High Africa

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Last weekend Arcadia took all of us on a trip to a camp called high Africa. It was supposed to be about a 2 hour drive but instead it took closer to 4 hours because there was lots of traffic, and we got lost. It wasn't too bad though because it was a beautiful drive through vineyards and mountains. When we finally got to the camp we had dinner and then had some time to relax. We spent some time lying in the grass looking at the stars which was amazing- I didn't know it was possible to see so many stars! The sky was so beautiful.

In the morning we got up bright and early for some canoeing on the Breede River. It was really fun. In the middle of our canoe trip we stopped to rest and also there was a side stream that you could float down in your left vest. It was pretty entertaining just seeing everyone getting ready to do it, because you put the life vest on with your legs in the arm holes. so it's kind of on your butt. So we all looked ridiculous, but we had lots of fun floating down the stream. When we got to the end of our canoe trip we all piled onto the back of a truck and went back to camp.

On Saturday Afternoon we had a class, which was going to the mayor's office so he could speak to us about rural life in South Africa, and also going to a farm (vineyard actually) to talk to the farm workers about farm life in South Africa. The farm workers have been working there for generations and generations. They don't get paid that well, but they said they are just happy to have electricity, running water, and toilets things that are so easy for us to take for granted. Right now is harvest time, so they pick grapes 12 hours a day, they said this is the worst part of their job.

When we got back we had a braai (barbecue), and time to relax and hang out. After the braai we had a camp fire and just had nice relaxing evening.

On Sunday morning we could climb a rock wall and do a high ropes course if we wanted, so I did both. It was fun, but it was really hot out, so afterwards I went for a swim in the river. Then it was time to get ready to go home, and go back to school work.

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Photos

Sunset
the sunset on the way there was so pretty

hang out
this was a little hang out place on the deck by the river

Breede River
this is from the deck

End of Canoeing
this is the view where we finished canoeing

farm workers
These are some of the people that lived at the vineyard we went to for class

Comments

[kelly]

very nice
hey stacy, i'm catching up a bit on your entries and really enjoying your words and photos. south africa looks so gorgeous, and it's hard to believe the world cup is already coming up in a year (the stadium picture got me excited for 2010)! the sunset pic in this entry reminds me of a sunset picture i have from new zealand...keep living it up while you're there! chris will be over there in no time ;-) sending love, kel