3 Days - T I A (This is Africa)

Hey there all!

So we arrived safe and sound after our 14 hour flight to Johannesburg (lots of in-flight movies and wine did help).

The lovely Lindy Nieuwenhuizen and co were there to welcome us with a dazzling banner, and it was just too bad we arrived 15 minutes before them to see it. Still very much appreciated!

After stuffing our assorted luggage and selves into the Cotlands van, we had our first taste of South African landscapes before arriving at Cotlands House in Turffontein (think Bronx but African style), a suburb just outside inner Jo-Burg (We can call it that now that we're locals). Cotlands House is a smaller multi-level complex only one block away from the main Cotlands facilities which provides a more private home that meets the growing needs of nine of the older children (8-10 years old) as well as housing long-term international volunteers. Lindy and Jackie Schoeman (the executive director) had decked out our flat in style, and even brought us food and home-cooked meals!

After 24 hours without losing consciousness we thought we might collapse as soon as we stepped inside but when we met the kids in the courtyard, we were very much wide awake and spent the evening giving hugs, playing duck duck goose, attempting to learn some traditional dance moves, singing songs and reading bedtime stories before jetlag got the better of our drooping eyelids. Soo much fun. Best intro ever.

The next day we met some of the fantastic international and local volunteers including Gareth (S.A), Louise (Scotland), Elkeur (Holland), Jess (England) and the two Leah's (Germany). We took the very quick walk down to Cotlands and had a brief tour through the hospice, sanctuary and admin. We were all blown away by the facilities and staff here, so bright and happy and catering to every need of the kids and community.

After a long and angsty brush with converting currency (don't ask, it involves photocopying individual notes), we took a very sobering trip to the Apartheid Museum. An incredible institution which documents and represents the journey to and collapse of the apartheid era. After a brief flirtation with Gold Creek City Theme Park (we arrived too late but were amused to note the entry sign, advising you to not bring in your firearms or weapons and the metal detector entry arches). We then visited Nelson Mandela Square in the city, gave a quick hug to his ginormous statue (apparently he's a pretty big deal over here) and sat back with some relaxing drinks. A very special thanks to our brilliant volunteer tour guide and driver Gareth, what a trooper!

The next day we went straight to Cotlands very early (a combo deal of jetlag and gunho enthusiasm) and spent the morning in the hospice. Some amazing kidlets there, including 8 day old newborn twins, all taken care of by wonderful carers who sometimes trek over 4 hours a day just to get to work from their homes and families. Little 4 month old Matthew took a shining to Mal and would'nt let go, Beccy and 4 y.o Tenyiko played like old best mates, Hayd taught 12 y. o Thabo a photography lesson and Tenille had a chubba little 9 month old nicknamed Pumbaa fall asleep in her arms, needless to say her biceps ain't what they should be. Meanwhile the tireless Despina and Lindy were crazily busy organising the arrival of the Fremantle Dockers (the Perth AFL team) who brought with them Perth 'A Current Affair'. The guys spent the morning with the kids from hospice and sanctuary as well as the kids from Cotlands House and really took in the experience and were quite humbled by the work that Cotlands does for these kids and the community as a whole.

Afterwards we were able to make a quick dash with Gareth and Lindy to some African markets where we had to haggle like crazy ladies and met some very interesting Zulu warriors. (nudge nudge wink wink Beccy). All in all, an amazing intro to our South African trip!

Cheers,
Ten
with love from
Beccy, Despina, Hayden, Malorie and Tenille