On this very day, the 5th of October 2011, it is exactly two years that went by from the day when I took my first step onto one of the most lovely and joyful places on earth and which made the prelude to the most adventurous, fascinating and greatest periods of my life.

Yes, you’re right, the most lovesly and joyful place on earth, that is directly addressed above, is no other than your Kurus English and the person who is writing is no one less than your lil’ Junior Johannes from Germany!

I must tell you that I’ve never felt the desire to send you a personal message as strongly as today.  I’ve often been thinking of it. It’s especially the simple availability of digital and online contact through internet and worldruler facebook that made me think: “‘Lil Jo, you HAVE to make a difference.  It’s your royal mission to maintain the lovableness of old fashioned traditions – such as writing a handwritten letter to your beloved people!  And today, I’m thinking:”What are you waiting for? October is the greatest month that was ever invented!  So, take your pen and go ahead!”

At this point, I have to sprinkle in the mandatory excuse for my bad handwriting.  I make my best endeavour but still, it’s a tall order!

Writing this letter, I just want to let you know that I’m still going into raptures about Cape Town, the time at school and especially when thinking of you!

To my dear Gavin, I want to send you my most enthusiastic greetings!  Although we haven’t met for two years I still have the most vivid imagination of your radiant smile, your irresistable positivity and your extraordinary teaching style that has, to the day, remained unique to me.  And I still owe you my greatest gratitude for writing the academic reference to Cambridge, even though my application was turned down.

To my most gorgeous Diana as you have captured on Facebook, Junior has finally grown up!  We should celebrate that date once!

And to my greatest namesake, Big Johannes!  I picked up in the Internet that Rugby World Cup is running at the moment.  I was confused that you haven’t played for South Africa so far!  You’d cut a good figure as a mighty defender! But still, the Big-Boss – aura suits you just as well!

Also send my love to Aaliya!

I hope that one day I’ll see you all again in Cape Town!

Wtih the best greetings from Germany, to my two-year Kurus -anniversary,

your lil Junior Johannes

Kurus English students are presented with opportunities relating to the social and cultural world which broaden their horizons and assist them in gaining new perspectives. In this way, Cape Town partners our language learning approach and provides the cultural base for language learning opportunities. Students are guided and supported to gain knowledge through language about what cultural diversity means.

Check out this article about World Tourism Day. This year’s theme was Linking Cultures, something that Kurus English has been more than a part of, since the very beginning.

http://www.capetown.travel/blog/entry/world_tourism_day_cape_town_celebrations_photos/

“Not only are we a Cape Town of mountains, sea and fynbos, we are also a creative, innovative, design-driven city full of diverse, fascinating people. Cape Town’s real beauty can be found within the many complex, interesting layers of our city, her cultures, her people and the stories that shaped and continue to shape us.”

- Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Toursim

Jess

Carola Schwar

Time flies…

Thank you for two amazing, wonderful and informative weeks.  I’d not enough time to ask all of my questions.  It was a lot of input and just a little time. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in a part of South African life and getting an impression of this beautiful city. I’d like to say again, we haven’t any problems at home.  I’m so glad that I had my own teacher.

Carola

Germany

They say time flies when you’re having fun and nothing could be more true of the last 3 years for Kurus English. Since it’s inception, the school, thanks to it’s dedicated staff, awesome students and of course, Cape Town itself, has grown from strength to strength. Offering so much more than simply language lessons, everyone who has been through our system will agree that the education at Kurus English provides one with an incredible opportunity to experience South Africa as well as our incredible culture and country.

Our 3rd birthday corresponded perfectly with the arrival of our third FEJO group of 2011 and this was the perfect excuse for a celebratory music dinner! Great food, awesome company, live South African Music, all against the backdrop of the exquisite Table Mountain – one could not have asked for a more perfect evening.

Thank you for being part of the Kurus family! You know who you are

Jessica

Do you have a sweet-tooth or do you prefer food that sets your mouth on fire?! Whatever the case, South African cuisine has something to make your mouth water!

South African cuisine is sometimes called “rainbow cuisine”, as it has had a variety of multicultural sources. In order to understand a culture, we must first understand what they eat!  The students were given the opportunity to taste Cape Malay Cuisine (as well as try their hands at making samoosas!), create their own malva puddings at the 5 star Westin Grand, and experience shisa nyama a traditional Xhosa style of eating, in an authentic township setting.

Now there’s a bit of food for thought!

Jessica

Need we say more!!

CAPE TOWN in the words of a CNN Reporter

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/09/03/destination.adventure.south.africa/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Remember Kurus – when a German chap says “It was okay” then you have fulfilled all his expectations. I say: It was fantastic! So you can be sure that I was highly impressed and deeply moved.

By the way, you should always remember that Rapport = formal flirting.  And you are the Masters of Rapport!

Daniel, the soldier

Daniel Seeger

The first thing one notices when one arrives in Cape Town is it’s beautiful environment. It’s stunning landscape, fresh waters, picturesque mountains and clean air, distinguish it from other famous cities around the world.  This week Kurus English, along with Coffeebeans Routes,  worked together to provide our current FEJO group with an orientation of the environment “in our neck of the woods”, so to speak!

We visited Intaka Island - a wetlands and bird sanctuary situated right in the centre of the Mother City, learnt about the Reclaim Camsisa project, which is an NGO that focuses on creating a sustainable approach using CT’s natural water system and last but not but not least paid a visit to Cape Town’s own recently opened Greenpoint Urban Park. Due to rain, we were forced to run for cover, but we didn’t let it rain on our parade and we weathered the storm with a drink in hand at Sotano with a spectacular view of the ocean in front of us.

Did you know that there are more species of plants on Table Mountain alone than in the whole of New Zealand?!  Talk about Bio Diversity!

Jessica