Writing from Africa.

It's been one month since I left, though it feels like only a week has gone by. The Traveling School is ineffable. It's so fun, though it's still a lot of work. The girls are great, and so far we've all gotten along. Some of my favorite activities we've done so far are: Kruger NP, but that's somewhat of a given... we saw all of the big 5, and that's supposed to be pretty lucky I guess. We rock climbed through out the first 2 weeks, and we also did a crazy rapell (about 300 ft) right next to a waterfall. We also swam in the waterfall, which was literally the coldest water I've ever felt. We visited the Battle field of Blood River, and we acted out the war all over again, WITH the teachers. We threw water ballons at each other--at 5:30 in the morning. It was awesome. Recently, we did the Amphitheater hike, which was beautiful, and on that hike we saw the world's second highest waterfall, but due to the drought South Africa is having, there was hardly any water. This week, we visited an orphanage, which was probably one of the most eye opening experiences I've ever had. We played games with the kids, and spent the rest of the afternoon with them. It has inspired me to donate or do something for these kids, because they were absolutely great. And I got some pictures, so yeah. Look forward to seeing those. We also went to a Zulu healing ceramony. It was in a small hut, completely filled with locals. They spoke Zulu through out the entire ceramony (obviously), so we didn't understand anything, but it was enough just being there and watching it. They were very into it, and I have rarely seen that kind of excitement at home. Today we are going to a traditional Zulu wedding, and I can't wait... we also get to see the indian ocean today! Looking forward to writing my next post to let you all know how/what we are doing at The Traveling School!
Until the next post...
Jenna

Rappelling

(Although Jenna isn't in this picture, she did do this rappell as she mentions in her post from 10/6. Gulp! I'm glad I didn't see this picture beforehand. Jenna's mom)

10/1/07 email update

(From email Jenna sent 10/1 and pictures sent by one of the teachers. The picture above is at the Ampitheater summit that Jenna mentions below. Jenna is the one wearing the striped hat on the right. Enjoy! Posted by Jenna's mom)

Hello everyone!!

I'm alive and well. The Traveling School is probably the coolest thing I've ever heard/been a part of. Time flies by SO FAST. I can't belive it's already been a month. The teachers are awesome and totally inspiring. Sorry if I spell things wrong, but it's hard to see with this computer. I really like the girls, and we are all getting used to the Traveling School life. We've been to many amazing and beautiful places, and experienced crazy things. Classes are going great, and I'm learning more than I ever have. We always have fun no matter what the conditions are. For example, we had to camp outside in the pouring rain, and we ended up having a talent show...just because. The Traveling School motto is: flexibility. And we are all reminded of that every day. When we were at the Ampitheater lodge, we were in the middle of history class (which is so interesting) we decided to instead go on an intense hike in the mountains because the rain stopped. We are always busy, and we DO infact, have a lot of homework. So even though it's kind of like a camp, it's still a school. Check out the places I've been. You'll be impressed. Also, I've taken LOADS and LOADS of pictures, so don't worry. you'll see them. And finally, a great story to end the email. When we were in Kruger, we saw a LION...attack an IMPALA!!! WHAT!?!?! crazy. pure madness. we saw the big 5, which was really lucky. But seriously. A lion attacking an impala right by the road. helloooo national geographic.


(typical southern African sunset)