Sunday Soccer

On a cold, overcast Sunday, we had a game of soccer. The north side of the river, against the south side. The north consisted of the lodge section, game park maintenance, and security. The south side consisted of the volunteer programme, and the ele and rhino handlers. At 4.30, the south arrived, chanting songs and pulling on their blue soccer jerseys, the north side, not so organised were huddled in group, in hysterics about the Volunteers programme. At 5.00pm the game kicked off, to a chaotic, ridiculous start, and the supporters could hardly contain themselves. The full moon had already risen and was peeping through the dark, low hanging clouds and attempted to light up the pitch. An hour later, the game ended in a draw, although, the north side claim to have won 3-2, although it was cheating. They managed to set it up so they scored a goal on their own goalie in our goal, so it was therefore, not allowed. The game was a huge success, and we all had a few beers and cokes after the match to celebrate. It is a brilliant way of getting to know all the guys for the volunteers, and for everyone to get together on the farm. In two weeks, there will another game.

The rest of the week was mostly spent at the school teaching the local kids. Their appreciation is more than anyone could ever ask for. They love volunteers coming to teach, and they are willing to learn almost anything, despite their lack of english skills. We also helped out in the veggie garden, teaching conservation. 

We have been doing quite a lot of rhino observation, monitoring what they are eating and making sure their relationships are going well. It all seems to be running smoothly. Things on the farm are looking bright, and winter sunshine has now arrived. We are having 25 degree weather during the day, so our bad spell has passed. Pog's behaviour has changed quite a bit since her pregnancy, and we are hoping to have little pigs running around by mid August all going well.

As for Kutanga, he is just the same as ever, getting naughtier and naughtier by the day, and growing more than we would like. But with Kutanga, there is always a smile on someone's face. He makes everyone laugh. 

So we are all humming along, loving the sun shine, and enjoying the wildlife, we also have a new volunteer, Alex. Her first week here seems to have been a breeze. Life is good!