UPDATE 8

Hey to all of you who are still hanging in there with the blog,

The morning started with a lovely hotel breakfast, though the boys came down late and missed it (muffins on the run for them!)We then headed off on a brisk walk to the water front. We arrived tired and over warm at the waterfront shopping area and after a brief ice cream break, headed off to the boat which would take us to Robben Island. The boat was interesting with a few not so happy sailors though many simply enjoyed hanging out at the front of the boat trying to spot seals and penguins (yes, you do get them here). When we arrived at Robben Island, we were immediately met by our guide who gave us a bus tour of the island, showing us all of the interesting sights around the island (it’s much bigger and has served many more purposes then most of us would have thought). Then we were dropped off at the high security prison to be shown around by an ex-political prisoner, it was very interesting and highly informative, we were all very emotional seeing the way that the prison had once been run during the dark days of apartheid.

The return journey from Robben Island on the boat was very exciting as waves crashed against the boat, some of us getting very wet, after our trip. After the boat ride we enjoyed a long lunch in the sunshine at the V&A Waterfront in the shadow of Table Mountain.

We had the choice of either more shopping at the waterfront, or lapping up some sun and having a swim at the public pool. Many of us went for the shopping option, and many bought ourselves one of South Africa’s famed Rugby Shirts. After this we returned to the hotel - some went out for a meal, some went for a swim and others decided to stay in their rooms and make use of the hotel facilities.

UPDATE 7

Hey guys, today has been quite humorous. We got our first “long lie” of the trip – a fantastic half eight start to the day. Before rafting we had to put on life-jackets and helmets and then headed out on the Karoo River. With many many rapids and reeds, we finished rather dishevelled and scratched. A couple of boats capsized and some people (i.e Mhairi, Carol, Sammi and Jasmine) got flung down the rapid rocks. As we finished the rain made an appearance, the thunder sounded and the lightning flashed. Everyone got even wetter in the back of the Buckie on the way home than they had been in the water, with Shannon warning for trees.

The afternoon remained wet and so was a pretty lazy one with some sleeping, hanging out in the kitchen or playing a giant game of Chess and hide ‘n’ seek (and yes, the cards did make an appearance!!). There appears to be a holiday bug travelling round the campsite but nothing too serious (apparently only lasting 8 hours)- so no calls from worried parents please.

The time is now 9pm, and we are all hungrily waiting for our tea. Yeah, still waiting for tea, we are all looking forward to tonight’s braii, and yet more meat for our dinner (there is a division between those who are considering turning to cannibalism, and those who wish to turn to vegetarianism… not sure what the best option would be.)

There is still lightning flashing and thunder clapping above us as we type, (to the extent that one of the rooms currently has a cat sheltering under the beds.

We are waiting to go to bed before our VERY early start tomorrow.

Missing you all lots……NOT!!




UPDATE 6


South Africa Blog Saturday

Hello chilly Scotland! Today was possibly the hottest day yet for us. Just in case you wanted to know…

The morning started with screams as the girls toilets appeared to also be occupied by a two inch long locust. Good times! And then we headed off, late as usual, to Cradock – a not so local town - for a tour on our bus. We saw some local sights in the town before heading to a National Park, where we drove around a Zebra Park. We were slightly disappointed at the lack of elephants and giraffes but spotted lots of kudu, springbok, mountain zebras and ground squirrels (though we maaaybe thought they were meerkats for a while).

We then headed back to our accommodation where we tried to do some homework. This attempt failed for most but we tried! Then had another lovely meal and a campfire, whilst being eaten alive by all sorts of beasties (we can barely see this laptop screen for them!) Mr tanned lovely man came along and saved our campfire and is currently surrounded by four keen, though not very subtle, fifth years.

A week in and we’re all still alive and well! Definitely not ready to go home yet. It feels like there is still so much to see in so little time in the amazing country.

Still dodgy signal so if you’re expecting calls then it not that we don’t want to call you, we just can’t!




UPDATE 5

Hello,

The day started very early, infact we didn’t sleep. The overnight bus journey to Hofmeyr was not the best! We arrived at Karoo River Resort in the early hours and we were not impressed as we were all extremely exhausted and it was chilly for us, only about 15 degrees!! The boys had to wait for the dew to leave the grass before their tents could be put up.

After breakfast and coffee the sun came up and our day began, so many people went to bed!! The rest of us spent the morning getting cleaned up, sunbathing and admiring the beautiful river and surroundings that we are situated in. By lunchtime those who were asleep had woken up and we all grabbed our towels and headed for the sun. After some time in the sun we all decided that it was time to go swimming at the Karoo waterfall. It was a stunning sight and jumping into the waterfall was very exhilarating.

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing which was time well spent as we really needed it. Tomorrow is another action-packed day but for today we feel alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic (yes, Mhairi is teaching us the dance moves). The blog tomorrow will be eventful and interesting. So until tomorrow, enjoy the cold!

NB: Parents, if you do not receive any calls or texts for the next few days it is because we do not have signal!! Sorry!




UPDATE 4

Hello again,

Yesterday we started the day with a trip to the shops to buy toys and games for 3 nurseries in Bongani. When the gifts were delivered it was lovely to see their eyes light up and the smiles on their faces. They were all so cute and it was a very emotional moment because its amazing to see how confident they are for being such a young age and how they are so friendly to us strangers!

We also visited another local school in the area, this time a farm school where some children used to walk 20 kilometres to school before the introduction of buses. They were one of the better facilitated schools we have seen, and were very proud of their sports facilities; they even had a swimming pool in a classroom!

After lunch (and the major shopping spree that some girls just had to go on!) in town we returned to Bongani High School for a Braai (barbeque) as it was our last night there. The second we got to the school, we had a fan club waiting on us, the younger children were amazed by us and it made us feel like celebrities! Our ceilidh band aided us in showcasing some Scottish dancing; the South Africans loved this but were still desperate for us to try out their dancing, very amusing for all. The hokey cokey rounded off the evening entertainment and then it was time to say our goodbyes. A few speeches were made, which made most of us girls cry, but we’re sure the boys had tears in their eyes too! We all exchanged gifts and headed to the bus to begin our long night journey to Hofmeyr.


UPDATE 3

Hey guys, if your still with us we’ve had a pretty good time today. The bee farm was “Pretty Awesome” we shall explain that joke when we get home!! We also visited three schools today which was a bit of a whirlwind tour but we learned so much about the differences between the schools. It was so lovely to see everyone so happy to see and we got invited into so many classes and the learners were so friendly. The girls from the hostel were so happy and surprised to see us in their class. We got so many hugs, kisses and pictures taken which im sure you will be very excited to see. Then we met up wAth our best pals from Bongani and went to the ever exciting bee farm. The girls enjoyed our tour guide, his name wasn’t important, but he was lovely to watch, even the boys enjoyed a little look at him. Most of us went into the bee house but luckily none of us got stung. We also visited the Confluence, where the Vaal River and Orange River meet, Pretty Exciting. We went for a little leisure time and ended up getting completely lost, the ones who didn’t are pretty smug about it. Then we went back up to Bongani to watch a film about the apartheid, almost got squashed by the projector screen, everyone squealed but no one went up to catch it. Finally went out for dinner with Bongani kids, meal was lovely but entertainment was better. There’s nothing more funny than watching South African’s do the Hokey Dokey, and watching thirty Scottish folk trying to sing along and dance in Afrikaans, (by the way Becky has now broken two pairs of flip-flops) was just embarrassing for those of us who videoed the spectacle. Off for a party now in Douglas youth Hostel. Catch you mums and dad’s tomorrow! 


Love the Perth High School African group! x



UPDATE 2

Hello Mums and Dads (we’re pretty sure you’re the only ones reading this!)

Glad to hear there’s snow in some parts of Scotland whilst we’re in 35 degree heat! We’re writing this on Tuesday night, after visiting Kimberley to see the ‘Big Hole’ which is the biggest man made hole in the world due to diamond mining (Michael Jardine thought it would be a lot bigger though, typical boy) and the Northern Cape Legislative Building (basically, their Holyrood). We spent the day with our South African friends again, which was really lovely. It was inspiring to see how patriotic and proud they were of their countries government and industry. Our friendships are growing, alongside our respect for their continuous joy and love of life, despite having far less than miserable old us! Our tour guide at the parliament building, alongside many other people we’ve met, was slightly confused as to why we weren’t wearing ‘those skirts and the doodle-bags’ though.

We’ve just returned from a slightly interesting meal out where we waited an hour and a half for our food to arrive (NB. If anyone wants to torture us, that’s the way to do it) but it arrived in the end. And if Danielle’s mum is reading, she actually ate a full meal!!!

We are now looking forward to visiting a bee farm tomorrow (sort of..) as well as some more local schools which should be really interesting.

Our apologies to all the parents/siblings/friends whom we haven’t bothered to text or phone. We’re just having too much fun!

The boys would say hi but they’re too busy dancing to Britney and trying on dresses.

Love from all the lovely ladies! X






UPDATE 1

After a 36 hour journey on buses and planes, amidst a spectacular lightning storm we arrived in Douglas. The next morning we visited Bongani high school and met many of the pupils and teachers. After a welcome assembly of singing and dancing we toured the school and the town, seeing the local community with our new friends.

After the tour we headed back to the school for a great lunch and then visited the local winery. Unfortunately Mrs Dinning prevented any wine tasting however we did manage to get a taste of some grape juice and purchase some gifts to bring home.

We enviously visited the Broadwaters resort where we planned to stay and were able to view the damage caused by the flooding. After returning to the hostel in Douglas we played a bit of rugby and got to know the locals staying there. The ceilidh band struck up and spontaneous dancing broke out.

Having a fantastic time and we'll keep you updated with further postings to the website.

The South Africa Crew of 2010.

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Welcome

Welcome to the new design of Perth High School's website. The redesign is the first step in a series of improvements to the website which it is hoped will be ready for the new school year after the summer.

Upcoming Events

• 15

  Jun

  2010

  Leavers Day

  
  Senior pupils say goodbye
• 17

  Jun

  2010

  School Prom

  
  Senior Prom
• 29

  Jun

  2010

  Perth High School Prizegiving

  
  at Perth Concert Hall