We can hardly believe that we've been in South Africa for over a week. We have, of course, kept plenty busy, but it seems impossible that the little time we have here is passing by so quickly! We're happy to report that except for a few scrapes, we're all healthy and the weather has been wonderful.
After our last update, we spent a few more days in Cape Town. On Saturday alone, we ferried out to Robben Island just after sunrise, shopped in Greenmarket Square for crafts, ate Malay food, visited the District Six Museum and learned about South Africa's painful history of land reallocation and dispossession, attended the Vodacom Funny Festival, a collection of stand up and performance comedians, had a lovely dinner out in Camps Bay and then played with sparklers and enjoyed fireworks and cake on the beach to celebrate the 4th of July. Yes, that was all one day. Whew!
Sunday, we slept in. We were overjoyed to get some good rest after a hectic first few days. Late in the morning, we took the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy a 360-degree view of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay. All enjoyed some time to take in the beautiful vista. Next, we were on to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to enjoy lunch and a brief meeting about why we're here, how we define and understand 'awareness,' and what backgrounds in social justice and community service we bring to the trip. That evening, we had a very entertaining lesson in isiZulu from the lovely Sibongile, a Zulu mama who enjoys our feeble attempts to speak Zulu-- she has more patience than all of us put together! We can only imagine what must be going through her mind when she hears us trying to pronounce the various clicks and vowel sounds that are common in the language.
On our last full day in Cape Town, Monday, we headed out to the Emavundleni Vaccine Center in Crossroads, a township in the Cape Flats. We had heard about the HIV-related services they provide there-- such as an adolescent support and advocacy group, a portable testing station, and a great deal of vaccine research-- and were excited to tour the facility. There were many clients at the center as it was the first day of injections for the newest vaccine, the only one yet designed to combat the exact strain of HIV that is found in South Africa. What a day to be there!
After that, we drove down to Simonstown for lunch and a visit with some penguins at Boulders Beach. We zipped down (passing a troupe of baboons along the way!) to the Cape of Good Hope next. We spent about an hour taking in the view of the surrounding mountains and oceans from the lighthouse. Next, we hurried back to the University of Cape Town for an hour-long drumming lesson, in which all of us had at least one rhythmic solo. Let us tell you, we've got some skills on African drums!
After that, we drove down to Simonstown for lunch and a visit with some penguins at Boulders Beach. We zipped down (passing a troupe of baboons along the way!) to the Cape of Good Hope next. We spent about an hour taking in the view of the surrounding mountains and oceans from the lighthouse. Next, we hurried back to the University of Cape Town for an hour-long drumming lesson, in which all of us had at least one rhythmic solo. Let us tell you, we've got some skills on African drums!
Before dawn on Tuesday, we packed up to head to the airport. When our valiant driver, Evan, showed up, we piled all of our luggage and ourselves into the van. Evan turned the key; nothing. Again; nothing. "Hmmmmm..." we all thought. With 6 of us pushing from behind, the van eventually kicked into gear, the engine turned over and we were on our way.
We spent the morning in Durban, first in the downtown market and then on North Beach. Students soaked up the warm sun, more-humid weather and bustling vibe of this Indian-Ocean city. We got to meet Anna's Gogo (Grannie) from her study abroad program, and enjoyed some relaxation time in the sand. After a drive up the coast, we arrived at Amangwe Village, our home for the next two weeks! The staff of the organization and many of the children from the area showed up to greet us with dancing, singing, food and introductions. A few of us were 'forced' to dance publicly (which we're sure was quite entertaining for those who weren't dancing!), and then we played games with the kids before settling into our houses.
We spent the morning in Durban, first in the downtown market and then on North Beach. Students soaked up the warm sun, more-humid weather and bustling vibe of this Indian-Ocean city. We got to meet Anna's Gogo (Grannie) from her study abroad program, and enjoyed some relaxation time in the sand. After a drive up the coast, we arrived at Amangwe Village, our home for the next two weeks! The staff of the organization and many of the children from the area showed up to greet us with dancing, singing, food and introductions. A few of us were 'forced' to dance publicly (which we're sure was quite entertaining for those who weren't dancing!), and then we played games with the kids before settling into our houses.
On Wednesday, we headed out to Nsaleni to meet with a group of high school students there. All of the students were orphans and we had a great time playing games together, chatting about life in America and life here, and just getting to know each other. Vusi, a social worker from Amangwe, helped us to loosen up and feel really comfortable with each other.
In the afternoon, we got tours of Ethembeni Care Center, the hospital on-site at Amangwe, and the various buildings that Amangwe uses to house its services: creche (preschool), administration, volunteers, home-based care, social work, gardening, a soon-to-exist radio station, etc. After a day of getting to know Amangwe, we took some time to relax, play soccer, play with local children and enjoy a slower pace of life.
In the afternoon, we got tours of Ethembeni Care Center, the hospital on-site at Amangwe, and the various buildings that Amangwe uses to house its services: creche (preschool), administration, volunteers, home-based care, social work, gardening, a soon-to-exist radio station, etc. After a day of getting to know Amangwe, we took some time to relax, play soccer, play with local children and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Today, our work started to take shape. Some students began work with Lindiwe, the lead creche teacher, to prepare for a Beauty Pageant that will take place on July 19th. Others worked with Bongani in the organic garden, helping to weed and transport soil. A few others started to design a mural that we're hoping to paint at the creche. Some helped feed lunch to patients at Ethembeni, and a few helped to prepare both our lunch and dinner! Our Zulu is improving slowly, and we find that it's a great icebreaker to stumble through a greeting and quick sentence whenever possible.
We're looking forward to creating and delving into our independent projects over the next few days, spending some time at the beach, traveling to Lindiwe's family home nearby for a brief stay, and continuing to work on the projects that we've started already. Much of our free time is spent hanging out with Amangwe staff and local kids, so we're never bored and always ready for a good night's sleep.
We'll be in touch again soon and love hearing from you! Sharp sharp!
Anna, Dan, and The Group (PST GAIA SA 2009)
