International Project Pretoria

📆 2023-04-15

📍 Pretoria

An International Project Adventure in South Africa

The Eagle Has Landed

After an exhausting 11-hour flight, we were thrilled to finally feel solid ground beneath our feet. After exchanging some money for ZAR and buying SIM cards, we realized no one was there to pick us up. Luckily, we found a phone number in our email and soon were on our way to the guest house.

First Day on Campus

Our first day started with a delicious breakfast from Esther. The driver from the previous day took us to the campus, where we were excited and curious about the project ahead.

We Will Do That Now Now...

On the second day, we met our project manager, François, who introduced us to the relaxed South African concept of “now now,” meaning things happen eventually. We spent the day working on our project and getting to know the locals. The highlight of the day was a thrilling cheetah experience, including a tour and a ride through enclosures with various animals.

How to Dance Like a South African

Wednesday was a cultural day at the ‘Cultural Village,’ where we learned about the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele, and other tribes through interactive exhibits and performances. Our attempts at traditional dancing were clumsy but fun.

Thursday, Safariday

Safari day was filled with excitement as we ventured into Pilanesberg National Park. We spotted elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and more. The day ended with a fantastic braai prepared by Jaap at the guest house, celebrating our week’s achievements.

The Last School Day

Feeling a bit tired, we managed to finish our project and present it successfully. We received free t-shirts and enjoyed a hike up a nearby mountain, watching for potential snake encounters. The day ended with a game of Weerwolven at the guest house.

Staying and Leaving

On our last day, we enjoyed a final breakfast prepared by our gracious hosts, Ester and Jaap. We then left for Joburg, planning to stay for six more days before our flight back to Belgium. We even booked tickets for a rugby match to experience the national sport of South Africa.

Conclusion

Our week in Pretoria was unforgettable, filled with new friendships, cultural discoveries, and exciting adventures. We learned the value of taking things “now now,” the beauty of local wildlife, and the warmth of South African hospitality. As we return to Belgium, we carry these memories with us and look forward to sharing our experiences and building connections across borders. Until next time, South Africa! 🇿🇦