It has been a while since I last updated this, so there is a lot to tell.
On Robben Island, most of the tour guides are former political prisoner inhabitants of the island. Our guide was a high ranking member of the military wing of the ANC and is credited with blowing up a huge federal building in jo-burg--50 something casualties, but no deaths. The man was tortured, his family harassed, his father was even shot by security police during his 18 years on Robben Island. Unlike any other "tour guide" I could imagine, he offered very personal insight and made the experience all the more worthwhile and extraordinary. For instance while explaining smuggling methods, he would casually include that he used to stand guard in the doorway we had just walked through; or when visiting a cell block, he chose to show us his and pointed out the bed he used for almost two decades. It was a really unbelievable experience. On a very different note, on the ferry I saw whales breaching and hundreds of seals.
The next weekend we went to the Cape of Good Hope and hiked around the national park, saw ostriches, spotted whales from high up on the cliffs, small fury lemming-like creatures called hyraxes, springboks (type of antelope/deer), and some geckos. The seaside communities are old seafaring towns and are almost entirely English-Whites. Simon's Town, where we stayed, seemed like an old seaport in the U.K. more than a cape Town suburb. Also there is a penguin colony, the small penguins travel in groups of 300 and smell terrible but their awkward movement makes everyone laugh.
NGO Day: The group split up and went to a variety of NGOs ranging from trauma centers, peace and memory counseling centers, a women and child home. I went to a organization that facilitates workshops between people from lots of backgrounds that focuses on memory and the importance of sharing as a method for healing, sort of like a mini Truth and Reconciliation Commission on a lower level. No amnesty or blame is granted or attributed it is is just for sharing. I also went to an organization called, "Hoops 4 Hope." the organization is a partner with the NBA and brings famous basketball stars to Southern Africa and organizes almost daily basketball practices in conjunction with education about HIV/Aids, nutrition, risk, crime, etc. the Hoops 4 Hope organization was especially moving. We went to one of the sessions/practices in Nyanga/Philili, a much more impoverished township than Langa to observe and to play with the kids. Donated sneakers and jerseys are prized among the kids and their basketball skills and passion for the sport were surprising, basketball is not that big here. great day, a break from classes and got to pay for hours with kids.
What else is new...I am partially looking forward to leaving this friday for the Eastern Cape and eventually KwaZulu-Natal (Durban and game park), but will miss the comfort and relaxing home I have grown to feel comfortable in. Watching movies and chatting with my brothers, I've picked up on innumerable things that clash, coincide and shock with my own culture. My mama and her openness amazes me most days and her willingness to translate all of her conversations with her friends ( even when it is really just neighborhood gossip, or something else that i don't even understand) into english so that I can follow along is just one example of her kindness. We fly early friday am to begin an other homestay in a much more rural setting and experience more traditional and conservative Xhosa life.
I won't have internet in the E. Cape and it will be intermittent for the next couple of weeks but i am sure there will be heaps to share so I will work to write it down and share later.
I am trying , at least a little, to remain up to date with the election buzz and the crazy economy. If one just looked at SA and USA one would get a terrible idea of what economy and politics are like in this transformative time. The political situation is dire here. Especially among academics and progressives, people are not pleased about Zuma's rise and the kicking out of Mbeki, who really wasn't that great anyhow. None of the option are good here and people are frustrated by their lack of say and the criminals that rule (they may have been elected but they still rule, not lead) this country. it is depressing to hear about the dissatisfaction and apathy among young people. my brothers, who feel that yes, the leaders were great in the war/struggle but they have since turned into criminals and terrible leaders but the system doesn't allow change, or at least discourages ongoing reforms.
Okay, that's enough. Hope you all are happy and well and that you vote for Obama. The polls show that the race is super close in a lot of areas in the US, but in SA and the whole world (I think) it is not even close.
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