South Africa Day 1

Looking back at Cape Town's CBD

The South African adventure has been built up since early October. The aim was for 4 teachers to visit the Western Cape in order to set up curriculum based projects. After half a day's teaching we took an overnight flight to Cape Town. My expectations and fears we as follows:

After reading the Lonely Planet there was certainly apprehension about driving in the country!
Although a seasoned traveller, the usual fears of lost bags etc prevailed.
Expectations
To experience Township life
To gather and create teaching resources
To identify and lay the foundations of a sustainable curriculum link between schools
Experience life in a Coloured South African school and teach children
Learn more about the history of this nation.

After landing and picking up the hire car - we noticed the informal settlements around the airport straight away. What we should have been doing though is navigating as we promptly took the wrong turning. This oversight ended up in an impromptu tour of downtown Cape Town. I was very happy to arrive on the weekend when traffic was minimal!

The hire car - no air con!

After arriving at the guest house, located just below the Lions Head and overlooking Table Mountain (we found this due to the excellent directions given to us 'It's easy to find, just head for Table Mountain!). We promptly set off on food to find some food, local beer and to get our bearings.

After touring the deserted CBD (where I felt safe - I can't say I felt unsafe all week. I think in fact that I have felt more frightened during a walk around Portsmouth!) we turned up at the VA water front. Here there were great views over the city and toward Table Mountain. Unfortunately the traditional 'table cloth' masked the summit. the VA Waterfront is a large modern development not unlike Gunwharf in Portsmouth.

Views of VA Waterfront. From left to right, Table Mountain with its cloth; blending the old and new - redevleopment; the clock tower and gateway to Robben Island.

After a nice nights dinner (lovely Mozambique curry!) it was time to retire. Although not many resources came out of the day during Day 2 we had lined up a tour of the Cape - and were looking forward to venturing to the Cape of Good Hope and seeing where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

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David Rogers

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