Settling Down At Golden Gate Highlands NP

Sunny South Africa! Here I come! Counting elephants daily on a safari! Where's my sun block?! My insect repellent! My shorts?! My tank top?! My hat!?

That was for a few months before I left Singapore. The day before I left Singapore I was told that I would be stationed at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. I repeat, it is a HIGHLANDS national park where it snows and where summer doesn't reach beyond early 20 degrees Celsius. Let me paraphrase again, summer during the day doesn't get warmer than the coldest night back home. Currently in sunny Singapore, i already use a quilt at night (without aircon, just my windows open); plus I already sometimes turn blue after bathing at night due to the cold weather. Now, I am transported to a freezer almost 2000m above sea level.

I had to repack all my clothes & stuff.

I had to rethink my safari dream & anticipated experiences.

Nevertheless, I am glad i was told before i left. At least i would not be stranded at my snowy winter wonderland dressed in shorts and tank tops.

Thankfully, it is the end of winter at Golden Gate, and it is starting to get warmer. I have managed to settle down comfortably, and converted my little hut into a warm home. The previous occupants (former GVIs) were all males, as such my supervisor was initially concerned that it may not be suitable for a lady (*er hrm*) to live in. Other than the clothes line being too high for me to reach, the house is quite well equipped. The scenery infront of the house is also beautiful. Sometimes, the horse will gather and feed infront of the house. I also get the sun the whole day to the left of my house. The stars are also amazing at night!

My colleagues are really warm and new friendships are easily formed. Their friendliness made it even easier for me to settle in. It did help that my birthday was a week after I arrived, and they did a mini celebration – with balloons and a homemade cake. We also did a massive pizza together, it was almost the size of a small table! Thankfully, I could reciprocate their kindness with peanut butter cookies (which I learnt from Vishalla & Bridget how to do during the first two weeks training in Kruger).

Workwise, it is very similar to home, except that I am obviously enjoying myself more here. I am now involved in environmental education work. Basically helping out with groups coming into Golden Gate and raising awareness on environmental issues. Also get to canoe or hike or have a campfire at least once a week. Get to teach pupils and share teaching strategies and ideas with fellow colleagues. Weekends - busy with cleaning up house, laundry, walking around. Unfortunately or fortunately, no television =)

Food – currently there is Kids in Park programme, i.e. food is provided as the pupils stay in the dorms for a 3D2N camp. Nevertheless, there are still some meals that I have to prepare on my own. But it's fine, and I could try out many different recipes. Meat is expensive, but the rest of the basic necessities are easily available (about 48km away – er, although that's further than from changi to Jurong, i.e. the whole Singapore can fit inbetween GG and Bethlehem – where i get my groceries).

Currently enjoying the space and fresh air that is around! =)