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.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
Updated Flight Information!
Due to the cancellation of Friday's flight from Johannesburg to the United States, GYFHC delegates are spending the night in Cape Town. Parents are being notified of the change in plans and are encouraged to contact PTPI World Headquarters with questions.
PTPI officials have received assurance from South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) that flights will resume as scheduled on Saturday. The flight details remain the same - only 24 hours later.
Parents are asked to rebook domestic flights for Sunday and contact PTPI World Headquarters with confirmation. PTPI will refund domestic air costs incurred by this delay.
This evening, students will enjoy dinner courtesy of SAA and turn in early. Saturday's schedule includes breakfast and a tour of the waterway prior to their departure for the airport.
PTPI officials have received assurance from South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) that flights will resume as scheduled on Saturday. The flight details remain the same - only 24 hours later.
Parents are asked to rebook domestic flights for Sunday and contact PTPI World Headquarters with confirmation. PTPI will refund domestic air costs incurred by this delay.
This evening, students will enjoy dinner courtesy of SAA and turn in early. Saturday's schedule includes breakfast and a tour of the waterway prior to their departure for the airport.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Our last full day in Cape Town.
As a group, we had an amazing day today. We started off by taking a wakl around the different townships and seeing the different houses that hte peopl lived in. It was so shocking to me to see that 3 families lived in a 2-room flat. It blew my mind to see this because there's nowhere near enough room for 15 or so people to be living in that little of space. It was also very shocking to walk through a little shack, maybe 10 ft or so long and 8 ft wide, that a whole family had to live in without electricity or water. It broke my heart to see these mile long stretches of shacks that were falling apart that people had to call home.
Once we left the township, we went to visit Mama Amelia who has about 100 kids (more or less) who live with her. Mama Amelia was a wonderful woman to meet and inspired me greatly to help others because as one woman, she's helping up to 100 kids every day by cothing and feeding them and making their lives so much better just by loving them. Seeing how happy those kids were just to see other people who took interest in them and played with them and loved them changed my life forever.
Another important experience was visiting the hospital here in Cape Town and going to the children's ward where they took care of HIV/AIDS patients. Talking with a pediatrician and listening to what he had to say was amazing. Hearing that 25% of infected patients die before age 1 was just shocking to hear. It completely amazed me. Listening to him made me so excited to be able to go home and find out what I can do to help prevent this growing disease.
After all that, we went to St. Cyprian's School and had a discussion forum about may different topics and aspects of both South Africa and America. This was very interesting to listen to because we were able to listen to perspectives from both our fellow American students and the South African students. THis day has been amazing and has been a life-changing experience that I will always remember for the rest of my life.
-- Lindsay E.
We started out the day with a township walking tour. It included seeing some of the basics of the South African recycling company. There was a great difference between streets. It was almost like a wall was built in between the two. There was a distinct difference over household goods in the area and the amount of trash. Even when we came into the area our cameras were even an amazement to most of the kids. ONe of the kids actually came up to me, inspecting the camera amazed because it was nothing they had ever seen before. Just that excitement from the kids really made you wonder what their everyday lives must be like. Even though some of the homes weren't in great shape, they were like castles to most people in the area. It would include 1 refrigerator and a room for sleeping. A lot different from what we get in America. With the usual average of 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and the most common: sinks, refrigerators, bathtubs, dishwashers. Many of which would seem like a dream to most of these people. It was such an enjoyable experience to notice the little things in life that we usually take for granted. OUr tour was supposed to be an hour but it ended up being two because of all the people we met. After that we hopped on the bus and went to lunch, and then headed to Mama Emilia's.
Mama Emilia hosts over 95 children that are unable to be taken care of by their parents or are orphaned. It was incredible in such a tiny house there was two washers and dryers, folded laundry and clean bedroms (approximately 7 bedrooms where all these kids shared beds. And only two bathrooms with two toilets and showers each and anoher room with one bath tub. We did a circle outside with the kids and played and danced with them for about 40 minutes. It was mazing how amused they were. AFter that we headed to the HIV hospital.
When we arrived at the hospital we had a South African doctor explain what some of the daily struggles were towards the children. Many cam in having AIDS rather than just HIV. Their mothers think it's just the flu and that it will be over with. Most of these children already live in poverty. They already deal with many hardships before the rality of AIDS hits them even harder. We learned that nearly 1 million infants are born every year with HIV and the disease orphans 1 child every 14 seconds. But what's even worse is most of the children that come in have already progressed in the disease and have AIDS. But what was so great about this hospital was that they have set up an organization called Kidzpositive. It has generated more than 1 million rand (which is roughly 6.2 rand for each US dollar) for over 90 women with HIV-positive children. Just 20 rands puts food on the table for 1 child for 2 weeks. We were able to participatein helping this organization by buying different pins in the shapes of flags, bracelets, keychains. Thisis how the organization has created such a name. These women bead all of these things to sell and over the past 3 years have generated over 1 million rand. These mothers generate between R100-R200 per week. Each AIDS beaded pin they make earns them 5 rand. In fact they even gave us a website were we can design our own beaded keychain and pre-order to sell at home. You can visit it at www.kidzpositive.org/beads. The hospital was amazing hbut we ended up not bein able to see the children. It was still worthwhile and after that we headed to the hotel for a little bit until we went to the St. Cyprian's School.
We ate a good dinner at the school and then had a forum discussing the topic of peace and main problems in the world today. We got to meet our paired African partners and got to know them even better then before. Afterwards we got to make a graffiti wall where we put whatever saying we wanted on our own brick. Afterwards we got to hang out with everyone for a while. Overall, the day was so worthwhile it's hard to even sum up but Africa is definately one of the most amazing places I have ever been.
-- Emily K.
Once we left the township, we went to visit Mama Amelia who has about 100 kids (more or less) who live with her. Mama Amelia was a wonderful woman to meet and inspired me greatly to help others because as one woman, she's helping up to 100 kids every day by cothing and feeding them and making their lives so much better just by loving them. Seeing how happy those kids were just to see other people who took interest in them and played with them and loved them changed my life forever.
Another important experience was visiting the hospital here in Cape Town and going to the children's ward where they took care of HIV/AIDS patients. Talking with a pediatrician and listening to what he had to say was amazing. Hearing that 25% of infected patients die before age 1 was just shocking to hear. It completely amazed me. Listening to him made me so excited to be able to go home and find out what I can do to help prevent this growing disease.
After all that, we went to St. Cyprian's School and had a discussion forum about may different topics and aspects of both South Africa and America. This was very interesting to listen to because we were able to listen to perspectives from both our fellow American students and the South African students. THis day has been amazing and has been a life-changing experience that I will always remember for the rest of my life.
-- Lindsay E.
We started out the day with a township walking tour. It included seeing some of the basics of the South African recycling company. There was a great difference between streets. It was almost like a wall was built in between the two. There was a distinct difference over household goods in the area and the amount of trash. Even when we came into the area our cameras were even an amazement to most of the kids. ONe of the kids actually came up to me, inspecting the camera amazed because it was nothing they had ever seen before. Just that excitement from the kids really made you wonder what their everyday lives must be like. Even though some of the homes weren't in great shape, they were like castles to most people in the area. It would include 1 refrigerator and a room for sleeping. A lot different from what we get in America. With the usual average of 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and the most common: sinks, refrigerators, bathtubs, dishwashers. Many of which would seem like a dream to most of these people. It was such an enjoyable experience to notice the little things in life that we usually take for granted. OUr tour was supposed to be an hour but it ended up being two because of all the people we met. After that we hopped on the bus and went to lunch, and then headed to Mama Emilia's.
Mama Emilia hosts over 95 children that are unable to be taken care of by their parents or are orphaned. It was incredible in such a tiny house there was two washers and dryers, folded laundry and clean bedroms (approximately 7 bedrooms where all these kids shared beds. And only two bathrooms with two toilets and showers each and anoher room with one bath tub. We did a circle outside with the kids and played and danced with them for about 40 minutes. It was mazing how amused they were. AFter that we headed to the HIV hospital.
When we arrived at the hospital we had a South African doctor explain what some of the daily struggles were towards the children. Many cam in having AIDS rather than just HIV. Their mothers think it's just the flu and that it will be over with. Most of these children already live in poverty. They already deal with many hardships before the rality of AIDS hits them even harder. We learned that nearly 1 million infants are born every year with HIV and the disease orphans 1 child every 14 seconds. But what's even worse is most of the children that come in have already progressed in the disease and have AIDS. But what was so great about this hospital was that they have set up an organization called Kidzpositive. It has generated more than 1 million rand (which is roughly 6.2 rand for each US dollar) for over 90 women with HIV-positive children. Just 20 rands puts food on the table for 1 child for 2 weeks. We were able to participatein helping this organization by buying different pins in the shapes of flags, bracelets, keychains. Thisis how the organization has created such a name. These women bead all of these things to sell and over the past 3 years have generated over 1 million rand. These mothers generate between R100-R200 per week. Each AIDS beaded pin they make earns them 5 rand. In fact they even gave us a website were we can design our own beaded keychain and pre-order to sell at home. You can visit it at www.kidzpositive.org/beads. The hospital was amazing hbut we ended up not bein able to see the children. It was still worthwhile and after that we headed to the hotel for a little bit until we went to the St. Cyprian's School.
We ate a good dinner at the school and then had a forum discussing the topic of peace and main problems in the world today. We got to meet our paired African partners and got to know them even better then before. Afterwards we got to make a graffiti wall where we put whatever saying we wanted on our own brick. Afterwards we got to hang out with everyone for a while. Overall, the day was so worthwhile it's hard to even sum up but Africa is definately one of the most amazing places I have ever been.
-- Emily K.
The difference between seeing and doing.
Arriving in Atlanta, I had the assumption that our trip to Cape Town was just another People to People trip around the world. I was quick to discover that I was very wrong. I was embarking upon one of the most crucial experiences in my life, one that would help me better understand another culture, yet help me better understand my own culture as well.
I have also learned a lot about myself by seeing what others have or don't have. For instance, today we went to a place called Tsonga, a place of houses filled with varying economic statuses. The wealthy lived in homes costing approximately R 180,000 (around $30,000 US) - the price of a nice car back home. There were hostels, which were a step lower than what we know as small appartments; however, each housed 3 families in one room (they were built to house 2 - 3 men per room) and they shared all facilities from toiletries to kitchen use. The next step below the hostels were for the families that were in hostels but were fed up with them - as a result, they constructed "informal" houses. We, as Americans, would consider them 'shacks." Seeing the conditions in which they live really put things in perspective for me, but at the same time it added a different perspective and made me realize how ignorant so much of the US and other parts of the world are to the struggles and conditions these people face.
After Tsonga, we had a nice quiet lunch on our way to Mama Amelia's, a house in which a generous woman houses 95 orphans. At Mama Amelia's, we saw the house and played games with the children. For me, this is the hardest part, seeing the smiles on the children's faces while they are playing. I know that this may seem a little strange, but these children have nothign, not even hope, but this is the only life that they know. Therefore, they have no other alternative but to go on as best they can. This is what is sad to be because they worry about eating, losing their houses, goign to school, the simplest things. These are such basic necessities that many of us have come to take for granted. A typical day for me at home consisted of me working out, playing hockey, and thinking about my friends. After seeing these types of situations here in South Africa, I am ashamed to admit that. However, I am eternally grateful to know that I can help make a difference here. Whethere it is bringing awareness to perils they face, collecting supplies, or returning someday myself, every little thing counts.
After Mama Amelia's, we went to the hospital to learn about an HIV/AIDS clinic called "Kidspozitive". This only confirmed my desire to do more. HIV and AIDS affects over 25 million people in Africa, 5 million alone in South Africa. Astounding numbers, terrifying and shocking, but inspiring me to challenge myself to help.
I have learned so much about the history of South Africa and the resilient spirit of its people just in the short time I have been here. I have come to have a great deal of respect not only for its people but also its leaders because they are so passionate about their country that their leadership reflects the spirit of the people. I like to think of the struggles of South Africa aas running a race. THey knew where the finish line was but they were stuck at the starting line. The day in 1994 that Nelson Mandela cast the first vote in South African history celebrated the victory and establishment of democracy in their country. By casting that vote, Mandela fired the shotgun that sent the runners off. The people of Africa continue to run that race. Despite the difficulties they face, the people are making great strides towards urbanization and living standards with the help of love and peace. I truly believe they will make it, and when they come around the last turn and are in the straightaway they will finish strong with the help and support of their people, because of the vision and peseverence they showed in their fight for freedom.
I have come to realize that htis was not a trip but rather a mission. Our mission and our motto is "peace through understanding" but to achieve that goal we must first understand it before we can spread it. And having seen and experienced the things we have over these last few days here having little time for reflection in our busy days I realized that I have a responsibility as a human to love, respect and help others. I know how much this experience has meant to me and what I havetaken away from it that I truly believe I have benefited more than the kids we help. History helps us from repeating our mistakes but I believe that reading about events in a book is not enough. There is a difference between reading and actually seeing, but furthermore there is an even greater difference often overlooked. The difference btween seeing and doing.
-- Brandon E.
I have also learned a lot about myself by seeing what others have or don't have. For instance, today we went to a place called Tsonga, a place of houses filled with varying economic statuses. The wealthy lived in homes costing approximately R 180,000 (around $30,000 US) - the price of a nice car back home. There were hostels, which were a step lower than what we know as small appartments; however, each housed 3 families in one room (they were built to house 2 - 3 men per room) and they shared all facilities from toiletries to kitchen use. The next step below the hostels were for the families that were in hostels but were fed up with them - as a result, they constructed "informal" houses. We, as Americans, would consider them 'shacks." Seeing the conditions in which they live really put things in perspective for me, but at the same time it added a different perspective and made me realize how ignorant so much of the US and other parts of the world are to the struggles and conditions these people face.
After Tsonga, we had a nice quiet lunch on our way to Mama Amelia's, a house in which a generous woman houses 95 orphans. At Mama Amelia's, we saw the house and played games with the children. For me, this is the hardest part, seeing the smiles on the children's faces while they are playing. I know that this may seem a little strange, but these children have nothign, not even hope, but this is the only life that they know. Therefore, they have no other alternative but to go on as best they can. This is what is sad to be because they worry about eating, losing their houses, goign to school, the simplest things. These are such basic necessities that many of us have come to take for granted. A typical day for me at home consisted of me working out, playing hockey, and thinking about my friends. After seeing these types of situations here in South Africa, I am ashamed to admit that. However, I am eternally grateful to know that I can help make a difference here. Whethere it is bringing awareness to perils they face, collecting supplies, or returning someday myself, every little thing counts.
After Mama Amelia's, we went to the hospital to learn about an HIV/AIDS clinic called "Kidspozitive". This only confirmed my desire to do more. HIV and AIDS affects over 25 million people in Africa, 5 million alone in South Africa. Astounding numbers, terrifying and shocking, but inspiring me to challenge myself to help.
I have learned so much about the history of South Africa and the resilient spirit of its people just in the short time I have been here. I have come to have a great deal of respect not only for its people but also its leaders because they are so passionate about their country that their leadership reflects the spirit of the people. I like to think of the struggles of South Africa aas running a race. THey knew where the finish line was but they were stuck at the starting line. The day in 1994 that Nelson Mandela cast the first vote in South African history celebrated the victory and establishment of democracy in their country. By casting that vote, Mandela fired the shotgun that sent the runners off. The people of Africa continue to run that race. Despite the difficulties they face, the people are making great strides towards urbanization and living standards with the help of love and peace. I truly believe they will make it, and when they come around the last turn and are in the straightaway they will finish strong with the help and support of their people, because of the vision and peseverence they showed in their fight for freedom.
I have come to realize that htis was not a trip but rather a mission. Our mission and our motto is "peace through understanding" but to achieve that goal we must first understand it before we can spread it. And having seen and experienced the things we have over these last few days here having little time for reflection in our busy days I realized that I have a responsibility as a human to love, respect and help others. I know how much this experience has meant to me and what I havetaken away from it that I truly believe I have benefited more than the kids we help. History helps us from repeating our mistakes but I believe that reading about events in a book is not enough. There is a difference between reading and actually seeing, but furthermore there is an even greater difference often overlooked. The difference btween seeing and doing.
-- Brandon E.
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