South Africa So Far...

So, we are into our fourth day in South Africa and I am sure I am talking for everyone when I say, that it is amazing!

Out first visit to a major tourist destination to Pretoria today all put a smile on our face. The city is amazing. First we were taken to the Voortrekker Memorial Building which offered some spectacular views of Pretoria and its surroundings, and also an insight into the history of South Africa and the meetings and wars between the native Zulu's and southern travellers. We also saw our first South African wildlife in the form of Springbok and a Blue Wildebeest - a good starter before our Safari next week!

Next we went for lunch courtesy of Kobus, Elsa and North West University - a lunch that included a mixed grill, chocolate pudding and beer/wine for me and Tom which we destroyed, much to the amazement of everyone around the table!

After lunch we took a trip to the Union Buildings, the South African equivalent to Downing Street. After some photo opportunities overlooking the city and the beautiful gardens surrounding the building we took a walk along the wall looking at the endless amount of stalls all selling genuine South African ornaments and souvenirs. After a quick shop, we were one our way back home, where we witnessed the most beautiful sun set most of have ever seen over the surrounding hills (and extraordinary amount of pot holes on the roads).

Now we all back to our schools tomorrow. I didn't think I would enjoy Vtfhoek Primary as much as I am. I went to the school with nervous and apprehension, thinking I would have been walking into a bare and empty classroom with the children dressed in drips and drabs, barely able to talk English, read and write. However I was met with a pleasant surprise. Before we had a chance to get out of the car we were surrounded by inquisitive faces and barraged with hugs and cuddles, before they even knew who we were. This calmed the nerves. I was placed in Grade R and 1, and the classroom was nothing which I expected. The children were all able to speak English, read, write and calculate in Maths. The room was decorated in displays, books and resources - nothing what I expected! The children were so friendly and made us all feel very welcome.

However, there was dark side looming over the school. We were told stories of how children as young as 4 and 5 have to walk 10km to school, and how 4 years ago a 12 year old was struck by a car and killed. This, accompanied by the stories of sexual and physical abuse, beatings with axes and how the one meal the children get at school is their only for the day, proved that despite how the school is improving, there is still a sad and solemn feeling which overwhelms the school, the pupils, teachers and us.

Now, as we sit back and relax with a beer and the football, its time to think and reflect on our days in school so far and the 7 to come before our safari trip - I'm sure we will have many more stories to tell!

Ollie