Tucker's report from South Africa- First day

Thursday, March 8, 2012 8:05 AM (EST)

Landed in Cape Town

We made it! Johara and Mike, our travel agent and enthusiastic host, were waiting for us at the airport. 

I have to admit that as we walked through the terminal I was thinking "What do we do if no one is here to meet us." I must have been thinking it so "loudly" that the kids both said the same thing. After our long journey, we had to brace ourselves for anything. 

When I saw them waiting for us, I ran up to them and gave hugs all around. We took a driving tour around Cape Town on our way to pick up part of the group who hiked up and then back down Table Mountain today. 

Three other kids hiked up and then took the cable car down, and the others took the cable car both ways. Yes, they went to the beach in the morning on this perfectly sunny and warm day. They reported that the water was too cold for swimming. We'll see about that. 

After the hike, we all met up at the hotel for a few hours of down time to shower and nap before dinner. Some kids decided to walk around our block, others are taking it easy in their rooms. 

Mike has mapped out a great plan for us and he has lots of surprises for us during the week, including a concert and something special with our home-stay families. In the morning we go to the Leap School of Math and Science for our first day of community service. 

We also check out of the hotel for our three-night home-stay with local Mamas (their word choice, not mine.) I'm so very happy to be here and on the itinerary. And, don't worry, I will get my shot at hiking up table mountain this weekend with the other two.