Year 9 Tour 2022
Day 1
The Year 9 Tour started on the 12th of September 2022, and while the day consisted mostly of travel, a lot occurred.
The bus was silent at first, but as busy streets turned to quiet plains, the volume increased immensely. Music like “Starships” by Nicki Manaj and “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus were belted out by the girls, with moments of broken whispering during unknown versus and shouting during the chorus. One recurring event throughout the journey was Connie, with her headphones in, having silent concerts in her seat; the sudden outbursts of humming startled those around her before she went silent again.
The day passed and hours confined to the school bus drew on, a stench clinging to the air due to someone at the back. In addition, sugar highs soon became apparent following a much-needed break at a petrol station, where we raided sweet isles to replenish our stock.
We arrived at Cango Wildlife Sanctuary at four after a depressing lunch. The general feeling after the meal was severe disappointment and somewhat disgust – the first of a tragic series of meals. The tour at Cango was informative, and the guide spoke heavily of the conservation of animals such as lions, cheetahs, otters and tigers, a stark contrast to what we would see on the second day.
Small kitchenettes were in the rooms, where talk and elaboratey posed photos occured to accompany the excitement. Provided were also small milks – the soon-to-be treasure and currency of the group; they sparked a “trade” between the grade, especially with Abel, who was desperate to receive the packets.
The walk to dinner was short and ended with the shocking event of Jacob falling through the restaurant window. Thankfully the fall was short, and we laughed as we entered the place, some of us for the second time. The meal was decent, the last for a while. However, the burgers wreaked havoc amongst one of the tables, who rushed to the nearest available bathroom, and greeted us thereafter with traumatised faces, sitting in silence with hoodies drawn over their heads.
The next day was sure to be even busier than the first.
– By Hannah, Bree, Gaone, Jacob and Sven
Day 2
On the second day of Tour, we all woke up to head to breakfast at 7 am. Everyone was shivering while packing their bags into the bus, and then we waited in anticipation because, to be honest, nobody had really looked at the schedule.
We took a quick drive to the Cango Ostrich, where we’d learn of the fascinating history of ostrich farming and leather production. At one stage, we were all very effectively convinced that male ostriches laid small(ish) green eggs and were shocked that what our rather humorous tour guide led us to believe was untrue.
After our encounter at the ostrich farm, we headed to our next destination… the Cango Caves! The formations of lime were nothing less than extraordinary, each structure easily millions of years old. Everyone was amazed by the columns of soft stone known as stalagmites growing towards the ceiling of the caves, up to 14 metres long, and the stalactites hanging threateningly down over us. We felt our existence couldn’t parallel the power of creation our world holds. Following the tour guide, we saw many things that day, such as the honeymoon suite cave and the faces of good and evil.
After all the excitement, we were restless and ready to eat, so we headed to the Cango restaurant for lunch. The most memorable moment of this whole restaurant experience was the little playground there. Most of us were on the seesaw, living life to its fullest, while camels judged us silently in the not-so-distant distance.
In the end, we can all say day 2 was fun, despite the long hours of driving. We all collapsed, exhausted, and slept more or less peacefully that night.
– By Constanza
Day 3
On day three of the Year 9 tour, we woke up to Mr James’ alarming voice telling us to ‘quickly get up and start packing…again’. We rushed to tidy our rooms and sped for breakfast. Although a little disappointing, we had the basic English breakfast consisting of bacon, egg, sausage and various other foods; many could not find the eggs or even stomach the bacon.
Then we took a short walk next door to the Canopy tours, where we zip-lined in small groups. While zip-lining from post to post, enjoying the scenery and cool facts about the various trees, we suddenly heard a loud screech from one of the tour guides. All stood around the post, scared of what was about to happen. However, it was only a tiny, green snake beneath the platform, common to the area.
After the fun, we were forced upon an everlasting steep incline of a hike while the sun pointedly laughed at us. One consolation was the rope bridges which wobbled mightily after every step. But, once again, all was well when the groups met at Marylins’ for their renowned milkshakes.
And off we were once again, to the Storms River mouth. Although the ride was shorter than usual, it was still dreary, and everyone felt a good night’s sleep was needed. In single file, we walked the suspension bridge, with Ms Koleskys unmistakable shouting, ‘Get back in line!’ Once we eventually arrived at the mouth, we were left to watch the lapping waves and small ripples dance.
Then came one of the disasters of the day… Cattle Baron. Some students were left waiting two hours for the Carbonara, served cold, with the bacon unevenly spread or cut and the pasta uncooked. Some even had to eat our food on the bus in takeout boxes.
Once we left, we rushed to get to the Jukani wildlife centre on time, but sadly, we were ten minutes late and had to go straight to the wilderness hotel. When we arrived, we had a few hours of leisure time, during which many of us gathered at the tennis courts. Aside from one broken racket, all was going well until Abel managed to cause the entire tennis net to fall and break.
After that incident, we headed for dinner – the best meal we had had, at that point – and to bed or further recreation.
– By David and Zya
Day 4
On our second day at Wilderness hotel, waffles were everywhere. Many had flocked to the stand in line for the sweet treats, as the buffet provided the much-needed breakfast we had all been craving. A special mention to Ms Kolesky, who played nurse to us all; the mass of sick people accumulated along the way were very grateful.
Soon we headed to our activity of the day, canoeing. Competitive races were held by those in front, who paddled desperately against the rest. Although most were desperate to come first place, the journey to our pit stop was rocky, with many students making close friends with the reeds alongside the river.
Once arriving at the stop, we quickly got out and headed on our hike. The steady and peaceful walk surrounded by the diverse ecosystem had us watching for what was there. Most surprising of the discoveries was the mysterious crocodile, spotted by one of our vigilant students.
The fancy dinner planned for later meant many had decided to take this free time to get done, with designated hairdresser and makeup artist Nicky and Connie hard at work. Congratulations to them for their fabulous creations. While that was happening, others had headed down to the mini golf course for a game. The competitive energy from earlier had yet to fade as tensions ran high while we made our way through it. With multiple threats made and much cheating from those playing, Roger claimed a sneaky victory with his surprising mini-golf skills.
The dressed-up dinner was a success for some, many wearing their best attire for the night. Piano music accompanied the meal, in particular, Jacob’s special serenade to Abel. We all had a good laugh by the end of it.
Later in the evening, a small group sat by the pool to play an intense game of UNO. As if the competitions from earlier had not been enough, accusations of foul play and threats made their way around the table. With the introduction of new rules and a “pick up 24”, anger was evident from all.
Day 4 was a great way to end the tour.
– By Hannah and Bree
Tour Prize Giving
Funniest Student Award
David Eyal has received the “Funniest Student Award” due to his zesty side commentary during the many Uno games and his continued success in making everyone laugh during the 1 am Uno flash rounds.
The Uno King
After Jacob Chama’s awe-inspiring victory, his peers can do nothing but marvel at his excellence. Well done Jacob – you are the zestiest of the zesty.
Loudest Student Award
Constanza Oliva-Gonzalez has been awarded the “Loudest Student Award” due to her energetic singing in the bus that can only be described as a “One Act Concert”, and for the joy found in her echoing laughter.
Best Kayakers
This award can not go to anybody but Abel Mulat and Schyler Treu. Throughout the canoe rides, they constantly raised the standard and had an impressive victory over their peers.
– By Jacob Myala Chama and Gaone Siphesihle Naledi
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