Team Leader Monday 16 November - Tuesday 17th November

Upon arrival in Bethlehem we were met, as we have become accustomed to, by friendly and welcoming Rotarians and after leaving luggage at Tess and Hannes Heymans' house were taken to Lions Rock sanctuary. This was established to provide a better environment for Lions held in dreadful conditions in Romanian Zoos. Whilst their keepers tried their best to look after the animals, financial difficulties impacted on their care. Although the animals at Lions Rock do not have the area to roam in, that you would see in some of the Game Reserves, the care and attention that they enjoy is impressive and a significant improvement on their previous surroundings. After the odd drink with our Rotarian party (well it would be rude to say no!!) we left to meet our new individual Rotarian hosts and each enjoyed dinner and more hospitality at their homes.

Tuesday 17th November

This was a cultural day with our first visit being the Basothu Cultural Village situated about 25km from the world renowned Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The village depicts the architectural and life style of Basutho from as early as the 16th Century to the present day.
The guided tour started with the announcement of our arrival to the Chief as it was traditional that any visitors to the villages could not enter without the Chief's awareness and agreement. We were then offered to take traditional beer with the Chief as a sign of his friendship but in Basotho culture, it was always men first and ladies second. Whilst an interesting experience, I am not sure that it will be an export product for South Africa! However it was possibly the only occasion that I have seen Mike refuse a beer on the trip.
Our guide then took us to the various houses and were introduced to the Chief's three wives who in traditional Basotho culture offered us various foods as a sign of their hospitality. It was interesting to see how the change in lifestyle/culture altered as a result of the influence of the missionaries and European settlers.
Upon leaving the village we had a scenic drive(is anywhere not scenic here) and temporarily stopped at Little Switzerland which is an upmarket Hotel/Restaurant with fabulous views and numerous sporting activities. Sarah, ever being the adventurous sportsperson, could not resist the trampoline and wood obstacle course whilst the rest of us enjoyed the peace and splendour.
We then proceeded to the Drakensburg Pumped Storage Scheme in the picturesque mountains of the Northern Drakensberg of KwaZula-Natal. The scheme is a joint venture between Eskom(South Africa's electricity utility) and the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs. This Hydro electric power station is situated 156 metres below ground level and is capable of generating 1,000MW of electricity for the National Grid at peak times. Other than the dam wall, lift shaft buildings and transmission lines, all installations are underground. The station uses water from the reservoirs to power the huge turbines and then in off peak periods, the water is then pumped back up to start the procedure all over again. Our visit underground to see the technology at work was most impressive, although it was just as well that we had not enjoyed the usual South African hospitality beforehand, as we were subjected to a breath test!! Fortunately we all passed which amazed most of us.
Whilst we spent some time in the afternoon catching up with the blog and Conference Presentation (Geoff spent most of the time logged onto his office!) we had a "little hospitality" by being taken to the Bethlehem Club which was built in 1915 and previously known as the British Club during their tenure. We were very honoured as the Club rules stipulate "no ladies" but the Club President waived this rule, thus meaning that Sarah and Natasha did not have to enjoy a coke and crisps in the car waiting for us outside. I believe that word of their impact had clearly reached Bethlehem beforehand.
Our thanks to David and Brian for all their efforts in escorting us during the day and to the Rotarian's and others that we met in the Club for their hospitality.
Mike and I were rather late in returning to our hosts Bruce and Win, who were nevertheless their usual charming self and at the time of writing this on Wednesday morning, are still providing us with breakfast. The team are out on their own vocational visits and interesting comments will follow. This evening we will be presenting to the Rotary Club and a braai is proposed although at the time of writing this, it's RAINING!!! I believe that they are getting us used to the weather upon our return to the UK next week.