Day 19

July 13
Today was a great day! I couldn't tell you exactly why, but I just had the best time. Everything about today was perfect. We began today at normal time, but we switched up what we did from the norm. Today was a day of adventure! We took a combi out of Mogobane, but we shortly pulled over (with no explanation) at the side of the road and got out in front of an old, shut down sukiri building, or sugar building. Then, a truck pulls up, and we were told to get on board. The best part was that this was not a large truck. At all. So the majority of us had to squeeze into the bed of the truck and basically sit on top of one another as we drove down the highway. It was actually really funny, and most of us lost feeling in at least one body part.

3 of 9 people in the bed of that truck....

We found out that our first destination for the day was to be a gorge. The Mmamotshwane Gorge, to be precise. When we arrived, it was like arriving on another planet. There was flowing water, still pools, and lush foliage. It was surreal and beautiful at the same time. We climbed through the gorge, and got some very beautiful pictures.

Me at the Gorge

Louie and Amelia navigating the slippery rocks

My fellow group members sliding down the rocks (We found that butts are a great form of transport)

After the gorge, we squeezed back into the truck, and went to the Bahurutshe Cultural Lodge. It was, simply put, great. They did a traditional dance for us, and taught us how to sift through ground grains to pick out the kernels from the powder. They made us lunch, and then we returned to Mogobane. [I recorded a video of part this performance, and I am posting it on Youtube.com. The video is a minute and a half long. My favorite dance is included. Click here to be redirected to the video.]

The preparation before the performance

The first dancers

The coolest dance I've ever seen

We went straight to Olivia's house, and the entire group got together to watch The Lion King. I was so happy. I cried probably three times. Watching The Lion King in Africa was probably one of my favorite moments of this trip so far.

It's The Lion King!!!

When I got home, I watched Generations, and I was in the middle of finishing The Hulk with Refilwe and Rorisang when Masego came in to tell me that my mom called! I finally got to speak to my entire family for the first time this entire trip! My mom, my dad, and my sister. It was great, hearing their voices. I can't wait to see home again and New York City. But despite that, today was a 5-star day. :)