General update - the one that I promised...

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Ok, witch doctor aside, many awesome things have been going down in the Southern hemisphere.
I have been on a microlight aircraft flight (basically a go-kart on a kite) over both the Kwa Madwala reserve and Kruger Park, including the 'Crocodile river".
It was seriously good, and I managed to get a birds eye view of a herd of elephants, Impala, a Giraffe, many groups of Hippo's and a MASSIVE Crocodile. It was seriously big. I have a picture to prove this.
I also had to drive it for a while myself, so the fact that I am now writing this blog is testament to the fact that I DID NOT CRASH! I was very chuffed at that little point 😊
6.30 this morning I was up - shovelling poo from the enclosures of the two orphaned elephants.
Lets just say about this that a VERY long shower was recquired afterwards to get rid of the rather pungent smell.
Also did you know that there are subtle differences between the taste of a female elephants poo and that of a male elephant.
The poo of a female is much more acidic. I have no idea why!
Also on the interesting facts basis. I now know the plurals for a number of animals.
For crickets, you call them an 'orchestra'
Zebra's are a 'dazzle',
Giraffes are a 'journey',
Leapords are a 'coalition',
and Rhinos are a 'crash.'
I am now a fountain of safari knowledge.
Also, each twist in the horns of a Kudu represent 3 years of life.
Next week we begin work in the local orphanage (which we visited breifly today) which I am VERY excited about. I've bought loads of colouring pencils in anticipation!
Also Saturday is time for 'party party' which has an anything but clothes theme. Interesting.
Seth says that this is the night that I will be very drunk (HA!) as apparently I am a 'dark horse'.
Amusing.
LOVE YOU ALL AND SPEAK SOON AND THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS.
XXXXXXXXX

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Comments

[carl eason]

well done on the microlight that must have been awesome I hope you enjoy the orphanage and dont get too emotional ( they are such happy and smiley kids ) cant wait for the pics take care lil cuz carl xxx

[Anna Beattie]

Yay Gemma glad you're having such an... interesting time. Although I hope that your little gem of wisdom on elephant poo is not from personal experience... much love from a much more mundane part of the world :) :) xxxxxx

[Sam Phripp]

=]
I'm so glad to hear you're having a lovely time Gemma! That first day I met you many years ago I just knew you were destined for small aircraft and plurals... the english dept will be v proud. Would you mind telling the witch doctor I'll be round next tuesday afternoon for my monthly bleed? Much love, Sam x

[Tom Burgess]

Congrats on not crashing! It sounds as though you're having a very fulfilling time. More so than anything I will be doing in the next year (though, I will be getting 20% discount at Hunting Raven)... And orphanages are all well and good, but the important question is: what is the collective noun for pieces of safari knowledge? Or is it just 'fountain', as this entry might seem to suggest...? Be good! xxxx

[Susan Baio]

Gemma, I shall use that 'fountain of knowledge' re:- the groupings of animals with the 'After schoolers!' I love the 'crash' of Rhinos!! Following your journeys with avid interest honey and 'buying a hat' in readiness for said nuptuals!! Hugs Susan X

[Jemma Stewart]

Waaah.
"6.30 this morning I was up - shovelling poo" This is the first time I have been slightly less than jealous of you from reading these blogs!! Also, the idea of a leopard coalition made me laugh a lot - images of leopards in the House of Commons xP Anyway, sounds like you're having an AMAZING time, and I hope very much that you continue to do so! But come back soon so we can eat pesto and watch romance films again please <3 Miss and love you xxxx

[anonymous]

´Colalition of Leopards´. Ahaaa, jokes :D <3

[Aimaemaemaemaeee]

´Coalition of Leopards´. Ahaaa, jokes :D <3