Our last few days in Swaziland passed in a blur as we were organising little goodbye parties at our NCPs, sponsorships for children and checking Mandla’s (mentioned in an earlier blog) therapy and transport was organised for the next few months. During the last weekend in Swaziland we got together as a group and participated in a Cancer Awareness March as part of October’s Breast Cancer awareness month. Tessa and Emily opted for the Breast Cancer Run. A few days later we were pleased to see that we even made it onto the National News! After 6 enjoyable weeks based at Lidwala lodge in Swaziland we all found it sad to say goodbye to the staff and volunteers who had become like family. However, thanks to technology like Facebook and emails we’ll be able to stay in touch and hopefully organise a visit again soon. Nevertheless, adventure laid ahead for us 11 Australians with an 11-day road trip along the Garden Route to Cape Town where our second placement will take place.
Our first leg of the journey took us to St Lucia where we were hit with our first view of civilisation, seing sushi bars and coffee shops. While in St Lucia we ventured on a Hippo Cruise and visited the Wetlands Park Crocodile Farm, which was a World Heritage Site.
The next stop was Durban, the group was buzzing from the excitement of stepping into McDonalds after months, followed by visiting a theme park where we all enjoyed ourselves. We spent 2 nights in Durban. For one of the days we visited a Sea World theme park where we enjoyed water slides and visited an amazing Aquarium. Out of an amphitheatre of people, Jozie’s vibrant and happy self got her the chance to play with Dolphins. I swear you could hear our cheers a mile away!
Although we all love a good road trip the journey from Durban to the Wild Coast was a NIGHTMARE when a predicted 7hr trip turned into a 10hr trip, which included vomiting in and out of the van- for unknown reasons- for most of us we have tried to block the memory. However waking up the next morning on the Wild Coast and seeing the scenery with clear coastlines and blue skies yesterday’s dramas were soon forgotten. That day on the Wild Coast for some of the girls, I can safely say, was unforgettable as they paid less than $10 to cuddle and play with cheaters and elephants in a game reserve nearby.
At every stop minus, Port Elizabeth, we spent 2 fabulous nights in getting to know the place and it’s surroundings. We spent one night in Port Elizabeth where most of us bathed in the enjoyment of free Internet and digital TV.
The second last stop Titsikamma, where I am writing this blog from, is one of South Africa’s adventure and fun packed destinations. As a group we all went zip lining from tree to tree in a nearby forest. Mitch and I decided to face our fears and do the World’s highest bridge bungee jumps and free fall 216m. Bungee jumping was definitely one of the most thrilling and adrenaline filled things we have both ever done.
From here we start the last leg to Cape Town for the final 4weeks, where we start our second placements. We are over half way through our trip here in Southern Africa and it has been unforgettable for all of us. The friendships we have built, the adventures and experiences we’ve faced have been incredible. We have so many amazing memories and stories to come home and tell you all about. Not long now!
The next stop was Durban, the group was buzzing from the excitement of stepping into McDonalds after months, followed by visiting a theme park where we all enjoyed ourselves. We spent 2 nights in Durban. For one of the days we visited a Sea World theme park where we enjoyed water slides and visited an amazing Aquarium. Out of an amphitheatre of people, Jozie’s vibrant and happy self got her the chance to play with Dolphins. I swear you could hear our cheers a mile away!
Although we all love a good road trip the journey from Durban to the Wild Coast was a NIGHTMARE when a predicted 7hr trip turned into a 10hr trip, which included vomiting in and out of the van- for unknown reasons- for most of us we have tried to block the memory. However waking up the next morning on the Wild Coast and seeing the scenery with clear coastlines and blue skies yesterday’s dramas were soon forgotten. That day on the Wild Coast for some of the girls, I can safely say, was unforgettable as they paid less than $10 to cuddle and play with cheaters and elephants in a game reserve nearby.
At every stop minus, Port Elizabeth, we spent 2 fabulous nights in getting to know the place and it’s surroundings. We spent one night in Port Elizabeth where most of us bathed in the enjoyment of free Internet and digital TV.
The second last stop Titsikamma, where I am writing this blog from, is one of South Africa’s adventure and fun packed destinations. As a group we all went zip lining from tree to tree in a nearby forest. Mitch and I decided to face our fears and do the World’s highest bridge bungee jumps and free fall 216m. Bungee jumping was definitely one of the most thrilling and adrenaline filled things we have both ever done.
Interested in volunteering in Africa? What about teaching English overseas? Antipodeans Abroad specialises in gap year ideas and volunteer travel experience. Find out more at our website http://www.antipodeans.com.au.
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