Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Day 53
Day 53
Tiring day.
Today we had to nip to the support office in town to collect 474 rand so that we could pay for our monthly train ticket that we get each month. Both Joe AND the two of us were slow on realising that it was the end of February and that we would be needing new train tickets. Just shows how fast time is going. I remember saying a few days ago that 'in a few days we will be saying one month left.'.. That seemed like yesterday honestly!! Crazy. We have exactly one month until we are home. Yesterday (3rd March) signified a month until we set sail back to England! Excited and sad at the same time to be honest.
We started our day off by visiting Riverton crèche in Bishop Lavis. They knew as soon as our car pulled that it was "AAAAARRRSEEEENAAAAL" time! We could even hear screams of Arsenal from outside the nursery when we were parked on the curb. They were obviously eagerly awaiting our arrival. So nice to hear!! We are always welcomed into the crèches by huge huddles of hugs and high 5's, all absolutely buzzing to see us! Without sounding big headed, I think we're the highlight of their week. Which is sad to say to be honest! Poor kids.
In our session today we did some fun soccer-based warm ups. For example, running around flicking our heels and running with high knees, screaming headers, big kicks and of course the goalkeeper roll. The kids were dropping to the floor like wrecking balls when we told them they could roll on the floor! It's such a fun way to get the kids warmed up and ready to play. Second of all, we wanted to try some dribbling. So we constructed an easy set up of cones and teams, dribbling to the cone and back. Firstly though, to get to grips with what we wanted them to do, we asked them to run with it in their hands, just so that they got use to the format of the session. To finish off, we did some ten pin bowling which we had never done with these kids so they were all excited to play! We had done quite a lot of kicking with this crèche but never to such a large extent. This was our last session at the crèche and it's definitely a crèche I will remember! Lovely boys, girls and teachers with such luscious grass! They're very lucky considering their crèche isn't in the best of areas, very lucky to have the care of their teachers to give them such a nice playing area!
Usually we have quite a large gap inbetween our afternoon session, which is usually filled up by some admin work and free time. However today, out of the blue, a parole officer came in (who knew we were most of the time based at the support office) asked could we speak to his parolees. The parolees were aged from 15-25 and had been released on parole from prison and had to do community service and attend certain courses etc. We sat them in the board room, spoke to them about life and sport in general, crime and just answered any questions they might have. In the end we managed to arrange a training session for them on the morning of the 18th of March, in a prison! It may seem daunting but that's what it's all about. Obviously the boys are all out of a prison but we will be using the prison facilities which they play matches on etc. A nice way to break our day up. (I posted some photos earlier).
The afternoon session was at De Waveren school where we had coached three or four times before! Today's session was quite frustrating to be honest. There was no doubt that the boys enjoyed it but as a coach I didn't feel fulfilled. The element of competition got the most of the boys a lot of the time and there was a lot of bickering and arguments. Which really slowed the session down. We did a chicken or hero warm up before doing match situations with restrictions. Such as going through a gate (which means the other team has to freeze), 3 touch, 5 passes before shot, 1 touch finish etc. Not a bad session but not a great session!
Home time!! We got a train back to Cape Town, topped up our myciti tickets and then took a walk home from Cape Town station. We've decided now that because jeff and I have one month left, we're gonna have a healthy last month! Were gonna walk half way home, run the other half and then do a work out before finally collapsing through our door. Jeff is a qualified personal trainer so he knows his stuff! We did press ups, leg pushes, planks, burpees, six inch leg raises and then ran home. CEEEEERREEEEAAAAM CRACKERED.
Might stream England tonight or watch it at mixa's. Healthy means no delicious nachos or pizzas from mixa's and no alcohol! We got this.
All the best
Luke
Tiring day.
Today we had to nip to the support office in town to collect 474 rand so that we could pay for our monthly train ticket that we get each month. Both Joe AND the two of us were slow on realising that it was the end of February and that we would be needing new train tickets. Just shows how fast time is going. I remember saying a few days ago that 'in a few days we will be saying one month left.'.. That seemed like yesterday honestly!! Crazy. We have exactly one month until we are home. Yesterday (3rd March) signified a month until we set sail back to England! Excited and sad at the same time to be honest.
We started our day off by visiting Riverton crèche in Bishop Lavis. They knew as soon as our car pulled that it was "AAAAARRRSEEEENAAAAL" time! We could even hear screams of Arsenal from outside the nursery when we were parked on the curb. They were obviously eagerly awaiting our arrival. So nice to hear!! We are always welcomed into the crèches by huge huddles of hugs and high 5's, all absolutely buzzing to see us! Without sounding big headed, I think we're the highlight of their week. Which is sad to say to be honest! Poor kids.
In our session today we did some fun soccer-based warm ups. For example, running around flicking our heels and running with high knees, screaming headers, big kicks and of course the goalkeeper roll. The kids were dropping to the floor like wrecking balls when we told them they could roll on the floor! It's such a fun way to get the kids warmed up and ready to play. Second of all, we wanted to try some dribbling. So we constructed an easy set up of cones and teams, dribbling to the cone and back. Firstly though, to get to grips with what we wanted them to do, we asked them to run with it in their hands, just so that they got use to the format of the session. To finish off, we did some ten pin bowling which we had never done with these kids so they were all excited to play! We had done quite a lot of kicking with this crèche but never to such a large extent. This was our last session at the crèche and it's definitely a crèche I will remember! Lovely boys, girls and teachers with such luscious grass! They're very lucky considering their crèche isn't in the best of areas, very lucky to have the care of their teachers to give them such a nice playing area!
Usually we have quite a large gap inbetween our afternoon session, which is usually filled up by some admin work and free time. However today, out of the blue, a parole officer came in (who knew we were most of the time based at the support office) asked could we speak to his parolees. The parolees were aged from 15-25 and had been released on parole from prison and had to do community service and attend certain courses etc. We sat them in the board room, spoke to them about life and sport in general, crime and just answered any questions they might have. In the end we managed to arrange a training session for them on the morning of the 18th of March, in a prison! It may seem daunting but that's what it's all about. Obviously the boys are all out of a prison but we will be using the prison facilities which they play matches on etc. A nice way to break our day up. (I posted some photos earlier).
The afternoon session was at De Waveren school where we had coached three or four times before! Today's session was quite frustrating to be honest. There was no doubt that the boys enjoyed it but as a coach I didn't feel fulfilled. The element of competition got the most of the boys a lot of the time and there was a lot of bickering and arguments. Which really slowed the session down. We did a chicken or hero warm up before doing match situations with restrictions. Such as going through a gate (which means the other team has to freeze), 3 touch, 5 passes before shot, 1 touch finish etc. Not a bad session but not a great session!
Home time!! We got a train back to Cape Town, topped up our myciti tickets and then took a walk home from Cape Town station. We've decided now that because jeff and I have one month left, we're gonna have a healthy last month! Were gonna walk half way home, run the other half and then do a work out before finally collapsing through our door. Jeff is a qualified personal trainer so he knows his stuff! We did press ups, leg pushes, planks, burpees, six inch leg raises and then ran home. CEEEEERREEEEAAAAM CRACKERED.
Might stream England tonight or watch it at mixa's. Healthy means no delicious nachos or pizzas from mixa's and no alcohol! We got this.
All the best
Luke
Monday, 3 March 2014
Day 52
Day 52
Not really much to report on today. It was our day off so we just chilled and relaxed to be honest. I woke up around 9:00 to see Jeff was doing the dishes! Miracle. But fair play to the lad, he's started to put some effort in around the apartment in terms of dishes, cleaning etc. TEAMWORK!
Jeff and I were both feeling very tense and we had seen a massage place in a hotel which works on muscular and sporting tension for 300 rand. We thought we'd check it out and make the most of our day off. Typically, the masseuses (yes that is a real word) were asian but they definitely knew what they were doing! They worked miracles and Jeff and I came out of the hotel feeling wonderfully loose.
Afterwards, we went for a swim a bit further down long street to give our muscles a nice aerobic work out and also to get rid of the oil. Hope no kids died because of a contaminated swimming pool.
Seeing as I had gone down to the dining area for lunch this afternoon, there would be no dinner for me as they hold our lunch until we get back usually. I really fancied something british and homely, so I popped to checkers and got some baked beans, cheese and toast! Sadly excited about that.
A really chilled day today, exactly what we needed.
All the best
Luke
Not really much to report on today. It was our day off so we just chilled and relaxed to be honest. I woke up around 9:00 to see Jeff was doing the dishes! Miracle. But fair play to the lad, he's started to put some effort in around the apartment in terms of dishes, cleaning etc. TEAMWORK!
Jeff and I were both feeling very tense and we had seen a massage place in a hotel which works on muscular and sporting tension for 300 rand. We thought we'd check it out and make the most of our day off. Typically, the masseuses (yes that is a real word) were asian but they definitely knew what they were doing! They worked miracles and Jeff and I came out of the hotel feeling wonderfully loose.
Afterwards, we went for a swim a bit further down long street to give our muscles a nice aerobic work out and also to get rid of the oil. Hope no kids died because of a contaminated swimming pool.
Seeing as I had gone down to the dining area for lunch this afternoon, there would be no dinner for me as they hold our lunch until we get back usually. I really fancied something british and homely, so I popped to checkers and got some baked beans, cheese and toast! Sadly excited about that.
A really chilled day today, exactly what we needed.
All the best
Luke
Day 51
Day 51
Church today! What an experience. wow. The service was vey american-esque with lots of hallelujah and "Can i get amen?" shouts. But overall it was a really moving experience. The victory outreach church is worldwide and has helped over 15,000 drug and alcohol addicts turn their lives around through the word of the lord. The service was vastly different to the ones that I have attended through my life as a catholic. The catholic services I go to are very hymn orientated and serious, where as the victory outreach services are very musical, cheerful and life-relatable. I'm not saying there's a right or wrong way to study the bible but the victory outreach way, as a youngster, is a lot more exciting. It was nice to see Joe do his piece for the church band. He plays the bass and to a very good level! I rate that. At least he can organise the notes he plays, makes a change! (Hope he reads this and appreciates the banter). As I said earlier, it was a very moving experience and not just for me! I saw people collapsing when the pastors were going round and touching their heads, I guess god was really with them and the experience was too much. They were literally collapsing and having an out of body experience. Quite scary to watch when you hadn't seen that stuff before.
After church we headed back to Joe's house for some lunch. Very nice of them. It was curry rooti time. I've started to get the hang of the way to eat curry rooti, where as Jeff is struggling. Your meant to eat some of the curry and meat before you roll it up in to a wrap. It's delicious! Jeff tends to eat it with a knife and fork but i'm sure it tastes just as good! We left at around 3:00 because Joe had to go to band practice at 4:00.
Church had really taken it out of me so as soon as I got home, I crashed out on my bed. I slept until about 7:00.
A nice day overall. Day off tomorrow! Happy days.
All the best
Luke.
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Day 50
Day 50.
Week 5 of the communicare action soccer league.
Today's bundle of fixtures seemed to go very fast! Both Jeff and I played, coached and refereed throughout the day so it's no wonder time went flying by. You don't get as much stick in the action soccer league in comparison to a typical English Sunday league fixture which is good in a way. However, I enjoy having a bit of pressure from the spectators, as it adds a bit more of intensity to the match. I was always taught in refereeing that whatever decision you make, there will always be people who agree AND disagree.. There'll never be a unanimous agreement. Jeff seems to have taken to the whole refereeing role and I've advised him he should do a referee course when he gets back! Jeff's teams both won this week, one from getting a bye and one team winning 6-4. My bothasig seniors lost 8-4 after going in to the second half on level terms. Our juniors came back to draw 5-5 after being 4-1 down, a valiant effort from the boys. It's all for fun and development anyway, there's no point in slating your players and taking the competition too seriously. I can certainly say that teams like Sakkabula and Bothasig who didn't have any coaching or match experience, have improved ridiculous amounts! A good day overall, no problems at all.
We arrived back at Joe's at about 4 o clock and we had the choice to either go home or hang out with Joey and Yonick to go to the movies. Easy choice! We went to the cinema at 6 and watched Ride Along first which was a hilarious film about a man trying to convince his brother in law for his sisters hand in marriage! It featured Kevin Hart, who is sooo funny! A good way to start our evening. We wanted to watch another film so we picked a film called Pompeii which was a gladiator-esque film about a town called Pompeii that is destroyed by a volcano. But the main plot is a love story. The princess of Pompeii falls in love with a slave who is captured and is on a mission to kill the Romans who killed all of his family. Coincidentally, the Romans are trying to force their way into Pompeii with finances and to take the chance of marrying the princess. Therefore, the slave soon finds his revenge targets! I won't ruin it too much but the film was "YOHHHH"!!
Both films were an awesome watch and it was really great spending the day with Yonick and Joey! Top lads. I would recommend my readers to watch both of the films if you get a chance. To watch both movies it was about 90 rand which is about 5 pound I guess. 32 for rise along and 58 for Pompeii in 3D. The 3D made it 10 times better! Crazy graphics.
Church tomorrow! Making my debut at the victory outreach church. Can't wait! Excited to see how different it is to Catholic Churches which I go to.
All the best
Luke
Week 5 of the communicare action soccer league.
Today's bundle of fixtures seemed to go very fast! Both Jeff and I played, coached and refereed throughout the day so it's no wonder time went flying by. You don't get as much stick in the action soccer league in comparison to a typical English Sunday league fixture which is good in a way. However, I enjoy having a bit of pressure from the spectators, as it adds a bit more of intensity to the match. I was always taught in refereeing that whatever decision you make, there will always be people who agree AND disagree.. There'll never be a unanimous agreement. Jeff seems to have taken to the whole refereeing role and I've advised him he should do a referee course when he gets back! Jeff's teams both won this week, one from getting a bye and one team winning 6-4. My bothasig seniors lost 8-4 after going in to the second half on level terms. Our juniors came back to draw 5-5 after being 4-1 down, a valiant effort from the boys. It's all for fun and development anyway, there's no point in slating your players and taking the competition too seriously. I can certainly say that teams like Sakkabula and Bothasig who didn't have any coaching or match experience, have improved ridiculous amounts! A good day overall, no problems at all.
We arrived back at Joe's at about 4 o clock and we had the choice to either go home or hang out with Joey and Yonick to go to the movies. Easy choice! We went to the cinema at 6 and watched Ride Along first which was a hilarious film about a man trying to convince his brother in law for his sisters hand in marriage! It featured Kevin Hart, who is sooo funny! A good way to start our evening. We wanted to watch another film so we picked a film called Pompeii which was a gladiator-esque film about a town called Pompeii that is destroyed by a volcano. But the main plot is a love story. The princess of Pompeii falls in love with a slave who is captured and is on a mission to kill the Romans who killed all of his family. Coincidentally, the Romans are trying to force their way into Pompeii with finances and to take the chance of marrying the princess. Therefore, the slave soon finds his revenge targets! I won't ruin it too much but the film was "YOHHHH"!!
Both films were an awesome watch and it was really great spending the day with Yonick and Joey! Top lads. I would recommend my readers to watch both of the films if you get a chance. To watch both movies it was about 90 rand which is about 5 pound I guess. 32 for rise along and 58 for Pompeii in 3D. The 3D made it 10 times better! Crazy graphics.
Church tomorrow! Making my debut at the victory outreach church. Can't wait! Excited to see how different it is to Catholic Churches which I go to.
All the best
Luke
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Day 49
Day 49.
A mixed day today. Not really much to report on.
We arrived at Cape Town station to realise that all the trains were messed up and we wouldn't be able to get a train until 9:30. We were called by Leana to ask where we were, we explained the situation and was told Joe would ring us in a few minutes to tell us what to do. To our surprise, Joe said it would be best to call the creche to tell them that we would be stupidly late due to transport problems, plus after yesterdays down pour the grass would be really wet. So we were given the day off. Of course we were pleased but also a bit disheartened to know that we had let the kids down.
Our afternoon was spent sleeping and regaining some energy!! We wanted to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for Joe's braai later.
Both Jeff and I thoroughly enjoyed Joe's Braai this evening and it was really nice to socialise with everyone from various communities. Joe does a braai once a month at his place where he invites church goers, ruyterwacht boys and loads of other people to come and have some food by his place. What a guy! I respect that so much. There was even gangsters there who Joe welcomed with open arms, just to get them doing something productive and socialising rather than hanging out on corners of streets. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and like I said it was great to converse with a lot of people who come from different backgrounds, religions and paths of life.
We got back at about 11:30 and crashed out straight into bed.
All the best
Luke
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