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Back to paradise

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Back to Africa 2010

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Africa » South Africa » Eastern Cape » Mthatha
April 6th 2010
Published: April 12th 2010
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It's one hell of a journey but boy was it all worth it when through the dark I spotted the lonely light of Bulungula Lodge shining like a beacon guiding us across the rolling hills of the Transkei. Having taken most forms of transport known to man, and endured 4hr delays at possibly the worst airport ever, then flown in a tempestuous thunderstorm, the final 100km from Umtata to the coast were a de... Read Full Entry



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Frankwah
Forget 9 to 5
Forget 9 to 5
"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey!" Here we go again! With Africa out of my system (for now), it's time to set out to explore the big wide world and discover some new places to fall in love with. With a one way ticket to Sydney and a WHV in my pocket/email account I'm heading down under in search of streets paved with gold and the Pommie pipedream of living it up in the sun. On the way I'll be checking out the beaches, big buildings and backpacker haunts of Dubai and South East Asia and reporting back on just how relaxing it is swinging in a h... full info
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looking for chocolatelooking for chocolate
looking for chocolate
a rare treat for these kids. While they can buy sweets and crisps from the tiny tin shack shop in the village, there is a strict no begging society here and guests are firmly encouraged not to hand out sweets. Most of the villagers won't have toothbrushes etc and definitely not access to dental care so it's a good thing they don't have my sweet cravings!
Taking a break before lunchTaking a break before lunch
Taking a break before lunch
The stuff on our faces is mud and calomine lotion, Xhose women use it to protect their skin from the sun
Rocket showers!Rocket showers!
Rocket showers!
Pour paraffin in bottom, make a wick from toilet paper, light it and turn on the tap, voila 2 minutes later you have a steaming hot shower!
entertaining the local kidsentertaining the local kids
entertaining the local kids
our rondavalour rondaval
our rondaval
love the bright colours at the lodge
the guest roomsthe guest rooms
the guest rooms
traditional rondavals built by the community from mud bricks and grass thatching.
Still love the bright colours!Still love the bright colours!
Still love the bright colours!
The Jujura Pre-SchoolThe Jujura Pre-School
The Jujura Pre-School
This is where your generous donations went guys! There are 60 kids attending the pre-school between ages 3-6.
Jujura Pre-School Jujura Pre-School
Jujura Pre-School
Jujura Pre-SchoolJujura Pre-School
Jujura Pre-School
Sun hats hung up on the wall for when the kids have excursions out to the beach etc.
Classrooms at the pre-schoolClassrooms at the pre-school
Classrooms at the pre-school
They are always looking for educational books, games, posters etc if you want to do a good thing and help out a very worthy charity.
Photo 43Photo 43
Photo 43
veges are grown at the pre-school and Junior schools to provide hot nutritious meals for the children everyday.
Nqileni Junior SchoolNqileni Junior School
Nqileni Junior School
the hall is available for community meetings etc as well as school use
Nqileni Junior SchoolNqileni Junior School
Nqileni Junior School
Thought you'd all like to see it wasn't great weather the whole time I was here!
Bulungula LodgeBulungula Lodge
Bulungula Lodge
totally spot on eco credentials - all power from solar and wind, compost toilets, rainwater to drink...
Photo 47Photo 47
Photo 47
...grey water goes to water the gardens where veges grown for dinner etc.
Inside the lodgeInside the lodge
Inside the lodge
Mud!Mud!
Mud!
...spent half hour getting stuck in this but the legendary Mr Rufus got us through in the end!
Photo 50Photo 50
Photo 50
We gave a lift to a villager who needed to go to hospital. Imagine getting around on a wheelchair on the steep hills of Nqileni village with no paths etc!
Mr RufusMr Rufus
Mr Rufus
He seemed about 100 last time I was here so god knows how old he is now! He is a boy racer extroidinaire and calcium addict - we had to stop for milk and yogurt on the 4 hr journey!



15th April 2010

Joshua Bergman
non-member comment

thanks for the update
Hey Frankie, Thanks so much for posting your adventures. I am very jealous but sooo excited for you. Can't wait to hear about your east Africa adventures. Anyways, I hope you are having a fantastic time and I look forward to your next post. I have subscribed to your blog so I get the updates automatically which is nice. Josh
15th April 2010

Forget 9 to 5
Frankwah

Thanks
Glad you're enjoying it Josh, will try to keep you entertained with more stories once I've got out of Nairobi! Hope all is good in Canadia? Fxx

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