Addo Elephant Park

This past Saturday, we had the lovely opportunity of traveling to The Addo "National" Elephant Park. Our guide, Mike arrived at the Algoa Bay B & B bright and early to pick us up. Instantly, Mike started telling us information regarding the rich history of Port Elizabeth, his exceptional commentary would continue throughout the trip. Mike was very knowledgeable and it made sense when he told us he had been a history teacher. After about 30 minutes of driving, we pulled up to the entrance of the sprawling 400,000 acre Addo Elephant park. Excitement took control of our group and it was clearly evident that everyone was eager to see some animals. Within the first 20 minutes of our safari, we spotted two bull (male) elephants emerging from the brush. I was shocked to see these massive, gray creatures, move with such grace and elegance despite their size. After driving down the road for sometime, we spotted several male lions emerge from the brush! This was an AWESOME and rare experience, and Mike said that it had been months since he last spotted a lion.

Throughout the rest of the safari, we saw a variety of different animals such as rhinocerous, lions, water buffalo and hundreds of more elephants. We were extremely lucky to see these animals as they are considered by hunters to be 4 of the "Big 5" (the only animal we didn't see was the leopard). These animals have been long been revered as some of the most dangerous animals to hunt. Each year thousands of hunters and travel to Africa in hopes of hunting these large beasts. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to see the elusive leopard, an animal that mainly hunts at night and is known for its ferocity.   

Along with seeing 4 of the "Big 5", we also saw many other interesting animals such as dung beetles, warthogs, zebra, ostrich and a variety of multicolored birds. We had a check list of over 35 different animals and we were able to check off over 20 different species. However, we would not have had such a successful trip had it not been for our knowledgeable tour guide Mike. Our hats go off to you!

                                                                     
                                                                      4 of the Big 5





 Rhinocerous.

  


Male Lion.



Water Buffalo.





A mother elephant and her baby.



Bafana Bafana V.S. Cote d' Ivoire

Yesterday, we had the privilege of attending a soccer match at The Nelson Mandela Stadium between Bafana Bafana (South Africa's National Team) and Cote d' Ivoire (The Ivory Coast). This opportunity almost didn't come to fruition, as we heard that the game was sold out. However, after talking with Mr. January and expressing our sincere interest on seeing this athletic spectacle, he made a few phone calls and was able to get tickets for our group.

The stadium was breath taking. A giant 48,000 person, feat of modern engineering, that was erected in 2009 to host  some of the prominent matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Walking up to the stadium, there was an array of vendors selling, T-shirts, flags, and Vuvuezas (the eye piercing horns that supporters use to cheer on their team.) After taking several laps around the stadium in search of our section, we finally made it to our seats. From high up in the stands we had a prime vantage point of the field below. After about 45 minutes of watching the teams warm up, and the singing of each national anthem, it was time for the game to commence.

This would be my first international soccer experience, so I was ecstatic. From the start of the match, The Ivory Coast  controlled the ball and used their power forwards to control the tempo of the game, amassing several shots on net early on. After about 20 minutes of play, the sloppy footwork of a South African sweeper who was trying to clear the ball, let an own goal slip past his feet. This was an upsetting start to the game, and you could see the distress and anguish in the faces of the fuming South African fans that surrounded us.

Fortunately, this devastating goal seemed to ignite the fire underneah them and South Africa stepped up their game big time. They started playing with a more aggressive style. Rather than staying back on defense, they began stacking their forwards, giving their strikers a handful of opportunities to score. Bafana set up a few beautiful plays, and was doing a great job working the ball around, however, they failed to find the back of the net. It wasn't until they received a penalty shot that their star striker was able to put South Africa on the board, tying the game at 1-1. The stadium erupted into a cacophonous frenzy of cheering, applause, and the piercing sound of vuvuezas. The passion was overwhelming, and I have never experienced this much love for a sport. Unfortunately, South Africa was unable to capitalize again, and after 90 minutes of play, the game ended in a tie.

Although, it would have been nice to see Bafana Bafana, achieve a triumphant victory, it was a great experience non-the less. The enthusiasm and passion for soccer that the South African fans exemplified, was profound and is a testament to their love of life. Since arriving in South Africa, I have been thoroughly impressed with the generosity and kindness of everyone we have met. It seems that South Africans truly are a passionate people, who wear their hearts on their sleeves, and live life to the fullest. As Americans, we have a  lot to learn from these passionate people.

  

Un Dia Hermosa!

Finally, after hours of torrential downpour, the clouds have lifted and the sun is peeking out its luminous, vibrant smile. I have awoken, fully recharged and rested from my first week at The Emafini Township School. The first three days of school have truly changed me as a person and as an educator. Throughout the week, I have learned a multitude about myself and education as a whole. While working with these children, I have realized how much they truly value their education. Realizing that it is their ticket to advancing themselves, each child comes into class each morning, enthusiastic and eager to learn. These children embody vigor and passion in whatever they do. Their enthusiasm is contagious and it is impossible to leave the classroom without a smile.

This zeal is inspiring and has made me realize several things. For one, how lucky we are in the United States to have the access to a proper education. Many in the United States take for granted the educational opportunities that we are afforded in the U.S. Rather than realize how important an education is to aggrandize ones status, many in the U.S. view it as an arduous and often mundane task. Here it is completely different. It is really invigorating, to see the students who love to learn!

For two, I have learned a more minimalistic approach to teaching and how to instruct using limited resources. With the absense of Computers, Mimio's and other technologies that facilitate instruction, I have rely more on creativity and working on implementing lessons with the limited resources that we have. I have been able to adapt my teaching style, and have learned to think outside the box more.

These students vibrancy and passion for education is inspiring and I cannot believe how much this experience has changed me as both an educator and a person already. I can only imagine how my views on pedagogy and life in general will evolve over the next few weeks.

My First Day of Class!

My first day at the Emafini Township School was fabulous and exceeded my expectations. After meeting the friendly staff, we were taken on a tour of the school and met with the principle, Mr. January. He was an extremely kind man and within minutes of meeting him, you could tell how passionate he was for his school. Afterwards, Mr. January asked us which grade levels we had taught in the states. I told him that I had taught in a 1st/2nd combination class and he paired me with a wonderful 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Gladyss.

Upon arriving in my new classroom, I was greeted by the smiling faces of 38, 2nd graders who eagerly rushed over to me as I walked in the door. Initially, I became nervous by the massive wave of students students that came my way. However, as I walked around the room and introduced myself to each student, my anxieties dissipated. The students were very respectful and smiled ear to ear as I shook each of their hands. As they introduced themselves, I tried my best to repeat their names in Xhosa (their native language). After introductions, my partnership teacher left the room and it was up to me to take charge.

As a warm up activity, I decided to have the students play "Simon Says." After several rounds, I realized that there was a significant language barrier. While playing, I saw students look at me with some bedazzled looks. It was clear that some of the students were having trouble understanding my English. Within the next few weeks, I look forward to helping my students gain a better understanding of the English language. I also, hope to learn some Xhosa along the way.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my first day at The Emafini Township School. I look forward to working with these inspiring kids on a regular basis and helping them develop as life long learners.

Touching down, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

After three planes, over 8,000 miles and a day of travelling, we have finally arrived in South Africa! It feels surreal to be here, after months of preparation, I cannot believe that this adventure is finally underway. Yesterday at the crack of dawn, we departed from RDU Airport and flew to JFK, commencing the first leg of our trip. The first flight took about two hours total. After a two hour layover at JFK, we boarded a jumbo jet to Johannesburg, where we were in the air for approximately 15 hours. Surprisingly, the flight seemed to go by rather quickly.

Aside from the casual deep sleeping snorer, and the flight attendants cart which was magnetically attracted to bumping into my elbow, it was a rather pleasurable experience. Catching up on South African 6th and 7th grade curriculum, and reading Alan Paton's, Cry The Beloved Country seemed to enable time to pass by rather quickly. Throughout the entire flight, we were able to track our airplanes progress, via a t.v. screen that recorded our planes speed, distance to destination and estimated time of arrival. It was fascinating to see a visual representation of our planes route, and the countries we were passing over along the way.

After a smooth landing in Johannesburg, we barely had enough time to gather our luggage and race to the gate to catch our connecting flight to Port Elizabeth. While on this short, hour and a half flight, I sat next to one of the Consulates of South Africa, who was just returning from a diplomatic trip from Singapore. This  interesting woman told me that her son was actually going to school at Springfield College, in Massachusetts and was an avid rugby player, instantly we hit it off. After conversing and brief bouts of dozing in and out of consciousness, the wheels of our 747 touched down smoothly in our final destination, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The process of getting our luggage, was pretty painless and after about 20 minutes we headed towards the exit, to find our ride to the bed and breakfast. At first the driver didn't realize how much luggage we had and only brought one vehicle to pick us up, a white Hyundai SUV that could barely fit three people comfortably let alone 9 of us with luggage. After waiting approximately 15 minutes, two more vehicles showed up. We eagerly piled into the SUV's and began our drive from the airport to the bed and breakfast.

Our cab driver was very friendly, enthusiastic man in his mid 50's. During the drive he informed Dr. Roseboro and I of some of the cool things to do and see while in P.E. Some of his recommendations were to visit the Addo Elephant park, The Nelson Mandela Stadium (built for the World Cup in 2010), and a few adventure tourism spots in the surrounding area. From the airport, to the bed and breakfast was about 10 minutes away. For most of the drive, I sat nervously in the passenger seat, as driving on the left side of the road was a completely foreign experience to me. After a few minutes of the nerve racking cab ride, we arrived at The Algoa Bay Bed and Breakfast, our home away from home for the next 30 days.

This beautiful, quaint piece of real estate is blocks away from Algoa Bay, and we can see its pristine blue water from our balconies. I have my own room, with Wi-fi access, a nice size T.V., and a balcony that over looks the bay. The accommodations and staff could not be nicer. We are located in a very safe, secure neighborhood in Port Elizabeth. So far everyone that we have met has been extremely friendly and cordial. The weather here is absolutely beautiful, a little windy, but in the mid 70's with zero percent humidity.
Right now, it is springtime in South Africa and within the next couple of weeks summer will kick into full gear; this already nice weather will only get better.

Tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m., we will be heading to the Emafini Township School to begin our Township teaching experience. I absolutely cannot wait, for I know that this experience will be an eye opening opportunity, that will have a profound affect on me and help strengthen my views on pedagogy.

It's almost here

I cannot believe that in 6 days I will be boarding an airplane to embark on our trip to South Africa. I am very excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity, and couldn't ask for a better group of individuals to share it with.

Sheer enthusiasm for whats to come

Excitement consumes me, as I eagerly look forward to the adventure that lies ahead. In a month, we will be embarking on an amazing experience to teach in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I have no idea what to expect, but I am sure it will be the experience of a lifetime; one that will leave an indelible mark on all of us.