After an eventful week stay where the cliffs meet the sea, our crew bid the fare Cape Town adieu to journey North! We drove with field pastures of sheep and cattle to our left, mountainous peaks and valleys to our right, and the undeniably beautiful landscape of the little Karoo ahead. Our next stop was the small town of Oudtshoorn where we continued our adventures and had our first real taste of African wildlife!
First, we trekked deep into the Cango Limestone Caves! Our entire group made their way through “Lover’s Tunnel” and up “Devil’s Chimney”. Next, we stopped over to a local Ostrich Farm! Some of us were able to feed and even receive a “neck massage” by some feathery friends! After learning about the differences between ostriches and emus, Jahdeem expressed “it was an amazing experience to view South Africa’s wildlife from my own perspective instead of hearing it through media”. A highlight for Leslie was bottle feeding two baby giraffes, Shorty and Sheila!
Finally we arrived at our homestays! The community of Kranshoek couldn’t have been more welcoming. With a big sign and family upon family of smiling faces, each of us entered into our new homes with warmth and ease! Our first glimpse of rain came just in time to snuggle up and get to know our new siblings and parents. Monday began our project planning to paint a mural and hopscotch at the local primary school. We also began rehearsing a skit and song for next Saturday’s farewell celebration. Until then, each of us will be fully immersed in a new culture, bucket bath and all!
The group during gone of our community service projects, painting an elderly woman’s house!
Sam with his South African Group Leader, Vusi, staying warm along the Garden Route!
After walking to the edge of Kranshoek, we found an amazing view of ocean and cliffs!
Christian receiving lots of snuggly love from a two year old giraffe!
