I did it! I graduated, or it would actually be more accurate to say… WE graduated. Together with my partner in cime, Ilse we managed to finish everything. I am very happy that we were able to do our projects together. If it wasn’t for Ilse i would probably still be busy writing! With two brains the load is lighter. Our teamwork is one which i will not forget easily. Anyways its my last day here in South Africa. And my feelings are mixed. I am of course exciting and happy to be going home to family and friends however i think i will miss life here. I have grown accustomed to the culture and to the certain way of life in South Africa. They say the culture shock comes once you return back home. It will definitely be interesting to see if the same applies to me.
This last week i have spent travelling, road tripping through the north and east of South Africa. We set off by plane to Johannesburg where we picked up our rental car. Our first night we spent on the outskirts of Kruger national park. The following day we did a self game drive in the park where we were lucky enough to spot 3 animals out of the big five! One thing which I noticed was that Kruger is very touristy. I can compare this safari destination to the North Luangwa in Zambia where i went a few years ago. Here there are very little roads and it is not open to the public except with a safari operator. The difference was quite striking. Although i understand the need for tourism and conservation I would say Kruger is more like a big zoo. Nonetheless it was still impressive to see the different animals. After Kruger we went to Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland! It was quite a long drive but i really enjoy driving so that wasn’t a problem. However on the freeway we were suddenly stopped by a man wearing a police vest. We immediately didn’t trust the situation as there were 2 other cars who were stopped and the car of the so called police was just a normal white Toyota. Another vague point was that there was a camera at the opposite side of the street supposedly filming the cars going to quickly. After asking what was wrong the man said we were speeding. Carly the driving disagreed and the man said we should step out the car and come see for ourselves. I didn’t think this was a good idea. After a few seconds the car in front of us drove off. We followed suit after a minute of discussing what we should do. It was quite a tense moment. But we handled it really well! After Swaziland we went to St. Lucia near Durban on the east coast. It was nice and hot there with temperatures around 27 degrees compared to the cold and wet western cape. I had a really nice holiday and it was definitely an enjoyable way to end my 6 months here in SA.
I will look back fondly on my time here. I will miss it many ways. Not only the lifestyle but the Primary school where we spent many days working, giving lessons and measuring the children. This was a truly special experience, one which i will not forget. I also really appreciate the fact that the group of TWK students were really incredible. I am happy to say that many are my friends. Not only the place but also the people who are with determines what kind of an experience it will be. I leave with a heavy heart but of course also with excitement of what is to come.
The end of a chapter- Goodbye South Africa I did it! I graduated, or it would actually be more accurate to say... WE graduated. Together with my partner in cime, Ilse we managed to finish everything.
