Jac’s Africa Diary: Sat 1st Sept - getting ready to go

(Paragon joined the C&IT CSR Challenge in South Africa team to KwaZulu-Natal, SA, 3 - 9 Sept - on a two-day build of two houses at the Mziki Argi Village project and visited some amazing destination properties -read all about it here).

Wow..lot’s to organise!  I’ve just taken my first malaria tablet today….

Managed to elbow my way through a bunch of builders yesterday to buy steel cap boots - only to find they don’t do them in girlie sizes (funny that!), so I’ve bought a pair 2 sizes too big.  I’ve also got a hard hat, pair of safety goggles and 4 sets of building gloves.  We’ve been told it’s best to put talc into the gloves as we’re going to get very sweaty.  And on I can’t tell you the trouble I’ve had trying to find a bandana (also on the list of ‘must bring’).  When was the last time you saw anyone in a bandana?  Still - best to be prepared.

Anyhow, I’m very excited and a little apprehensive, but my motto is always to try and do one thing each day that scares me.  However, we’re all in very safe hands with South African Tourism and Habitat for Humanity.

The final Itinerary looks truly amazing.  Here’s just a very brief run down:

• Monday - fly out to Durban
• Tuesday - arrive and travel to ‘Kings Grant Country Retreat’ where we’ll be staying during the build.  Country and safety briefing followed by a ‘braai’ - traditional SA BBQ
• Wednesday - off to the building area at the Mziki Agri Village Project for a day of building and community interaction (we’ve included their profiles in the diary).  Really looking forward to meeting them
• Thursday - more building with the promise of a sundowner and snack at the ‘brickfield dam’ at the end of the day
• Friday - fly to Phinda to stay at the Phinda Mountain Lodge (lots happening here - including a snake presentation?…!)
• Saturday - whale shark tagging, tracking them via GPS and maybe going up in a plane or on a boat to spot them
• Sunday - travel to the Zimbali Coastal Resort…