When I first decided that I wanted to go volunteer in Africa, I researched a TON of volunteer programs, and finally found one that not only sounded amazing, but affordable and legitimate as well. I had never heard of the town called Muizenberg where the IVHQ volunteer program took place in South Africa, so had to do some research to see where exactly it was, and what...
Volunteering in South Africa was one of the most incredible, moving, and exciting experiences I’ve ever had, and what inspired me to start my charity, Heartsleeves.org! These little kids had so much love in their hearts, even for people they had only just met! If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad, I’d highly recommend it!!! Check out some of...
by Alyssa Ramos The Dramatic Departure “Hey so, listen to me OK? I..eh..love you, and…I will miss you, a lot.” Mr. TDH said meaningfully as he hugged me tightly in the cold, misty, dark, early hours of that last Saturday morning in Muizenberg. My response was nonexistent since my face and arms were buried in his chest as I tried to keep warm and...
by Alyssa Ramos Not even a Disney movie could have compared to my perfect day in Camps Bay, so I guess I could say that that day, My Life Was A Disney Movie. I mentioned in my very first blog post about living in Muizenberg, South Africa for the week I volunteered with IVHQ and Dreams to Reality that I realized the first day there that there were a few “trip...
by Alyssa Ramos It’s hard to know what to pack for a place you’ve never been to before, especially somewhere a lot different than your home. Sure, you can look up a generic packing list, but it’s a lot more useful to ask someone who has been there! Before my IVHQ South Africa trip, I contacted other bloggers in Cape Town (see Blogger Guides) to ask...
by Alyssa Ramos WEDNESDAY PM Wednesday was my fourth day in Muizenberg, South Africa, and the day that the unthinkable happened. After volunteering at Christian David Primary School, I hopped into Karl’s van along with the rest of the volunteers like usual, except for one that wasn’t usually there. Mr. TDH. He had mentioned that the IVHQ Surf Program...
WEDNESDAY VOLUNTEERING Rainbows are something that I haven’t seen in a while considering that it never rains in California. I had seen them plenty of times in Florida, even a double rainbow once in Greece, but the rainbow that I saw on Wednesday morning in Muizenberg, South Africa on the way to Christian David Primary School was unlike any rainbow I’ve...
TUESDAY Although I was noticeably dirty and smelled like a second grader, I didn’t bother changing or getting ready when we got back to the Albertyn House after volunteering because I was so damn cold. A few of us were talking about going to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, but couldn’t tell how the weather was going to pan out. Naturally the solution...
TUESDAY VOLUNTEERING Tuesday morning in Muizenberg, South Africa was even colder than Monday since the icy rain drizzle was still lingering from the downpour the night before. They really weren’t joking when they said bring things to layer. I put on a pair of leggings, skinny jeans, fuzzy socks, my new gangsta boots, a knitted head warming thing, a tank top, a...
Monday Afternoon Karl picked us up after volunteering at school and dropped us back off at the IVHQ volunteer house after dropping off a few others staying at different houses along the way. One of the older volunteers (and by older I mean in volunteer weeks, not age) offered to take us to Checkers – the main grocery store chain in Muizenberg, and although my...
