Day 25

Yesterday (Sunday) we visited Addo Elephant Park, about an hour and a half away from Grahamstown. On our drive around the massive reserve we spotted everything from tiny dung beetles to a herd of elephants. Staking out a spot by a watering hole proved to be the ideal viewing location. After a few warthogs came by, we eventually had a herd of about 10 elephants (including two very young ones), pass right around our van and head to the water for a drink not even 200 ft from us!

Unfortunately I do not have any pictures to post, but I am looking forward to seeing everyone when I arrive home in less than a week!

-Mike

Day 11

On Saturday we ventured into Port Elizabeth to visit the Seaview Game and Lion Park, where we had the opportunity to drive through the park in our car. We saw zebras, giraffes, bushbok, wildebeests and lions. The most exciting part was when we had the opportunity to meet two young lions (about 5 months old) face to face!

Day 5

Today was our second day at the Ikamvalesizwe School in Kenton on Sea. Yesterday we were treated to a welcoming ceremony and short tour and today we actually began teaching English in two sixth grade classrooms during the morning. On our return trip from the school to Grahamstown (about 45km away) we have been treated to a mini safari of sorts, since multiple game reserves bordering the road on both sides. So far we have spotted a herd of zebras, a few giraffes, ostriches and many monkeys during our commute.

Despite it being the winter season down here, we have continuted to enjoy beautiful weather (today it got up to around 80F).

South Africa Facts:
South Africa is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time
$1 US = about 8.1 rand (the local currency)

-Mike

Day 1

Yesterday we landed in Port Elizabeth at around 12PM after a short flight from Johannesburg. We then drove to Grahamstown and arrived at about 3PM, when we were introduced to both of our host families, the first of whom provided us with a very nice meal along with afternoon tea.

I will try to add pictures and longer posts throughout the trip, thanks for all the good wishes everyone sent before I left.

-Mike