Touws River and the Reserve

Hello from the Aquila Private Game Reserve near Touws River. This excruciatingly early wake up call at 5:00 a.m. had us wondering what we'd gotten ourselves into -- on the bus at 6:00 with just enough clothing for two nights. The bus ride was a bit dozy driving out of Cape Town, but I came to at 7:24 and spied before me one of the most striking scenes I had ever laid my eyes on. A huge mountain, golden in color where the early morning sun struck it, rise upright in front of us. Luckily, Lourence followed the highway that curved around the mountain. The entire two hour drive was full of stunning vistas, dramatic angles, and overlook after overlook that could have been the model for "Pride Rock" in the Lion King. As we passed through a wine region, we witnessed the grape-laden vines just waiting to be harvested. We stopped along the road and purchased three boxes of grapes (20 rand a box) from men who had harvested them earlier in the morning.

We arrived at Steenvliet Primary School in Touws River right about 9:00 a.m. I should say that school met us as we turned the corner onto a road that led to a road that led to the school. We were quite moved by the brass band (including a tuba) that serenaded us as school children danced to "Dancing Queen," leading us, with lots of enthusiasm, right up to the school. As we neared the school, people waved at us from their small lawns. Nearing the school, we were greeted by singing, traditional dancing, and shouts of excitement. We could not have felt more welcome.

Prior to breaking into groups to begin our work, we were invited to watch a netball game (old-school girls' basketball) and had a very extended photo opportunity with many students who wanted to have their pictures taken. We finally herded them back to class and were able to go about our duties (making lunch, gardening -- no compost-making -- working with students in the computer lab, in language classrooms, and making a very light dinner for the students).

I never did get out the garden, but I heard that it was not the back-breaking work of yesterday. My group's first job was to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for every student. In the 35 minutes we had (again, the groups rotated), we did make about 300 sandwiches and were able to chat with the women who were working with us (and who were much faster than we were) who all had children at the school. Having had our small breakfast at 5:45, the sandwiches were looking pretty good. We next went to a computer room where students were working one, two, or three to a computer on math problems -- identifying 100's, 10's, and 1's places...in Afrikaans. I know some German, so I could muddle through, except for a couple of numbers. The computer room is three years old and the teacher was very proud of it.

After a refreshing beverage that the school provided for us (um, students receive no beverage with lunch, so it was no surprise that they looked at us longingly as they passed by the room we were in), my group, as well as Cricket's group, returned to the kitchen to prepare a small sandwich "dinner" of polony (bologna) and "medium fat spread" (0r margarine). We learned a lesson about portions, as we ran out of the spread before finishing the sandwiches, so some went without.




Visting an English classroom next, we were just in time to read the 11-year old students a tale of why the dassie (remember him from the top of Table Mountain?) has no tail. (He was lazy, boys and girls, so let that be a lesson!). After finishing the story, we were treated to singing and dancing -- the dancing a la Michael Jackson. These two boys were good! The bell rang to signal the end of the school day and the students ran out to line up for the polony sandwiches and small orange-flavored drink -- the last food some of the students would eat until they were back at school on Monday.

As we regrouped to prepare for our departure, Steenvliet students surrounded CH students for lasts looks at photos, a hug, a Spanish lesson, a game of Patty Cake, and a last look at Jiachen's and Edith's long, straight hair. The principal gathered us together to thank us from his heart, for coming to the school, spending the day, and helping his students. He hopes that today's visit will be the beginning of a long-time friendship and working relationship between the two schools. Despite all that we might think these kids lack, and despite the things that they need and do lack, the kids were happy -- and that was evident in the sparkle in their eyes, their smiles, and the ease with with they laughed.

We climbed aboard the bus, waved goodbye, and Lourence about 15 minutes down the road to the four-star Aquila Private Game Reserve where we were greeted with an invitation to have a "welcome drink" at a bar-like area in front of the main building. Cold, sparkling grape juice was enjoyed by all. (Dramatic pause to think about the students we'd just met who did not have anything to drink with their lunch.)

We were then directed to a very lovely dining room were we partook of a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet. (Dramatic pause to think about the kids who would see no food from Friday afternoon until Monday morning.)

After lunch, we found our quarters, mostly double rooms with outdoor showers (the kind that are outside but which are enclosed by beautiful stone walls, so while showering, one can see the sky), large bath tubs, and a little patio with comfortable chairs from which to admire the landscape.

So, next up will be the late afternoon safari ride we took at 5:00 p.m. We saw some amazing things which deserve their own blog posting. So, more later!