Last update from Cape Town and the 'Southern Africa' volutneers

COUNTRY: Southern Africa (Swaziland, Mozambique & South Africa)
PROGRAM: GapBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Care Work
WRITTEN BY: Shelby Stapleton, In-Country Partner

The volunteers had a fantastic last week, they spent lots of time planning their lessons for the projects each morning, and made sure to make the most of their afternoons to do sightseeing and make "their last week in africa" memorable.


The week kicked off with a bang when they went Shark Cage diving and saw 22 great white sharks….!!!! On Tuesday they hiked up Lions Head – a mountain next to Table Mountain and one of Cape Town's hidden Gems – it has panoramic views of the city and table mountain, so I am sure they have some fantastic photos.

Wednesday afternoon they spent in Cape Town visiting the Slave Lodge, a museum about the african slave trade, and the company gardens. After this we all met for dinner and a bit of a boogie at Mama Africa – on Long Street – a restaurant that serves any African meat you can imagine (Zebra, Warthog, Kudu and crocodile!) and has a different local band each night, so we boogied to some marimba music.

Thursday they spent organizing goodbye parties at their projects the next day and had a quiet night in (!!). Friday was always emotional, saying goodbye to friends, teachers and children they have become attached to during their stay in Cape Town – many balloons, bubbles and cake made the parities memorable! Friday night all the volunteers went to the local Hout Bay market and had a great evening of food and music!

This weekend they spent exploring Cape Point, Boulders beach (where penguins sit on the beach!) and the peninsula – very much like the Mornington peninsula in Melbourne – beautiful beaches, wine and incredible views. Last night they watched the sunset from Chapmans Peak in Hout Bay, before packing their bags and heading to the airport this morning!

These guys have been fantastic, such an easy going, fun loving group of volunteers – if you can arrange for the next group to be this great that would be perfect!!!

Thanks so much,
Shelby