The boys and coaches were excited in the anticipation of a cricket-free day. While competition is important, it is nice to have a period of down time. A bit of a sleep in was appreciated and an 8am start took us back to Langa this morning. The Zimasa Community School has approximately 1400 students between years Kindy and Year 9. The Barker Rugby Tour of 2013 visited the school in April and donated some books, equipment and time to teach a couple of classes. Unfortunately for us, it was was the first day of school so it was a bit of a mad house therefore books and cricket equipment would have to do today.
We were welcomed by Jane and Tammy who gave us a quick history of the school and took us to the courtyard to be greeted by the choir who sang beautifully. The boys then presented a plethora of books and a kit bag full of equipment before visiting a few different classes. The deputy principal (who was a mad cricket fan) spoke to us about the surrounding area and presented a plaque to Coach Thomlinson from the school for his office. Then it was off to the jetty for our boat to Seal Island. After the mandatory coffee for coaches and toilet stop for Brendan and Tom, the boys had time to peruse the dock for leather and wood goods. Thomas made sure he visited every vendor but only bought something from every third one.
The boat was bigger than I expected, but the people coming back from the returning party seemed to have enjoyed their trip so that was reassuring. The cruise to Seal Island took just on 20 minutes and on the way there were some amazing houses on the sides and at the base of mountains. No cases of sea sickness by the time we reached the home of approx 5000 seals. Some of the boys wondered whether they would see a near kill as in Pilanesberg, but were disappointed when informed that there was a larger colony of seals further out to sea that the Great Whites preferred.
Back on the bus and we headed south for Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. The boys received some imprompteau and surprising history points from Coaches Thomlinson and Toth on the way to our destination. A mandatory group photo in front of the Cape of Good Hope sign (apparently named as a common leaving point for sailing expeditions) and it was off to the fenicular at Cape Point. Coach Toth though it a good idea to skip the motorised transport and walk up to the look out instead - ideal warm up for tomorrow's Bishop's game. As can be seen below in the pics, the view (and the panoramic photography) was absolutely amazing.
A snack at the gift shop and it was on our way to Fisk Hoek, a little later than we anticipated - it may have had something to do with having to stop and watch the baboons. As this is a PG blog, I won't describe what happened next, but the laughter coming from the bus was fantastically loud. after about 3 minutes, the boys and I asked Coach Thomlinson and Miklo the bus driver to settle down and continue on to our luch venue. the entire tour squad thought fish and chips was the go, and what better place to have it but by the beach with a possible swim afterwards (of course we would wait 30 minutes after eating). During lunch, the 2 sirens and the raising of the black flag put an end to our thoughts of a swim. In Oz we don't have a black flag on the beach, but in SA it means a shark sighting in the area - so a swim was out of the question for all besides the mischevious members of the group and Miklo.
Back to the hotel with a bit of free time befroe our team dinner at the local pizza place, but not before teaching young Thomas some prolonged negotiating skills at the local sports shop. After dinner, the boys seemed keen to shop again; more than a Kardashian with their famous husband's credit card. However, tomorrow was going to be a big day and our pillows were beckoning.
Good night
JMT
The outskirts of the Langa township on the way to the Zimasa Community School.
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| A slightly tighter classroom than we were used to at leafy Barker College. |
The school's choir took great pleasure in welcoming the boys to their community school.
Perhaps Pascal could use a lady like her in the kitchen at school. Very efficient.
The Zimasa Community School from outside of the gate. A busy first day of the year.
The students of Zimasa gladly accepting the gifts of books and cricket equipment from the lads.
Seal Island living up to its name.
Heading out to Seal Island with the older lads claiming the back seat of the ferry.
The cubs checking out the seals.
Looking for a kiosk at the Cape of Good Hope, but it was not to be.
A pano of Cape Point from up near the lighthouse.
Cheeky baboons helped the boys on top of their studies - this time, biology was covered.
Coach Thomlinson with the Cubs at Fish Hoek just before our extremely quick dip in the water.
Nice! Seeing the sun and the sea makes me realize that the worst of winter is, indeed, behind us. You seem to have had a really enjoyable time. I think surfing is one of the best ways to bond as a family, especially if you have teenagers. Not only are you spending time with them, they also gain confidence, as well as other positive traits from engaging in sports.
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