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

South African musings

The first thing that struck me when we arrived in South Africa is the road safety.....or lack of it! All the roads are straight with crossroads, however,with no traffic lights to be seen, each time you cross the road you take your life into your own hands! When in the cars, crossroads are even more terrifying, with cars from all directions playing chicken to decide who will make the first move.

On the food side, the local delicacies are meat, fish, and more meat and fish. Trying new meats on the braai (or BBQ) such as ostrich and springbok is a pleasant surprise, with both meats rich in flavour, and succulent to taste. The cost of food was also a pleasant surprise. The night we arrived we enjoyed  steak meals for R145- the equivalent of just under a tenner! A weekly shop for seven people cost R975, or an equivalent of £70!

Finally, something that seems to have taken the locals by shock is the lack of layers that we seem to be wearing. To the locals, winter is creeping in, and therefore to them the weather is turning cold, however, with temperatures between 24 and 28 degrees in the day and round about 15 degrees at night, there is absolutely nothing cold about the weather!

More musings will follow!

First day at school.. x

So far, South Africa is living up to my expectations! Its so warm, everyone is so friendly and Im having an amazing time. I think we all feel the same about this place! My first day at school was amazing! I was so nervous this morning, but the children were amazing and they made me feel so comfortable! They were the politest children I have ever met ever, they called all the woman ma'am and men sir and they seemed facinated by our accents! Highlight of my day was teaching the children Gangnam style ready for a big fun day tomorrow, where they have bouncy castles and lots of fun! Were very excited and hopefully we will top up our tan in the process ;)
Currently sitting in the garden as a group, drinking wine and beer and having the time of our lives :)
Excited for the crazy amounts of trips and activities we have planned over these weeks.
Bex Royle xxx

So, we have finally made it. After round about 24 hours of continuous travelling from plane to plane and airport to airport we have arrived save and sound in Potchefstroom, South Africa – and what a place it is! We woke up this morning to be greeted with the sight of beautiful, blue, cloudless skies, an endless amount of birds singing their morning chorus and a great breakfast of fruit, eggs and bacon laid on by the Oude Molen guest house owners. Before the long week in school ahead of us, it’s been good to just sit back, relax, sun bathe and rest after the long travelling, which, despite being cramped and uncomfortable with some rather amusing characters on the flights, wasn’t half bad considering we had an endless amount of films to watch (although Sam was disappointed she missed the last 5 minutes of Taken 2 – don’t worry you didn’t miss much), games to play and music to listen to whilst eating the best aeroplane food I have ever tasted. Even the hot towels were a pleasant, yet unusual, bonus.

After arriving and checking safely through Johannesburg customs easily, we finally met Kobus and his wife Elsa who are both lovely and very excited for the 4 weeks ahead of us. After another journey along the South African roads (we still don’t think they have any road laws out here!), and watching the moon rise over the trees, which was one of the best sights I have ever seen, we were able to unpack and relax, but only after enjoying a lovely steak or pasta meal at the Potchesfstroom eating complex with Kobus and Elsa. Now, whilst sitting in the glorious, baking sunshine, we are able to finally relax and look forward to the many busy, exciting days ahead of us! Hope you enjoy the pictures!