Hello guinea pigs! We are going to make this as quick as possible because we know what your attention span is like. We’re here with your GLA time capsule, which is basically our opportunity to shoot the shi… but in a different way than what you all experienced in the bush. I just wrote a near miss form and literally wrote “Impala dung in all students’ mouths.” Oh well, way to go Bella for beating Mike.
Your Code of Conduct skits were actually hilarious. Shout out to Raymond for blowing those impressive smoke rings. And Kris for reminding us that you can see Rhinos on Instagram.
I must say though that at the end of every day, I’d get a little delirious and the most manic of my laughter stemmed from the construction of the daily schedule by the leaders of the day. Shout out to Maggie and Hannah for the most ridiculous drawing of Jerome and Fatsy. Part pig, part rat, but identifies as cat… no wonder Hannah saw a shape shifting rhino.
And Kya! Your monkey impression. So unexpectedly perfect. Way to giv’r. Mike still has the recording on his phone. It’s his alarm clock.
Shout out to all of you for not getting injured during Birdie on a Perch. Brian and Jesse displayed full throttle trust and dedication. But kudos to Mecca and Audree for coming out on top! I wish there was audible Mecca commentary during that game.
Speaking of Mecca commentary, I tried so many times to channel my inner Mecca when seeing giraffes and while using the astro laser to point out stars. Oh sugarplum! Oh dang!
Speaking of exciting new things, Sowon, high five to you on your successful trials and new experiences on snorkel day. I hope you felt supported.
Another successful trial was when we were roasting marshmellows on those painfully short sticks. Shout out to Jesse’s innovation and perseverance in his contraption that resembled a flimsy fishing rod, despite much doubt. Your cheeky confidence is admirable and hilarious.
My favourite part of the Scavenger Hunt was when Shadrek realized Maggie, Victoria, Brian and Bella listed everyone except him and Mike as guides.
To be fair, Heike was a spectacular guide and taught us all so much about elephants and rhinos. My favourite elephant fact was when Audree asked her when elephant mating season is, to which she responded with, “all the time.”
Mary, I can’t believe you even considered asking if you could hug the hippo while we were kayaking. Then you were brave enough to splash Mecca. I mean, I’m all for living on the edge, but you took it to a whole other level.
Liz you are a beast of a paddle partner! And I can’t believe you even suggested that we just leave you behind on the sand dune. I’m so proud that you made it and that we didn’t have to physically push you.
Priya, have you ever considered being a pin cushion? You did a really good job of attracting all the thorns and splinters. In some parts of the world, first aiders wouldn’t be permitted to remove them because it’s considered a surgical operation. You should consider being a surgeon after all the practice you’ve had.
Victoria I think that everyone will agree that you deserve a round of applause for putting an end to Mike’s taunting during magnetic feet. The fact that you were able to successfully confiscate the ball and hold onto it was probably such a relief. Wait, didn’t you also accidentally demagnetize toward the end of the challenge…?
Kris, after two days, I’m so happy you were able to finally spear a fish. And throw Jesse in the pool.
Catherine, remember that time that you were really lucky? Yeah, neither do we. But in all seriousness, the kind of friendship where before you part ways, you’re already booking flights to see each other again is one that is more special than not getting pink eye or having a functional backpack. That arrives on the same plane that you do.
I hope that while it may seem like we’re mocking you from afar, that you also take this as a sincere tribute to a beautiful and hilarious time we shared together. Thank you so much for your hard work, your patience as guinea pigs, being incredibly supportive of each other and staff, and generally being rad. Jannie may have cast an unlucky curse on some of you, but all of you pushed past the obstacles because you are all fierce, strong and unstoppable forces. Wherever you decide to go and whatever you decide to do, I hope you always remember that you’re the best of us. Oh, and Makaza says hello!
-Jaime and Ash
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