Thulani in Johannesburg, South Africa – Day 5

DAY 5: MONDAY 31st JANUARY 2011

Thulani joined Ryan at school today. Ryan goes St Stithians College, and is in Gr. 2 this year. St Stithians College is a Methodist Independant School, situated on a large piece of land , north of Johannesburg.
It has, arguably, the best view of Sandton, from it's top playing field.

St Stithians is one of the Elite Seven Schools in South Africa, and is also a member of the G20 group of schools, and the Round Square Conference of International Schools.
The Motto for St Stithians is "One And All" - A South African school making a world of difference.

Thulani in Gauteng - Day Four

DAY 4: SUNDAY 30th JANUARY 2011

Today Thulani joined the Weaver family on a family bike ride.

We are an active family, and like to do family activities on the weekend. Our family consists of:

Daddy Weaver: A Chemical Engineer

Mummy Weaver: A physiotherapist

Ryan Weaver: Age 7

Emily Weaver: Age 4

Luke Weaver: Age 3

We lived in England up until 2 and a half years ago. We make the most of the great climate that Johannesburg has to offer, and love to escape into the bush for short breaks.

Thulani in Gauteng, South Africa - Day 3

DAY 3: SATURDAY 29th JANUARY 2011

This morning Thulani went to cricket with our oldest son Ryan. Ryan plays cricket for one of the oldest sports clubs in Johannesburg: Old Parks.

This evening, Thulani joined us at The Spur. The Spur is a family friendly steak-house that is well known amongst parents with young children. There are playgrounds, face-painters and childrens entertainers at The Spur. Thulani had a great time meeting every-one... but unfortunately, the camera got left at home, so no photo evidence!

He went to bed a very tired bear tonight!! The children are taking it in turns as to whose bed Thulani sleeps in every night!

Thulani in Gauteng - Day 2

DAY 2: FRIDAY 28TH JANUARY 2011

Today, Thulani went to nursery school with our 4yr old daughter, Emily. She attends Land Of Oz Nursery School in Douglasdale.

Thulani had a fun day at school, playing with all the children, playing on the jungle-gym - and he even did Catrobatz, an extra-mural activity, after school!

Thulani in Gauteng - Day 1

DAY 1: THURSDAY 27th JANUARY 2011

Thulani has arrived safely in the Big Smoke of Johannesburg, or more specifically, Sandton, North of Johannesburg

There is much excitement in the Weaver household, as all 3 small Weavers want their time with Thulani.

Some history on Johannesburg:

Johannesburg is known as "The city of Gold" - or Egoli

Gold was discovered in Johannesburg in 1886, this triggered a mass migration of people from all over the world. Thus, Johannesburg is quite a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities.

The History of the gold -rush is evident around Johannesburg - driving on the high ways, one can see many of these mine dumps:

In the late '80's and early '90's, a lot of businesses moved out of Johannesburg, to Sandton, thus forming a new CBD. However - in recent years, the city has undergone a redevelopment programme, attracting both residents and businesses back into the CBD. I can't wait  for the end product - because what they have done thus far is making Jo'burg a beautiful city!

Thulani leaves home

Thulani is about to embark on his great adventure!  He is just about ready to leave his home-town of Shelly Beach, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, where he has lived happily with Grant, Gill, Roxy and Paula Richardson, as well as 3 dogs and 2 cats.

Shelly Beach is one of a string of small coastal towns on the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, collectively making up the “Hibiscus Coast”.  There are lots of lovely beaches in this area, so many tourists come here on holiday, especially in December.  Most of the tourists are South African, but we have some overseas visitors too.  The South coast of KZN has many sugar cane and banana farms, as well as macadamia nut plantations.

Visitors to the Hibiscus Coast love to swim in the warm Indian Ocean and laze on the beaches, especially in the Summer months, from early November to late March.  But that doesn’t mean the Winter months are boring; we get to see lots of whales in the Winter, as they pass our shores on their migratory journey between the Antarctic and their breeding grounds near to Mozambique.  We also have the annual Sardine Run in Winter, when millions of these small silver fish pass our shores, followed by thousands of dolphins, game fish and sea-gulls.  In Summer the mid-day temperature is usually in the upper 20s to mid-30s (celcius) and in Winter about 20 to 23 degrees Celcius.

The languages most spoken in this area of South Africa are English and Zulu, although you will also hear some Afrikaans and Xhosa.  South Africa has 11 official languages!  Kwa-Zulu Natal is also known as The Kingdom of the Zulu and has a monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini. 

Thulani has been raised in a typical South African home, where he has enjoyed many a “braai” (barbeque) and lazy days around the pool .....

Like his family, Thulani enjoys watching rugby on TV.  He is a proud supporter of the Sharks and the Springboks.

Gill, Jax, Paula and Roxy getting into the rugby spirit

Last week Thulani went to school with Paula:

Kelsey, Paula, Thulani, Yudhika and Kelly. (Thanks for taking the photo Mitchell!)

Today he got up close and personal with some wildlife at Lake Eland:

But now Thulani is ready for some new experiences, so he is hopping into a big padded envelope and embarking on the journey of a life-time, where he gets to meet many of you and experience all kinds of wonderful adventures. 

Hamba Kahle Thulani! (Go well Thulani!)

P.S In case you were wondering, Thulani’s name means Quietness, you’ll find he’s a very silent little fella!