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| Packed and ready to go. |
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| More of the campsite. |
Upon leaving I noticed a large groups of bats hanging from
the one roof which was awesome to see, since they were quite visible and not in
some dark cave. I also had a quick chat with a guy who was from overseas, Holland or Switzerland I think. He told me about his experience in Madagascar when I told him that I would like to cycle around that country too sometime after I'm done with this trip which was a lekker co-incidence. I was now off to Siteki which thanks to my stay last night
wasn’t very far. Upon riding on the main road for a few kilometres I couldn’t
help but laugh at the one sign that indicating that cyclists must be aware of
lions and elephants. Where was this sign when I was entering the area yesterday
I thought. Oh well, dodged those teeth I suppose.
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| Bats!!! Awesome bats. |
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| Ok, move along now non-flyer. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. |
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| Mmmm, Ill be back. |
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| Would have actually been interesting to see a lion or elephant cross the road. And probably kak scary at times. |
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| Onwards to Siteki. |
I was now on the lookout for the SOS Childrens village and I
was glad to see a sign pointing the way. It wasn’t actually in the town of
Siteki but nearby and was quite conveniently placed near the road I would have
to carry on riding when I left anyways. Siteki was up on a hill somewhat which
I would get too much later. So I followed the signs and I was there within a
few minutes.
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| Found it. |
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| SOS childrens village. This is the clinic building. |
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| SOS, Main office building. |
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| Road that runs in front. |
I went in and made myself known. I spoke with the secretary
Thembisile who pointed me in the right direction. I then met with Nelson who
was in charge of the general running of the place and I told him I was here to
help in some way. As good as my intentions were, I realized much later that I
should have actually let them know beforehand that I was coming. If anyone ever
feels like doing something like this for a charity, a home,a cause or whatever,
let them know you are coming first. That way they can actually make the most of
your help. Ok, back to story.
I was welcomed and everyone was a treat to meet.
The director wasn’t there but I would meet her the next day. She would make my
visit somewhat official I think. I also met 2 girls from either the States or
Canada who were there doing a social assessment assignment. Nelson then led me
out and down to the one area where a group of guys were busy doing some
gardening. He explained that this branch of the SOS Childrens Village consisted
of 12 houses with about 10-12 children each which they look after. And each house
has a house mother. And all the children when at the right age go to the
schools right next to the SOS Childrens Village. Check out the website for info if you would like to help out.
http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/where-we-help/africa/swaziland/siteki
http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/sponsor-a-child/africa/swaziland/child-sponsorship-background-from-siteki-swaziland
So I arrived at the garden
which was a more communal garden as each of the houses had their own vegetable
garden as I found out, which is pretty cool. Can’t go wrong with home grown
fruits and veggies. I was introduced and left to help out with loosening the
soil for whatever seeds would be planted at a later stage. I only did a small
section before I was told that’s enough for now. I was then taken for lunch my
Mr. Sanele (hope I remembered that right) who I would shadow for much of today and the next. He is the general
handyman in the area so he addresses and fixes any problems pertaining to
electricity, plumbing, general house and appliance issue etc that may happen
throughout the SOS Childrens Village.
Lunch was at the school kitchen and it was so good. If I
recall correctly it was a fresh salad made from the vegetables grown in the
garden with a generous portion of sweet potatoes and something else. May have
been rice with a nice bean style mixture? Either way, I was super hungry and it
went down well.
After a little rest I then followed Mr. Sanele around and
saw how he helped out where needed. Some house had a problem with an electrical
fault or a plumbing problem which he noted down if he wasnt able to solve right
there. I saw the chicken enclosure where they raised their own chickens. I
helped out with regards to some wiring the next day. It was pleasant speaking
to Mr. Sanele and I enjoyed his company. A really down to earth man who got
along with everyone around him.
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| Love his expression. |
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| Me and my free lettuce. |
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| Path between houses. |
I was also clearly standing out once again as when the
school children where let out to go home, I garnered many stares. Sometimes
something was said or laugh or something else. Haha. Take your fill children.
Then it was time to go home and it was decided that I should
stay with the secretary Thembisile instead of just camping on the grounds.
Cool, I thought. So we got a lift to the main road where we caught a taxi into Siteki
which took us up a long hill. I couldn’t help but be grateful that I wasn’t
cycling this. The view from the top was quite cool as well and I couldn’t
believe how flat this part of Swaziland was in general. It is what it is. Then
we got out in town somewhere and walked the last part back to her house.
Thembisile was also a wonderful lady to talk with. We arrived and I met this
other girl who was staying with her. I can’t remember her name cause of my
notes going missing but she was also a very soft spoken and kind individual. She
was busy studying something regarding social development and wanted to help
people. After supper I headed for bed as I would be leaving with Thembisile
quite early in the morning.
Distance 16kms
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