The Weekend Off

So, new experiences of the first week included a first hand experience of township life, an introduction on sport for development, and a trip to the famous World Cup stadium. We were given the skills to put an extra tier of learning into our drills, and even shown how the demonstration of the correct way to put a condom on can be integrated into a Coaching session. There are examples of drills on the Coaching For Hope page in the Blog.

Without putting a negative aspect at all, it all was allot to take in. we were prepared in the Pre-departure training (which all volunteers have to undergo) and given information on the culture shock aspect of living in this totally new country, 'warned' we may begin to feel home sick, or find it strange coping with the lifestyle. Personally I did not experience any of this in the slightest, all I could feel was fresh inspiration and a sense that this will be a big part of my life.

A Little Homework

On the first Friday, we all decided to head out on the night, to a bar, that's notorious with backpackers and volunteers! Where pool and good conversation were free flowing! we all enjoyed some football banter with the locals, trying to fit in a little more and relax in the new surroundings (which lets be honest, wasn't happening any time soon!).

As you can see even within the first few days, the group where starting to gel together really nicely. I was self designated chef for the first few meals, as long as I didn't have to do the washing up. The first evenings where split between Stones (the bar), the internet cafe and producing a bit of coaching homework as a group back at the Volunteer house, (Rochester Road, Observatory)

Courtesy of Google maps: