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Giuseppe Di Mattina writes......about his experience while volunteering in South Africa.Hi, My name is Giuseppe Di Mattina and I am from Wellington, New Zealand. At 35 years old this is my chance to experience a different culture and explore South Africa from a hands on point of view. My current background is in the financial industry so this experience should be vastly different and one that I am looking forward to completing. 21-Jul-2005 9 days to go until I leave New Zealand for a huge adventure in South Africa. This is just a quick entry to gain the link for my relatives and friends to monitor my progress (Actually I think more to check on my Sanity on a regular basis). 3-Aug-2005 Africa, what can I say I came I saw and I conquered. Well maybe not. The trip over was extreme, Singapore airport was mind blowing for me, huge, Almost went and had a massage at the airport drew the line at having my nails done. On a serious note with layovers and travelling time took about 26 hours to arrive, lets just say I was shattered. Met some interest people from the artist who hated flying, the civil servant going to Sri Lanker (couldn't understand a word he said so I just did a lot of nodding) and finally this crazy guy from Zambia most entertaining. Arrival in south africa was bit of eye opener, Lets just say this boy was no longer in Wellington. They had shotguns just to guard a carpark. Klipkop where I am staying is an amazing place and I am in a group of fantastic people who have had some amazing experiences out side this placement. It certainly is a large world out their and some of these guys have seen a hell of alot of it. First day here orientation, managed to cut my hand open on some grass, found out later it is call Razor Grass (giving me that information earlier might have helped), Lets just say I have spilt blood for Africa. The reserve has a quite a wild array of animals, So far I have seen Zebra, Impala, Springbok, Kudu, Eland and alot that I can't pronounce let alone spell. Spent today clearing a track of rocks and trees, Found Muscles that have been dormant for sometime and have found reawaken a troubling experience. All in all its been fantastic so far the country is beautiful a bit cool in the mornings and nights but the days are quite hot. Going to have a tan on my return. It's only been a couple of days so will have alot more to follow. In closing go THE ALL BLACKS, looking for a win against the Springbok. Shiny Leaves, Wait a while! - 5-Aug-2005 Time for another quick lesson in the local plant life. Now I can't quite get my tongue around the African name but the translation is Shiny Leaves, Wait a While. Sounds rather poetic, However, yes there is a but, and once again one that should have been disclosed earlier rather than later. The tree is a thorn bush with two different types of spikes some that are straight and some that are hooked. When you get scratched you have to stop and slowly go back the way you came to stop the hooks digging in even further. Experience and hindsight are wonderful things. Still loving the country, Went to the mall yesterday, It was huge, lets just say Queensgate pales in comparison. Got to drive one of the cars, Tim the park manager drove the lead car, he's an interesting driver so enjoyed the pursuit. Funny the thing that I bought most of was fluid, Its pretty hot during the day. Oh by the way I have given up Diet Coke, Been clean now for over 4 days without any withdrawals (See pigs do fly.) Highlight of today was going to Beef cor a local meat works to pick up beef legs for the Vultures restaurant. We dumped the meat in the bush to feed the vultures and other scavengers. This area is just scattered with bones and half eaten animals. This weekend a group of us are going to Pilanesberg National Park, Just outside Sun City. The park has White and black rhinos, elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, Jackals, Hyenas and even a few cheetahs. Really looking forward to it, should be a very educational trip. Tomorrow is fencing work and their will be no swords involved. The work that has already been done at the park has made quite a spectacular environment for the animals to live in and for us to be lucky enough to see them living in a natural environment. Anyway got to go, Next installment will be next week after I arrive back Pilanesberg. Oh by the way hope it's not raining in NZ Clean Living? - 8-Aug-2005 Becoming an enlightened man, Don't know if its the clean fresh air, the healthy diet or the lack of caffeine (I will contradict myself later) But loving it all. Friday was another work day, If you can imagine the old movies with the American chain gangs moving rocks, Get rid of the chains and we have a perfect picture of Friday morning. Quite satisfying in the end once you review the work completed. So Friday afternoon we have off and a group of us are off to the Sterkfontein Caves, otherwise know as "The Cradle of Human Kind". Huge caves where human fossils millions of years old have been found. Very impressive, Although had another wee accident with my finger opening up and bleeding in the cave. Suspect in a Million years something should evolve with my DNA. (now that�s frightening). Okay so the big trip this weekend is to Pilanesberg National Park. It was incredible, Driving up in this beat up Fiat Uno 3 hours (should have been 2 but went the scenic route, code for getting lost), the other guys had a telstar, feel like I was lucky to make it and be alive. Anyway arrive at the park saw a huge variety of animals from when we toured around and also a night drive that we went on. Highlight was the Cheetah and also the elephants. Should have some pretty fantastic photo's. That evening we had booked in to a hostel called the Revel Inn. It was in the middle of no where. Here we are pitch dark going up this rough trail getting more worried by the moment. If you have ever seen Deliverance, imagine it without the canoes. When we arrived it was like a hippies paradise, These houses made of stone and bottles. In the end it was really cool and I would thoroughly recommend the place. Must admit the tension could have been cut with a knife when half way their the fiat decided to stall. You could almost hear the Banjos playing. Saturday night was also memorable for the KFC that I ate (remember the healthy living quote) After a day of little food we didn't have much choice, But did I pay later. I swear never again. Sunday after breakfast, we when to Sun City, basically a huge casino with this amazing fake beach, Was pretty impressive, But enjoyed the park more. I am really loving the expressions that I am picking up from the Americans, like getting up early is "Butt crack of dawn" and my all time favourite is BFE when you are lost. I will explain this one when I get back. Back to work this week, So will let you know a wee bit more about the reserve in my next entry. To quote another great American That�s all Folks Home Sweet Home - 12-Aug-2005 Lets have a chat about where I am staying. Klipkop is apparently 5000 hectares (got that from another volunteer, so the source could be a bit suspect) but the reserve is only a small portion of that area. From the same source Klipkop means "Stone Head". Now their is some irony when it comes to this, Twofold Firstly the amount of rocks that I have had to move since arriving to prepare for fence building, it�s almost become a hobby. I am thinking about ordering a pile of rocks for my backward in Wellington and moving them from one spot to another and back again just so I don't get out of practice. Secondly, well we will discuss that one when I get home. I have also learned a new phrase, " a gated community" to me that means Prison, But here in SA its everywhere in terms of protection. I must admit though I feel quite safe here so far, Even when I have been out and about, It's an eye opener but safe. To be honest I think the fence is there to keep me in! The house that I am staying in has about 7 dogs and I don't know how many cats. There are really some lovable rogues, my personal favourite is Muttley or as they call him Tripod. He's about Jack Russell size and is about a year old and had an unfortunate accident with a Zebra. He now only has three legs. Tripod can really move, If you have ever been overtaken by a three legged dog it does wonders for your ego, I should know. The other notorious character in the house is a cat that sneaks into your room and steals your clothes, But it gets better, that cat then proceeds to drag them somewhere and suck on them. I have a piece of clothing missing and at the moment I am blaming that bloody cat. I am currently sharing a room with four other guys, Thank god for ear plugs and that�s just for my snoring. I should tell you a little about the others but I am saving that for my Tell All book, plus they may read this and I bruise easily, Nah great group. The whether here is hot during the day but cold at night, Thank God for my Katmandu clothing. We went on a night drive through the park a couple of days ago didn't see much but I had thermals, so was toasty and warm while another volunteer wore PJ's under their clothes (notice I have kept gender and the name quiet, once again I bruise easily) If anyone one from GVN or Katmandu reads this, great opportunity to cross market similar to likes of Outward Bound. Just make my cheque out for the promotion to GVN I am feeling charitable. Anyway got to go, this weekend going to the museum in Pretoria. Looking for some culture, I have hidden depths Blissful Ignorance - 15-Aug-2005 Lets talk about some of the other activities at Klipkop, the other day we did a chat about survival skills, Quite remarkable how similar it is to the NZ bush survival skills. That is until we start talking about predators, the great thing in NZ is their is basically nothing that will eat you, here on the other hand...... I was cool until we started talking about snakes, types, size, venom, length of fangs. Up until now I have been in what I would call a state of "Blissful Ignorance". Now blissful ignorance is fantastic until someone bursts your bubble, my way of thinking is that I am happy to bump into a snake, I just have issues if the snake bumps into me. At the moment it's winter and the snakes are mostly dormant. Apparently they like to keep away from us anyway. In the the last two weeks I have not seen one, and long may it continue, as they say from my lips to to gods ears. Now during my time here I am learning all about other cultures. Here are some more interesting cross cultural variations. In New Zealand we have a foot stool, In America it's an Ottoman and in the UK it's a Poof. I don't need to say anything!!! In New Zealand we have Washing up liquid, In America detergent and in the UK we have Fairy Liquid. I can see it now an All Black prop in the kitchen doing his dishes asking for the Fairy Liquid. This weekend the highlight was a visit to Pretoria and the Transval Musuem. It houses three displays the Genesis of life, the Bird hall and the Geoscience museum. All very interesting especially all the stuffed birds, but that�s enough culture for me. Next weekend we are all going to Kruger National Park. One of the largest Parks in SA, this will be our long weekend, 4 days. I have also booked 7 days in Cape town the weekend after with a couple of the other volunteers, Looking to do a sea Kayaking trip, Maybe ballooning and some mountain Biking so looking forward to that as well. I found an Interesting quote on the wall of the volunteers lounge, Don't panic its clean, But it goes like this... LIFE IS MOSTLY FROTH AND BUBBLE, TWO THINGS STAND LIKE STONE. KINDNESS IN ANOTHERS TROUBLES, COURAGE IN YOUR OWN. Sends the right message don't you think.... Yours still alive and conquering Africa Giuseppe A man's best friend, EAR PLUGS - 19-Aug-2005 I haven�t talked about the person who is looking after us here at Klipkop. Tim who is the reserve manager is what I would call a miniature Steve Urwin. This guy has a tendency to get bitten by just about every animal in South Africa and he has the scars to prove it, not to mention a chainsaw. Still working out how reassuring this is when walking through the bush with him. Nah good guy knows his stuff and makes the experience rather interesting especially with the show and tell scar routine. The amazing thing that is until recently he was happy to wrestle crocodiles but he was scared of dogs, Go figure, but puts my little issue with snakes into perspective One of the best things I bought to South Africa has been Ear plugs. These beauties have helped me get regular full night sleeps and sharing with four other guys that�s not easy. Now I am not the first one to cast a stone as I may well snore myself but we do have an interesting character in the group who advised us when he arrived that he sometimes screams in his sleep. Now like everyone else I thought he was yanking my chain, until the other night, from the darkness came this scream, and scared the sh_t out of me. Most mornings I start with a walk before everyone else gets up, it gives me time to think, now my mind has a tendency to wonder and I couldn�t help wondering how this guy explains screaming in the middle of the night to a new partner? Does he sit her down hold her hand looking deep and meaningfully into eyes and say "Honey, I�m a screamer". One of life�s puzzles I suppose. Not a lot has happened this week digging fence pole holes and exploring the reserve. However tomorrow we are all off to Kruger National Park for four days. This is where the big 5 hangout, Camping in the park should be a blast so I will fill you in next week. While at Klipkop I am reflecting on the next stage of my life, As you all know I have recently quit my job looking for something more, Volunteering in South Africa is an opportunity to give something back while having time to step back and reflect. I am currently reading a book that a friend recommended by Po Bronson called "What Should I do with My life" Turns out to be an interesting read and I thoroughly recommend it, I just want to quote a quick passage, I hope Po won't mind. A conventional "success" story is one where, with each next, The protagonist has more money, more respect and more possessions. I'd like to suggest an alternative "success" story- one where, with each next, the protagonist is closer to finding that spot where he's no longer held back by his heart, and he explodes with talent and his character blossoms, and the gift he has to offer the world is apparent. I like the second success story. Catch you all next week "I Like it" - 24-Aug-2005 Our Intrepid adventurers are caravanning into deepest darkest South Africa in search of the elusive man eating Lions. Well maybe not. The truth is 10 volunteers a reserve manager, a Fiat Uno, Ford Telstar and a BMW all well past their prime trying to make their way to Kruger National Park. Somehow the first rendition sounds more romantic like the setting for Lawrence of Arabia or an India Jones Film. Highlights of the trip to Kruger, Dullstrom a place halfway to Kruger and in particular Harry�s Pancake House, what can I say I am a guy who is occasionally ruled by his stomach. Put this place in your diary its excellent 5 stars. Also in Dullstrom are a number of local stalls with all the usual tourist trap crap. Kruger itself is huge we spent two days driving around and I think we only barely scratched the surface. For all the people back home I know I am going to bore you all with the photo�s, May even look to get them made into slides, Like the idea of doing a slideshow night, realistically I just want to see how long it takes me to send you all to sleep. It�s small goals like these that keep me going. Highlight for me was how close we got to the Giraffes Elephants, baboons and monkeys that climbed on the car and of course the lions. When we made camp the first night another guide told us that a pride of lions had taken down a giraffe and would probably be around the carcass for the next couple of days. So next morning we found the carcass and lying near by the lions all full from their kill, Spectacular. The vultures were now tearing away at what was left of the giraffe. Huge birds that when flying are extremely elegant but on the ground these guys make Laurel and Hardy look like dramatic actors. The funniest part of the trip was a video made by one of the volunteers where he narrates while a rather timid vulture ungamely tries to get onto the carcass, the words get on their you pussy were his description, followed by a description about the stench from the carcass, and in the background you can here a German guy say "I like it" you need to hear the accent, absolutely priceless. Sorry I have stop can�t type and laugh. Speaking of accents I am an equal opportunity piss taker so it�s time to reveal some of the issues others have had with my accent, Yes I agree what accent. The first hint I may be in trouble was our first shopping trip while trying to find a place to change traveler�s cheques. Went to an information desk and asked for the Amex office, I was sent to the IMAX movie centre. To steal a phrase, "I didn�t stutter" It appears that the other�s find amusing the way Kiwis have shortened their responses ie "story" or "sweet" or in an affectionate moment "Sweet as". I use boot instead of a trunk for cars, not to mention bonnet instead of hood. But I am adamant a Toilet is a toilet is a toilet and not a bathroom. It also has become apparent that us Kiwi�s have a much more laid back approach to item we have never seen. There is that internal voice that will say "Shit that�s cools" but to pick on the Americans again it�s always at the top of their voice "Wow that�s Spectacular" I am amazed at how the Americans articulate everything that they are thinking (Actually quite cool). One might say the Kiwi culture is to be laid back, Almost to the point of horizontal. Back in NZ in a couple of weeks so if anyone I past on this website has any work give me a bell on giuseppe_dimattina@hotmail.com or wants to chat about South Africa as a destination feel free to drop me a bell. (Anyone else with issue on the kiwi accent are also most welcome to contribute) Alive!Sane thats up for debate - 29-Aug-2005 Quick entry, Currently on my trip to Cape town and also to Hermanus, you guys will have to wait until I get back next week for the full story..... However we have all Sub titled the trip, "We are going to die" Don't panic as always there is a funny side. Loving the trip so far! We are not going to die!! - 4-Sep-2005 It appears that my level of naivety as to the dangers to certain areas has coined the phrase "We are going to die". It has amazed me how preoccupied the others have been with this issue especially as many come from countries with similar crime issues. Whereas I have the thought process that if I am careful everything will be alright or at the very least I should be able to talk my way out of the situation. Now those people that know me would by now be laughing as I am not the most physically imposing guy, But much like my writing I have a tendency when walking to go off on tangents, So when in Capetown and heading for the waterfront I managed to steer the group to the Train Station an open air market and the final straw was cutting across a empty parking lot where homeless people were sleeping. It was at this stage the group threw a coup, I mean how much trouble can you get in when they are sleeping, in my defense we walked through fine. Capetown is a beautiful city, reminds me a lot of Wellington with the harbour and the green belt surrounding the city. We walked up Table Mountain, 3.5 hours should have been 3 but took a wrong turn, one might say the biggest Stairmaster I have even been on. I made it to the top reasonably easily a couple of our party struggled, but in the end all happy we walked up. What a view and the cable car ride down was fun. My other highlight was a restaurant called the Green Dolphin, a Jazz club. Great food, good Music and excellent company for the night, what more could you ask for�. I have had my first low point of the Trip, Stayed at a backpackers called Ashanti. The guy decided to take the piss out of the New Zealander, He even put me in the room next to the bar, knowing that I wouldn't get any sleep. So left after one night. Hey but I am not vindictive, anybody who reads this "Don�t go their" I am not bitter! Okay maybe a bit, alright a lot, buts it�s out of my system now!!! Also spent time in Harmanus small seaside town about 2 hours out of Capetown. Fantastic place, whales playing in the harbour that can be seen from shore. I went Kayaking with the whales, seals and also a loan penguin just amazing even if I did get a dunking (yep I know I deserve it, but at least appear to be shocked) Substitute to swearing in America, "DANG". If I ever use the phrase you can slap me around. But my favorite all-time new saying "A little Somethin Somethin" Still trying to work out its full meaning seems to change on a regular basis. Okay that enough from me, back at Klipkop until Friday then off to Singapore for 5 days�����.. Good Bye All - 9-Sep-2005 It�s my final night in South Africa and this is my final journal note. For anyone who has been following my journal notes this entry is a change in style and is really direct for myself. I came to South Africa to be part of something bigger than myself to actually give something back and in the process maybe learn about myself. To say this has been a success would be very short sighted the proof will come with time. I know that I will leave a very small legacy in the work that I have completed at Klipkop in terms of the conservation project and also the people I have met in the course of my journey. It�s strange but the whole process has given me time to view my own beliefs, morals and code of behavior and reflect via my actions, goals and passions. The funny thing is that I came to South Africa to give but intern I have received, Weird but true. To close, find below a quote from Nelson Mandela , Inaugural speech, 1994. Sums up my thoughts so much better than I could�..Take care all and a safe journey Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It�s is our light, not our darkness that most frighten us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be Brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God Your playing small doesn�t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won�t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It�s not just in some of us, it�s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same As we are liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberated others. |
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Honduras
Living with a Honduran family, and volunteering at projects in rural locations, volunteers will assist a community in need. > Read More
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