And so, in the words of Frank Sinatra, it was time for everyone on the RHS Band and Cultural tour "to face their final (South African) curtain". After seventeen days in this beautiful country, it was time to depart for bonnie blighty - but not before some final cultural events were squeezed into the typically action-packed itinerary!
First stop, after a final early rise, was a boat tour to Hout Bay to visit a Seal Colony, watching many of the blubbery beasts snoozing on some rocks in the morning sun. After some discussion, it was decided that the slumbering seals bore no resemblance to the Staff Common Room on a Friday afternoon...
The sun rises over Hout Bay
The Seals blissfully basking on the rocks
Afterwards, it was a swift bus journey via the spectacular Chapman's Peak to the most South-Westerly point on the African continent, the Cape of Good Hope, which offered a perfect opportunity for a group photo.
The RHS Cultural bus celebrate being thousands of miles from Holbrook.
Mr Mann uses the sign to demonstrate his African Yoga techniques
There was then another swift bus journey to the Cape Point Funicular, where students enjoyed the gravity-driven railway for some spectacular views at the top of Cape Point.
The signpost atop of Cape Point - sadly no directions to Ipswich
The views from the top
The Cape Point Funicular gets the thumbs up!
This then led to our final destination, a visit to the unique African penguin colony in Simon's Town - smelly but special.
Thus providing the perfect setting to give Mr Mann a little 'thankyou' gift for organising such a spectacular trip - Shaka Zulu Geo Guru emblazoned on the top and 12 (standing for 2012) across the back of a South African rugby shirt. We salute you Mr Mann!
And so, as I type these final words in the salubrious settings of Cape Town International Airport, I hope that you have enjoyed my trifling missives of the RHS Band and Cultural Tour. It's been a wonderful trip, and if you have enjoyed the blog, it has merely reflected the eclectic breadth of experience organised by the irrepressible Mr Mann.
Best wishes one and all!
Will Bowry
Master i/c of Blog and General manservant to Mr Mann
Many thanks for keeping up our level of envy for the entire duration at what must have been an amazing experience for all the participants. A most enjoyable blog. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWell it has all come to end - and daughter safely returned(along with SA Olympic team). Apparently "best three weeks of her life" which says a lot about the last 884 weeks. Many thanks to all concerned in organising an awe-inspiring trip.
ReplyDeleteI have received small gift for office desk which is a stone hippo, which is now called Mr Mann. After his heroics in dealing with students and wild animals (apparently there is difference)I think he should be called "He-Mann"
As for manservant - he should be promoted to the title King of the Jungle aka "Tarzan", for stoic blog which has been entertaining and informative plus bringing a touch of sunshine to drenched Blighty
Many thanks again and am looking forward to hearing all the stories that could not be added to Blog (without prejudice of course)