Day 82

This is it. The end of the African adventure. The final goodbye. The final blog (unless I do an I'm home blog but that's unlikely).

Today we said our goodbyes. To everyone at the support office, mainly Danielle and Wasima who we have spent time with these past 3 months. We then said goodbye to the football girls of Ruyterwacht, to Densel and finally the Africa family.

We also had time to fit in a trip to the Ajax Cape Town training ground which was nice.

We went out for food with Densel, Joe and Yonick to a place called Ashley's where Densel bought us a goodbye meal. Luckily they had a generator working as the rest of the street was in darkness. 

We then headed to the Africa house where we said possibly our most difficult goodbyes. Yonick, Jodi, Jayden, Vinolia and Joe, we're going to miss you guys and we can't tell you how greatful we are for everything you've done for us. We hope you've enjoyed having us here. 1 day we will see you again.

It now feels real. Sorry it's not much of a blog tonight. But it's been a long day, it's late and we've got a busy day tomorrow. It's been 3 months I'll never forget, it's definitely been an experience. I am going to miss it but Londons calling. 

I'm coming home.

And in the words of Mr Joe Africa.....

That's a wrap we outta here.....

Day 81

So this is my penultimate blog from South Africa. I'm coming home. Tomorrow is our last full day in sunny Cape Town. It feels weird, today I started my packing and my room is looking empty. I'm looking forward to going home but with tomorrow being our last day I'm starting to think about what and who I'll miss.

Today I had a nice lay in. We had nothing to get up early for. We woke up got ready and the plan was to drive down to the Italian club and say goodbye to Selwyn. Unfortunately he wasn't there he phoned us later in the day to say we must have just missed each other as he was there not long after us. Oh well. We then headed to Somerset West, and more importantly to Cheetah Outreach. We had first heard about cheetah outreach when Lourens mentioned taking us there, plans were changed and we never got around to doing it. Until today. You can pay R5 to go in and walk about or you can pay R130 to go into the actual cheetah enclosure, roughly £6. Of course we wanted to get in there and at that price why not. We walked up to the place where the cheetah encounter was taking place. We were told the dos and donts and slowly made our way into the encounter. It was only a short chat and a stroke but at that price you can't complain. The cheetah was dozing off but apparently they can sleep up to 18hours a day, and if i was laying in the sun all day with people stroking my back is probably be quite sleepy too.

After the encounter we got lunch and headed to Berghof. We watched the Chelsea game before heading out and watching the Manchester derby. While we were out Joe invited us round to his. So straight after the game we jumped in the car and off we went. Tea, cake and a good film, a nice way to end 1 of our last nights here. With most of the Africa family asleep it was time to call it a night.

Tomorrow we are saying the rest of our goodbyes and then going to the Ajax Cape Town training ground. It'll definitely be a day of mixed emotions but the countdown is on and we will soon have less than 24hours until we leave.

Day 80

I'm going to keep it short today. 

Azille had invited us to go wine tasting with her, her husband Ernie and their friends. It cost R40 for wine tasting and biltong which is about £2. We had 5 different wines and 3 different types of biltong. It was really nice and the sun was shining. We then went off to another wine farm and paid R20 for 6 different tastings. Again very nice, I don't really drink wine back home, Tina's not a big fan and I know if I open a bottle I'd probably end up finishing it. It was really relaxed and chilled out and we had a good laugh. Specially as the alcohol flowed, they even laughed at some of my jokes and nobody laughs at my jokes. We bought some wine and headed off to our 3rd wine farm. The tasting had finished here by the time we had got there so we sat down and had food. It was the same place Azille and her husband got married. Azille then invited us back to hers, off we went with full stomachs and slightly more tipsy compared to when we started. We picked up some beers and bits then headed back to Azilles, Harry helped prepare a stew type meal, called a potjie. You put meat, we had springbok, potatoes and some veg in an iron pot and then put it over a fire. It took quite a while to do but we were being entertained by the dogs. Azille has 2 and her friend had 3, all very lively and wanting cuddles and fuss. Supper was finished and it tasted really good, it's a traditional South African dish apparently. We have had South African potjie, wine, biltong and brandy and sat in a bakkie today. So a very South African day.

So dankie Azille today was lekker. 

Day 79

Today was our last day of work. We were up early to see black clouds and rain on the window. Not a good start. We headed down to Somerset West where we were going to coach the De Beers boys again. We were supposed to have 3 groups but because it was school holidays and some of the kids had gone away on holiday so they had 2 groups instead. The first group had under 7s/8s/9s the second had under 10s/11s/12s. Before I get onto the coaching, if you are a frequent reader you'll be aware of mine and Harry's ongoing bet of who can win the most games. We went into today level at 5-5 and had decided that with 3 games there had to be an outright winner, now there were only 2 games we decided we'd have an aggregate score as this would have more chance of getting a winner, 2 legs, no away goals.

Onto the coaching. The younger 1s were up first. We had a quick warm up followed by a line tag game, and then a pairs tag. We then tried out domes and dishes which worked quite well, with and without a football. The session went so quickly and it was onto the game, I hate not being in control and having the result of a 12 week bet in the hands of 7 year olds left me nervous. We picked teams and then using 2 cones I let Harry decide who had which team. It was a nervy game and Harry's team were dominant. The main problem with these age groups is it doesn't matter how hard you work on positioning they will follow the ball and you are left with a big crowd with the ball in the middle. Thanks to my man of the match defender and our goalkeeper this tense 1st leg ended 0-0. 

We then had the older group we started off with a skills corridor which ended up taking up the majority of the session. We started where they could dribble anywhere impressing us with different skills. We then had them lined up going through the corridor doing different tasks. We ended with me and Harry passing a ball through the corridor and they would have to keep their head up and avoid the ball as well as each other. We had about 19 kids and decided we'd end the bet as a draw and instead play a 3 team speedball. But their coach said that we could use the bigger pitch and play 9 a side, it was as if he knew. So the 2 teams were set up, 1 team had an extra player and an under 13 so we both were hoping to draw that team. Again I let Harry pick using cones, he got the team with the extra player. I had led by 3 wins, but now going into the final decider with the scores 0-0 Harry had the upper hand. I gave my last team talk and found out I had 2 keepers, 1 defender, 1 midfielder and 5 strikers. This was going to be a challenge. I went all out, played an attacking formation and went for the win, I had the odds stacked against me and if I were to lose I was going to go out fighting. The first few minutes passed and Harry's team were using the extra man and had a few good chances. But out of nowhere my attacking players broke away and forced a corner, from that corner we scored from an own goal!!! 1-0. I wanted to celebrate but kept my cool and kept professional as we always do. Harry's team kept pressing for the equaliser but every time they lost the ball my team were so quick to break away. And they were finally rewarded with a second. 2-0, with 3 minutes to play, surely it was all over. Harry's team still had 2 or 3 good chances but the game ended 2-0. I was victorious. But to be honest i probably had 3 of the best players on the pitch on my team and Harry's teams seemed scared of 1 particular striker that apparently plays in the age group above. It's nice to beat Harry but well done to the boys great session and a pleasure to coach.

After training 1 of the guys, Charles that works at the club offered to take us out for lunch, we were going to eat at their clubhouse but it was closed so he offered to take us to a nice little brewery close by. They sold lots of local beers all with weird names. Charles recommend a few but then offered to get us a tasting tray. I'll put a photo at the end but you get 4 mini glasses and can choose what beers you want to try. They were all quite different and actually really nice, all were brewed locally as well which was nice. He also treated us to some food, we sat and chatted for a while and it was a shame we had to head off as he was a really nice guy to chat with. But we had our last 'Arsenal Activity' of our trip to get too and not only did we not want to be late but didn't want to go smelling of beer. Just a quick reminder Martin 6-5 Harry.

This afternoon Joe had organised a trip to the RedCross children's hospital, it's the only child specific hospital in Southern Africa. Harry had asked for this trip, he had an accident as a child which left him burnt and scarred. He wanted to visit the children's burns ward as he wanted to see it for himself but also knew what it meant to the kids. Azille came along and so did Joe, we went around and saw lots of kids as young as 2 covered in burns and scars. It was a sad sight to see and I couldn't imagine how it feels for them or their parents. Some of the kids were quite shy but others were happily moving about which was nice to see. The hospital are doing a great job and the staff were so nice. We handed out sweets and chocolates which I hope the children enjoy. I'll be honest I did have to take a step away at 1 point and I felt bad for doing it but it was heartbreaking to think what these guys have been through and not only that but what is still to come. I hope we made even the slightest difference to their day. 

We had to leave quite quickly as it was a last minute trip and they didn't have time to let us speak to more kids which was a shame but we left sweets and chocolate eggs for them.

It's been an interesting day, lots of different emotions and weather in 1 day, the rain has now cleared and it is now sunny and warm again. Not sure what the plan for tonight is but tomorrow we are off out with Azille and friends which will be nice. Works over. No more coaching. And incase you missed it I beat Harry 6-5. Sorry I'm a bad winner but I'm sure Harry would have been exactly the same.

My team on the back row. Final score 2-0. Martin 6-5 Harry

Day 78 week 12 9th April

It's starting to feel like home time. We've sorted our seats on the plane, we've said some goodbyes and I've started some packing. Only 4 full days to go. Today Harry also found out his next placement, he's off to Singapore for just under a month. As much as I've enjoyed my experience out here it's time to be home. Maybe 1 day I'll go abroad and work but for now I want to be in a country I know. 1 of the main things I've experienced out here is community spirit and the importance of helping out those around you, which is why as appealing another trip would be, I want to go home and work on those around me. But well done to Harry and good luck to Dan, I'm joking obviously I know you 2 are going to have lots of fun, and it's Singapore that needs all the luck I don't think they will quite be ready for these 2.

We started off today with our final computer workshop, only 4 people turned up. Today was how to use email and setting up an address for those that didn't have one. 3 out of the 4 already had an email address and 2 out of the 4 already use and understand how to use emails. Fair to say it was a very short class and we dragged it out as best we could. I've lost count at how many emails I've sent and received today.

With that over we went to Diep River, we visited around 2 months ago and the older tenants were so funny and so much fun we've been bugging Joe for a return. It's a complex, so lots of houses and apartments fenced in with security all around. It's supposed to be for anyone but the majority of its residents are retired. But nothing like those at Berghof. We had a real laugh and they even got us cool drink and cake, it was really nice. They even prayed for us to have a safe journey home which was nice, as I've mentioned before I'm not overly religious but you don't have to be to appreciate what they did. We were then challenged to a game of pool, me and Harry vs Joe and one of the older men, safe to say we underestimated the man and nearly lost. But I make that England 2 (pool and cricket vs Yonick, Jayden and Jodi) South Africa 0. We then said our goodbyes and got loads of hugs off the old ladies, they even have a photo on the wall of us from our last visit which they showed us on our way out. That was it for the day, 1 working day to go. It was weird saying goodbye because every day we say another goodbye the reality of going home gets more and more real. It's sad to say goodbye but I can't wait to get home.

We then headed to the learning centre where we had a little chat with Lena and Azille, I think they're going to miss us, well they'll miss the noise at least. We then went to pick up Jodi and went out to watch Fast and Furious 7, great film, sad ending, that's all I'm going to say. 

Tomorrow we coach for the very last time, 3 different sessions with kids ranging from 6-12. It's an early start so that's me done for today. Not many more blogs to be read.

Day 77

Today we started with a trip to Drommedaris, we did the same Easter activities as yesterday. The kids were very hyperactive and were quite difficult but we got through it. 

I then dropped Harry off to get his hair cut and Joe back at the office before returning to Berghof. After a quick stop off we left to go back to Drommedaris to coach the boys and girls football teams. It took forever for us to get through the traffic so we ended up being about half an hour late so we just went straight into a boys vs girls game. The boys won comfortably but the girls have it a good go.

This evening me and Harry took Joe and Vinolia out for dinner. We wanted to take them out to say thank you for everything they've done fore us. I think they thought we were joking but we are actually really greatful and we will miss the whole of the Africa family. We went to a place about 10-15 minutes drive from Ruyterwacht, Joe had chosen a seafood and sushi restaurant that also sold lots of Chinese food. I ordered duck and chow mein, forgetting portion sizes out here are much bigger than back home they both came out on a large plate and could easily have fed 3 people. I managed to eat my way through a lot of it but thankfully Harry was there to help out and finish off mine and also Joe's food. I honestly think he has worms I don't know where he puts it all. Joe and Vinolia both had a fishy, prawn dish that looked nice. We finished with coffee and hot chocolate and made our way back. It was really nice to take them out and to a nice restaurant. 

That's another day over with. And in less than a week we will be home. Crazy how quickly these past 11 weeks have gone. We started our goodbyes today and we have loads of people to visit over the next few days. The hardest goodbye will probably be the Africa family on the Monday night as they have been amazing to us, they are talking about visiting London so hopefully a reunion 1 day.

Day 76

So we started our final working week today. It's a really chilled out week by the looks of our schedule which on 1 hand is nice but on the other means we have lots of free time which will make the week go slower.

Today we went to Bothasig to do the Easter activities Azille had planned for them. Colouring, painting and games just like the other day. These kids were slightly older and not as well behaved which was a shame. My first group I managed to make 1 boy cry by asking him to do a bunny hop. I asked the group if they knew how to do a bunny hop he said he did, I asked him to show the group, he then got upset. We then moved onto some ball games including a under/over type game. Second group played handball and the third played dodgeball. Joe then decided to send everyone out and we had a giant game of dodgeball. Some of the seniors came out to complain, they were worried their cars and property would get damaged. These kids were having fun in an organised activity and wasn't causing any problems to anyone, it's a shame the seniors found a negative in such a positive situation. It's the same anywhere if the elderly encourage the young 1s then the kids will respect the seniors, if the seniors complain and moan then the kids are going to act up. Bit of a shame really.

After we handed out some sweets and chocolate and headed back. Joe said that was us done for the day and all we had left to do was go into town and pay for the Ruyterwacht girls kit. Which was on our way. We were planning on going out but to be honest I've felt rough all day, don't know what's wrong but been feeling quite ill, hopefully it'll just pass. Food, bath and a nap helped but still didn't feel right so we stayed in. It's a shame as we had a lot of free time. Late start tomorrow, same again but at Drommedaris. We finish tomorrow with Drommedaris girls team, Adnan and his 2 teams are coming to see us and say goodbye, it's a nice to think they appreciated us that much that they want to come and say goodbye. Definitely 1 of our favourite teams to coach.

Thursday - Computer class followed by a trip to see the seniors at Deep River hopefully.

Friday - De Beers Soccer clinic followed by cheetah farm.

Saturday- Wine tasting with Azille.

Sunday - Packing and preparing to go.

Monday - Goodbyes and Ajax Cape Town training ground visit.

Tuesday - Picked up by Joe and off to the airport.

Day 75

Day 75 of 82 1/2. 

After 3 early starts and late finishes today was are rest day. Had a nice lay in, Harry even woke me up with a cup of tea. Last night I suggested to Harry that he should try and get into the kitchen downstairs today as it was Anna working the kitchen. He ran downstairs and then came bursting through the door with a big smile as she had said yes. Everyone back at Arsenal had heard of Harry's family dish 'Tuna Fish Crunch' and we had all laughed at how awful it sounded. He had said he would make it for whoever he went away with and I was that lucky person. He had tried to do it for a few weeks but for 1 reason or another he couldn't. So today was the day....

Ingredients include:

Egg

Crisps

Peas

Sweet corn

Tuna

Flour

Curry powder

Milk

Butter

He had finally finished and he handed me his trademark dish. I was scared. I didn't know what to expect. 

Marks out of 5

Sound of the dish: 0.5

Presentation: 0.5

Taste: 2

Effort: 5

It wasn't that bad in all honesty, and I give him credit for trying but for me there were far too many tastes on 1 plate. I've taken a photo and you can see what you think.

After eating we decided to go souvenir shopping. Harry had seen what he wanted he just needed to go buy it. We headed to the waterfront for the last time. The waterfront is an expensive area and is full of tourists but there's a nice undercover market style place where you can get loads of handmade stuff. I managed to get a few bits and pieces as well. I won't say what as those people reading are probably the people that are getting it. After a few hours walking round we finished up and headed back to Berghof. We decided to give the 1 hour wait for a bus a miss and walk back, it's only 5km. 

The only problem about walking is the quickest route is through Long Street, the long street that goes all the way through town full of bars and restaurants. Nice places and always lively but usually full of tourists, meaning you are constantly harassed for money and you spend most of the time looking over your shoulder. It's a shame as it's probably the main reason I wouldn't return to Cape Town, you do feel sorry for some of the people on the streets and I'm not heartless but it does make you feel slightly uncomfortable. And you are followed down the road by some of them until they get bored of you saying no and see someone else. You are constantly told by the locals not to give money and fund drug/alcohol habits. I gave away a couple of mouthfuls of coke today just to get rid of 1 persistent guy that didn't seem to care that he was walking down the road flashing everyone as the elastic in his trousers had gone. The street kids you have to be careful of as well as there's usually a few of them together down this particular road and you hear stories of them pick pocketing. You also find the scammers on this road, if anyone says you're wearing nice trainers and goes for a handshake the other hand had will probably be reaching for your pocket. We've seen that happen and apparently it's a common occurrence. 

Me and Harry spent the walk home discussing our time here and we said we don't want the likes of the scenes I've just described to over shadow all our good memories here. On the whole we've had great long lasting memories and it's been an amazing experience. It's a beautiful country with some of the nicest people you will ever meet. But something needs to be done to help this country clean up its streets. It's a continual cycle, if the country is more inviting then people will want to return, they spend more, the economy is boosted, the people become wealthier, less people on the streets, more people want to return and so on and so on. Who can tell I did Economics? but it's also common sense. I've avoided the subject for a while as not wanting to worry anyone back home.

Tonight we plan to watch the football with a few hot cross buns and a cool drink. Nice and relaxed as we are up early tomorrow as we need to get a train to work because of our car.

Day 74

Our busy few days continued. I can't wait for a lay in tomorrow. We were up and out early as we had to return Densels car to him and then go and meet Joe at church. We got round to Densels early and waited around with him and the kids while they got ready, he then drove us to his church. I'll be honest I haven't  been to a church in years, i have no problem with what people do and do not believe in, but for me I've never really found religion. But I went along for the experience and it definitely was an experience. Joe's church is not your normal church, very lively, very active and packed out with people. It was Easter Sunday so it was quite a big day and people from the church put on a big performance, I was expecting the Easter story but it was more a performance of the troubles the youths in the local area and how they can find themselves on the wrong track. Not a bad performance and a nice service, you can see they are definitely trying to reach out to a new generation.

After the service had finished we went round to the cafe, bought koeksisters and samosas and head round to Joe's. This afternoon there was going to be a big picnic in a park for everyone at the church, apparently they do it twice a year. So Joe got the braai (bbq) going and started to prepare some meat. I got stuck in and helped Joe whilst Harry entertained Jayden. Joe was sorting a few things so I kept the bbq going, my first braai. Anyone that has ever been to 1 of my bbqs knows I'm cursed, rain, accidents and bbq not working to name a few issues I've had. But it all went smoothly and the food turned out well. While the braai was starting up we tried to jump start our car, it was so close to starting up but unfortunately Joe's car ran out of petrol. Definitely sounds and looks like we have a flat battery. After that I packed up the braai, got changed into shorts and all jumped in to Densels bakkie that Joe was borrowing for the day. 2 in the front 10 in the back.

We arrived at the park and all jumped out, Vinolia served up the food and it was the moment of truth, fortunately the chicken and sausages were cooked well and tasted great. Also Vinolia had made potato salad which also was really good. Food eaten it was onto some games, we took up a large field in the park and there were different games set up everywhere. We started with football and then joined in with the cricket. It was a good laugh and great to be a part of. So thank you to Joe and the Africa family for the invite.

I think the last few days have taken it out of Harry, I'm sat here writing this blog and all I can hear is snoring coming from his room, it's not even 8:00 yet. Oh well nice lay in tomorrow followed by some final souvenir shopping and possibly going round to see Joe and family. I think the thing we will miss the most about Cape Town will be the time spent with those guys. They've welcomed us in and made this trip easier for us. I think Harry will agree with that. Mentioning leaving this is our last full week in Cape Town. I am looking forward to getting home and seeing everyone but it's started to feel weird to thinking we will soon be 'outta here'. 

Before I go happy Easter everyone I hope you got lots of chocolate eggs and had a nice long bank holiday weekend.

Day 72 & Day 73

It's been a busy few days and that's why you're getting 2 days in 1 for the first time since we've been out here. I sat down at midnight last night as I wanted to keep up with the blog a day but was just too tired.

So Day 72

Yesterday we were invited round to Danielle's for Good Friday lunch with her and her family. It was a bit windy but for us it was still quite warm. Apparently from Easter weekend the weather starts to decline and isn't so nice. But we were told to bring swim stuff as they had a pool and even with the wind we were still hopeful of a nice cool dip in the pool. The journey started badly as our sat nav decided it was a bank holiday and therefore it would take the day off, to be honest we've had it for 2 months and this is only the second time it's come out of the box and neither time has it worked. Oh well we wrote down the directions as it looked straight forward and just crossed our fingers hoping we didn't get lost. To be honest it was really straightforward and we managed to get within 5 minutes without getting "lost" and to be fair we weren't lost we were just on the wrong part of the right road, we thought her turning was at the beginning of the road but it was nearer the middle. We were told to arrive for 12 but like all normal South Africans by about 12:20 we were the only 1s to have arrived, we had turned up at 12:05 and apparently we were early. That's African time for you. 

Everyone was so nice and friendly and the food was amazing. We had 3 types of fish, tuna, hake and yellow tail, with hot cross buns, we both looked at each other slightly confused at the idea of fish and hot cross buns together but apparently it's the norm out here. I must admit it was nice. The pickled fish was so nice, I'm not the biggest fish fan, but it won me over. Pickled fish is fish that is prepared 2 days before serving, pickled and then left until served. 

We then sat down with the family to watch films, it was really chilled and it was good to relax. We didn't go for a swim as the wind picked up but we were both pleased as we appreciated the chance to sit down and enjoy the company of Danielle and her family. We had cake and popcorn and we're really spoilt. If you're reading this Danielle thank you so much to you and your family it was much appreciated. We had been planning for ages to go round and spend time with them but with everyone being so busy we didn't get round to it. It's a shame as we both really enjoyed ourselves and we only have a weekish to go now. After watching a few films it was time to go. Danielle had to drop off her mum in town round the corner to us and invited us to come round on our way back for tea. We accepted and we then spent time with Danielle, her mum and her daughter. We were spoilt again with food, Harry had soup and I had lasagne. We were also given a cup of tea, it was like a herbal tea, I forget the name but aapparently it's a traditional South African tea. It was really good, bit different but good. We then ended up watching another film before heading back to Berghof. Harry went straight to bed while I spoke to the girlfriend for a bit. Really good day and a great way to spend Good Friday. Hopefully be able to arrange seeing them again before we leave.

Everyone keeps saying come see us before you leave and we are going to try to fit in as many people as possible in this last week. We need to spend time with and try and make time for the Africa family, people at the learning centre, visit Silvertree crèche, see Adnan and the Drommedaris teams, Densel, Rosie, Selwyn, Danielle and Azille. I've probably missed people out that we need to say goodbye to, without these people and many more our trip could have been so much different they've all helped us along our way, and we thank them for being here for us.

Day 73

We had planned to go to the Metropolitan cup with Densel today but up until about 8 yesterday we hadn't spoken to him, fortunately he phoned and told us to get to his for 8, 8, on a Saturday morning. We arrived at his house and he invited us in for tea and breakfast, he offered us the same South African tea as yesterday, weird how we've gone 10 weeks not knowing about it then had it 2 days in a row. We finished eating and headed to Belhar, where the tournament was being held. It was only a short drive but wasn't helped by the fact our car wouldn't start. Our little Tazz is very temperamental so we left it at Densels took his car and hoped it would work later. We arrived and it was really busy loads of teams and spectators. We headed over to the pitch where Swansea City were competing, it was a South African tournament with pro, semi pro and amateur teams from all over South Africa, I don't quite know how Swansea, from Wales managed to enter. Anyway as we stood there you could have easily mistaken it for a Sunday league game back home, wind and rain and quite cold. Swansea drew 1-1 with Stellenbosch university, not a bad game. We watched a few games until Densel suggested going to watch the Arsenal-Liverpool game round his friends house. We stopped off on the way to get a giant Gatsby which fed four people for roughly £2.25. It was so nice, it's a roll filled with chips and chicken, with a bit of salad and sauce. We then sat down to watch the game, we sat with Densel, his friend and his friends son, all of which were Liverpool fans. This made it even more important we played well. Thankfully 3 goals in 8 minutes and a final result of 4-1 meant we could sit there quite smug. Densel wasn't too happy with the result, but offered to take us out for food. We went into town for a curry which was really nice, but the portion sizes out here are huge and even Harry couldn't finish his. You looked at me and Harry and you'd be surprised but I'd say he has a much bigger appetite than be but he has a much better metabolism, some people are so lucky. Good day so far.

We'd had 2 really good days up until this point. We returned to Densels to find our car just wouldn't start. So with the help of Joe and Densel we towed the car to Joe's and had to leave it there for the night. I'm hoping it comes back to life overnight, don't really fancy going the last week without a car. Might have to take the keys to the other company car for our last few days, just don't tell Joe. Thankfully Densel offered to give us his car for the evening, as we were going to Joe's first thing tomorrow anyway we could just drop the car back in the morning. Then sort out lifts/our car tomorrow.

What a way to end a good few days. It's annoyed me but obviously there's not a lot we can do. I just like the freedom of having a car there, I hate depending on other people for lifts etc.

So that's what's been happening the last few days. We have been well and truly looked after and spoilt. We've eaten so well it's unbelievable. I'll need to find that gym membership when I get home. Tomorrow we will be into single figures of days left. I can't quite believe it. We are off to Joe's church as he has invited us a few times but we've been busy and we thought as its Easter it should be good. I haven't been to a church in years, this should be interesting. Joe's then invited us out with some friends after. Should be another good day.

Day 71 week 11 2nd April

Today was the start of our 11th week. Only 1 more Wednesday and 1 more Thursday to go. We started the day by quickly driving to Silvertree to drop something off for Joe and then headed to the learning centre for 8:30.

On our arrival we went straight into the hall to set up for today's activities. Today we were doing some Easter activities for the local crèche. Around 60 3-6 year olds turned up. We had 3 different sections, but first we sang happy birthday to 1 of the boys and Harry told all the kids the story of Easter. Me, Harry and Azille took a section each, we split the group up into groups of 20 and they visited us all once. Harry had egg painting, Azille had colouring in and I had a normal crèche session. I had the task of dealing with them letting out all of their energy after sitting quietly painting and colouring. It was hard work but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. I love seeing the little 1s enjoying themselves,my heir little smiles at that age are adorable.

You'll have to read Harry's blog about the egg painting but my part was a bit chaotic. The first group just wanted to run riot and I had 1 disruptive kid that didn't make it much easier, I tried a lot of different games but none seemed to reach out to all of the kids. For the 2nd and 3rd group I switched to what I knew best, our movement game, with a twist. We started off doing bunny hops and chickens keeping to the Easter theme, I then just switched it to any animal that I or the kids could think of. There were some funny 1s coming out, 1 girl suggested a zebra, I don't know about you but I'm not to sure on what noise or movement best represents a zebra but I went with it. It worked really well and the kids enjoyed themselves. I finished up with an Easter train and moved them on. 

We finished up by handing out 'bukkies' (bowls) with chocolates and sweets in. The kids loved their little Easter treats and we walked them back to their crèche. I don't know if the teachers will be happy with them eating all the chocolates and sweets when it comes to nap time but hopefully we wore them out a bit anyway. When we got back into the office Lourens called us into the office. He seemed really pleased with what we had done which was nice, his 2 daughters had taken part and they enjoyed themselves as well which was good. He then started showing us the photos he had been taken, I have to admit the majority were of me, I was wearing my yellow Arsenal top and I stood out a bit, but he managed to catch me bunny hopping, lion roaring, penguin walking, chicken dancing and doing a funny hop. I'll keep those embarrassing photos to myself for now. 

We then just sat around the learning centre, chatting to people and just lazing about. Everyone was finishing up for a long weekend for Easter so everyone was a bit more relaxed. I uploaded some photos and that was the extent of my work. Harry helped put up some posters. And after a little while we headed to Drommedaris. We were greeted by all our little 1s, they were soon hanging off of us, giving us big hugs and telling us all about what they'd been upto. We will really miss all these kids we've met, I've enjoyed the clubs and schools but the little 1s are the hardest to say goodbye to. We went into the centre and tidied up the library that Joe is making for them, someone has donated loads of books for the kids and Joe is making an old store room into a library.

We then headed to the Italian club for possibly the last time. We are trying to organise going down there next week to say goodbye to all the Drommedaris boys and girls but nothing has been planned as yet. Onto today, we had a session with the boys, as it was Easter we didn't expect many kids and in fact only 8 turned up. We decided that we would just have a kick around, this would count towards mine and Harry's little match scores. It was our closest, most competitive game to date. Harry had to win and you could tell, he took the lead early on, I cleared 1 off the line when it looked like a certain goal and both teams were playing well. Harry was always that 1 or 2 goals ahead and whenever we got into the game he still had that 1 goal cushion. Me and Harry put our bodies on the line and both ended up seeing stars, a clash of heads, totally accidental caused a short break in play. After that we pushed everyone forward in search of an equaliser, unfortunately Harry's team caught us on the break a few times, it's the point in the game where it's better to lose by 3 than lose by 1 and not go for the equaliser. We lost by 3 or 4 in the end, most of them coming in the last 3 minutes. It mean we are all tied at 5-5 going into next Friday's last session. We will end the De Beers coaching clinic with a game, our fate is in the hands of a group of 8 year olds. We've both agreed that due to our competitiveness we will be on the touch line for that game. It's coach v coach. To be honest I've coached these kids before and they are your typical 8 year olds. Give them a ball on a pitch and every single player follows the ball. So we might as well just flip a coin in my opinion. 

So as I said we now have the weekend off and we start by going to Danielle's house for lunch tomorrow, we've only seen her 3 times since weve been out here which is a shame, but everyone has been so busy and fitting in meeting up has been difficult. Oh well a nice catch up tomorrow.

Day 70

We've had a really nice day today. We took our last ever crèche session in Cape Town which didn't go as well as expected, the kids seemed over excited, they were doing Easter stuff before we got there so I'm guessing the thought of chocolate eggs was probably the cause. After our movement games and then some soccer where the kids passed us the ball we said our good byes gave high 5s and that was us done. We quickly said hello to the 2 and 3 years olds, had some photos with the staff and left. 

We headed into town to Mikes sports shop, Harry had been given some money that his girlfriends family had raised and we were going to use it to get the Ruyterwacht girls their own kit. Girls football has picked over here and it'll be nice to see them have their own kit. We managed to get 10 tops with logo, numbers and team name for less than £100. Bargain we thought. Unfortunately with all the printing it'll take about 3 weeks to get sorted, but hopefully Joe will take some photos and send them over.

On our car journey back to the learning centre we discussed our time in Cape Town and the conversation turned to language. Forget the Afrikaans for the moment. For anyone visiting Cape Town and specifically for people talking football to a Capetonian here are a few English words and there translation: 

Robots = Traffic Lights

Circle = Roundabout 

Togs = Football boots

Takkies = Trainers

Sloths = Flip flops

Chips = Crisps

Soccer = Football

There's probably more but they are the 1s I can think of, the first time I was driving Lourens told me to turn at the robot, I missed my turning and drove on long looking for an actual robot. We then discussed how people switch between English and Afrikaan and how it's difficult to pick up the language when they use both languages in the same sentence sometimes. I think there's about 12 different variations as well in South Africa depending on where you come from. Thankfully the majority speak at least some English.

After stopping off at the learning centre we headed to Wesbank, if you have read my blog before this is the place with the cows and the 1 ball. Great bunch of boys that unfortunately have been dealt a bad hand. They are in 1 of the less fortunate areas and many play football in old clothes and no boots/trainers. Today we weren't here for a session but instead we were there to hand out boots and kit donated by people back in England through Harry's mum. She had done a great job and we had so many pairs of boots, tops, shin pads, socks and shorts to give out. It was so nice seeing these boys faces when we gave out the stuff, so much excitement and they were so greatful. When deciding where the stuff went me, Harry and Joe were unanimous in decision, we decided that Wesbank would be the most needy and most deserving and seeing these boys faces we definitely made the right choice.

We took loads of photos I'll put a few on here, they also sang us songs which we got videos of. We left and as we drove away every boy had a big smile on his face. It's nice to help these boys out, but it's a shame that this is just 1 team of 1 club. If people just saw what we saw today I'm sure so many people back home would donate even more stuff. I know we have charities back home that send money over here and a lot of people are wary of sending money as they don't know where it goes, and there is corruption out here and money isn't used in the right way but if this sort of thing was pushed I think it would make a lot of boys over here happy. The passion for football is definitely here, if you give these boys boots and kit they then want to play football more which should lead to them having more chance of staying out of trouble.

After Wesbank we headed to Ruyterwacht to train with the boys, not a great session just a kick about with some of the boys. But again a really nice group of boys and we enjoy doing it,

Nearly finished all our coaching, where has the time gone?