Day 1 in Kansas City

The day started off by the introduction of Tourism in Kansas City and to add to the overall experience, we had this session in an office overlooking a beautiful part of the city, from which various tourist attractions were pointed out to us. We learnt alot from this introduction and were also given an opportunity to talk about our own countires and the beauty thereof, which attracts tourists from all over the world.

For lunch, we had great food and the best of company. After lunch, we went to the City Hall, at which we attended a City Council Legislative Session to receive a Proclamation, presented by the mayor of Kansas City. Once again we were braced with a wonderful warm welcome from the people of Kansas City. Therefater, we went to the City Observation Deck, which is also situated in the City hall, where we got to view Kansas City and surrounding areas from a 'bird's-eye' view; it was amazing.

We later obtained greater insight into the news paper of Kansas City, The Star, upon a guided tour of the newly erected building of the newspaper. We were presented with the history of the news paper, the production process and many more.

WOW!, being the only word with which to describe the following; "The Sprint Centre". It is an oval shaped arena, which hosts major concerts for some of the world's best artists and other world class events. We were all stunned at the beauty of this centre.

Off with our hosts families to further establish Kansas City as our new home.

Off to Kansas City

Yesterday, on 15 April 2009, we were off to Kansas City. With much anticipation for our departure to Kansas City, we had an early start to the day. Sad as it was, we left our new friends that we made in New York and the the place that became our home, even though it was only for a few days. After a long wait at JFK International, as a result of the delay of our flight, we departed to Kansas City at 5:30pm. Travelling toKansas City, we faced yet another time difference and fell yet another hour behind our fellow Southern Africans, the total of which is a seven hour difference. The flight was good and we also met a number of interesting people on board.

We arrived in Kansas City, to be very well received by the Rotarians, who were very eager to make our stay as comfortable as possible and to provide us with the best that Kansas City has to offer. From thereon, Kansas City become our new home. The welcome dinner was wonderful, a great way to familiarise ourselves with what lays ahead .
Tired as ever, we were on our way to bed, eagerly awaiting the day that lays ahead.

Few Days in New York.

After a long 18 hour flight Team Capulana arrived in New York City. We got through customs and to our hostel without any problems.

We've had a great time in New York. We've been to Times Square, the top of the Empire State Building, a boat cruise around Manhatten and the Statue of Liberty and various bus routes around the city visiting the famous landmarks. Coming from a nice warm Southern Hemisphere summer the cold spring has really made an impact on us. Layering of clothes has become the norm!

We leave tommorrow for Kansas City to start with our "Official" GSE!

Team Capulana has left SA

The GSE Team representing District 9250 left for District 6040 (Kansas, Missouri) on 11 April 2009. There was great excitement as they left from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. John and Yssel are going to have their hands full with these girls. The beginning of one of the great experiences of a lifetime. Enjoy!!!!!!

Orientation 21 February 2009

Anelize & Euridice hitting the road to Middelburg for a orientation

The team completed their final orientation this weekend. Presentations have been fine tuned, and uniforms are well in hand.
We are all looking forward to meeting at OR Tambo International Airport on 11 April 2009. Kansas, here we Come!!!!!

GSE TEAM SELECTIONS

On the weekend of 24-26 October 2008 Rotary District 9250 conducted its final selections for the Group Study Exchange team which is to travel to District 6040 in Missouri, USA.

As always, the selection weekend was very busy, and the candidates learnt a lot about Rotary and themselves. On Sunday morning the team was announced by GSE Chair OB Macwele.

It was the start of a lot of preparation and hard work for team leader John Brislin, Euridice, Analize, Candice and Yssel.

The picture below shows the team with District Governor Ian McGlashan.