Ikhaya lethu

Kristal writes:

Josh and I are so grateful for the adventure that lies ahead of us!
Our adventure started on Thursday 19 of August 2010. We left Cape Town, drove for three days and visited friends on the way. On Saturday, just as the sun was setting, we arrived in Phinda Private Game Reserve. Phinda and especially the house Umfaan’s turf has become our home for the coming three months!

We share our home, ‘ikhaya lethu’ ( in Zulu) with Ross, who is a very experienced researcher/ranger. He arranged a party when we arrived, so we have met lots of people already. They are all very passionate about their work on Phinda, I think I will be able to learn lots about the vegetation, the wild life and the culture in the time that lies ahead of us.

The first morning after we arrived, the sun just rising above the horizon, we saw a wildebeest, some nyala and warthog’s right in in front of the house. On game drive we had an encounter with two rhino’s and three lion cubs who tried to impress them; lots of fun to watch.
It’s amazing to be in this environment where life is so pure. I love the sounds of birds, hyena’s around...

The coming week I will stay around the house, which we can’t leave by foot. I have started studying Zulu and will carry on with that. Hopefully next week I can use some of my Zulu when I go into the communities to work at a primary school.

Josh had his first day of work today. I love to see his passion for this place! He came back all smiling, stepping out of the Landover saying ‘hamba kahle’ to his Zulu-colleagues, for this first day has given him a glimpse of how his Zulu will improve!
It’s such a rich experience that we share already and there’s lots more to come!
Salani kahle!