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Gap Year Experiences
Updates and info from on the ground during our 11 week and 5 week Experiences in South Africa
Goldfish & Cricket
Monday 30 March 2009
This next blog update comes to you from Cape Town, where I have to say that all of us are having the time of our lives! The days so far have gone ridiculously quickly and seem to have merged into one giant blur of nights out and days on the beach! As a result of one too many jagerbombs I’m having trouble distinguishing one day from the next and so this blog is going to be purely dedicated to Goldfish and our day out at the cricket.
It would be the understatement of the century to say that I was a little bit excited about seeing Goldfish live in concert, having been hooked on them since first hearing their track on Pepper’s own DVD, and throughout the trip all my road trip tune suggestions have been met with cries of “for God’s sake Jules, not Goldfish AGAIN!”
So it was with great anticipation that we all headed to Stellenbosch on Friday evening and I have to say that every expectation I had was exceeded by about 100%! The atmosphere was absolutely electric, and once again, as a result of too many jagerbombs, I was firmly on the wagon but nevertheless was on the hugest natural high, and didn’t sit down once during the entire concert, and spent the last half hour in considerable pain with a completely full bladder but not allowing myself to leave in case I missed one song!
Goldfish were completely incredible, and so amazingly original and different to anything I’d seen in England, they even managed to convert Carrie, who had started the evening saying she didn’t much like the hectic atmosphere of live music, but left singing Goldfish’s praises almost as loudly as I was!
Everyone had the most amazing night, and I think I’d be right in saying that Goldfish gained at least 7 new fans (and maybe one stalker – so much so that I was considering abandoning my plans for Thailand to become a groupie!) It was, for me anyway; one of the best nights of the trip so far, and undoubtedly one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live.
From this point on the trip continued to go from strength to strength as we all headed to Newlands cricket ground on Sunday to watch the last day of Australia vs. South Africa.
Once again we were all swept up in the atmosphere, with South Africa firmly ahead, everyone was in a solidly jovial mood, and the ground was filled with people painted green and getting stuck into the beer at 11.30 in the morning, it doesn’t get much better!
The day was spent relaxing in the blazing sunshine, drinking beer, thoroughly enjoying Australia’s last brave attempt to make up the deficit with some seriously exciting cricket towards the end of the afternoon. We left at the end of the day once again on a massive high (helped along by a substantial quantity of Castle) after South Africa’s win and actually spotting ourselves TV once or twice throughout the match! I even managed to be in a good mood even after losing my bet with the Mule!
It would be extremely easy for me to go on for at least another four pages raving about Cape Town, but I’ll leave some creative space for everyone else, I just have to say that these days have been absolutely incredible, everything I had expected and more, and honestly could only be improved by seeing Johnny Clegg in concert, which I hear is quite unlikely!
Lots of love from SA
Jules xxxx
Road Trip Photos
Monday 30 March 2009
Pepper Arrive in Cape Town
Monday 23 March 2009
The final 3 nights of the road trip before Cape Town were spent camping on the cliff edge overlooking Vic Bay which cannot fail to astonish. Despite a few initial looks of anxiety about the thought of "roughing it", these were soon taken away with the sight of blow up mattresses and arm chairs - I think the ladies were impressed. Days were spent soaking up the rays, surfing and paintballing and evenings were spent around the fire and listening to the waves.
After game reserves, scuba diving, surfing, volunteering and then an action packed 2 week road trip, Cape Town has been the long anticipated finale for this trip. No matter how many times you have visited this city or how many years you have lived here, you never lose that sense of excitement when returning.
We arrived in Cape Town last Saturday and made our way straight onto Clifton 4th beach, a favourite spot of ours for champagne and a welcome sunset over the Atlantic. We then headed for Buena Vista Social Club, a funky cuban restaurant, for supper to meet some of our Cape Townian friends. The end of the night was spent at one of the latest clubs, Cheval, and a taster of what was to come.
Every Sunday in summer Cape Town is blessed with an open air concert in Kirstenbosch botantical gardens overlooked by Table Mountain. We saw the Dirty Skirts, a really popular and up and coming local band with an awesome atmosphere. We then made it to Caprice for one of the most lively nights in Cape Town - the fact that it is a Sunday night gives a slight indication of how relaxed this city really is!
Monday was, for most, a day of recovery and reflection before the start of the volunteering programme! We went into the Leap school on Tuesday to meet Bonisile, our coordinator. This charity funded organisation helps to bridge the gap between schooling and university for underpriviledged students in the local townships. He introduced us to all the staff and gave us a guided tour of Lunga showing us some of the projects that they work with such as a pre-prep school and old peoples' centre. Wednesday and Thursday were then spent helping out in English classes and with the evening meals that are served for students that cannot work in their home environments. We were also treated to seeing the cultural afternoon which involved the students performing traditional Xhosa dancing, gum boot and hip hop dancing and African drumming.
I will leave Jules to follow up with her diary entry of the weekend's events so bye for now from everyone here in Cape Town,
Johnny
Pepper takes the Plunge!
Tuesday 17 March 2009
From Hogsback we ventured further South to Plettenberg Bay where we were all getting ready for an adrenaline fuelled few days.
We had just lost an honorary member of the group along the way as we said our fond farewells to Larry aka ‘The Snake’ at Port Elizabeth. But before reaching our final destination we had a quick pit stop at the quaint and idyllic town of Jeffery’s bay which is notorious for its amazing surf and the infamous Billabong shopping outlet. I do seem to recall the shopping outlet got us girls a little more excited than the surf –except of course our very own surfer girl Eloise! So after a good two hours shopping and a few wallets feeling a little lighter (mine mainly!) we continued our journey in the Pepper van – so we would make it to Plett in time for a Braai.
We stayed in a great little backpackers called Albergos and after a good night’s sleep everyone was pumped and ready for some heart pumping activities. Unfortunately the group was split on the day’s activity choice with the usual suspects of Jules, Ricky and Doug wanting to go on a 5 hour hike (yes another one!) and the rest of us keen on some Canopy zip wiring.
So, myself, Eloise, Lucy and Johnny headed off to the top of the trees to imitate monkeys whilst the others got their walking boots on one more time.
After being kitted up in some very attractive harnesses and helmets the 4 of us set off into the trees with another group of travellers to whizz about from tree top to tree top. Unfortunately for us the other group of travellers we were ‘swinging’ with were not really to the pepper taste! In fact the words ‘retarded’, ‘inbred’ and ‘special’ were used on a few occasions! However, the day was still a huge success and I am pretty sure our screams could be heard from a fair distance off – especially Johnny’s girlish yelps which kept the rest of us very amused for the remainder of the day!
We then picked up our favourite hikers and all headed to a nearby bar for some late afternoon cocktails and to exchange stories and photos of the day’s events.
Monday was a big day for everyone – we were going to be taken sky high and plunge 10,000 feet from a small plane with a man and parachute strapped to our backs! Yes, it was sky diving day! Adrenaline and nerves were definitely visible as we pulled up to the air field and as we all witnessed another couple land from a jump. Jules and Lucy were up first and both of them were raring to go. As we all waited patiently on land, trying to decipher a small plane in a crystal blue sky – we suddenly heard the radio go with the pilots instructions of “Dropping 2 skydivers in approximately 2 minutes”. Off and out of our seats we then spotted the tiny resemblance of a plane. Watching carefully we then saw what seemed to be a tiny white spot, and then another emerge and falling from the sky at a rapid rate! Jules and Lucy had done it and were free falling at 10,000 feet and at 203 km per second! We then saw the parachutes flare up and the faint whoops and cheers from our girls in the sky. After 2 safe and very graceful landings it was over to me and Eloise to take to the sky. With our harnesses on and our heart rates increasing we jumped into the tiny plane and got ready for take off! The plane journey was a treat in itself as we got the most incredible view of Plett, and as our instructors pointed out the main sights of the area. After 15 minutes though it was back to business and Eloise was up first! Goggles on, a last minute safety check and a quick exchange of ‘I love you’ from the 2 of us the door was suddenly open and a powerful surge of air rushed through the plane. Eloise and I looked at each other with a look of both terror and sheer excitement! But, before we could think anymore I watched Eloise tumble out into thin air. She had done it and I was next! Donovan my instructor shuffled me over to the edge and started rocking me back and forth shouting, ‘READY?’ I gave him a thumbs up and we were off! I can’t describe the feeling you get when skydiving but the fact my screams could be heard from the moment I left the plane to landing, by the guys on the ground hopefully will give you some idea of the sheer excitement, adrenaline, and fear that you go through. After myself and El were safe on the ground the boys were up next! Doug’s face was quite a picture as they walked away towards the plane – but after 4 young girls had faced the challenge – and might I add very calmly – the boys had no excuse! 20 minutes later they were jumping from the same height, screaming just as loud as us (the Mule in particular) and making us girls on the ground very proud! All of Pepper had successfully skydived!
After a thrilling morning we all headed to the beach to soak up some well deserved sun. It was a scorching day and everyone was ready to just sit back and relax – well all except El and Ricky. There plans consisted of beach gymnastics much to our enjoyment. Ricky’s back flips and El’s back-arches into flips were quite incredible. However, all did not end well as Ricky seriously hurt his knee while practising, and therefore counted him out for the next day’s activities. El also managed to get stung in the sea by a jellyfish – but this was quickly rectified by a certain someone’s urine being drizzled on her leg (cough cough Ricky!).
After a very eventful day we headed back to the backpackers all pretending not to think about what tomorrow had to bring. Tuesday morning – alarms went off early. Not much was said as we collected our last minute thoughts about what was ahead of us. It was bungy day, and not just any old bungy – the highest bungy jump in the world! After many weeks of “I am definitely going to do it,” and “Pah! It doesn’t scare me!” it all suddenly became a bit too real. As we then pulled up and saw the bridge itself the blood physically drained from our faces (Doug’s in particular!)– I can’t even begin to explain the sheer height of this bridge! But before we even knew it, or had time to back out, we were on top of it! Not only were we the first group of the day, I was the first person! As I crept my toes to the edge, and looked back at the group – girls’ giving me looks of sympathy and support and the Mule just laughing at me I took in one big sigh and looked directly at the mountains in front of me – this was it. The bungy guys held my arms and gave me the dreaded countdown…3…2…1…BUNGY! Before I could think I had physically thrown myself off in a superman-style pose, screaming all the way just praying this piece of elastic tied to my feet would save me from a plunging death! Luckily it did! It was the most exhilarating and scariest thing I had ever accomplished – but I had done it and I was now buzzing! After being hauled up 216 metres I was safe on solid ground and the other guys were already firing questions at me as to what it was like, all I could say was “You will love it”. Half and hour and 5 jumps later it was done – it was a Pepper first, every single person had jumped the highest bungy jump in the world and we had never been more excitable!
All in all a heart-racing, blood pumping and breathtaking few days that I don’t think anyone will forget!
Lots of love
Carrie xxx
Ricky's Thoughts
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Umkomaas
On arrival at La La Manzi one would think; I’ve just walked into a horror movie, at first glance I’d walked into a scene from ‘The Shining’. But within no time at all I felt warmed by the hotels’ charming qualities. This week we all studied hard and felt very much rewarded after completing our Dive courses. Unfortunately after a few days of rain the river was rapidly flowing into the sea, making our voyage to the dive spot a daily battle through a series of chocolate waves. Once underwater we had so much aquatic life upon to gaze we felt spoilt for choice, from white tips, raggies and sand sharks to loggerhead turtles. Our second dive involved losing each other at sea, there was opposing currents on our descent. A minor search and rescue performed by the skilled captain brought the Pepper group back together. Carrie may have become slightly hysterical in the heat of the moment.
After overhearing a local tell the tale of a tourist soiling himself during this last dive there were mixed feelings for the Tiger Shark experience. The thirty or so black tips left the feeding bowl and then the sound was muted as a very large dark shadow approached. These things are massive, but it turns out the oceanic beasts are very shy. Luckily we all were very comfortable in Mark’s dads presence (shark legend) we onlooked as this guy rode a shark to the bottom. Thought we’d leave it to the professionals rather than get involved in shark jiggery pokery.
The boys took the girls took the cleaners in the local pub quiz, I believe the chaps were victorious and took the prize, I won’t repeat the scores though because they’ll have to read this.
By spending the week here and achieving diving qualifications you start to acknowledge what this small town is all about. Diving, maybe some fishing and then more Diving.
Coffee Bay
A must do for all travellers. Since coffee bay is situated pretty much in the middle of nowhere, there is an abundance of travellers just enjoying life away from reality. It’s a chance for everyone to let go, relax and just take in the surroundings. After Johnny made it through the windy potholed lanes, we arrived at the Coffee Shack with high expectations. It didn’t disappoint, although our first surf seemed a little wet.
Half the group too tired from being lazy took an easy option a drove to Hole in the Wall, an awe-inspiring local spectacle. Those with the energy rambled along the coast three hours, crossing all sorts of terrain. Jules persisted even though her toe was hanging off, and joins in on chasing a monitor lizard Steve Irwin style. We had an amazing beach session, swimming and ‘having a jol’ within the picturesque landscape. Johnny, Larry and Doug braved another hike whilst another beach day ended in sand castles, surfing and watching locals flip all over the sand dunes.
Nights were packed full of bongos, killer pool, jungle themed fancy dress and local entertainment all under supervision of the cheeky staff. I actually love this place. It’s all over way too quickly before we said goodbye to the salty air and take a turn inland…
Hogsback
During our four days here we couldn’t help to completely engross ourselves in the mythical aura surrounding Hogsback, and its fairy tale presence. The ‘Lord of The Rings’ novels were even inspired by the lush vicinity. The mountains are named Hog one, two and three, due to their ridgebacks, sunrise and sunset here are an absolute treat. Dan ‘the skipper’ settled here 12 years ago and never left, I can see why. The town is almost non-existent but very quaint and possesses a brilliant personality.
We enjoyed, or some endured many escapades into the mountains where there were mammoth trees, stunning waterfalls, and to add to that a gorgeous array of indigenous creatures and flowers. The Madonna Falls hike was a never ending trail but ended well with its massive power shower with added rainbow for extra effect. This lead into a series of cool pools, most of us took a quick dip Scaling the rickety treehouse was pretty funny, it’s not for the feinthearted, I don’t think its quite up to British Health and Safety Standards but once your up its probably a good idea to stay there for while, just don’t look down. And watch out for the tiny locals pulling on your ankles when climbing the ladder.
The hostel offered an outstanding viewpoint, it’s not often I get the chance to sit on a ledge watching the world and wildlife, just smelling fresh mountain air. Whilst upon the edge, mooching at breakfast Jules and myself were treated to a mass of boisterous baboons descending the mountain rapidly. By night we dined at ‘The Enchanted Treehouse’, where great service and a passion for food made one of my most memorable experiences on the journey so far. Try the medallions. I also sampled a massage and reiki from the local therapist Eva, are massages supposed to make you cry? I enjoyed it nevertheless.
I was completely captivated by the whole scene and I hope to return in the near future.
cheers Ricky