|
|
|
The Diary of Steph Taylor
South Africa Field Guides Course from September 2006First Entry: 22nd March 2007
Hi Guys
Had another chance to visit civilisation, so thought I'd drop you a line! Really hot here still, about 35 degrees so am building up a nice tan, though I can't really justify wearing my bikini in the bush!!
I Have been really busy at College, this is my first afternoon off practically since I got here; this is harder than real work!! I Have had a mock written exam this morning & passed, yippee!! Proper practical on Sat & written one next Weds so need to get revising, though will be sure to have some birthday celebrations on Sat night!
Have eaten puff adder, which was interesting but a bit chewy to say the least, I def wouldn't recommend it, but i guess it was an experience! Am off to play with honey badgers & African wildcat this afternoon, can't wait!!! Just found out that one of our trips away will include Kruger, which is fab! We'll be camping for a wk on a private reserve, surrounded by the big 5!! Hopefully they won't get peckish in the middle of the night! |
 |
Gonna sign off for now as need to sort out a trip to Cape Town for our first week off, eventually an escape from the African workload!!
Speak soon, Steph xxxxxx
 |
Second Entry: 30th March 2007
Hi again guys, hope you're all good?
You'll be pleased to know I've been working really hard all morning checking the perimeter fence out, definitely beats the office job though. Far prefer 4 hrs of walking around in the sunshine!! Have seen the African Wild Cat now, she's soooo cute, I wanted to steal her! They've just got 6 lions in at the same place so I'll definitely be taking a trip to see them at some point!
Passed my practical exam & my written paper so just need my First Aid Cert & I'll be a qualified field guide!! Only level 1 though so I've still got a way to go! Starting the tracking course on Monday, reckon it's gonna be hard core, all the bloody footprints look the same to me! Hopefully I'll get the hang of it soon. Went to Mosselbaai on Wednesday so am making sure I'm still getting my beach time in despite the fact that its a pain to get anywhere!
I'll sign off for now as I'm running out of time, again!! Steph xxxx
|
Third Entry: 5th April 2007
Well Hello again!!!
I'm still studying/working really hard but it's good fun. I'm tracking at the moment & I know I said I couldn't tell one spoor from another I'm actually turning out to be quite good at it, only need 70% to pass & I'm on about 80+% so far!!! Can't be bad!! Have my assessment at the weekend so I'll let you know how I get on!
Got to release a Cape Cobra back into the bush (rather than it making it's home in Johan's kitchen!), I know it's not quite as impressive as releasing lions but I'm working on it!! Have also befriended an ostrich, so she may well be coming back in my suitcase, along with the African Wild Cat!!
Had a mad thunderstorm here last night, really needed it though as it's been so humid here & about 40+ degrees. Really needed it to rain a bit more to clear the air!! (Bet you thought I'd never say that!!) |
 |
I have loads of photos to email you, but as the internet time here is so slow I'm going wait until I'm in Cape Town on holiday as hopefully there will be quicker internet & I'll have more time! Have some great ones already to show you & you'll actually get to see the not so succulent 'Succulent Karroo' I'm living in!!
Ciao for now, Steph xxxx
Fourth Entry: 31st August 2007
Last day on the Course before starting her 6 months of practical work experience
 |
Hello peeps!!!!
Very long time no speak, well that's what it feels like anyway!!! They've been working us very hard since our return from Phalaborwa a few weeks ago but I'm pleased to say I am now a qualified Level 2 Field Guide & Level 1 Tracker as well as apparently being competent to shoot a rifle capable of killing an elephant & administer First Aid on you (which you may need after I've been let loose with a .375 calibre rifle!!) I came out of the course with the highest Level 2 mark out of all the guys on the course, which I was well chuffed about.
Am currently in Cape Town, spent the last 6 hours on a bus getting here which was fun, not, at least it was fairly quiet today. I'm ready now to jet off to my placement in Namibia tomorrow morning, I'm loving the fact that I get to see another country for 6 months, although slightly worried that I'm going to actually have to be responsible & work now with proper clients again!! I'm going to be working in the Namib Desert at the Namib Desert Lodge - this place is even more remote than the college but absolutely stunning. There's no really dangerous game there, a few leopards in the mountains but I'm sure they'll keep themselves to themselves!! At least I won't have to walk around armed with a rifle, which pleases me greatly!
At the end of this course I feel like I've learnt so much & had some amazing experiences that will give me everlasting memories, I'm actually really sad to have left the college today, wasn't easy saying goodbye to some people!!! |
I hope that I'll enjoy the next 6 months as much as I have enjoyed the previous ones.
Well guys, I'm gonna sign off for now, I hope this will keep you going for a while. Fingers crossed they have internet access in the Namib!!! I'll also be getting yet another new phone number when I get to Namibia as my SA one won't work over there. I'll let you know ASAP by email what the new number is.
Cheers vir eers (AKA cheers for now, my Afrikaans is quite good now, shame Namibia is German speaking!!)
Steph xxxxxxxxxx
Now Returned
What was the accommodation like?
Basic but clean. Shared a room with one other which was fine, we had our own bathroom although hot water was a bit scarce!!!!
What did you think of the programme / did your project and destination meet your expectations?
Thoroughly enjoyed the programme and learnt so much. Everything met and exceeded my expectations although I think it should be made clearer to international students that it is very difficult to get a work permit in Southern Africa purely on a Field Guide qualification.
What was the most memorable moment of your trip? Any anecdotes?
Arriving in the Kalahari on our first field trip, not knowing what to expect but feeling totally amazed by the beauty of the place. I stepped out of the bus onto the red sand and felt like I'd found the most beautiful place on Earth.
What do you feel you accomplished during your programme?
I've learnt so much about not just nature but African culture in general. It's great to now realise how everything in life interacts together and how tiny changes can have such a big impact.
As well as achieving the Field Guide qualifications including tracking and dealing with dangerous animals, I can now drive a 4x4 up huge sand dunes & fire a rifle capable of killing an elephant (although I'm not sure my aim is that good so I don't think I'll be taking up shooting as a new hobby!!!)
How have you benefited from your experience? How have you changed?
Although I don't want to work as a Field Guide I have gained many new life skills and proved to myself that I am capable of achieving so much. Living with people for 6mths from very different backgrounds to my own was a big eye opener and I've made life long friendships with some of them.
The last 12mths have made me a much more openly confident person & I feel that I can deal with pretty much whatever life throws at me.
What advice could you offer to someone considering this programme?
Be prepared to work hard and study hard to get the most out of it. Also be aware that as an international student it may not be easy to get a work permit to work as a Field Guide. However there are ways and means of parting with a few pennies to get your visa stamped or working for a UK based overlanding company or using another existing qualification to get the permit, they love chef qualifications!!
Take warm clothes for the winter months - it gets very cold!!!!
Overall, if you're prepared to give it your all, you can have an amazing time & get to see things and learn about things that you would never do in the UK. An amazing life changing experience.
I never finished my 6mths practical placement as I decided to travel Southern Africa instead for the final 4mths. Despite this, I still continued my own studies and learning as I travelled and the course made me look at things from a different perspective and get a lot more out of my own travelling experience.
 Further information on the South Africa Fieldguide Course
Return to Africa Travel Stories
|
|
