(by Pierre-Alain Petit, from France - Care Project)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Sunday 20 June 2010, I went up Table Mountain with three other volunteers, Lucie Maignaut from France (Human Rights Project), Michele Morello from Italia (Building Project) and Jonathan Riascos-Montoya from Colombia (Care Project).

 

Gerry, the father of our host family, dropped us at the bottom of the mountain as we had chosen to climb to the top.  The walk was supposed to be easy but in reality it was pretty hard. The path was a kind of stairway with many irregular high steps. It was a hard walk, but beautiful scenery with some waterfalls.  The view of the landscape was worth the effort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After two and half hours of trekking we finally arrived on the top of Table Mountain. The view was wonderful; on the left side it was a sea of clouds on top of the ocean and on the other side a clear view of Cape Town without any clouds.

We took a lot of pictures of the landscape and we had some coffee and hot chocolate at the Table Mountain restaurant.

Finally we took the cable car down and went to Muizenberg to have some rest.   We enjoyed our day of adventure and can recommend to all volunteers to climb Table Mountain.

 (Above: Cape Town Stadium in Greenpoint)

After years of many people believing the FIFA World Cup ^TM would not remain on South African soil… the optimists have come out tops, and are cheering all the way to the stadiums - which were completed on time, and are most definitely world-class works of art.  

Being a Capetonian and Proudly South African, I have loved connecting with Projects Abroad volunteers from all over the world and hearing their excitement to be in Cape Town, especially during this incredible time.  The streets are covered with a sea of South African flags, with a scatter of the other participating nations as more and more tourists arrive. The soccer fever is contagious and it is an amazing experience to feel a nation come alive as we host the FIFA World Cup ^TM for the first time ever in Africa. 

(Above:  Two proudly South African soccer supporters, with Care Project volunteer Elinor Hampson-Jones (UK)

This tournament has a diverse ripple effect on all projects as volunteers from the Human Rights Office focus on anti-human trafficking campaigns to increase awareness about the dangers of this growing industry.  While on Care Projects – volunteers help paint national flags on the children’s faces (see photo above).  Business interns also benefit from the busy times, especially those related to soccer merchandise (see photo below).  It is definitely a privilege to be involved in giving back to the communities in Cape Town and making a difference, as well as being able to celebrate with the Rainbow Nation in the Mother City.  Both staff and volunteers are enjoying watching the matches at the stadiums (for those who have managed to get tickets) and at the many FIFA Fan Parks ^TM  and Public Viewing Areas (located in the town CBD as well as in various suburbs and townships).

 

(Above: Sonia Nouneneu Niami from Cameroon celebrates "Football Friday" on her Business Project in Newlands, Cape Town)

Equipped with our soccer jerseys, face-paint, flags, vuvuzelas and our soccer spirit – we can confidently say the phrase that has become so popular in South Africa – “Feel It – it is here!”