Africa07

Diary for Thursday 19 July 2007

Hey everyone!
Well today was just unreal everyone experienced highs and lows. Waving at children at the side of the road sat playing in rubbish was the first time it hit me that I was in Africa. The school was amazing to this is where I cried a lot, the kids swamped us saying hello and trying to shake our hands, after they have shook your hand their faces lit up it was so weird how excited they got at the sight of us. We gave out so many gifts, and grabbed a partner and danced around…this was one of my favourite parts of the trip so far. The children that didn’t join in were screaming with laughter because the boys had to put their hands on the girls waist :P was great! Well missing you all so much, guess youll hear from me again soon J lots of hugs and kisses xxxxxxxx
SARAH N

HI !!

We are certainly making the most of the AFRICA experience !! camping in national parks, early morning rises, long drop toilets, safari wildlife and of course the local schools! It’s a roller coaster of emotions and everyone here are experiencing the high and the lows….. spotting the lions in the trees only metres away from the truck and then seeing the poverty in the local townships and the conditions of the schools.

It is really nice to see how this amazing group of students are reacting to each day. Witnessing the tears after the first school visit and the enjoyment of collating all the gifts and equipment to hand over was nice to observe and then be a part of.

Don’t worry parents….. everyone is mucking in and fulfilling their camp duties!!!! The group are getting on really well and will be really close by the end of this amazing tour. It is an amazing experience for them all and although they are missing their home comforts I just keep reminding them that the long drop toilet and the hippo noises in the night are all character building!!

To my loved ones….. hi!! Having a great time and these students and a during the night - the hippo’s start grumbling, the buffalos rustle past and the monkeys try to open your tent zip since I’m home alone in my tent!! But all part of safari I guess!! Love you loads, hugs and kisses sent to my tribe!!
EM XXXXXX

Hiya to every one back home missing you all lots. I’m having a great time here meeting all the locals and especially all the little children at the schools that we’ve visited. When we arrive at the schools they all seem to be so happy to see us and they all want to shake our hands. We’ve seen loads of different animals such as buffalo’s, giraffes, zebras, all different types of monkeys and even THREE lions that were asleep on the tree we all got loads of photos. Were all getting really well fed our cook Georgia is really good and we’ve had steak and sausages and mash it was all delicious. Well were going swimming now so im off bye bye love you all Gemma. Davies.

Jambo everyone at home Im having an amazing time and its already been worth the wait, ive seen loads of African animals including the giraffe which I saw first. Peter was right about the schools being the strongest memory, seeing the kids smile just for a handshake is an amazing feeling. The sun has finaly come out strong after almost a week of unexpected cloud. Off for a swim/wash now Kwaheri Sam

Laura:
Hello to everyone back at home!
Today has been pretty mint, we went on an early morning boat trip this morning, seen an eagle catch a fish from the water it was really good!
We went to another school today which was amazing, the kids there were just brilliant, they were really chatty, asking me and Danni where we were from and how old we were etc. they were really nice, and some girls sang a song which nearly got me going, but it never, I controlled the crying, even though i
still haven’t cried just yet, I do need a good cry though, I’m really missing home!
The hippo’s walking round the campsite last night amused me a lot, the noises they make just made me giggle, I was trying to tell Liz but she was dead to the world, never mindJ
Missing everyone loads at home, especially Rob, Mum, Lucy, Adam and Stephen! I got really home sick yesterday, I thought I’d lost my water bottle and my money bag, so I wasn’t the happiest of people. Also we had a lot of time in the truck so I had time to think about things and how I missed my own bed and I really was craving a shower, so I really was upset. However we seen some Giraffes on the safari we went on and it really cheered me up, the animals are amazing, we seen Lions as well! Wish you were all here experiencing this with me!
Oh and I’m not burnt yet and the weather is gorgeous! Should be proud of me J we are sat round the pool at the minute and I’m sat in the shade waiting for my sun cream to soak in so I don’t get burnt, so mum you need to tell nana that I’m fine J Rob I’ve learnt a song to sing for you as wellJ Love you! <3
Lucy I got your note missus! You better be keeping my room in a liveable stateJ, I’m missing you the mostest, Love you!
Love you all! Laura xxxxx <3
Danielle
Hello everyone!
I have finally got hold of the laptop so here is my first diary entry.
I’m having a really good trip so far. Have been on a few game drives and have seen loads of different animals. Have just come back from a crocodile hunt with Peter – was just 15 meters away from a huge croc! This morning we visited a school. We played a game of football - which we drew 1-1, and had a game of volleyball – mixing in with the kids for the match. The trips to the schools are something that everyone should experience because no words can describe it – the smiles of the kids after we have just taken a picture of them or shaken their hands. Am about to go for a swim now, so I guess I will write another entry in a few days. See you for now!
Danielle

Claire:

Hi England, it’s boiling here!!! Atm I’m sat next to the swimming pool at our campsite at Lake Baringo, it’s really nice and sunny here but there are lots of midges and other random insects EVERYWHERE, there’s also birds that poo on your head (speaking from experience here lol) and flippin HIPPOS that roar (or whatever hippos do) in the night, scary stuff! The past couple of days have involved some game drives in Nakuru National park seeing lions, flamingo, gazelles, rhinos, buffalos etc etc, and Geordies (in the middle of Africa yes lol) we’ve also been into Nakuru town to do some bantering with the local sellers- basically we got hounded by people trying to sell us the same things but we all had a good go at getting the price down! We also visited an internet café and the supermarket to stock up on food, so we’ve been doing a variety of different things! The best thing for me though was crossing the equator (the flushing toilets different ways thing is actually true!) Anyway the pool is calling me so tuto onana!

Ooo! Btw we went to a pub at the campsite last night and got taught an Africa song by 2 people called Moses and a man called Elijah it was mint! We also taught the 3 Africans a dance that we learnt in music last year, it was a good laugh and I think there’s going to be a repeat session tonight! Get in!

Natalie Dowson

Had a boat ride this morning on lake Baringo! It was a bit scary as I didn’t realise how high up the water was. Unfortunately, all I saw was the top of a crocodile’s head – just as I was about to reach for my camera, it slinked underneath the surface. We also saw a giant bird swoop a fish out of the water. The best part of today though was the visit to the primary school. I met a cute little girl who looked to be about 4 or 5. She was lovely and I also played volleyball. The school was extremely grateful for everything we gave them. We are now relaxing round the pool, although the drinks are a rip off here (80 KSH – about 70p!). The water is also different to swimming pools at home. Looking forward to a nice shower tonight. See you all soon!

Nicola:

Hiya all!! Sorry it’s been a while been busy. Saw 3 lions the

Piczo