Planes, Trains, and Automoblies

The last few weeks, we've been learning all about transportation. We've learned to look right, then left, then right when crossing the street, how many wheels a bicycle, car, or bus, has, and games like "red light, green light". This week however, we've begun talking about something that is pretty much only imaginary: air transport. As a teacher explained it, these children and their families have never had the opportunity to travel much farther than town, much less get on a plane and fly to a far away and exotic place.

What a strange thought for me. I drive all the time at home. Hours on end. Just to go to a movie or a mall or school, or to visit friends. I play on the boat in the summertime. And I fly 17 hours and 32 minutes to another hemisphere to work for a year. As we were pretending to go on a plane ride, we asked the kids where they would like to go. Many of them said, "to town!". After a more detailed explanation, they then said either "America" or "England". I wish I could take them all on a holiday.

In other news, today is my first day as an independent woman! By that I mean, I'm driving by myself! It's a great feeling, being mobile and knowing that if I need something, I can just get in the "bakkie" (truck) and go. So, when you come to visit me, I'll be able to pick you up from the airport. You should know, I feel as if I'm the average South African driver. That may or may not put you at ease. I'm about to drive to the gym...wish me luck!