Buccs, I'll be back! (Chintsa - the beginning).

Sunday, 10 February 2013

(Song choice for this blog entry: "Pretty Lights" - Finally Moving Remix)

I pushed my way out of the Baz Bus after an emotional journey and gave Jay the driver a long hug. It was very hard to say goodbye to this man.

It had been a 4 hour journey from Port Elizabeth to Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers in Chintsa, and it had been surprisingly easy to get here.

I found myself in what seemed to be a little village on a hill overlooking the entire bay area. A calm lagoon spread itself across the space separating the hill from Chintsa East. This village was the backpackers - and what a breathtaking backpackers it is!

I lugged my bags up to the reception area where I was greeted by a vibrant young local woman, Michelle. Michelle is from the surrounding village, and has been working for Buccaneers since she was in her teens - practically family! I checked in and was shown to an exquisite and comfortable room. So simple.

Here I am to spend one night before I start working with the VA32'South (Volunteer Africa) on the Wild Coast School Project for the next week. Here I will work with children from the surrounding village in Chintsa East, teaching them computer literacy skills, as well as environmental and aesthetic upliftment. VA32'South Runs volunteer programs in non-invasive education and conservation which opens up room for both international AND local volunteers. I will then return back to Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers for the following Friday and Saturday nights.

In the late afternoon I met with Ash, he is the volunteer co-ordinator of VA32'South.

We sat at the backpackers pool bar, where we enjoyed a casual beer while Ash broke down the following weeks itinerary list for me. Starting tomorrow up until Friday, I will be moving into the communal accomodation/digs, where I will join three other current volunteers from Brazil.

Each  morning starts at 08h00:

I will be up and ready-to-go at the main office in Chintsa East by 08h00, where I am to head to the village to begin teaching computer literacy lessons. The morning starts at the Chintsa East Primary School at 08h30 ending at 11h30. From 11h30 to 12h30 we will be preparing lesson, allowing children to play educational games on the computer, followed by packing up all the equipment. We then return home for lunch until 15h00.

Each afternoon we will be offered a different activity (generally between the times of 14h00 - 17h00, but changes accordingly):

Monday: cultural activity for volunteers (beach walks, sundowners, Xhosa-lessons, boat rides etc)
Tuesday: Volunteers teach sports to the village kids at the Chintsa East Sport Field (football, rugby, volleyball, netball etc...)
Wednesday: Volunteers visit the Greensleeves Children's Home (orphanage).
Thursday: Volunteers teach sports to the village kids at the Chintsa East Sport Field (football, rugby, volleyball, netball etc...)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Volunteer free-time, and are free to travel around on the weekends or are welcome to stay at the communal accomodation.

I now retire for the evening at 23h00, after shovelling a delicious plate of spaghetti bolognaise down my throat, watching a lightning storm, and chatting to the other travellers of these parts. Although meals are optional and it is open to self-catering, they are hard to resist! Sal Price, one of the current owners, puts on delicious spreads which cater for vegetarians too.  Each night the backpackers has a themed dinner. I have arranged to return to the backpackers to experience their Mexican, South African Braai, as well as their Traditional Xhosa evenings - something I look forward to.

ALI'S TIP OF THE TRIP: Bring a torch. Walking back to your room/dorm at night from the main house can be quite an adventure in the dark, especially when you are barefoot!

My own ensuite room, lounge and balcony, Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers, Chintsa.

Private sundeck with a view of SA's finest.

Comfy bed, no broken springs.

Toilet with a view. 

Chintsa beach and lagoon. This beach has WARM water in comparison to Cape Town! Unfortunately, the lagoon hardly ever breaks open to the ocean. This is a direct result of man-made dam which was built a few years back, 2kms upstream, despite being advised to not build a dam closer than 5kms away from the river mouth. A sad truth- this affects the entire ecosystem of what was a thriving estuary. 

Afternoon siesta. Buccaneers is like a village. If you want to partake in the community and the daily activities it has to offer it is just a few steps away. If you are looking for some quite time, you can nestle in your own space quietly and hit the sack for a couple of hours.

 

What used to be a chicken farm was bought by Sal and Sean Price's parents in the early '80s. Back then the property was desolate - no trees or plants. Their parents re-introduced vegetation to the property and built all the structures on the property. Today, their children (Sal and Sean) co-own and manage the lodge and backpackers. 

Some people never leave. This combie parked and never left. It has been in the same spot for almost 10 years. One of the many relics of this magic spot.

Over 30 years of nurturing has gone into this magnificent space which is spread over 8 hectares.

Buccs' Bush Spa: at the bottom of the property is a secret spa. Treat yourself to a massage, or start the day  with a morning yoga class.

Pool Bar: fully-functional bar with pizza oven at the bottom of the property, with easy access to the lagoon and the beach. You should recognise this space as the perfect pool party arena. Above the bar is a sundeck with lounging chairs, perfect for socialising and meeting other travellers.

Daily get-togethers below the pool bar at the volleyball court with free wine :) !!!