Vicky's Bed and Breakfast
I am currently staying at the "Tube n' Axe" backpakers resort somewhere on the south eastern coast of South Africa. Last wednesday we spent a night in Township known as a Khayitlisha. A township, for those unfamiliar is semi-temporary housing built by poor blacks moving in toward the cities to find work. The townships are basically shanty-town, where each house is crudely (but creatively) fashioned out of corrugated metal sheets, and any other building materials available. A number of problems are associated with town including lack of healthcare facilities, lack of utilities, and crime/gangsterism. The development of townships is directly related to racist Apartheid policies which kept black people poor and disadvantaged. And even though Apartheid is over, finding housing for the millions of residents of the townships is a long and difficult process. We stayed at a bed and breakfast there--yes, it too was a shack--which goes to show that the people who live there, contrary to stereotypes, are industrious, creative, and kind. It was beautiful community and we had quite a nice time.
The PLU tradition continues!
Hi Morgs:
It was so great to read your Blog and hear all about your experiences in South Africa. I can't wait to see the pictures and hear the stories in person. I'm so proud of you for taking this opportunity to see the world and to develop yourself as a Global Citizen. I believe you are carrying on the proud PLU tradition in our family of "study away"- being out in the world and letting the influential lessons learned there inform our individual world views.
Best wishes for a wonderful final days of your trip. We look forward to seeing you soon. Onward to Mississippi next!
Love, Emmers
Apartheid
I appreciated your warm comments about the townships and your honesty commentary on the effects of Apartheid. We still have so far to go in our quest to work together as equals and fellow human beings. Last Monday we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King, and I asked our student body, "Have we achieved this dream?" Maybe I should have asked it from a world perspective. Do we yet live in a world where humans "will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character?" Look forward to reading more of your experiences.
Meagyn
Bungie or Zipline?
Apparently by reading some of the others' comments, you chose to do the zipline not the bungie jump? I guess that is good!? Or was there third choice such as 'none of the above," which would, of course, been my choice! Can't wait to hearmore and about the safari coming up. Remember - pictures, pictures, pictures!
Fortunately for us we are back to normal PNW winter in the 40's and our snow is gone! But that means no more slacking because of "I don't dive in the snow" excuses.
You and your advent-ures are appearing the the Chimes for Febraury. You'll actually have to read it this month.
Miss you!
Love Mom
Bed and Breakfast
So good to hear from you and to continue to follow what you are doing! I found a map on a website of the rotue you have been taking since you left Cape Town. I also found the web site for the olive farm where you stayed. What an amazing experience you all are having.
Apartheid has certainly left scars that genreations to come will struggle to overcome. The pain that human beings can force on other human beings always makes me incrediblty sad but it sounds as if those you have met are also blessed with hope and determination.
I printed off a bunch of the photos from this blog and took them to show Grandma. She loved it. She commented and asked questions about every one.
Happy travels son. And keep on writing!
Love always
Mom
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