Im back
Hello everyone
Sorry to take so long to get back to everyone on what has been happening over here in South Africa. It is now THursday evening over here and Im about to go a friends house for dinner before a few of us go and see a band in town.
Since Friday things have been very hectic but also very relaxing as well. I have forgotten how amazing this place is and how similiar yet all so different it is to Australia.
On Saturday, Louise, Angela and myself went to Spiel for a lunch in the park and then check out the Cheetah park. These cheetahs were very harmless, you could even feed them if you wanted to. After that we caught up with Louise's friends from the school where she is teaching in Stellenbosch. They are a bunch of Americans that are here for a couple of months on exchange. As Louise was going to church that evening, I caught up with the Americans for a pre-match before we try out the local Stellenbosch nightlife. They are all hosted by SA families and the house that I went to beforehand the daughter just came back from playing hockey in the Commonwealth Games for SA. It was strange having a conversation with all these different accents flying around the room. The nightlife was interesting to say the least, it was Easter of course and Stellenbosch is a uni town so many of the students went back home for the holiday break. After a few Castle beers we all ventured to the so called 'nightclub' upstairs and as soon as I go to the bar a couple of blokes started talking in Africaans to me.. I was like what the? As soon as I explained I was from Australia they were then (in some interesting english) telling me how good Gibbs was and how we are sheep shaggers. I tried to explain that they are getting confused with NZ. But they didnt understand and they were pissed and were just having a laugh... It was an interesting night, just think going to a club years ago.. some very interesting fashion and hairdos.. dont think the pink studded shirt went down so well in Africa!! Not sure if they are ready for it.
It was a good night and the Americans know how to have a good time. On Easter Sunday, we had a drive around Stellenbosch during the morning and had a big Easter braai (BBQ) in the afternoon. Very relaxing day. Stellenbosch is about 40 mins from Cape Town and is very picturesque with wineries all around in this happening and vibrant town and a huge university so there are young people everywhere.
On Easter Monday, Louise's family and myself went for a drive around the neighbouring areas. We ended up at Butterfly world for lunch and a look around, there are worlds for all types of animals over here. It was really good and I learnt a thing or two about Butterflys. In the afternoon we went to see where Mandela was last kept in prison and the house where he resided before his release. (I felt quite strange taking photos of a prison from the road- such the tourist) then we went to Franshook (spelling is way off) to visit this great little town and a winery for some tasting... great wine... I had to stop after all those tastings I was getting a little merry. Two can slammer as I am!!
On Tuesday, I strolled around town myself and ended up in the market where they sell you anything and everything.. (on every street corner they are trying to sell you something.. at a good price they will say) At the market I met a bloke from Cameroon and Malawi, there are heaps of non-SA in SA cause there is a higher standard of living and border controls arent the greatest in this country. It was interestign talking to these blokes, about all there girlfriends located around the world and how they are all waiting for them... (think they are dreamin)
In the afternoon I went with the AMerican teachers to Kayamandi which is the black township of Stellenbosch to help out a local church which assists students after class finishes with their studies.. Driving from the 'white' area to the black township is completely different feels like you have changed countries. Wherever there is a strong white community there will be a black township closeby as that is where the workers come from.
ANyway, I havent been to church in a long time so this was a complete culture shock. They have about 70 students who come in after school and are split into grades. Before this we sang songs about the church.. Flashbacks to RE in primary school....
I was given Grade 6 with Katie and we had a fabulous time, the kids are just amazing and very attentive. They are just so keen to learn and expand their maths and english skills to hopefully make it big in this world. There smiles and enthusiasm is second to none and it was a pleasure trying to assist them. (And they loved having their photos taken) IT made me realise how much I missed helping these kids, they have nothing but to them they have the world..
After that we had a huge braai (BBQ) at Louise's where we all stayed around and chatted even touching on some international affairs as we were represented by 3 continents..
On Wednesday, Louise took me around the coast of South Africa and it is amazing very similar to the Great Ocean Road. SOme of the towns are just so cool and there is still a very strong colonial influence down this way as its a strong English community. We checked out a penguin colony and a few coastal towns and then we ended up at the beach. 7 hours in total in the car which was a long time especially for Louise's daughter.. Im getting great practise at looking after kids.. Louise said she can be my referee for the future :)
Last night, after getting back I caught up with Simpeire who is my host brother from Mossel Bay but is now in Cape Town working for Coke and teaching the university soccer side in CT. He hasnt changed a bit except for his dreads, it was great to catch up with him as its been 7 years since I have seen him.. He has some big plans and hopefully I will see him in Melbourne one day.
Today, we went to Somerset West which is 20 mins from Stellenbosch for some shopping in what Louise said is the biggest in the SOuthern Hemisphere but I think Chadstone or SOuthland is bigger (SOrry Louise) Then in the afternoon I went to Kayamandi again to help out with the kids as it will be the last time I will be able to get there... It was great to be back there again and the person that runs it deserves a huge pat on the back for volunteering to do this twice a week.
Now Im about to go out to dinner at a friends before we go and see a band.
Tomorrow Im off to CT to do the cable car and a few touristy things and on Saturday I make the journey to Mossel Bay to spend 10 days with my host family and helping out at my old school. Looking forward to it!!
THe weather has been amazing.. very hot (great for my tan! :) ) and the people are just awesome. Louise's family are so kind and Im slowly picking up some of there phrases!! ouch!
I hope everyone is well and I miss you all.
Troy
Sorry to take so long to get back to everyone on what has been happening over here in South Africa. It is now THursday evening over here and Im about to go a friends house for dinner before a few of us go and see a band in town.
Since Friday things have been very hectic but also very relaxing as well. I have forgotten how amazing this place is and how similiar yet all so different it is to Australia.
On Saturday, Louise, Angela and myself went to Spiel for a lunch in the park and then check out the Cheetah park. These cheetahs were very harmless, you could even feed them if you wanted to. After that we caught up with Louise's friends from the school where she is teaching in Stellenbosch. They are a bunch of Americans that are here for a couple of months on exchange. As Louise was going to church that evening, I caught up with the Americans for a pre-match before we try out the local Stellenbosch nightlife. They are all hosted by SA families and the house that I went to beforehand the daughter just came back from playing hockey in the Commonwealth Games for SA. It was strange having a conversation with all these different accents flying around the room. The nightlife was interesting to say the least, it was Easter of course and Stellenbosch is a uni town so many of the students went back home for the holiday break. After a few Castle beers we all ventured to the so called 'nightclub' upstairs and as soon as I go to the bar a couple of blokes started talking in Africaans to me.. I was like what the? As soon as I explained I was from Australia they were then (in some interesting english) telling me how good Gibbs was and how we are sheep shaggers. I tried to explain that they are getting confused with NZ. But they didnt understand and they were pissed and were just having a laugh... It was an interesting night, just think going to a club years ago.. some very interesting fashion and hairdos.. dont think the pink studded shirt went down so well in Africa!! Not sure if they are ready for it.
It was a good night and the Americans know how to have a good time. On Easter Sunday, we had a drive around Stellenbosch during the morning and had a big Easter braai (BBQ) in the afternoon. Very relaxing day. Stellenbosch is about 40 mins from Cape Town and is very picturesque with wineries all around in this happening and vibrant town and a huge university so there are young people everywhere.
On Easter Monday, Louise's family and myself went for a drive around the neighbouring areas. We ended up at Butterfly world for lunch and a look around, there are worlds for all types of animals over here. It was really good and I learnt a thing or two about Butterflys. In the afternoon we went to see where Mandela was last kept in prison and the house where he resided before his release. (I felt quite strange taking photos of a prison from the road- such the tourist) then we went to Franshook (spelling is way off) to visit this great little town and a winery for some tasting... great wine... I had to stop after all those tastings I was getting a little merry. Two can slammer as I am!!
On Tuesday, I strolled around town myself and ended up in the market where they sell you anything and everything.. (on every street corner they are trying to sell you something.. at a good price they will say) At the market I met a bloke from Cameroon and Malawi, there are heaps of non-SA in SA cause there is a higher standard of living and border controls arent the greatest in this country. It was interestign talking to these blokes, about all there girlfriends located around the world and how they are all waiting for them... (think they are dreamin)
In the afternoon I went with the AMerican teachers to Kayamandi which is the black township of Stellenbosch to help out a local church which assists students after class finishes with their studies.. Driving from the 'white' area to the black township is completely different feels like you have changed countries. Wherever there is a strong white community there will be a black township closeby as that is where the workers come from.
ANyway, I havent been to church in a long time so this was a complete culture shock. They have about 70 students who come in after school and are split into grades. Before this we sang songs about the church.. Flashbacks to RE in primary school....
I was given Grade 6 with Katie and we had a fabulous time, the kids are just amazing and very attentive. They are just so keen to learn and expand their maths and english skills to hopefully make it big in this world. There smiles and enthusiasm is second to none and it was a pleasure trying to assist them. (And they loved having their photos taken) IT made me realise how much I missed helping these kids, they have nothing but to them they have the world..
After that we had a huge braai (BBQ) at Louise's where we all stayed around and chatted even touching on some international affairs as we were represented by 3 continents..
On Wednesday, Louise took me around the coast of South Africa and it is amazing very similar to the Great Ocean Road. SOme of the towns are just so cool and there is still a very strong colonial influence down this way as its a strong English community. We checked out a penguin colony and a few coastal towns and then we ended up at the beach. 7 hours in total in the car which was a long time especially for Louise's daughter.. Im getting great practise at looking after kids.. Louise said she can be my referee for the future :)
Last night, after getting back I caught up with Simpeire who is my host brother from Mossel Bay but is now in Cape Town working for Coke and teaching the university soccer side in CT. He hasnt changed a bit except for his dreads, it was great to catch up with him as its been 7 years since I have seen him.. He has some big plans and hopefully I will see him in Melbourne one day.
Today, we went to Somerset West which is 20 mins from Stellenbosch for some shopping in what Louise said is the biggest in the SOuthern Hemisphere but I think Chadstone or SOuthland is bigger (SOrry Louise) Then in the afternoon I went to Kayamandi again to help out with the kids as it will be the last time I will be able to get there... It was great to be back there again and the person that runs it deserves a huge pat on the back for volunteering to do this twice a week.
Now Im about to go out to dinner at a friends before we go and see a band.
Tomorrow Im off to CT to do the cable car and a few touristy things and on Saturday I make the journey to Mossel Bay to spend 10 days with my host family and helping out at my old school. Looking forward to it!!
THe weather has been amazing.. very hot (great for my tan! :) ) and the people are just awesome. Louise's family are so kind and Im slowly picking up some of there phrases!! ouch!
I hope everyone is well and I miss you all.
Troy
posted by Troy Aitken | 9:07 AM
2 Comments:
Okay just so you know I said the shopping centre was the LONGEST in the Southern Hemisphere, not the BIGGEST!!!!!!!!! Louise xx
Hey mate
How's it hanging, sounds like your having a wonderful time. Keep the pink shirt going, it suits you.
Anyways speak to ya soon
Rob :)
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