporary recharging station for our bodies to catch up to the crazy places our minds took them the day before. There is something refreshing about waking up in a place where your roommates are delightful in the morning versus being groggy and depressed.
This morning I had the pleasure of being awoken by Edwin singing Flight of the Bumblebee in a high pitched voice mirroring that of Beaker from the Muppets (If you dont know who that is then go and Rent “Muppet Treasure Island” and look for two scientist type gentlemen, one speaks normally and the other speaks in high pitched yelps). If you still cant find him then rent the rest of the Muppet films simply for a night of pure nostalgia.
Ah yes, back to the mornings, they have become a gathering of sorts in which Edwin and myself tend to find ourselves making bacon and eggs as of late. Sometimes we will have bacon after getting back from a night and then wake up a couple hours later to find ourselves indulging in bacon and eggs sandwiches.
We have even set our ipod's up to wake us up in the mornings so it has become music all the time at our flat. I must say it is pretty cool to always have music playing in one room or another.

DE HOOP:
What else can I tell you. Well the 2 flying dutchmen (Edwin + Sander) and I went away for a weekend to a place called De Hoop. It is in the middle of nowhere and we were able to see everything from desert looking sand dunes, too the Indian Ocean and so much wildlife that I can't start to name right now, in fear of missing one of them and making them feel bad about their species.
The trip was very relaxing as we stayed in a zero electricity bush cabin. It was a good time to come down and relax after going non stop for these last couple of months. On the way home we stopped off at the Avalon Hot Springs and did some hiking, climbing and swimming/wading. The hiking led us over creeks by means of walking on sandbags and into thick brush and high grass. The high grass reminded my alot of the opening scene from August Rush...man you guys are gonna be busy at the blockbuster this week, what with renting all of these films that I have suggested.
Edwin and I decided to climb a very treacherous path up a mountain to a “cave”. It seemed as if this rock path had not been used recently and was not well kept. It was a nice climb though, with very beautiful viewpoints of nature being provided with each plateau that we reached. There was even this part where you have to climb 3.5 meters up on an old rusty metal latter to get up to the cave. I must admit in hindsight I probably should put up a “No joyfully plump people or afraid of heights people please” sign there because the term cave was very deceiving. In all my past experiences I have come to associate cave with a direction (DOWN) in this case however, cave was (UP) way up...past the big friendly giant and beyond.
Long story short, we made it and the view was brilliant! Though I must say it seemed to me as if it was more of a grand crevasse then a cave. Unless that shelter from the rain that Donkey Kong or King Kong...one of the 2, hides under an alcove type rock formation. Anywho, we made it up and down the mountain and then relaxed to the max in the pools nearby! It was a very good weekend and a much needed break after marking 43 1rst year students finals.

I will be home before you know it,
Jared B

Mood: re-inspired
Eating: Bacon and Eggs
Listening to: Greenlight by John Legend and Andre 3000

Something Somthing, yeah October Something, I need more guitar in my headphones...

Hello hello, I hope you all enjoyed the last 2 blogs! I would love to hear from you guys after you read them so email me or facebook, or comment me :). I totally forgot that I told you guys earlier that I would talk about a couple of things for example, life at work and on residence. I hope that you have all decide to forgive me for not updating you on these thing. I guess sometimes you think because you do something almost everyday that everyone already knows about those things.

Alright so I teach a class of 43 students. It has been really fun stepping into a lecturer position here at CPUT. I have been teaching Current Affairs for Radio Journalism. It is funny how the things in life that you say. “Oh, I will never need that again” always come back to haunt you except for math... I still can't say that I have had to assist Jenny in her predicament of finding the unknown angle of her triangular sandwiches using the SIN< or COS< !
Right so Current affairs, the students are currently finishing up their year end assignments (5 minute current affairs stories) and thing are turning out nicely! Unfortunately I know that some of them read my blog and so I cannot say anything embarrassing about any of them until I get home :P
Aside from the fun I have preparing the lectures I love the practical side of the class. This is where I am able to work with the students in the recording/radio studios. In the main studio we work on most production elements that will be essential for the students to understand before entering the field next year. Even to this day I get made fun of for my “accent” but I get the last laugh when I take my lunch at Canadian time 12:00 instead of 1 or 1:30. I just cant wait till then, I GET HUNGRY :). My class is weekly and the practical side of things usually consumes at least 3 days a week so, I have been staying quite busy as of late.

The staff has been quite nice and accepting of myself and Trish in the Journalism department and Im sure that it is the Same for Sarah (working with the Aids Hiv unit). I have been invited out by many of the staff and I have had the opportunity to represent the school and department to big figures in the media and journalism industries which is really fun because I love meeting new people. I have had that opportunity on almost a daily basis!

The people that I have met whether it be at the school or outside of the school have been really awesome I mean minus a couple street muggers (who in some cases were actually quite pleasant) the people have been great. You see the people of S.A are very inviting and love to talk an hang out with perfect strangers, very much like me so it makes things very fun. I also have many international friendships that I have made. Many of these people attended the Canadian Thanksgiving Celebration that Trish, Sarah and I put on!

So before I tell you about each person I will tell you an amusing anecdote...or at least it is amusing to me though I cant say that I have read it yet....for all I know what sounded amusing in my head could be utter fools gold to you. Well the idea was conceived after we the Canadians got together to discuss a farewell party for our good friend Marius (he is back in Germany now). The 3 of us decided that it would be a great time if we treated 10 friends to a Canadian T-Giving Party and Farwell party all in one. Now we are serious about these things and a party such as this does not mean a trip to Nando's Chicken where we will ask the server to claim the chicken is actually turkey or pay them to try and convince our guests that Chicken and Turkeys actually are the same animal. Nono, we the Canadians decided that it was imperative that we provide an authentic Thanksgiving for the first timers.
When I talk about detail I;m talking about raiding fields for plants that had Thanksgiving type colours. I am also taking about a full out meal. This meal included a 7kg turkey, a mash potatoes extravaganza, veggies, cranberries, stuffing, pie (hot and freshly made by Trish), Ice cream, appetizers, Optimus Prime Helmets and Snowmen. Ha just checking to see if you were still reading (for anyone who is lost, the last 2 items mentioned were not actually part at this wonderful Festivus).
The girls flat was our selected location for this partay and was dressed up with the dried plants from our bush adventures and autumn coloured fabrics which decorated the once blank and pale ceiling.
I am happy to say that Thanksgiving in S.A went extremely well and included live entertainment, a great meal and a “What I am thankful for” activity. Which was relatively successful, for every silly response there was always a counter offer of thanks for something serious to be said next. This night will always go down in the books as a memorable one for all and I am happy that everything worked out before Marius had to stop back at home this month.

Well thats all for now. I love each one of you and please hit me up with more messages. I quite enjoy hearing what you are all up to.
Jared

Mood: Lovin' life and music...yes music
Eating: Cadbury chocolate “fuit and nut”
Listening to: Vultures by John Mayer

Hermanus

Wow!!!!!!! ... alright I have now described Hermanus, I guess I dont have to say anymore. But, I will
I just returned from a lovely weekend away in Hermanus (2 hours South East of Cape Town). Let me begin by telling the story in a logical progression (start to finish).

Well Friday morning came and slapped me in the face with the reminder that I was leaving for Hermanus later on in the day and the I had alot of work to finish before that time along with packing. I dont know why but, I have always been a last minute packer...even in the sleep over days of old I would be packing at the last minute.
My job was to make sure that my students handed in their assignments for my class and that they were able to get some studio time before leaving for the weekend... long story short, that went well!
Next up was the visit to the IT centre where I had to fix yet another internet roadblock that I had come across (the internet situation is very ... different here). Alright so those things done it was now time to pack and pack I did; in ten minutes and with style I might add. However, I had planned to do my laundry on that day...big mistake. In a rushed decision I decided that I would buy my socks and boxers for the weekend when we got to the backpackers in Hermanus aptly named...now get this... “Hermanus Backpackers”, Brilliance itself isnt it. Back to the trip.
Edwin, Sander and myself left early because Marius had to finish a project before he was able to depart (he left later with Trish, Sarah and Paul). So we were off...to see the many wonders that lay before us, in the form of sea dwelling mammals (Whale Festival). Along the way we stopped at various view points which overlooked the vast and ridiculously blue ocean.... have you ever noticed that people always use the word vast when describing the ocean. I would hypothesize that it is because of the feeling of , “Man, maybe this world doesn't revolve entirely on me.” It could also be simply that most of us are too lazy to think of another word to describe the ocean.
Around 5 we arrived at Hermanus and put our stuff in the 7 person dorm room. Supper was not for 3 more hours so the 3 of us took a walk down to the water. The waves were beautiful as they smashed violently against the jagged shore line...sounds lame but, you werent there. The 3 of us took a quick walk through the town which was already buzzing with people, all of them there to see the Whales and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Back at the Batcave...Backpackers ..sorry. We had a delightful steak braii and washed it down with some Red wine and coke...not together Though I dont think the stomach would mind, cause it all mixes eventually! :P I unfortunately had a headache from my lack of sleep from the past week, and so I went to bed only to be awoken by a party of 7, now if you have been counting then you would say something like, “Hey Jared, werent there only 7 people in your group.” I would then say “yes but, like me you forgot to account for the torso of a mannequin that the guys had found on the ground and had decided to clothe and use to wake me up.”

SO 3 AM and there is a mannequin in my room, I dont know how but, I fell back asleep.

Saturday morning we woke up early...well I did. There was a make your own free breakfast policy. So I had some lovely bread and jam..I only saw the toaster after the fact. This day was spent just looking around the town, and stopping in at the various shops. (music stores). No mom I didnt buy anything this time. After a long day of walking around and enjoying the weather (20 degrees and sunny) Edwin, Sander and I went to have a full meal at the Spur in which we joined in in all the fun, By the time we left the restaurant we were seen as the foreigners who sing the birthday song with the staff! Unfortunately there is not much career in that so we headed on up to the backpackers and then out to catch some live Rock music (Blues Rock) it was stellar and the band was actually staying next door to us in the backpackers.
Sunday was the adventure day. Another early morning met us. Waking up at 8 has become my favourite pass time or challenge depending on the day :D For we the jolly 3 it was time to drive to a lovely spot 45 minutes outside of Hermanus and through Gaansbai to a place called Kliensbai. We were going SHARK CAGE DIVING! I think I will write a whole entry simply to deepen the reader experience of this Shark diving trip but, here is the sum up in 3 sentences. This shark diving company focusses on shark preservation and is a favourite of Actors; Leo Dicaprio and Brad Pitt. And the experience was totally amazing, they said that I actually attracted more sharks to the boat. Case being Times under the water 3, times puking 4, Sharks before puke 1 sharks after puking 3. They said they may have to hire someone of my skill set! lol but seriously. The trip was amazing just wait till you see the footage (They put together a dvd for us).

That night we had a braii at Grotto Beach and it was the perfect place to reflect back on the weekend what with its never ending beach and sand dunes. It was lovely and made for some excellent photo opportunities! Well we got home safe and sound. I just have to get over feeling gross when I think of “the boat times” :)

Take care,
one luv

I Counted to Five! And oh boy it's a doosie :P

So It has been a while since I wrote because I forgot the old password! Get to many of them floating around in my head. Luckily I have been writing down blogs so here are 4 of them!

Bit by the Surfing Bug:

I knew it was coming for me! not the fact that I had to write this news article before a certain deadline, no no I'm talking about the infamous “cape town surfing bug and it has bitten me with a passionate love for the sport. Honestly though that is the feeling I have right now, only two days since my last surf and I have the itch again. You know that kind of itch that usually leads itself to those ever popular words, “My name is Jared Boucher and I have a problem, it has been two days since my last surf and I find myself thinking about sea salty goodness and me paddling for dear life, trying to catch the next wave”.
I guess it is my own fault that I have been infected with surf-iosis. I mean not having warm water in my shower for 10 days straight was the perfect preperation for the Atlantic ocean because, as soon as I splashed into the 12 degree Muizenburg water I remembered those cold showers where I stood there shivering and telling myself, “Don't worry Jared. Suck it up because the ocean will be colder”. Those few words of self encouragement could potentially be my downfall.
So let me explain the day that will be marked in my calendar for many years to come as, “The day Jared decided sports injuries are all right to receive, as long as your having fun”. Well it all started with my new room mate here at CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) a young Dutchman named Edwin who said he would be gracious enough to drive with me and 3 other guys to watch us learn how to surf together (fall with style into cold, unforgiving waves of the Atlantic ocean). However, looking back, if he had of used my description then I may have passed on what turned out to be an amazing life experience with multiple energy rushes and fun experiences.
Alright so the surf day started with an Ellen from Siegnfield type dance routine which is often referred to by surfers and humans alike as “putting on the wet suit”. Though this sounds simple, the truth is that it is anything but.
So after I had successfully danced into my wet suit I began the 2 hour lesson, or should I say 1 hour lesson because, after one hour of learning how to pop up on the surf board my teacher left me alone with the perfectly forming ocean waves to pursue greener pastures (in the form of a couple of young ladies). If I may refer back to what I said about the wet suit. I just wanted to say that now where in movies such as Lord of Dogtown do you ever see Emilie Hirsch, or Heath Ledger having problems slipping into those body traps of embarrassment.
Alright so, it was my turn, I had to take what I was sort of taught about surfing and apply it to these reasonably sized South African waves. Off I went belly down on my board and arms moving at 100 miles per hour to try and catch the next good wave, reminding my body of muscles that I hadn't used since I was in swimming lessons. I think I was a starfish or yellow or level 12 or whatever. Note to all lifeguards and pool administrators, please stop changing the names of these swimming levels. Do you know what that is like for a kid to deal with? So I'm lying on my board facing the beach thinking, waiting, wishing that a wave will come fast and hard but, not so fast that it will pass me by or hard enough to cause me to wipe out in front of all the other surfers. I should mention at this time that if you or someone you know has a problem with and has never surfed before then surfing will be the best step towards humility for you. All of a sudden I felt this rush hit my feet and consume me from all sides, here I go, immersed in this perfect wave I used my newly acquired abilities to pop up on the board and feebly succeeded in balance myself as the waves drove me forward towards the beach. The rush is only one that can be experienced by doing and I must say that I highly suggest surfing to all my friends back home as we head into this summer...oh wait that's just me. Enjoy fall and the approaching winter.
Sorry I'll stop.

Im Back, Sorry 4 the wait

Ah Number 4, it has been way too long since I last wrote to you my friend and family.
But, I must tell you that I have written many times only to have the internet freeze before I posted the blog. But, this time I must keep it short and sweet with the promise of more blogs to come and frequently.

Alright so there is too much to catch you all up on but, here I go. I am staying on the post grad residence at CPUT in bellville (home of the gangsters) :P and I have 2 roomates; Sylvanus who is from Cameroon and is a super nice guy of whom I have gotten to know well over this last month and secondly is Edwin, who moved in on Friday of last week. He is from the Netherlands and Im sure we are gonna hit it off really well, so far we have gone shopping and planned surfing and golf trips so all looks good on that front.

I have also been working with the Journalism department at CPUT and I have spent the last month getting to know the students. I also have become a professor while down here and will be teaching Current Affairs for Radio Journalism!!! yes you may begin to call me Professor Boucher :P

But the students are great and loud and entertaining to be around and the staff has been great thus far. I know this is a little more formal than my other blogs but, I have to sum so much up ahhhhhhhhh!
Anywho, in our small residence there are a whole bunch characters such as the 7 or so Germans of whom I found to be great and hospitable. Marius (one of the Germans) and I have become good friends over this last month and have had many adventures in this time! I have made some sweet friendships here and I don't think I can write about them all because of time but, they will all have their place in blogs to come.

Alright, what else is on the need to know basis side of things...oh ya, I am safe and sound in South Africa and I have been blessed with the amount of the country that I have been able to see so far!! I did not know it was possible to climb a mountain in the morning and then hang out on a beach the same night and that is a beautiful thing! Oh and yes Mrs. Shantz, I know I said it already but, I am safe.

I have actually just returned from a weekend backpacking in a place called Cedarberg but, I will write all about that adventure specifically in the next blog above. My internet is going faster but, still is causing problems so bear with me. Oh and your emails are nice so keep sending them because they encourage me. thanks

One Luv,
Jared B

Mood: Chierd (Chipper and Tired)
Eating: Milk Tart
Listening To: Flight of The Conchords

Blog 3! Scroll down to the bottom for blog 1 and 2

Okay so none of the blogs have been posted yet due to the fact that my internet access is not working. This is a little bit frustrating but, should be fixed on Monday! If your reading this, you are on blog 3, scroll to the bottom for 1 and 2!

So what has happened since last time, well a whole bunch. We the 3 set out for a couple more shopping events to finish filling the house with all of the essential such as toilet paper, food and coffee maker...you know the essential stuff (but seriously, the coffee maker has given the girls the extra morning boost needed and well, considering I dont drink coffee, I find it more peaceful when they have had their magic coffee drinks :P)

Sarah has been tossed into the work field quite fast, as in about 8 in the morning after meeting her boss and then 6am the next morning. As for Trish and I, we just met the class that we will be working with late this week and we are both excited! Our job descriptions have changed a bit from last time we checked but, that we come up more later.

Our boss's name is Roland Adams and he is a super great guy, he actually reminds me quite a lot of my Radio program co-ordinator, Don Crockford! Anywho, he has been super nice offering of a car, phone and appartment. He also took us out for dinner last night to one of the best resturants in town called Marimba. The place was super nice, and it had live african jazz!!!!!! It was a 3 man band, piano, bass and marimba and they did some amazing harmonies on vocals, btw the ostrich and white wine for dinner was through the roof good and I definantly suggest that to all planning on visiting one day :D

Alright, we are off to the library to see if we can get online and then out to shop because we need more groceries. Talk to you soon oh and I'm sick but, I think it might come to pass over because I have been sick for 3 days with just a stuffed nose and a slight cough.

Jared

Eating: Breakfast and Sour Patch Kids
Listening to: Mute Math
Mood: in need of communication with family before they freak out!

Let Us Continue

Take Two!!! Ya that's right, I made it to Cape Town safe and sound. So where was I last time...AH YES! Frankfurt. Well we (the girls) decided it would be best to go on a double decker bus tour in Frankfurt Germany. All was going great minus the cost and the fact that the tour guide didn't show up. So let me re-phrase the last sentence, I was working on my “Go With The Flow” mindset and so the bus driver who spoke literally no English...come to think of it “no English!” may have been the only two English words that he knew. So anywho, this driver decided that instead of waiting for the tour guide to arrive that he would give a silent tour for 1 hr... yup its as fun as it sounds; somewhere on the same level as eating mac& cheese as your special birthday present from the parents :P

Alright so with that being said. 1 hr later the actual tour guide gave us a 2hr tour threw the city; it was actually quite stellar and I took plenty of pictures.

So to the Cape Town flight, it went soo smoothly and probably the best service that I have had flying. Te negative side was the alcoholics behind me, you would not believe the potent smell of alcohol on his breathe! Oh and one other negative. See I had found a lovely background choice that I could apply to my touch screen on the flight which had paw prints and all of those things that kids want to see on backgrounds nowadays. Now this was not the problem, I realized that I could not access the films I wanted to watch and wasn't till an hour left in the flight that we realized the cool kids background put a pg and below rating on my film watching....my mother is totally smiling to herself coming up with a life lesson from this that I will hear when I get home.

Right so Cape Town, we landing with our seats in the upright position at around 5 am. Our driver/pick up man was late but, he made up for it with free hot chocolate and coffee. However, when we went in a sketchy looking man followed us and then he walked back outside. When we walked outside (5:30am mind you, scary) he starting asking for money from me in African. I ignored him and the driver put himself between me and the sketchy man, he told the man that all we had was sugar packets and he was free to have one if he wanted. Like a disgruntled shark the man smiled, said he didn't want sugar and walked away. WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN! hahaha, you gotta just laugh it off I guess.

Well after getting off the plane and singing S. Africa's praises for their service I was approached for money and then after arriving at the University we had to wait for the school to open...followed by there being a booking mistake. The school had decided that we were a group of 3 girls and when I showed my manly face it sent the house keeping lady's scrambling to find me a room. Therefore I had 3 room changes in 15 minutes... a lot of luggage lifting.

To sum up the rest of the day before I hit the hay. We went shopping for...wait everything. Yep that's right even though we were told that the rooms were fully furnished and essentials were present this was not the case! So long story short I spent more then I wanted to on bed sheets and cooking/eating supplies. It was a funny sight to see 3 jet lagged Canadians walking in crocked lines down the hallways of this gigantic shopping mall. Was the trip successfull? I will tell you when I get up tommorrow because it is really cold right now...like really cold...like late fall cold...in Canada....my nose is chilly, goodnight, love you all,

Jared

Eating:Power Bar (thanks mom)
Listening to: Falling Up
Mood: hopeful, for no sore throat tomorrow and to feel fresh after 24hours of flying

The Journey Begins

Alright, here it is, the first blog by me Jared Boucher. Now I should warn you in advance that these blogs will be riddled with bad, grammar and/or speeling.... that was just a warm up!

So day one, well I guess I will start with pre-departure day one, Saturday July 19th. Thank you to everyone who came out to see me off and to all of those who made an effort to contact me before I left. I want you all to know that all of those things meant a lot to me.

Right oh, so back to where we were. Well, I have just landed in Frankfurt, Germany and I have a whole bunch of pics that I took on the flight and from inside the hotel room that Im in for the day. I've tricked my body into thinking that it is 8:30am instead of 2:14 am. I think that my body so far is adjusting well but, that may just be cause I feel the same way at those 2 times during the day...slightly tired but, also hungry.

So, the flight... it went well! and I should mention that I have already found and lost a tall blonde girlfriend!!! I know what your all thinking.... yes Im that skilled and to make matters better I met this lovely lady pre-boarding the plane....man I am good...and humble. Anywho, so I also did a lot of smiling on the plane. Some of you may ask, “Why smiling”. Well lets just say smiling got your truly an extra breakfast from the flight attendant :P. Oh and to answer some of your questions, yes Im taking pics as mentioned before and yes... the first thing I did when I could access my airplane t.v was watch an episode of “Flight of the Conchords”...and it was lovely and yes Nathan it was the episode with the love song for Coco.

Moving on, now that I have alienated some of the readers....that will happen from time to time. I suggest just pretending you were there at the time and laugh because that's what I do when I have no idea what's going on. TIME TO SHOP!!! The girls want to see Frankfurt so I gotta take off.

Talk to you all soon,
Jared

Eating: Gummie Bears
Listening to: Taylor Swift
Mood: Delighted because the 2 things above are a perfect mix :P