Rugby, rugby and wait for it......more rugby.

Wheels come to a halt, windows open, and passengers stir as we touch down at Cape Town International. It's been an 11 hour flight and we're all keen to get off the plane. I heave my pack back onto my shoulders and trundle along to get my luggage. The size of the airport is pretty tiny compared to the last two. I am to try and find the shuttle bus to take into town where Aaron will meet me at the train station. Even though the airport is small, finding my way around is a chore because everything is in three languages: English, Afrikaans, and Zulu. I step outside, and the shock of winter hits me. I was mentally prepared for the weather, but physically adjusting took a bit of time. I step on the shuttle, and we set off for town. Within the first 30 seconds, the famed shanty towns appear on the side of the road. Cardboard, tires, plastic, sheet metal, anything flat that will give some support and a bit of warmth are used. Shanty towns give way to farms, schools and eventually I see the mountains behind everything. One of the most famous mountains is aptly named Table Mountain due to its flat crest. Table Mountain is almost always visible and is almost always breathtaking to see. The bus rolls into the city and drops us off at the station. Aaron is there where we walk and catch up on the way to the train station. Once on the train, we are bombarded with beggars, people offering knick knacks, drinks, chips, the works. The train ride lasts about thirty minutes where we walk the rest of the way to his house. My day suddenly becomes more tiring when Aaron tells me my first training would be in six hours. So we grab lunch, then I pass out for the next few hours until it's time for training. The Villager Rugby Club is phenomenal, three full size pitches, shower facilities, team bar, a gym and places for players to live, pictures to come soon. It rained quite a bit that training so not a lot of players showed up, so we played touch for about two hours. I was introduced to a flurry of people whose names I'm still struggling to remember. After training, went home and passed out.

The next morning, Aaron and I went to travel to go see some school-age rugby in a town called Paarl. The speed and level of quality rugby just from the Under 14 teams were amazing to see. Rugby is so popular, that each school has about 4 Under 19 teams, so just because you're a senior does not mean you have to play varsity. We watched about three matches then decided to head back home. Once home, I was formerly introduced to Aaron's roommates Dan and Garrick. Both funny funny guys who also play rugby for the Villagers. The next morning was game day so we decided to get some sleep.

Apologies for the long post but a lot has happened and I'm trying to write it all down. Post about Saturday is coming soon, just figured your eyes needed a break.

Cheers bru,

Josh