DAY 1 and 2: The Crossing

The boys arrived at OR Tambo International Airport at about 16:45, and Joburg traffic inevitably had something to do with the slightly later (15 minutes) than scheduled arrival time.

There were many parents who came to see their boys off, and to purchase a few last minute supplies – socks and UK adapters seemed to be prime Bon Voyage gifts. The boys and staff were then handed out their tour hoodies, very generously sponsored by the Sommerville Family Trust. These were met with high approval, and I heard comments like ‘wow, these are the best hoodies ever’, and ‘look Mam, they even have zips – so cool!’  Needless to say, the boys immediately put them on, and have been wearing them with immense pride ever since.

After singing Shosholoza and taking a few final photos, we bid farewell to all the parents and friends who came to see their boys off, and made our way to the Etihad check-in counters, which are still in the old part of the airport. Mr Zerf and our travel agent ensured that everything ran smoothly, and apart from Chef having to help re-pack a certain boy’s suitcase who seemed to have packed more sets of civvies than school uniform (they had to pack one set of civvies…. ), everyone was checked in and through customs by 18:30.

This did not leave a lot of time before we had to start boarding our flight, but the boys were, of course, very hungry by now, and the usual entourage of ‘when are we eating Mam?’ comments were circulating around the duty-free shops. Luckily pre-arranged toasted sandwiches and drinks were waiting for us, and the boys consumed these en-route to the boarding gate. Chef had to keep reminding them that it was just a snackand that they would be getting dinner on the plane. While walking to the gate, I heard one boy saying ‘yo Mam, that was the weirdest sandwich I’d ever eaten’, and then I of course wanted to know what was so weird about it – ‘no Mam, it just had spinach and olives and feta on it’ – I then asked why he didn’t take one of the other options available (chicken mayo or cheese and tomato), to which the boy very humbly said ‘Ai Mam, I know, I was just so hungry now, I just ate the the one the lady gave me’….hungry boys.

Due to a problem with the cargo stowage, we took off half an hour later than scheduled. The boys did not complain though, as most of them were already absorbed in exploring the in-flight entertainment movies and games. Dinner was served at 22:30 (thank goodness for that sandwich), and the boys could choose between ‘Boeboetie’ (in the words of the lovely air hostess), or a vegetarian pasta dish (read: pasta with tomato sauce). 

The boys were extremely well-behaved – all was quiet from about 23:00-03:30, when we were woken up with a ‘breakfast calzone’. Many boys missed this culinary treat J, because they were fast asleep, as one should be at 03:30.

We landed in Abu Dhabi at 06:00, and had to rush to get to our connecting flight, which was due to start boarding at 07:10. After snaking through security at a snail’s pace – this we eventually realized took so long because you had to take your shoes off, as well as all watches, belts and jewellery – we made it to the boarding gate at 07:50. We were the last people to board the plane, but all the staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. Apart from one first-time traveller losing his boarding pass, there were no glitches to report, and all the boys were settled in their seats, ready for the next 7hour stretch to Heathrow.

I must commend the boys on their wonderful manners – every time drinks and food are served, I heard loud ‘thank you Mam’s’ and ‘yes please Mam’s’. Their behaviour has also been really on-point so far, and we haven’t had to raise our voices or repeat instructions once.

This is heart-warming, and just shows again how the Drakie education is shaping these boys to be ambassadors for their country, and their school.

We touched down in an overcast London at about noon. It was 16 degrees outside – chilly but not yet uncomfortably cold. All our luggage arrived, thankfully, and we were collected by our coach at about 14:30. Our driver is a delightful English chap called Charles, who is really well-spoken and extremely enthusiastic. It was also very encouraging that he knows London very well, and confidently wove his way through the Friday afternoon London traffic to The Cardinal Vaughan School, where our boys were being hosted by parents of the school.

We sent the boys off with their hosts at 17:00, with strict instructions to ensure that the boys go to bed on time tonight, so that they can get a good night’s rest before our two performances tomorrow – an afternoon short performance at Windsor Castle, and a full evening performance at St Mary’s The Great Cathedral in Cambridge.

It has been quite an exhausting day of travelling. Tomorrow will be our first actual day of touring, and most importantly, showcasing the talent and passion of our unique choir.