Thursday morning we loaded the bus and headed to the Aquila Safari and Game Lodge. On our way we made a pit stop at the Spier Wine Estate. Don't let the name fool you, for the Estate is not only a prominent vineyard in South Africa, but it also boasts programs for Eagle Encounters and Cheetah Experience. The Eagle Encounter program is a rehabilitation center for birds of prey but also works to educate the public on care of birds to preserve the "eco-environment". During our encounter, we were able to watch a trained handler demonstrate each bird"s unique talent, and some of us were lucky enough to participate in holding the birds for a few seconds. Afterwards, the group was met by two cheetahs, and each of us had the chance to pet one of the cheetahs (with careful instructions on the proper way to pet it of course). Of course no visit to a Wine Estate would be complete without a tour and brief history of the estate itself. After a brief tour, highlighted by the original cellar, a gabled barn dating back to 1856, the students enjoyed a taste of Spier's own red and white grape juice. Good stuff, I might add. If ever in South Africa again I would highly recommend visiting the Wine Estate. Not only is their so much history within a few acres, but the land (and hotel) are absolutely gorgeous (a few girls even commented that is the perfect place to have a wedding reception).
After a short two hour bus ride, we arrived at our final destination on the trip, the Aquila Safari and Game Lodge. Upon arrival, we were met by our tour guides for our first of two game drives. Because we only had a limited time before the sun went down, our first drive was only about an hour long. We witnessed hippos, ostrich, rhinos, and deer like animals while surrounded by the breathtaking majestic mountains, rivers and valleys. As the sun went down, our jeeps hobbled back to the main lodge. Students were assigned their rooms, adorable cottages decorated with rocks, natural woods and reeds to maintain a natural style. Upon gathering again, however, the only thing on everyone's mind was the outside rock showers!
Our final event that night was our reflection and debriefing session. While I would love to describe the feelings shared in the conference room that night, it is something I'm afraid I can't put into words. We were able to share final thoughts with out St. Cyprian's School counterparts, and able to reflect privately about how the trip had affected each of us personally. We discussed individual people who had made a difference in their respective community, and finally everyone (student and leader) were given the opportunity to address the delegation with some final words of wisdom. Everyone that participated felt so much emotion that night. We shared many laughs, lit up the room with countless smiles, and even shared a few tears (even if some wanted to blame it on Visine drops).
At 7:00 the next morning, we boarded the jeeps for our final two-hour game drive. While viewing the previously mentioned animals, the delegation also spied giraffes and lions (who were enjoying a nice meal at the time). There was even enough time to stop in the middle of the valley for some hot chocolate and coffee. At the conclusion of the game drive, the students (accompanied by an Aquila representative) were able to get up close and personal with some lion cubs. A quick two hour bus ride back to Cape Town and we found ourselves at the airport ready to return back to the United States. Or so we thought.
By now everyone has the details of the SAA strike, so I don't feel the need to go into detail about that. The entire PTPI staff deserves so much credit and thanks for the amazing way they handled the situation. In the end, everything worked out fine. We were able to enjoy another night in South Africa, we were put up in a very nice hotel, we got a few extra shopping hours, and finally Saturday afternoon we began our journey back to our homes. A 15 hour flight later, we landed safely in Atlanta, had the opportunity to say our last goodbyes and watched our delegation slowly dissipate by the hour, until all had made it safely back to their respective cities.
This trip was, in a word, incredible. For me, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. The people we met, the classes we visited, the children we played with, the township we walked through, the places we saw, impacted every person on the trip. I doubt I can find a fellow delegation member that can say he/she left South Africa the same person that had arrived there ten days earlier. To Will, Sarah, Michelle, and Jewelee: thank you all so much for everything. I know its not easy keeping track of 45 kids everyday, but each one of you were always energetic, fun-loving, and there for us no matter what. I can't imagine taking this trip with any leader but you four. You are such amazing people. To my fellow students: we heard so many times that we were an awesome delegation, and we were, because of each one of you. Each person has so much talent and drive, and I have faith that you will make a giant impact on the world in your lifetime. Thank you for the memories, my experience would not have been the same without you. Good luck in all future endeavors, be safe, and always remember PTPI, Cape Town, South Africa 2005!!
-- Erin K.
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