News from Cape Town (RSIC 2017)
Arrival and Pre-Conference Discoveries
The journey to Cape Town via Sao Paulo and Johannesburg passed without incident. The journey was long and while the change of planes in Sao Paulo was somewhat leisurely, the opposite was true in Johannesburg and we had to rush to make our connection. Our bags needed to be rechecked in for the last part of the journey to Cape Town where we received the “help” of overzealous porters! Our first taste of Africa!
The hotel is very comfortable and extremely well placed near to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront which is where there is constant movement during the day and until quite late. It has its shopping malls, but it is also the centre of tourist attractions with lots of restaurants in the evening. We have felt very happy here and people are so full of cheer and helpful. A huge breakfast can be enjoyed before setting off on the tourist trail.
On Wednesday afternoon we simply investigated the Waterfront area not wanting to do too much as some had not slept many hours on the flight and our batteries needed to be fully charged for the days ahead. Thursday morning saw us take the ferry to Robben Island, a 30 minute trip to the place where political prisoners were detained during the years of Apartheid. Later that day we took the “Hop on/off” bus along the coast and finished at Signal Hill where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset…fabulous! Today, saw us up bright and early so that we could take the cable car up to Table Mountain before the crowds formed long queues. It was a bit cloudy but this did not impair the views in fact the clouds added to the photographs. In the afternoon a visit to the Botanical Gardens concluded the two days before conference registration tomorrow and the conference proper will then begin.
The girls have been good travel companions not just between themselves and also with Fernanda and me. Mealtimes have always been full of conversation: questions, ideas, plans and opinions. They are five nice and easy going girls, six if I include Fernanda… well done. On our first night we ate at a Greek Restaurant while last night we investigated South African cuisine… a variety of flavours and meats reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. We all chose differently, success for everyone.
The Conference Begins
Saturday saw the beginning of the conference with registration at 3.30pm. In the morning, we visited “District 6 Museum”, a memorial to the forced movement of coloured people during the Apartheid years. We were all deeply moved by the exhibition. Later we visited a street market, Green Market, where one could purchase all types of local products.
After a Turkish lunch, we changed and went off to register. Later there was a welcome concert and a buffet supper during which the girls went their own way talking to everyone.
Today, Sunday, Mia entered the opening ceremony with the school flag and later Camila attended lunch with Prince Alexander. The opening ceremony was a display of African music and dance…plus ballet. It was really entertaining. This afternoon the girls completed the Amazing Race while the adults attended Round Square business meetings.
Later tonight we must pack our bags as tomorrow we move to Bridge House School where the girls will be staying in homes.
The girls are over the moon with all that they have experienced in the 28 hours since registration!
Steven Page, P.G.C.E
RS Rep