Gap Year Experiences

Updates and info from on the ground during our 11 week and 5 week Experiences in South Africa

The Breede River

Wednesday 30 January 2008


Well it has been an incredible start to the Pepper Experience 2008 and the group is loving Cape Town! Yesterday was spent visiting various beaches around the Cape Penninsula, a look at Cape Point where some spectacular views were enjoyed by all, an unbelievable pizza overlooking the ocean followed by cocktails at Caprice watching another perfect sunset!!


We're now leaving for the Breede River, 3 hours drive north, where we're gonna be spending the next 3 days on orientation. We will be drifting down the crystal clear river, enjoying the spectacular scenery.....the perfect way for everyone to get to know one another.


We'll be well away from internet access so check this space again on Saturday for more news from South Africa! Sorry for yet another short and sweet update but it has been a fairly hectic fews days!


cheers,


Johnny

The good times have begun!

Tuesday 29 January 2008


So its all finally happening..everyone is here, safe and sound and what a great group!
Maddy flew in on Sunday night. Even though her flight was delayed by an hour and she only arrived after midnight, she was on amazing form and joined us out for a quick drink before crashing for the night and awaiting the arrival of the rest of the group yesterday morning.

Yesterday was a great summer day in Cape Town and everyone arrived okay with no problems. After spending the afternoon back at the lodge where they are staying in the city centre, we headed across to Clifton beach for a few sundowners and some amusing conversation. It was a beautiful sunset, with Annie and Genna getting some great pictures which I will put up ASAP. Enzo tried to buy a chair which turned out to be a table. The man of the match award definitely goes to George who came up with a quote which I think it will be very hard to beat over the next 3 Months:
"Cape Town is amazing! its exactly like Twickenham, cos its really hilly"

After the sunset on the beach we went through to a very relaxed little bar in Long Street in the middle of the city where George followed up his earlier amazing comment by stating that his idea of heaven was "200 guys getting drunk together in a basement"

All in all it was an amazing first day and the group alreay seems like they have known each other for years. It was a really good start to the next 3 months! The sun is out again and now we're off to pick everyone up for a drive around the peninsula and a visit to Cape Point which is the most southerly point of the Cape Peninsula. I might pack a few headache pills for George.

Till next time, cheers from paradise (its similar to Twickenham)

Vince

2 days before lift off!

Saturday 26 January 2008

After a seriously hectic last month in the UK Pepper Office I've finally arrived in Cape Town. Things are definitely a lot more relaxed out here.....the weather is unbelievable and the atmosphere is incredible.....it's so good to be back!

The guys are arriving here in the next couple of days ready for an amazing 3 months out here in South Africa. We'll keep you updated with photos and stories throughout the trip so keep checking this space......

Anyway sorry to keep this so short but off to one of the biggest events of the summer here - the Cape Town races!

cheers,

Johnny

10 days and counting!

Friday 18 January 2008

Excitement is seriously building over in South Africa as everyone gears up for the arrival of our first 3 Month Pepper Experience group in 10 days time!

10 days and counting!

Friday 18 January 2008

Excitement is seriously building over in South Africa as everyone gears up for the arrival of our first 3 Month Pepper Experience group in 10 days time! The weather is looking great and the planning is all done. Flights are confirmed, accomodation is booked. All that we need now is the group. The big event in my week so far was the advanced driving course I attended. A full day of lectures on defensive driving and accident prevention was really useful, but the highlight of the day was definitely the session on a watered down skid pan where we were taught to handle a vehicle that is out of control or on wet roads. Lots of sliding around but ultimately a really succesful day.

Johnny has been pretty frantic over in the UK where I hear its pretty cold at the moment. A lot of admin work going on in the office as well as a few gap year fairs and sorting out bookings for July, has all combined to make an incredibly busy start to the year. But busy is great, so keep the bookings rolling in and make sure you take advantage of our group booking discounts on the 5 Week Experience in July.

For now, I'm out....

Vince