Our Time in South Africa and at Michaelhouse: Cole Thornton and Turner Johnson

Our Time in South Africa and at Michaelhouse: Cole Thornton and Turner Johnson

Day 1:
We landed in Durban at 10 pm after a full 24 hours of travel and met our host brother Murray and his mother, Deborah Finlay. They took us back to their home in the Mount Edgecomb subdivision and introduced us to Rusks and Milo while discussing our respective cultures.

Day 2:
After a good night's sleep and a late morning due to jet-lag, we ate a quick breakfast and headed out to the coast. We spent the day on the beach and at the Ushaka Water Park where we snorkeled, watched dolphin shows and tried Steers, a staple of South African fast food. Upon returning home, we played golf on the neighborhood course and had an ostrich, chicken and sausage dinner.

Day 3:

The next day we drove around the city of Durban and visited various cultural sites. We spent the afternoon at the enormous Gateway Mall and ended the day relaxing at the beautiful Oyster Hotel and dining at the Bar B Coa restaurant. 

Day 4:

We left early to meet our next host family, the Nortons, who lived in Howick. Rosebud Norton and her son Will picked us up and we bade the Finlays farewell. After dropping our things at their lovely home, we drove through the countryside of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. We stopped at the historic Nelson Mandela capture sight and saw the simple but powerful monument and museum. They then showed us the Michaelhouse grounds and took us go-karting before we came home to enjoy a delicious dinner and conversations.

Day 5: 

On our second day with the Nortons, we go to experience some genuine African shopping at the local market in Howick where we were able to cover gifts for us and our families. That afternoon, we headed to the famous Karkloof Canopy tours. We spent two exciting hours zip-lining through the top of a mist forest while overlooking the midlands. After arriving home, we ate dinner with the Norton's extended family and prepared to go to our last family in the morning.

Day 6 and 7:

We met our last family, the Pitts, and drove to their farm in Underberg. Our two days here were incredible and full. We chased sheep, milked cows and played porch tennis on their beautiful farm in the scenic mountains. On the second day with them we visited Sani Pass in the Lesotho. We experienced a different aspect of African culture and many spectacular vistas. That night, we packed up and headed for our final three weeks at Michaelhouse. 

Our Time at Michaelhouse School:

In our time at Michaelhouse we met a bunch of amazing people and took some amazing classes. Turner was able to explore some of his interest in his Economics and Accounting classes, and Cole could flourish in his History and Art classes. We both participated in sport while we were on campus. Cole played tennis and we both played soccer and squash. Living in Mackenzie House, We met friends that we will never forget and forged friendships that will never fade. 

Game Reserve:

During out stay at Michaelhouse we took three days and went on a safari at the Nambiti Game Reserve at the N 'daka lodge. We went on four game drives and saw a ton of beautiful animals; elephants, buffalo, ostrich, rhino, impala, kudu, zebra, giraffe, lion, and hippo. We also ate delicious food on the trip to Nambiti. 

Final Thoughts:

Our time in South Africa was a truly unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime trip. We got to experience so many different areas and ways of life, from city to town to farm, all while journeying through the scenic countryside. We met so many wonderful people and loved our stay at Michaelhouse. We definitely recommend this exchange!!