So, The Update On The Last Week On Camp.

I'm not really sure what i have and haven't told you, so i may repeat myself, sorry.

Last week in camp had many ups and downs, and was in no way what i expected. Firstly, i thought i would cry leaving that place, but i didn't, the last day was i nightmare. Our transport back into town didn't make it to us until late afternoon, so with camp packed up, no food, no toilet, and the locals asking for everything we owned, we just wanted to get out of there, especial since we suspected another one of us of having malaria and it started to rain properly for the first time too.

By the last week i had lost motivation on the project as it was one reason after an other with the lack of progress on the school staff house, and i didn't get to see the end of the project. However, I'm confident it will get finished, I'm just worried it wont be in time for the start of the next school year. Which means that 150 kids still have not school. Though after meeting the staff that work for the charity out there, i know they will do everything in their power to get the project moving, there are some great people working for them and i left behind many friends!

A couple of high lights of the last week was the kids, i made a real effort to spend time with them and they knew we were leaving. One day we borrowed this sketchy wheel barrow from the work site and gave the kids a ride around on it, we would go really fast and they would scream for dear life... then they would want to pull us along, just as humorous, watching them struggle to pull us through the sand, though they did actually manage it! On the last night, we were climbing trees with the kids, that was such fun. At one point i was hanging from the tree, and then all of a sudden, three kids were climbing up me to get to the tree, it was great fun and i felt so connected to them. I'm really going to miss them, i feel we really did bring such joy to their lives.

Packing camp up was rather interesting, realising how small the space we lived in was... like the sleeping tent, once all the furniture was removed, it's tiny inside! And now little possessions we actually had to live by, it consumed such a small area. I think Pete got some photos, so will try show you later.

On Friday night before leaving for Arusha, we had a big meal at Scene Lodge, the usual venue. All the vols were there along with a load of the HAPA staff. A great evening, everyone gave speeches, and presented presents to the odd friend we were leaving behind. That was quite a sad night, but we all knew that this time would come. So my ten weeks were up, the trip i was waiting nine months for is now over, i learnt so much about me and the people that we would never think of. In every way, i have no regrets. I have come to realise how little we know about what goes on in our world. To be continued...

He's Back in the UK

Here we go again for more culture shock, it could be worse coming back into the real western world again than it was going into the developing. Water you can drink from the tap... running hot water... chickens that you buy pre-slaughtered and packaged... oh, and of course, it's raining and only 10 degrees! Welcome back Luke!

Not quite home yet, decided to spend until Friday in Brighton before heading home, after all, what more could i need but an extra weeks holiday. I will be spending the next couple of weeks updating you on my travels and begin on some conclusions from my trip... i think you will be surprised to hear my thoughts, may not be what you expect, as what i discovered was not what i expected. So I'll keep you posted.

If you want to check out some photos, i have added a slide show on the right hand column, click on the photos to see them larger and with a caption to explain them (most i will add a little later) and of course i will add more photos to it later too. x

Last Day

On my way back to England today, all the travelling is done and i start on my 42 hour flight back to the UK, I'm incredibly sad, but I knew it was coming. As soon as I get back, I will start updating you all on the last four weeks a bit more thoroughly that I have done, and I will make sure to throw on loads of photos and my conclusions for the trip. So there will be lots on here come next week hopefully.

I should just add before leaving that South Africa is an AMAZING place, I have really loved it here, though it may have been tainted by the sort of activities I've been doing. What with swimming with great whites, jumping off a bridge and walking off the side of table mountain! Very crazy, or stupid maybe.

Anyway, I will see you all very soon! x