Editors note: First, Mary Cay Neal handed me this post just before we boarded our last flight from JFK to Buffalo.  Since being home (and back at work), this is the first opportunity I have had to type it up.  Second, this is a note Mary Cay Neal wrote specifically to Nicollette Solomon, a pioneer Read more about Cape Town News For Nicollette![…]

By Linda Ross. The first time I met Pieter Myburg, our South African currier/guide, I was filed with a sense of confidence that we would be in very good hands.  I was not to be disappointed!  Pieter saw to our every need and request with his signature “My pleasure!”  It was his mission that we Read more about Pieter Myburg – Best Guide Ever!![…]

By Monica Bates. As sit on this incredibly long flight back to Buffalo, I can’t stop myself from thinking back to when we played with the Buskaid Soweto String group. The group of kids, all ages alike were nothing short of exceptional.  As soon as we entered their school, they were so welcoming.  Their faces, Read more about Reflections[…]

By Arya Pindiprolu. One of the concepts in South Africa that fascinated me was Unbuntu.  Unbuntu means “I am because you are.” This concept fascinates me because in the U.S.A. we are a very individualistic society, while South Africa is a very collectivist society.  The Hector Peterson Memorial reflects this idea.  A young man named Read more about Umbuntu: A Concept We Could All Consider[…]

By Mandela Namaste. The other day we took a trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Robben Island was the prison designated for political prisoners – particularly those who opposed apartheid. On the way to the island, we enjoyed incredible, breathtaking views of the Cape Town skyline, Table Mountain, and the surrounding areas. Read more about Robben Island: Personally Powerful for Me.[…]

By Amy Reynolds-Namaste.  If I had to choose one word to describe this trip, it would be JOY!  The excitement built slowly as we entered the country and the joy was first evident when we performed with the African youth at Buskaid Soweto Strings for a musical exchange. That collaboration was the pure representation of joy Read more about Joy![…]

By Julia Anderson.  Today was our last full day in Cape Town.  We spent most of the day traveling the island through a chain of sights.  This included a boat trip to see seals on an island, a ride up the Flying Dutchman to see a nature reserve, then to a beach to see the Read more about Last Night[…]

By Elizabeth Sam. Yesterday we went to a singing workshop with other Suzuki violin students from the Eastern Cape of South Africa and a group of singers from a local high school.  It was an Amazing Experience! We walked in not knowing what to expect and walked out with huge smiles and a multitude of Read more about Singing with New Friends[…]

By Philomena Vennari.  Tonight we went to the Gold Resturant for a farewell dinner.  The food was about as exotic as you can get.  We ate ostrich and other creepy delicacies.  While we were eating, a group of dancers and singers performed for us.  Meanwhile we all got our faces painted.  The dancers were fantastic Read more about Farewell Dinner[…]