Weekend off and Start of week

We arrived last Friday night at Storms River Mouth.Luckily, there was one log cabin available,on the edge of the ocean.Five of us paid 36 pounds each for 2 nights.The cliffs could be seen for miles in each direction,the only sound,that of the ocean.
First thing Saturday morning,we were off to the ziplines:8 different sets of cables,the longest over 200 metres,stretched over he gorge,allowing us to zip along at good speeds.It was good fun.Later we all walked some of the trails  nearby.When the others decided to chill out at the cabin,I had to do the Waterfall Walk.This meanders up and down the cliffs,over boulders and scree,eventually bringing you to a point where you look up the cliffs to see water spewing over the edge of a defile,to then bound down the sheer,rock faces into the stillest of ponds.From there,it pours down through the rocks into the ocean below.Sat on the rocks,you hear the gushing of the waterfall,the bubbling through the rocks,and the roar of the ocean,all at the same time..like an orchestra,preparing to play.It was hard to pull myself away,but it was getting late.Returning to the cabin,I only stopped once,when I came upon a family of dassies camped out on the boulders,lazing in the last of the lingering light
That night,playing cards-the Dutch game of Toepen-it was clear that no one was certain about doing the bungie jump on Sunday morning,except myself.I was definitely not doing it.Even at breakfast the next day,the debate continued,even though we were due to be there at 10 a.m.!Richard decided against it,but Martijn,Marloes and Mariska were (sort of) up for it.The jump is the highest in the world,about 216metres above the gorge.From a cafe viewpoint,Richard and I could see the bridge.Just the sight of it gave me a queasy feelng.I felt tremendous admiration-and a little envy-as they each took their turn with no signs of panic.Only the screams of the girls as they dropped gave the game away.
Monday.
The days are getting very warm.So Martijn and I started early on the vegetable garden and made good progress.We had arranged to meet Claire and Marloes at Maureen's house,one of the 3 houses that form the orphanage.Not yet knowing the kids' names and ages,I canot say I felt comfortable going.It is a home,not a school,and I still feel a little like an intruder.Today there were 15 children there,as those from Julia's house were also there.We were soon playing with the kids,football,skipping and general play.Always they seem so relaxed with each other and with us.Each time a photo was taken,which they love,.
everyone crowded around to see it.
.Then,for the last hour and a half,we tried to do some homework or exercises with them.At 4pm we are supposed to leave.The younger ones like a hug;you sense you are providing something they need,or ,at least, appreciate.
Tuesday.
Our day started with a puncture.Then,when we arrived at Julia,s house,some cattle (they roam around the township)were passing through.This morning we came across great slabs of rock that we couldn't break.So we have ordered a pneumatic hammer for tomorrow.There will be a vegetable garden!
The afternoon was spent again at Maureen's.Marloes and Claire were already there when we arrived and had most of the children involved in
making posters of the alphabet and sticking them neatly on the wall.I got talking to Spiewe,a lad of 13.he likes to sing,particularly rap or hip-hop.So I got him and 12 year old Xolela to sing some rap and then some older Xhosa songs.(Xolela lost his 6 year old brother two years ago He died of Aids.The orphanage is named after him.We really hope  Xolela is clear;he is so bright,cheerful and enthusiastic.)At 3.30 the kids had some bread and one slice of luncheon meat.This was the first food they had eaten since breakfast.Food is not taken for granted.I know Peter,with whom we stay,sends flour down to the orphanage so that they can make their own bread.But he has had times when he has received  a call from one of the houses,to say they were completely without food.
Just before 4pm.,three of the older girls were preparing to go to the church.They practice gospel singing every day,and of course sing at church on Sunday morning. They gave us a rendition before going.

There is talk that there will be a taxi strike on Wednesday/Thurday.We really hope not as we will not be able to go to the orphanage.Striking taxi-drivers are likely to shoot at anyone they think is acting as a taxi.Two weeks ago,some of the volunteers were transporting kids from Ithemba,a centre for handicapped kids.A strike was on and the kids were shot at.
Even more so if the strike takes place,we want to go to the church wih the children this Sunday.They will enjoy having us there and,for us,their singing is delightful.

Best wishes,
Eric.

Photos.
1 Our cabin at Storms River Mouth
2 Ziplining
3 The pool at the bottom of the waterfall 
4 Maureen,one of the housemothers 
5 Nontombi, Thandiwe, Philisiwe, Luxolo, Yonela, Andiswa 
6 Nontombi, Ntombizanele, Xolela 
7 Nontombi, Ntombizanele, girl out the neighbourhood, Yonela, Philisiwe
8 Martijn prepares to do the bungee jump
9 The bridge
10 Sunset at Storms River Mouth
11 A dassie
12 They are not really all my children
13 Nothing changes
14 Hi-tech teaching methods
15 Martijn butts in on my photo of Thembeka:she likes to sing gospel music
16 Spiewe:he likes to sing....and play football!(But not at the same time!)

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