Kaapstad

Hello from Cape Town. Despite some last minute doubts I boarded the plane and here I am. The flight was good and I spent most of it half asleep, landing in a warm but very windy Cape Town on Sunday morning.

I got through security quickly but was unnerved to discover that my driver hadn't arrived. After several uncomfortable minutes with my backpack digging into my shoulders I spotted a burly and vacant-looking man holding up my name. Denver turned out to be very friendly and we talked about the World Cup and the parking problems at the airport. The South African casual attitude to safety and security soon became apparent as we arrived at his ancient VW van with no seat belts. "Don't worry, you won't fall out" said Denver, but I was more concerned about being thrown out. Despite my initial fears, Denver reassured me and we weren't carjacked at every junction!

When we arrived at my lodgings (Mr & Mrs Bagley's house) I immediately thought 'what have I done?' Although the area was built up with housing, it was clearly very poor and I was instantly conscious of the fact that I was very much in the minority ethnically. I knew in an instant that this would be no picnic and it was the most frightening arrivals at any destination I have ever experienced. I stepped inside promptly to be met by Lester, the Bagleys' son. I was shown to my room and met Alex, a Projects Abroad worker who is staying there for a while. After getting my bearings I was met with the arrival of the other 4 volunteers (Taylor, Vivian, Callum and Jannes). Callum was to be my room-mate and is an 18 year old from Salisbury. We talked in our room about how shocking the arrival is and then met Mr & Mrs Bagley as they arrived home. They are hard to describe but they are certainly loud, funny and friendly. We sat and drank beer all afternoon with one of the Bagley's daughter's husbands (Tyron) and some other guy.



The Bagley family home

I should point out at this point that the Bagley household is teeming with people. There are about 20-30 relatives and friends who come and go throughout the day and I don't think I will ever know all their names.

We spoke about politics and their perceived failings of President Zuma before the final volunteer arrived, Marjam. We then all decided to go out to the Grand Hotel Casino. Jannes is a long-term volunteer and we piled into his hire car.

The attitude here is so different to home. Windows are left open in the day and although the house is gated it is not locked...and the two arthritic German shepherds are a bit cowardly. Also, the rear French window doesn't lock at all. Despite this, I'm told there have never been any major incidents.