Cape Town International Jazz Festival

I got the wonderful opportunity to attend the Cape Town International Jazz Festival with a few friends. The music scene is incredible. It has been great because I have been introduced to some local Capetonian musicians. They have really shown me what this country is all about...and that is The Arts. Right up my alley. Anyway, the festival was held at the Convention Center. There where about 8 separate stages in the middle of the city. Some inside and some outside. I went to some of the bigger African musicians shows. However, the pictures that I am showing are from the more intimate shows. The bands consisted of a Stand-up Base, drums, Piano and sometimes a trumpet/clarinet. IT was Jazz at it finest. The artists spanned the globe from Japan, Sweden and even some Americans. They love playing in this city, or at least what they all said before their shows. There is a lot of energy from the crowds, but its not the same as American concert. People are extremely considerate. No pushing or cramming to the front. In fact, the front of the concerts are for the people who want to lay/sit down on the grass and just watch the music. The dancers are situated a little further back. Of course, the inside venues are seated.

This morning I was shown around the City with the "mother" of the Television station I work for. She is the resident "mother" at E.TV/E.Sat because she looks after everyone. She is a South African who has lived in the Western Cape all her life. She really loves it here and is so proud of her city (as most/if not all Capetonians are). She showed me the Parliment buildings, museums, Virgin Active Gym, beautiful parks and housing. She has been a blessing for me because she really looks after me. Its great.

Anyhow, things are going well here. Still dont have a car, but got accepted for a bank account the other day. That means a car will be coming soon!! Cant wait. I have been very, very busy with the weather department since I have been here. People from Berling, Germany and Johannesburg all met me at the TV studio this weekend so that we can coordinate the weather department. They have really given me free reign to design/incorporate every aspect of the weather department. This is an amazing responsibility, but very exciting! All I know is, I have a lot of work to do over the next few months.

Where ever you find yourself at this moment, peace and prayers. Ciao!

Derek

My New Home!!

Hello from Cape Town, South Africa.

The first and most important thing I want to write about is a whole-hearted "thank you" to everyone's support for this new chapter in my life. I could not do this move without my family and friends. I just want you to know how special you are to me.

With that said, Cape Town is the most spectacular city I have ever laid eyes on. I have learned so much about this culture and its only been 2 days. I have eaten sushi on the beach with friends, and had a home cooked meal with a family I know in the heart of the city.

As per the Television station...Wow, is all I can say. They have treated me with the up-most respect and friendliness. This means so much to me seeing that this is a terribly vulnerable move for a 25 year old. From fresh flowers, to a team of movers and a chauffeur...this has been a real journey that anyone could get used too.

Well, I am laying here in my new flat. It overlooks Table Mountain and the "Mother City." What a spectacular view. This is God's country. He has provided this to the people of this world. What a great gift. I feel honored to be here with such a mission. It is great task to perform the weather in another country, or World for that matter. But what a challenge! If I didn't attempt this feat, I would be regretting it the rest of my life.

The internet connection is terribly slow in South Africa and it has provided me some difficulties that I promised earlier in Amsterdam. I was in an internet cafe in Amsterdam and uploading wonderful pictures of everyone that came to my going away parties. Unfortunately, as life has it, my web-browser failed me. So the pictures I have where not uploaded. South Africa, as it seems, has too slow of a connection to upload pictures as the moment. I am currently trying to figure out this problem by changing the resolution of my pictures.

Without getting into painstakingly detail, life is wonderful here. The official start date to our 24-hour news and weather channel is June 1st. However, it sounds like I will be going on-air in about a months time. YIKES! I have to learn all new countries/provinces and weather patterns in such a short time. I am up for the task, but it sure seems overwhelming.

I will write more when I can. As soon as I can post pictures, I will. In the meantime, embrace life and the experiences' it provides.

~Cheers from South Africa~

Derek Van Dam

Back in the USA, for now.

Hello Again. I happen to find myself in the comforts of my parents house in Grand Rapids Michigan. What a pleasant feeling that is. Especially after such a whirl-wind adventure. I thank God that he has brought my friend, Bob Deland and I, home safely. As life has it, I drank some bad water in Morocco and became very ill. That is why it has taken so long to write on my blogsite.

Anyway, I am home for now. Between juggling hospital visits, going away parties and celebrating Easter, I now find myself facing the biggest move of my life. Reflecting on such a large trip is difficult to do with something so large facing you in the distant future. Either way, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite places that I visited; Ancient Rome, Ponte Vecchio, Michaelangelo's David Statue, Trevie' Fountain, The Vatican and Sistine Chapel where Michaelangelo's painting "God reaching out to humanity" is located, the Crystal Palace in Madrid, seeing the northern Tip of the Continent I am about to live in, riding camels and playing golf in Morocco, Climbing the Rock of Gibraltar, seeing the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, and of course Big Ben!

I kept a very detailed journal to remember the names and places of the locations we visited so I may come back once again. We had plenty of time to read and write as we traveled a multitude of trains (Eurail or bust!) planes, and even some boats!

I feel so blessed to lead a life that has brought travel, a good job and the best of friends and family. It is so important to put God in the driver's seat of my life. He has really taken over and made such an impact on my over-all character and mood. I think this personal journey to Africa is going to be a lesson that not even words can describe. I just can't wait for the opportunities it will create.

I will be posting a special "Thank You" to the people closest in my life. That will be for my next blog. In the meantime, be well and enjoy Spring. I have 4 more days before I move to Africa. I need your thoughts and prayers more than ever. Thank you.

Derek Van Dam

Seville and London

Seville is a fantastic and very cultural city. London is windy. Everything is great here. Miss you all.

Derek

Hello from the Rock of Gibralter.

Just climbed the Rock of Gibralter. Looking at Africa in the distance, along with the Coast where the Mediteranean Sea and Spain meet. It is an amazing site to see none the less. Things are well. Getting a little tired from runnnig around. But it is all worth it.
I am traveling to Seville and then to London. Hopefully we will make it. There is a bad storm right now in the UK. Just another obstacle. Talk to you all soon!

Derek

Hello from Moracco

one of the most significant moments in my life just occured. I sat in the middle of the Straights of Gilbraltar and stared at the continent that i am about to live at. what a scary but real idea and thought process. moracco is a cultural melting pot i can barely take it all in. i have seen things i never knew existed. also this is a large muslim community: as we speak I am hearing the call to prayer from a muslim mosque....very interesting to hear considering the minaret is right outside my window. i will write more as this all unfolds...all i can say is wow.

miss you all...home is soooooo far away

derek

When in Rome..do as the Romans do!

Hello everyone. Just left Rome today and have made it to Madrid. Roma is a spectacular city. I have seen things I never imagnied. Florence and Venice are incredible cities. A cultural melting pot of statues and art. I saw Michalangelo´s David statue and also explored the Vatican (Roma) where the Sistine Chappel is located. I climbed to the top of St. Peter´s Basillica (The Cupola) and saw Michalangelo´s painting of God (in the Sistnie Chapel) reaching out to Humanity and also the paintnig of the last judgement. It was a very special moment in my life to see something of such significance.
Traveling this area has brought me a great peace about moving to South Africa. I have figured out major metro systems, taught myself how to navigate large cities. Thanks for checking out the blog. I will write more when I have time...the internet in other countries is much slower and much different. America is so different from the rest of the world. I can´t even begin to describe.

Derek Van Dam

Hello everyone,

You know you are far from home when u are sitting in Austria and in the background you have the TV show Tool Time on, but it is in German. Wow. This place is more beautiful that I could ever imagine. I have found a real peace in traveling the world. I will post more when I have time...Skiing in the Swiss Alps has been wonderful. Take care everyone. I love all of you.

Derek