Having stayed in the traditional Zulu settlement, 'Shakaland', the morning started with a tour of the village, during which students and staff learnt about the heroic life of King Shaka, the chief who united the Zulu kingdom. Furthermore, there were demonstrations of traditional Zulu life, ranging from spear making and bread-making to pot balancing and witch doctoring . The tour culminated in a hotly contested spear throwing contest between Barny Horsfield, Sam Engelmann, Oliver Lovejoy and Jessie Vogel; after some enthusiastic attempts at javelin throwing, it became patently clear that none of the RHS students could throw a spear to save their life!
Despite various rumours, the skull was not that of the former
RHS Headmaster, Howard Blackett.
As the group met a number of the local villagers, there was the opportunity for some cultural interactions. Indeed, RHS' Ukranian ambassador, Jane Siryk, is now in discussions to officially twin Shakaland with Kiev...
Three Zulu children learn some Ukranian.
The Zulus show RHS traditional methods for making food and drink.
After the wonders of 'Shakaland', there was a swift bus journey to the land of sun, sea and surf -the city of Durban. After dipping our toes in the Indian Ocean and walking along the sandy beach, we took in the sights of the city, strolling along the 'Golden Mile', Durban's beautiful beach front.
A sunny and vibrant Durban beachfront - apart from the sun, sea and beautiful weather, a spitting image of Holbrook's seawall.
The evening was then spent at 'The Gateway' theatre of shopping where all were treated to a traditional South African cultural experience, visiting the indigenous 'Apple' and 'McDonalds' stores. It was rounded off by a visit to the Barnyard Theatre where an enthralling 80s spectacular was performed live on stage. Despite many pupils not being born in such a memorable and iconic era, they threw themselves wholeheartedly into the performances and danced the night away. Performances by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bon Jovi and some off-key singing from Mr Wood were much appreciated by the RHS students, despite all being born a decade too late.
Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams, Boy George and Adam Ant encapsulate the 80s by performing to an enthusiastic RHS crowd.
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