July 15: First Meal in Johannesburg

Tefo (wearing his Carolina sweat shirt) and Tshego met us this morning with Timbo, our bus driver. Great to see them again! That was nearly 12 hours ago just after we all had finished a wonderful breakfast and a much appreciated nights sleep in a comfortable bed. Since then we've had a real adventure. Sustained by a diet of cookies, nuts and chips, we have experienced two check points, a magical mystery tour (our bus driver lost his route) and the most amazing sunset along the northern border of South Africa. Thank goodness (and Kelly) for technology as Nils texted his wife, Kelly in Durham, NC to have her send us directions. Our dinner awaits us at the Honeymoon Lodge in Serowe, about a two hour drive from the border check. The group has been great, watching two Harry Potter movies and have kept a sense of humor and support throughout the day. In the morning we join over one-hundred other young people for the "International Conference for Young Anglicans in Botswana"
Oioi!

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Greetings from South Africa. Just slept in a lush hotel next to the airport - it was nice to get some sleep! We are now on route to Serowe. Everyone is gutted about missing Harry Potter but we are so excited about being here so it's nee bother. Also it's Sally's 17th Birthday today (WOOOO) . Fun times. Love Emma & Sally X

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Hellllooooo!!! :-D
After our day of flying and a night in a fantabulicious hotel in Johannesburg, we are now on the bus to Botswana and it's nice and sunny :-) We've been comparing differences between our countries; especially accents, dialects and even shops! It's been nice to meet everyone and are looking forward to the fun th/ t is to come! Georgie and Lydia xx

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Look at us Mom and Dad!!!
We finally arrived in Joburg after a grueling 16 hour flight. We were pampered by the hotel with DELICIOUS hot chocolate, mac & cheeseee/, and hazelnut brownies. We are slowly becoming accustomed to the culture... like not having clocks in the hotel rooms! Thankfully, the phrase "We're on Botswana time" is a legit excuse. We love bonding with "Our Brits" over Harry Potter, goofy accents, and the ever-fun name game. Hopefully we'll get used to the time change and chilly weather!
Hugs and kisses back home,
Hayley and Blythe

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PS The weather is not 'chilly' for English standards - it is beach weather. (Emma and Sally)

hey, landed safely and the hotel was lush. the flight was good, plenty entertainment and got some great pictures of the clouds and flying over the desert!
On a 7 hour bus Journey and the weather is beautifully hot. the landscape is amazing and i'm really looking forward to botswana, catch you guys later, Jo

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We have at least gotten some sleep at the City Lodge. Please check out Botswana Youth Trip 2011 on Facebook (and like the page) for even more updates and pictures. We are waiting for the bus to pick us up for our journey to Serowe, Botswana!