I got back into the UK on Wednesday morning. Feeling really homesick for South Africa, it certainly has got under my skin and now feels like my second home. My last 5 weeks there were awesome, the winter weather arrived with a bang, had several big thunder storms. I went on a full day wine tour, which resulted in me being very drunk, my dutch housemate said he'd never seen anyone as drunk before, oops. I also went horseriding around the vineyards, such stunning scenery. Sadly the cubs didn't arrive before I left.I'm booked to return next June to be a cub volunteer and then have a few weeks at the main facility.
My last night was awesome, we all went out to Stellenbosch to Cubana, a posh cuban bar and had a yummy water pipe and cocktails then went to mystics, a very cool alternative pub. The flight home was really long and tiring, I was in tears getting on the plane, I really didn't want to leave.

I can't adjust to light nights, in South africa it was dark just after 6pm and didn't get light till 7.30ish, days feel so much longer here. Really missing a guy I met out there, he was awesome we totally clicked

I now have my first tattoo, a small black and purple nautical star on my wrist, will post a photo once it has healed. I hope to get a couple of smaller stars to surround it in the near future.

I'll be sorting through my african photos and editing some to put on DA. Hope to get back in photography once I've settled back into Caithness life. Then off to college in September. For now working at a hotel in town to save up much needed cash. Feeling rather poor at the moment.

Hope everyone is well

So i've been in South Africa for almost 2 weeks now, the time has gone so quickly, back in the UK on 17th June. The centre now have a caracal, 2 jackals and a meerkat at Cheetah Outreach. Last years cubs have gone but we now have two, 8 month old male cheetah cubs. Young cubs are due end of May. I've been sightseeing in Cape Town area, went to signal hill, 2 oceans aquarium and a boat ride to see cape fur seals. Plan to do a wine tour, township tour and horse riding in the next few weeks. Living with 5 people at the moment, 1 girl from the UK, 1 from New zealand and 3 people from Holland. We went out last saturday to Moyo, an african style buffet was brilliant. Also had a posh meal in cape town that only cost 17 pounds. ( no pound sign on my keyboard). had a braii at one of the bosses houses last night. Weather has been pretty good, just abit of rain though May is that start of the rainy season. its so good to see all my friends from last year and see all the cats again, i'd missed them loads.

Been looking around the local stalls at some of the art work, its so inspiring, the colours and textures. The township paintings are brilliant, hoping i have enough cash to buy one. I bought myself a sunset scene with elephants on it, painted on canvas for 16 pound. Hope to get it framed. Also I got a card that has a collage on the front, will take a photo and place it in scraps. I totally love the Stellenbosch area, next year I want to do a tour that covers 3 other african countries. Africa gets under your skin, after i've finished college and gather some money I would love to move out here if I can get work. and the FOOD oh my god its incredible, I've put weight on already, oops.

Hope everyone is well.
Rebecca

Thought i'd post a journal. Since the last one, i've passed my driving test, i'm so pleased. Hope to get a car in September/october. Got a job at the pentland hotel, been working 6 days a weeks. Not had a great deal of time for photography or a new collage. Hope to get bits and pieces ready for when I get back from South Africa in June. A week sunday till I fly out, I can't wait its my second home, i've missed it so much, the cats, the place and the people .

Got a few photography ideas going on, hope to do a series in Dunnet forest, get the shoot done with Alex and going to a gig in August so will be good to try my hand at band photos. I'll have some nice shots when i get back from Africa *fingers crossed* Would like to do some self portrait shots. Also I've got a fashion collage I want to get done, got the materials just need time to get it done.

Busy beaver at the moment, got a vet visit on Monday to give ponies and sheep jabs, horse dentist on sunday evening, day trip with my grandparents, packing and trip to inverness all before tuesday as well as 3 more days off work.

Hope everyone is well

Rebecca

Many people may not be fans, but I'd just like to say Rest in peace Jade, if her condition helps one person its great. I meant for a smear myself and cells came back slightly abnormal, so i'm back in June for another test though its quite normal for abnormal cells at my age apparently so not worrying too much. Anyway back to my life and photography

Sadly I didn't get to do my photoshoot with Alex, by the time he'd finished work, I had my college interview and buying a new snake time ran out but next time I'm visiting we'll try to get it done. I've been accepted into Oatridge college, i'll be starting an NC animal care course working towards an HND , sorting out halls in July and SAAS and student loan in April. I fly out to Africa on 26th April and back on 17th June, can't wait. Would love to relocate to South Africa once i've finished college and got some money together. I put up a catherdral series which I meant to do months ago, comments greatly appreciated as always. Had a slight photography block recently. Planning on doing a couple of collages just gathering a few bits and pieces for those at the moment. I'm really missing the uni art shop, used to love picking up pieces for collages.

Totally got a zest for life at the moment, loving photography again apart from the slight block in new ideas and my driving lessons are coming on well. College starts soon and my trip to Africa. All is great, finally got through the tunnel and reached the light

Love to all,
Rebecca

I've uploaded some of my work, I've been away from DA for too long. Please give me comments. My next project is a photoshoot with Alex which I'm really looking forward to, I'm planning for it to be quite dark and a few places in mind to take the photographs, so hoping it all goes well. Hoping to head out to Africa earlier than planned, life here doesn't seem the same. It feels like part of me is still in Africa and I'll be complete when I get back.

I've tried getting in contact with an old friend but sadly no luck, no longer part of their life, I'm too nolsatgic (don't think i've spelt it right). Well at least I know I tried.

Take care all,
Rebecca