Blogs from East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Africa

Apr 22, 2016

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London April 22nd 2016

clauditheunicorn

Geo: -32.9938, 27.8909... read more

A hot and humid day

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London January 7th 2014

Informal dinner

Tizwoz

Geo: -32.9938, 27.8909Between Capetown and the port of East London we had a day at sea. The seas were still rough so the time was spent reading and attending an excellent lecture on Apartheid by Michael Buerk the acclaimed journalist and reporter. We won the first Trivia Quiz with our new team which was very gratifying. Everyone dressed up for the first formal night and the Captain's welcome party before dinner. The show later on was a flautist we had seen on a previous cruise but we went to see him as he was very good.The following morning we docked at East London a port on the Buffalo River. This town has nothing to commend it. It is a poor town with unassuming shabby buildings. The shuttle bus took us to the only place they thought ... read more

South Africa Eastern Cape Day 1

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London July 19th 2013

Quarry Lake

Meg and Rob

So here we are again in Africa for the fourth year on the trot. This time we are visiting South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Midlands and this could become a regular trip as the plan is to bring a school party out here in 2015, but more of that in the days to come. 22 hours travelling door to door, two flights with two different airlines, and I must say compared to last time British Airways was OK, although we did pay for an upgrade on the flights rather than suffer basic economy seats again. Tonight we are in East London, South Africa on coast of the Indian Ocean. We are only here for this afternoon and one night before we head out tomorrow. We have had a quick look around the town including visits to ... read more

Adventures With The Ultimate Soccer Dad

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London March 18th 2013

Burger Challenge

KRahill

Autumn is starting to ominously drudge its way into life at Komga. Sunrise is no longer at 5am and the days are noticeably shorter. When you are at an altitude of about 1/2 a mile that means cold, crisp morning air that then dissipates as the afternoon sun heats up the climate. The nights as well are beginning to cool as we can no longer sit outside comfortably with a cup of tea gazing at the sky in a t-shirt and shorts. However, the brisk night sky is clearer than anything I have ever seen as sometimes I feel I can reach out and pluck a star into the palm of my hand from the sky. With no central heating, the only way to stay warm is wearing layer upon layer of shirt, short, sweatpants and ... read more

Christmas!

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London December 25th 2012

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KRahill

First off, Merry Christmas to everyone! I don't have much time as I leave to start my little holiday trip in less than an hour. The last few days have been quite fun for us here at Open Arms. Father Christmas was a little late coming in last night but thankfully he made it and as the kids ran into Emmanuel Hall for chocolate chip pancakes this morning, all the presents and stockings were there. In addition to the presents provided by Father Christmas, the East London Rotary Club also presented each child with a gift. We gave the Rotary Club a little insight into each child so everyone was really happy with their gifts! Instead of writing all of the children's reactions, I decided to include a bunch of pictures of today's events. We all ... read more

Holiday Break

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London December 12th 2012

IMG_0871

KRahill

First, as it is nearing Christmas time I thought I would ask everyone to consider a donation to Open Arms. As you have read in my past few blogs, it is a really special place with many special children. We are committed to guiding these 51 kids to reaching their fullest potential and that is impossible without your assistance as Open Arms Home for Children is totally dependent upon donations from individuals in the United States. Please take a moment to look at our website and consider donating any amount! If every person who reads this blog donates $20, we would be able to pay a whole year’s worth of schooling for one child! It’s that easy to make a difference. And most importantly, I am currently here to witness that all of that money goes ... read more

Cultural Immersion

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London October 1st 2012

Photo 2

KRahill

I feel so much has happened since my last update! First off I now have a new roommate named Uncle Dudley who derives from Phoenix, Arizona. Dudley was superintendent of six Phoenix high schools for 5 years after a very successful career as an assistant superintendent, principle, athletic director and history teacher. He will be my roommate for the next two months as he helps Open Arms develop a plan for home schooling our children. It will be a laborious endeavor as homeschooling about 17 children properly will require much foresight and planning. Personally, I am very happy that Dudley has arrived as its good to have a guy volunteer to hang with during the days. We have already had discussions pertaining to education issues in the United States along with other philosophical tops each night ... read more

Organic Farming & Animals

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London September 19th 2012

KRahill

Something I have realized quickly about Africa is that something is always burning. Every night since I have arrived there has been a visible grassfire in the distance. In fact, last week there was a large brush fire that came close to Open Arms and resulted in us having to cancel a trip to the beach for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. That fire was actually quite scary as it covered the hillside near Open Arms. The fire traveled several miles as the next day I could see the trail of ash across the farmland below us. The brush fires are unlike those in the US. They are very slow moving and according to the Komga citizens do not burn down the houses. Still, when I hear the crackling of wood and smoke rising in the ... read more

My 23rd Birthday and Beyond

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London September 6th 2012

KRahill

Hello everyone, It has been a while since my birthday but there is rarely time in the day to have access to a computer unless I stay up late (which for me is past about 10 pm now). First of all I had a fantastic 23rd birthday! Thanks to everyone who sent me emails or cards in the mail! I will hopefully be able to respond to everyone's emails by the end of this weekend. The day started off normal as I made sure all of my kids got to school. After which I went to East London for the day. Driving to East London from Komga is said to be the most dangerous highway in South Africa which is saying a lot. I will soon be driving there on my own now that I have ... read more

Getting into the Routine

Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » East London August 27th 2012

KRahill

This second week has really gone quickly as I have finally begun to learn how daily life operates here. Every Sunday, we get to sleep in till 8 am then we go to mass with the kids. We attend a small nondenominational Christian Church wherein our large group of children and workers take up half of the seats. The Church is much different from what I am use to with a lot of singing/music and no communion. This most recent mass was quite interesting as the pastors wife had a sword to demonstrate that our tongues could be weapons - that clearly got my attention as she waved it around. Last Sunday after mass we traveled to Lunch in a little cafe. After lunch we walked down to the beach which was only a minute away ... read more

Brief history of South Africa

After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjug...more history

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