This exchange gets better and better with each passing week. Boarding school is an experience in itself. There are, and for me this is extraordinary, lots of sports. Playing basketball in blistering heat, with a light so bright that sunglasses are practically required equipment, is fantastic. Students show up en mass to cheer us on. There is a lot of spirit and camaraderie.

After playing a losing match on Saturday, the Van Biljons took us to Tiaan’s (Dirks Brother) farm, which is unlike any farm I’ve ever been to in Canada or Europe. Africa gets under one’s skin, that’s for sure.

The next day, we go to Rhino & Lion Park. We see African lions, African wild dogs and many other Lion King characters. I am enthralled, and rave about the African great five animals. I later learn that there are wonderful zoos in and around Montreal, which I, the third of four children, never visited. I am only mollified when I realize that no zoo anywhere else in the world will ever compare to this somewhat modest African reserve. In addition, I get to pet white lions and tiger cubs. This transforms an almost-but-not-quite ordinary afternoon in a small park into a major adventure.

A nice basketball victory  jump started the weekend. Saturday, the Van Biljons organized a braai, which we call a BBQ. I love being part of this. This welcoming trait is one of the reasons that I feel so at home so far away from my own home. The braai is so much fun.  We hang around the pool. I can tell that leaving South Africa won’t be easy.

Back to school for another week, which really does not seem like a chore at all. This says it all. – David Elbaz ’15