Cape Town

Apr 15 2014

One weekend in Cape Town

This weekend was very special due to the reason that it is my penultimate weekend in South Africa.
Last weekend Saskia and I wanted to do the shark cage diving in Gansbaai but it was cancelled because of weather conditions. This Saturday finally the wait was over. Early in the morning at 4am we were picked up by the organization and drove to Kleinbaai Harbour in Gansbaai. We arrived there at 7am and were welcomed with a small but good breakfast. After eating we boarded the small tour boat bringing us to an area close to a seal island. It did not take a long time until two great white sharks appeared. In fact every time that I think of a shark I hear the music of “Jaws” in my ears but when I actually saw the sharks my fear was gone. The bigger one was almost 2,5 meters and it was impressive to see them swim around the boat.

IMG_5758A Great White Shark swimming next to our boat

Even though they attracted the sharks with huge tuna heads the sharks were not at all interested in us or in the fish heads. Seeing the sharks at the surface was pretty impressive but Saskia and I were thrilled by the thought of diving next to them. Once in the cage we were really excited about seeing the sharks in their element. First I was a little bit scared but the sharks turned out to be really calm. It was a really good experience, especially for me because before I came to South Africa I was really afraid of being confronted with a shark. Seeing them swimming next to me took away my fear of those huge but elegant and calm creatures. I can recommend the shark cage diving to everyone who has just like me seen too many horror movies starring sharks because this experience totally changed my mind about those animals.

SharkCageDiving2Saskia and me at shark cage diving

On Saturday there was a great happening taking place for every Muizenberg local interested in surfing. The Muizenberg Improvement District plans to build a Surfers’ Circle Walk of Fame and therefore hosted a fundraiser event. The MID want to realize the project, including a monument of Heather Price, a pioneer of South African surfing, through this charity gala. It was a nice evening and we got to learn more about South African surfing pioneers through songs, pictures and videos. A band and a tombola provided the right atmosphere.

FundraiserMe, Saskia, Sara, Ant, Freddie and Maddy at the fundraiser

On Sunday we went to a concert in Kirstenbosch near Cape Town. Jeremy Loops was the star of the evening but he was not showing any preciousness as he sang, danced and had fun on the stage.

Jloops2Jeremy Loops on stage

Before starting to sing he said that his aim for the evening was to make people happy and you could see that he reached this aim when everybody stood up and danced to his songs. It was a great happening and we really enjoyed having a picnic, listening to good music and watching the sunset over the amazing Kirstenbosch gardens while seeing the view of Table Mountain in the background.

JloopsSunset at Kirstenbosch

Anna, MBC volunteer from Germany

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Apr 14 2014

Surfing

The last week was a week of holiday for the MBC kids. Ant came up with the idea to fill their free time with a meaningful activity – surfing. There is an annual surfing competition for voluntary organizations like MBC. The last time the MBC kids participated they won a silver medal. It was a huge achievement and they have every reason to be really proud of this. This time they want to better themselves and win a gold medal. Winning is not only a big achievement but it is also a great way to attract the attention of sponsors who could potentially provide funding to purchase things like new wetsuits for the MBC kids.

Every morning of their holiday week the kids came to Learn 2 Surf in order to improve their surfing skills. Not all of the kids were supposed to join the extra surfing but only those who have a realistic chance to win a medal in the competition. In their weekly MBC lesson the kids used to surf with longboards. The challenge of this week was to surf with shortboards because this is the condition in joining the contest.

GruppenbildYamkela, Asi, Kiyaam, Phila, Siya and Frankie getting ready to surf

The daily routine was as follows: 11am rings the doorbell of the Learn 2 Surf office – the kids arrive. They collect their surf gear and head down to the beach huts. Once there they change and do their warm-ups. They head out into the sea paddling through white wash, aiming to catch green waves. They spend most of their time in the sea improving their surfing skills. In breaks the kids rest, get food and rewarm in the sun. When they feel energized they return to surfing. 4pm the doorbell rings again – the kids finish their surf day.

Surf1Siya and Kiyaam catching waves

1422533_10203573855293869_413168366_nLunchbreak…

1960785_10203573946736155_918050971_oPhila doing tricks on his surfboard

Every day Ant encouraged the kids by giving them talks explaining them how to surf, which waves to catch and which to ignore. He told them to only aim for green waves not white wash and therefore to paddle as far out as possible. This for some of the kids appeared as an issue because they are scared of deep water, which to them seems to be dangerous. This and other talks encouraged the kids to paddle out further.

In addition to surfing and to tone up, this Friday the kids and the volunteers went to the tidal pool in St. James.

IMG_5685 KopieKiyaam, Frankie, Will, Asi and Siya at St.James

There the kids were supposed to practice their swimming skills while racing against each other and also test themselves in holding their breath underwater.

StJames3Swim training at St.James

StJames2Asi and Kiyaam carrying stones under water to improve their endurance

It was a week of fun and good practice with the kids and it was impressive to see how disciplined they all were and how mature they acted about surfing because they were motivated and willing.

StJames1After practising the kids have fun in the water

 Anna, MBC volunteer from Germany
and Will MBC volunteer from England

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Apr 4 2014

Hiking trip in Table Mountain National Park

Hiking is a really popular activity for both kids and volunteers. The kids like it because the trips usually go to a place where you can swim. The volunteers like it because then they have time to talk to the kids and get to know them better.

So last Friday Ant, Zeus, Saskia, Will and me fetched the kids in the MBC bus and went to an area in the mountains close to Muizenberg. A waterfall with natural swimming pools in one hour walking distance was the destination of the trip.

IMG_5301Ant and the MBC kids discovering the way to the waterfall

The path leading there alternated with adventurous footpaths, stony stairs and wooden bridges. Along the way the kids played football or climbed on high rocks with Ant.

IMG_5309Summiteers Ant, Kiyaam, Themba and Siya

Hiking-2

After a half hour walk we arrived at the “waterfall” which unfortunately was no waterfall at all. Due to the last weeks of too little rain it was only a runlet and the swimming pools were just 10 inches deep. But still there was enough water to slake the thirst. The kids as well as the volunteers enjoyed cooling their hot faces under the waterfall.

Hiking-1Themba, Kiyaam and Siminkiwe

Saskia, Will and me decided to follow a couple of kids (Kiyaam, Cameron and Siya) who had left the rest of the group to explore the closer area. After some time, that felt like five minutes, the three Europeans were totally lost in the South African jungle. We followed a small stream until the thicket became impassible. Right before turning around we heard Kiyaam, Cameron and Siya. They were somewhere up a hill and shouting our names. They even shaked some smaller trees to guide us the way towards them. We tried to find a way to them but they were unsure of their whereabouts as well so it was hopeless.

 

Hiking-3Into the wild…

We decided to wander back to the waterfall where the rest of the group was waiting and splashing in the water.

DCIM100GOPROLost boys Kiyaam, Cameron and Siya

Hiking-4Climbing up the waterfall

I had some chocolate cookies that I gave to the kids – they finished the sweets within seconds. When it was time to leave we packed our stuff and the kids were still motivated and carried Saskia’s and my backpack. Maybe they just wanted to get some extra stars for the MBC star chart but for us the way back passed off easily. We returned back to the bus in the warm afternoon sun all tired and hot but feeling a sense of achievement to have hiked far!

Anna, MBC volunteer from Germany and Will, MBC volunteer from England

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Mar 24 2014

First impressions of Muizenberg

At my first week in Muizenberg I already experienced a lot! I arrived here on Monday and started with the project on Tuesday. My new roomies showed me the area and the Muizenberg “hotspots”. After my first surf lesson and an introduction to the project I finally met the kids and could watch them surf with Luca. It was really nice, seeing them having fun while surfing.

IMG_5211                               Luca surfing with the kids

IMG_5219                              Siminkewe and Themba

IMG_5220                              Kiyaam catching a wave

On Thursday we played soccer and it was Phila’s 18th birthday. Freddie and Saskia brought a chocolate cake which the kids ate in a blink. There were many stars for the MBC reward chart given to the winning team that actually won twice: Kiyaam, Mike, Godfrey, Siminkiwe, Asi and Themba.

IMG_5238                              Birthday boy Phila with Saskia and Freddie

IMG_5233                              Winning team

Friday was a national holiday, so there was no hiking on that day. Therefore Saskia, Freddie, Sara and me went to the We Are One Colour Festival in Cape Town. All of us got 5 powder bags in different colours – yellow, orange, pink, green and blue. Every hour there was a countdown from 10 to 0 and then everyone threw up the coloured powder in the air. It was amazing, seeing the colours spread out in the air, while seeing the view of Table Mountain in the background.

969303_10203483336510956_192804115_n                              Throwing up coloured pouder

1926869_10203483335790938_315240777_n                              Colour Festival in Cape Town

10215_10203483488914766_1755827541_n                              Me, Freddie, Sarah and Saskia at We are One Festival

By (Anna) Schmitt, MBC volunteer from Germany

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Feb 24 2014

Football

On the weekend I went to watch the Ned bank cup game, Milano United vs blumfontan young tigers. We picked up the kids and headed to the ground which was in an army base 40 minutes from Muizenberg, near Cape Town. We arrived to a small but atmospheric crowd all huddled onto stands overlooking the pitch. We took our seats facing central of the pitch, the kids all looking very excited. As the game began the fans were quiet but as the game got more intense nearing to the end of the second half with the score at 0-0 the roars and shouts were obvious.

During half time with the score still 0-0 me and the kids went to get hot dogs and drinks. Most the time they were telling me how unlucky Milano United were because they had so many good attempts they just weren’t able to score. As we sat back down and the second half began they were at ease when number 6 managed to get the ball in the back of the net. 1-0 to Milano United. Shortly after though  blumfontan were awarded a penalty and scored. The game progressed to extra time and then penalties. In the end Milano managed to get the win and the fans were all satisfied with the final results! It was definitely an enjoyable game to watch an a completely different environment to what I’m used to.

football1

Soccer-Ant and the guys watching the game!

/ Will, volunteer from the UK

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Jan 27 2014

Our first week!

The first thing that we noticed when we arrived in Cape Town was the beautiful weather, next what a beautiful place it is. After getting to the volunteer house, settling in, meeting the other volunteers and having a traditional South African meal of bobotie, we all crashed out to sleep off the flight and be ready for our projects in the morning.

The next morning we got up bright and early to have our first experience of South African public transport. We got on a crowded minibus-taxi to the train station and then took the train to Muizenberg. The train ride was amazing with a stunning view of the sea and beaches all the way from Fish Hoek to Muizenberg.Once we arrived at our project and met Ant and Maddy we were ready for our first surf! Luca gave us our first surfing lesson and we all managed to stand up before the session was over (a few seconds counts!).

After exploring Muizenberg and a bit of lunch it was time to meet the kids for the first time. The kids were great at surfing – defo better then us and we were all really impressed!

 

Time to hit the waves!

surf-ps

Getting ready to surf

The next few days we worked on our surfing, played soccer and went hiking with the Muizenberg Beach Club kids. The hiking was great as we got to see a bit of the surrounding area we probably wouldn’t have otherwise – Kleinplaas Dam was beautiful and also gave us a chance to chat to the kids a bit more and get to know them better.

 

Anton hiking!

Frankie, Anton and Godfrey

hiking-ps

Asi, Mike, Yanga and Freddie hiking!

 

the-guys

The guys!

football-ps

Phantom and the guys playing soccer

We had a great weekend relaxing and soaking up the sun. We celebrated Australia Day and had a party at the volunteer house with burgers, games and a waterslide! We are all very excited to be in South Africa and are looking forward to the next few weeks working with Muizenberg Beach Club!

/ Katie and Matt (volunteers from Britain) and Freddie, Matilda and Anton (volunteers from Sweden)

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Nov 26 2013

Before I Die I Want To . . .

This chalkboard wall on Kloof Street in Cape Town, just up the road from dynamic Long Street, caught my eye and really got me thinking. The black-and-white wall is part of an interactive and public installation art project that encourages passersby to share their innermost dreams – there are now over 400 walls in over 25 languages across the globe.

wall

This is what I wrote on the wall:

 

BEFORE I DIE I WANT TO . . .

Volunteer with MBC.

Learn to surf and make a difference at the same time.

Do cool stuff in South Africa.

Have an awesome time with cool people!!

So what do YOU want to do before you die? What’s on YOUR bucket list?

If, like me, you want to combine making a difference in the world with surfing – while having a brilliant time! – then become a volunteer with Muizenberg Beach Club! It’s an inspired choice.

 

http://beforeidie.cc/site/cape-town/

 

Maddy, volunteer from England

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Nov 13 2013

Skydiving Weekend in Cape Town

Another great week of the surfing project has passed by and as usual I can’t help myself planning something extraordinary for the weekend. Three volunteers from the house and I booked skydiving for Sunday! The jump was going to be from 9000 feet, crazy! Since the skydiving was only 40 min drive from Cape Town the plan was to go there on Saturday and stay overnight. When I was at Table Mountain a few weeks ago I heard that the Waterfront was worth a visit, a place where you can look at the harbour and check out the huge shopping mall. I bought some clothes that I didn’t pack and loaded up with souvenirs and Christmas presents for my family and friends for when I go home to Sweden. It feels so strange for me to see all the Christmas decorations when we’re in summer here. I’m used to it being a dark and snowy season. After a chilled-out day, we went to a restaurant, still at the Waterfront, and had pasta which was very appreciated since I was starving. It was a beautiful set-up with the water, the people and the views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. That night, we went out on Long Street, giving us a taste of the area’s famous bars and pubs – we had such a good time. Next day, with a few hours’ sleep, we were off to the skydiving. I felt so freaking excited! I have wanted to do it for two years in Sweden but it has been cancelled every time. Finally I was going to do it. Arriving, we got some info, put our gear on and decided between having pictures and a video of the skydiving. Going up in the plane I was surprised how high up we were – I asked and it was only halfway up! I started to feel the butterflies in my stomach but with such a spectacular view, my mind was at rest. I could see all of Cape Town and beyond. After this point it all went fast. Right before the door opened you got the instructions of how to act while jumping out. No time for hesitating. Falling from the plane was an overwhelming, adrenaline-rush, amazing feeling. Then the parachute was released and everything became so calm and enjoyable. Back on the ground, surviving, I just wanted to do it all over again. I love the adrenaline rush, I could honestly live on it. Definitely going to do it again one day from a higher level. It would be hard to imagine a cooler place to skydive, especially for such good value for money. Cheers for a perfect weekend. Looking forward to a new week with new experiences.

Charlotte, Swedish volunteer.

Water Front a stunning day!

A stunning day at the Waterfront.

The skydiving plane.

The skydiving plane.

 

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Oct 29 2013

My First Week

Howzit!

My name’s Rob and I’m MBC’s newest volunteer. I’m a bit of a blogging virgin so here goes. I’ve had a crazy first week here in South Africa so I’m going try and sum it up. I got the bus from Joberg into Cape Town last Monday and started volunteering with MBC on Tuesday. In the mornings we get to practise our surfing and improve our skills. I came here an absolute beginner but since have started to be able to stand up and catch some waves! It’s an unreal experience. At first I was using the long boards but now in my second week, I’ve progressed to the short boards. These are a lot more difficult and require more balance. It’s fun but I’m usually knackered by lunch. After something to eat and some office work, we usually go and collect the kids who have just finished school. The children are great, full of energy, maybe too much energy… On the Tuesday and Friday afternoon we took them surfing at Muizenberg, they really know their stuff. On Wednesday we played soccer with them.  They really enjoy it and are very appreciative of getting the chance to do these activities. 

On Wednesday evening I experienced my first braai, which I’ve learned is what the South Africans call a barbecue. It was cool spending time with the other volunteers. The volunteers I’m with have come from all over the world; America, Sweden, the UK, the list goes on. So it’s pretty interesting learning about and getting to know them. 
We have the weekends free on the project so on Saturday I headed to the Cape Town centre with Hannah. We went to the waterfront, looking round various shops and restaurants, even had time for a quick haircut in a retro barber shop. It was a chill afternoon and soon enough we headed back to our hostel to meet the Swedish girls, also MBC volunteers. We had a braai and experienced the famous long street nightlife. On Sunday we did something a bit more adventurous: paragliding from Signal hill, next to Table Mountain.
 
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It was awesome, flying over the buildings below, definitely a cool way to see the city. We ended the weekend in Camps Bay, just outside of Cape Town, siting on the rocks watching the beautiful sunset. 
 
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And now I’m back in Muizenberg and the project goes on! 
It’s a really ace set up here and I can’t wait for my next 3 weeks with MBC!
 
Robert, volunteer from Scotland

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Oct 29 2013

Weekend Road Trip

There’s absolutely so many things you can do here in the Cape Town region. I’m so glad I booked eight weeks so I have time to do all I want. Frankly speaking, I could stay here double the time still having more exploring to do. Saturday morning, me and some other volunteers in the house went into Cape Town to rent a minibus for the weekend. We were determined to reach Cape of Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa for sunset. We took the drive along the coast line which was more than stunning. My favorite part was Gordons Bay, I definitely want to come back to for a longer stay. The plan was to visit some caves along the trip but the tide made it impossible to see them. Arriving to Cape Agulhas in time for sunset, I fancied a swim at the point the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean since it was too cloudy watching just the sunset. It’s cool I can say I’ve been swimming there and it was surprisingly warm. Next day on the way home we went to De Hoop Nature Reserve. It had these massive sand dunes as a beautiful beach. Personally it’s one of the most significant places I’ve been to. I collected some shells to keep as a memory. Sunday evening we were back in Cape Town and we did finally get the perfect sunset. Great end of the road trip.

Charlotte, Swedish volunteer

 

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