TLC Week 7 – Johannesburg Zoo

Saturday

We had a nice relaxing day off on Saturday and did a bit of much needed clothes shopping.

In the afternoon we worked out we could get the sports channels in our room so we managed to watch the Manchester derby and the incredible goal by Wayne Rooney. During the match we also had a surprise visit from baby John who was brought by Anne (she manages the nursery), who had come to make sure her Mum was ok as she has come from France to stay for a couple of weeks. We were able to play with John and he cheered Manchester United on (not Man City!).

Cute John

Cheering on the reds!

In the evening we had a bit of a leaving do with Richard, Arianna and their children. We ordered some pizza and had some drinks on their veranda along with Rossita who also joined us.

The German family left to do a bit of travelling before they head back home. It’s sad they’re leaving since we really liked them and got to know them well. Their kids are so cute too!

Sunday

Sunday morning was great fun since we went to the zoo with the Tigers. Two of the volunteers, Maria and Sandra, both from Germany, decided they wanted to take the Tigers out to the zoo. Since Heidi and I know the kids best (as we work with them every day), they asked us to come along. We also drove, so in a convoy of two cars we packed everyone in and went to Johannesburg zoo.

I was expecting quite a small place with animals in cages of insufficient size. We were very surprised to find a huge, green and lush zoo with some great animals in very large enclosures who all looked very well cared for.

Ruthy

Mighty slides down the fireman’s pole

Cheeky monkeys on the monkey bars

Sibu, Jerome and Similo comparing the meerkats (.com)

Shimples…squeak

This turtle looks like its being sick

Nadia (Similo’s Sister) enjoying her ice cream

Similo cimbing trees

Every fountain they saw, they made sure they got soaked in!

Rhinos!!

Jerome with his peacock feather.

Ruth stares in wonder at the elephants

From left to right: volunteers Tom and Maria, Sibu, Jerome, Similo, Sandra, Mighty, Nadia, Heidi, Ruth, Mbali and Me

Sibu and Similo enjoying the rides

An owl

The Tigers (and us volunteers) had a great time, especially as they got to have some ice cream! One of the best exhibits were the chimpanzees who were really active and playful and made the children laugh a lot with their antics.

On a less positive note, I had managed to leave the car headlights on so when we got ready to go the car wouldn’t start. Luckily the car Heidi was driving had jump leads and we managed to restart it.

We drove a few minutes down the road to a lovely park called Zoo Lake. Here, we had a picnic with food the girls had prepared earlier.

Enjoying our picnic at the park

Monday

On the way back from picking some of the children up from school today, we got stopped by the police. They were stoppiing all cars to check everybodies licenses. Unfortunately I didn’t have my passport with me which you need to show alongside your driving license. The police lady asked me to step out of the car. I managed to sweet talk her and she let me go on the proviso I carry my passport with me when I drive from now on. Phew! The kids were loving it saying I was going to go to prison! I didn’t find it funny.

Tuesday

Tuesday evening was another leaving do! It sounds like we do lots of having fun doesn’t it! But I promise all this is sandwiched between some really hard work and long (but very enjoyable) hours that we put in every day!

Tuesday’s leaving do was for Sandra. She invited all the volunteers to Boma, an all you can eat restaurant. There was all sorts of food and plenty of it. Plus you could have unlimited drinks including soft drinks, beers and wine! All this for about £10 each.

Friday

This evening, we went to watch The King’s Speech with Pippa, Thea, Faith (Thea’s other daughter) and her boyfriend Lionel. It was a brilliant film, incredibly well made, with great perfomances from all the actors. Surely it should win some oscars!

We’re excitedly packing tonight as we’re heading up to Pilansberg for the weekend where we’ll be doing some game drives in our hire car. Pictures next week!