Return to a South African School

Today, it was a visit back to the Seven Fountains school which I was really looking forward to, although also dreading at the same time as today it was so hot that carrying the children would be a struggle! I honestly don’t understand this weather, how one day it can be like 17 and then the next high 30’s. When we arrived, all the children were wearing jumpers which I cannot understand as I was just wearing shorts with a t-shirt and already sweating. Whilst in town the other day, some people bought some toys for the kids such as footballs, skipping ropes, colouring pens and chalk which they were all so grateful for and thoroughly enjoyed playing with so at least it gave our shoulders a break today. When I walked out after finishing dishing up the food, I got chosen by a little girl who couldn’t have been older than 4 although I cannot say for definite as she was a mute, so I was not even able to find out her name. What I did find out though was that she looked super cool and sassy in my sunglasses which she loved as well as cuddles, the swing, slide and playing with my hair. She had loads of blister type scars, also known as keloids, on her hands which looked painful and when she saw me give another girl a band aid when she fell over cutting her leg, she wanted one as well. I needed to grab some water from the van as after pushing her on the swing for a while, I quickly became thirsty so I tried to hand her to someone else so that she could continue to have a cuddle, but she would not let go of me which I found so hard so someone else had to grab my water for me. What I didn’t realise was how much water was a luxury for them so when I was drinking, I had several come up to me begging for it and I felt so cruel, but the teacher said I was not allowed to give it to any of them as they would argue over it which truly broke my heart. I wish I could have adopted one really but then it would still be a case of which one. These visits to the school really open my eyes to what truly happens in this world but even so the case remains how can it still be happening today? They also once again done a traditional African song/dance for us so afterwards we decided to teach them the Macarena which the majority of them really got into and enjoyed.

We arrived back just in time for lunch which today was fish and chips, although nothing like back in England but tasty all the same. Then it was just a case of chilling back at the accommodation till our afternoon activity at 14.30; whilst sitting there we heard some noise coming from the bedroom, so I went to investigate, and it turned out there was a monkey stealing a bag of crisps from under a girl’s bed! I tried to scare it away which I did manage to do except it kept tightly hold of the bag of crisps.

This afternoon’s activity was to be driving round the game reserve trying to find the rhino’s and ensure they are okay as they have not been since Monday apparently and

with the risk of poachers, they like to try to keep an eye on them where possible. We split into two groups and both trucks drove off in different directions to try and cover the maximum ground that we could. Our group had no luck finding the rhinos, but we did get up really close to the elephants, giraffe and water buffalo which was awesome considering they are 3 amazing animals including 2 of the big 5.

I was meant to mention earlier in the week that a few more volunteers arrived and 2 of them are going on the garden route with me next week so it means I will not be alone which makes me so happy! There is a girl called Annie from Cardiff and a guy call Morgan from Bedford. They both seem nice, that is always a bonus, plus when I eventually reach Cape Town I will be staying in the same accommodation as Stine so there will be another familiar face there as well.

Today, at dinner, was kind of strange as I got told off for being too polite whilst eating which is definitely a first. It was BBQ day today so there was a lot of meat on the bone and I was trying to cut it all off with my knife and fork but in the end, it must have looked too painful as they told me to stop being polite and just eat it with my fingers which, although it was easier, I found quite strange at first.

On the walk back to the room we decided to pass Ozzie the Ostrich and we hand fed him some long grass which was absolutely crazy especially as their mouths open so wide, but he was so gentle and only caught me once which didn't even really hurt. I just loved his large brown eyes and the way he looks at you with such intent and curiosity.

We managed to get a group photo tonight with everyone who is in my accommodation and it came out well. From top left to bottom right the people are as follows:- Tiffany from China, Stine from Denmark, Hippo from France, Emilia from Bath, England, Marisa from Boston, USA, Matt from Canada, Charlotte from New Zealand, Me, Barbara from Brazil, Jack from New York and finally Jo from Arizona, USA. These people have been incredible to share not just a dorm with but experience so much with and the support from everyone whilst being here has made it the best start to my travels I could have ever wished for.

So tomorrow most people will head off for their weekend excursion meaning I have the weekend to chill so we shall see what excitement lies in store.