Hello reader,
As some of you may know by now, I was chosen as a finalist for Miss
Deaf South Africa meaning I’d have to go to the boot camp, where the finalists
spend one week with each other. The Saturday before I was due to leave I went shopping for the
things I needed for the week (and I tried not to think of how much money I
spent) including make-up which was a first for me because I do not wear make-up
other than lip balm, but alas we had to bring our own make-up. That night I
packed my bag, choosing to pack only the necessities (which wasn’t as hard as I
thought it’d be). The next day in the afternoon, my sister picked me up and
dropped me off at the train station where I took a train to the airport which
cost me a ridiculous amount of money and the cashier was confused at my shocked
expression. “Really!? For a one-way trip!?” I had asked. I still had enough
time because it was only a little after 3pm when I boarded the train and I was
to meet some of the other finalists at the airport at 4pm, with strict
instructions from the pageant founder Narda, not to be late. I arrived at the
airport and I should mention that it was my first time there. While gazing out of
the airport window and saw our rugby team getting onto their bus. It made me
smile because they had won a game the day before.
I texted Narda, telling her I had arrived at the airport.
She said I must find the other finalists then head over to the ProTours bus
that will transport us to where we were going to sleep. I took the escalator
down into the depths of the airport and I was amazed at how huge it was.
Gigantic! I immediately knew I wouldn’t be able to find anyone in a space of
this magnitude without knowing exactly where they were. I texted Narda again.
She said I must find Marisa who was with a “blonde woman.” I started freaking
out; there were a lot of blonde women in the airport. I walked around while
texting Narda where exactly they were. I went outside, asked a taxi driver
where I could find the buses. He didn’t know. Narda told me they were in local
Arrivals. I asked a kind woman who worked there to direct me and she did. I
arrived at Arrivals (haha) and looked around. A couple of those chauffeurs who
stand in the airport with their clients names written on a piece of paper came
up to me and said there was a woman who was looking for me. I guess they
noticed my hearing aids then. I was pointed in the direction of two girls
sitting on the bench, one wore a hearing aid but I didn’t want to assume that
they were who I was supposed to meet so I stood back. The chauffeurs sensed my
hesitation and approached her. She turned around, gave me a wave and mouthed,
“are you Bella?” I nodded and she beckoned me over. “We were looking everywhere
for you!” “So was I”, I replied. She
introduced herself as Marisa (Miss Deaf South Africa 1st Princess
2013 and Miss Deaf International Africa 2014). She was going to be our host for
the entire week. She introduced the girl next to her as Beauty and I recognised
her name as another finalist and clearly her name fits. Marisa knew sign
language but could hear as she was hearing impaired like me and Beauty
communicated only in sign language as she was deaf. I was rather shy of both of
them and therefore didn’t say much to them. I asked her if she knew where we
were all staying and she said we were staying at a school hostel in Pretoria.
(!) She further explained that the pageant had everything set to happen in
Ballito, Durban but a hotel there pulled out at the last minute (shameful) and
therefore the organisers had to quickly find an alternate place for us and
unfortunately they were unsuccessful in finding a hotel willing to sponsor us
for the week. Sad.
We waited for more
girls to arrive. Elzane arrived after me, followed soon by Xolisile and then
lastly by Elrie. By the time Elrie arrived it was nearing 6pm. We walked
quickly to the bus (which was at the bus terminal. (A major side-eye to the
taxi driver who didn’t know where the buses were). Every one of the girls knew
sign language except me as I only knew the basics. They communicated excitedly
with each other as I observed and took pictures.
 |
| Only picture I took on Sunday. From left: Xolilisile, Elrie, Elzane and Beauty. |
After settling in we gathered into the common room which had
little kiddie chairs haha. Our dinner consisted of sandwiches. After eating we
got to know each other; one question was asked and every one took turns
answering it. When we were asked which food we didn’t like (I didn’t have an
answer- food is food) Alexis said she doesn’t like ice-cream. We all stared at
her in shock. I didn’t think it was possible not to like ice-cream! A couple of
the finalists observed that I was quiet. I’m rather shy at first before getting
used to people so I didn’t talk much other than answering questions. *covers
eyes*
Before bed, Narda told us that there wouldn’t be a welcome
cocktail party because it was already too late. We didn’t have to wake up early
the next morning and should just relax and chill. We headed off to bed and the
night my pyjamas were no match for the chilly night.
Stay tuned for Monday’s diary.
‘Til next time
-Bella
