Sunday, February 10, 2013
FOOD
The food here has been quite an adjustment here, for me anyway. A lot of things that I eat all the time spoil here too quickly to buy, so I have to completely cut them out of my diet. Things like milk, peaches, etc that would wont finish right away just go to waste, so I haven't bothered to buy them again. Also, many things like chicken strips, barbecue sauce, pizza, mac & Cheese, bread and cottage cheese dont taste the same here or have the same texture, so that takes some getting used to as well. One thing I will say, is that the homemade bread here is to DIE for! That has been my favorite thing so far, because Im a big bread person. I also found really yummy cookies that are made in cape town, called Cape Cookies, and they are milk chocolate coconut cookies..YUM! In South Africa, they LOVE barbecues, which they call Braiis, so you can always smell people cooking outside, and here you wouldnt say, "lets have a get together, or lets hang out," you would say, "lets have a Barii." So far, I cant say I dislike the changes, they are just different..so its an adjustment like everything else.
Eye Opening
Yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. If what I post seems obscure and jumbled, its because my mind cannot yet seem to grasp and understand what I learned and witnessed. Yesterday, all day, all of the international students were required to attend a city tour. Not much was really said about it, and none of us obviously knew anything about the city, so it seemed just like any typical day here so far. We began with the downtown district, so, places like city hall, the public library, and historic churches. While in that part of the city, we touched on colonialism, and how many of the buildings obviously looked Dutch or English, since those are the nations that first colonized South Africa...this was no surprise to me and everything seemed regular. After lunch, we were told we were headed into more of the townships surrounding Port Elizabeth. To understand these townships, its important to understand some of the political and social history of South Africa. I wont go into huge detail, since Im sure it is much more interesting to me than you, but basically, before the current government was in power here, there was a government refereed to as the Aparthied. This government was made up of white, wealthy upperclassmen, who are called Afrikaners. They are the Dutch and English decedents of the original colonists. This government suppressed what they referred to as "Coloreds" and "Blacks", meaning TWO different groups. The way they separated the groups was three ways: 1) The color of their skin. They LITERALLY would take what we would compare to color swatches for painting our homes, and hold it up to peoples faces. 2) They would run a pencil through peoples hair. If it got stuck, meaning you had thicker, courser hair, you were black. 3) The Aparthied Government would LITERALLY use rulers to measure the widths of peoples noses, stating that if they had wider noses they were black. They classified these people into groups, and then suppressed them. They paid the same taxes as the rich Afrikaners, but lived in tin shacks, while rich whites lived in huge homes. They were denied jobs, primary education, college, and anything equal to whites. To show you the irony of the situation at the time: the first electricity plant in teh city of Port Elizabeth was literally right in the poor, black or colored townships, and were run by people who were classified as black or colored, yet literally right next door, not even feet from the electrical plant, there was absolutely no electricity. Food for thought.
What strikes me is that this isnt a government that existed long ago. This isnt some far off story that is ignored in history books. This happened in the late 1980's folks. The government officials who discriminated against, massacred and did horrible things to innocent people are still living. Some of them are still police officers.
Anyway, these townships that are scattered on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth and other South African cities were created by the Afrikaners to push the poor away. They felt that by pushing them to the edges of the city, no one would notice and no one would care. I honestly dont know how to put into words what I saw. Rows upon rows upon hills upon rolling hills of tin shacks that were literally held together with pieces of scrap metal and old wooden sticks. No electricity, no running water. Garbage EVERYWHERE. Rubble EVERYWHERE from when the Aparthied Government would burn businesses and homes to the ground. These shacks were rusty from the rain, absolutely run down and literally put together piece by piece from any scrap they could find to put a shelter over their heads. If felt like it was never ending. We drove and drove and drove, and the more we drove the more I felt absolutely stunned, shocked, overwhelmed and honestly just sad. Completely sad. I know it is hard for someone just reading this to probably understand, and so I hope its not confusing but until yesterday I probably would have felt the same way. "Poverty" and "The 3rd World" is something most of us learn about in text book and classrooms in the U.S. Until yesterday that was true for me as well, but now there is no going back. The images of what I witnessed are something I will never forget. One look literally changed my life forever.
Once we were about half way through one of the black townships, we visited a museum called the Red Location Museum. Is was built to teach and remember the massacres that happened on behalf of the Aparthied Government in the late 1980's. It was jaw dropping. There are thousands of people who were murdered because they simply wanted to attend school, or pay fair taxes. There were lists and lists of people who were murdered, and it showed the end result, as in if anyone was found guilty of their murder, or charged for any wrong doing. I can count on one hand the amount of prosecutions there were for the police and governments wrong doings. Disturbing.
We then visited a "backpacker" that had been set up and run by some of the elderly women of the township. (They are referred to as "Mammas") They served us beverages and homemade bread, (which puts ANY bread in America to shame by the way) and they told us stories of their experiences with the Aparthied Government. Again, life changing. Most people in the room were really emotional, just because it was so, so, SO sad. They spoke of getting arrested and abused in prisons multiple times, they spoke of being beaten, sexually abused and tormented simply because they wanted fresh water to drink in jail. When it reached the point in their story about finally being able to attend school, for their children to attend school, they were absolutely hysterical. They were unable to talk because they were crying so hard about the freedom to simply learn. If that cant put life into perspective then I dont know what can.
While leaving the backpacker, were were greeted by probably a hundred of the township children. They were obsessed with us, which makes me uncomfortable to say, but thats the only way I can put it. They wanted to touch our hair, look at our things, play with our phones and cameras, take pictures with us, and just talk to us. Many children asked me for food or water, and some were even begging. It was the hardest thing in the world to look them in the eye and tell them I didnt have anything for them. One of the other international students, from St. Cloud, told a girl that we had been talking to that she was beautiful and she was beyond herself with emotion. She said no one had ever told her that before.
On the way back from this city tour I was a zombie. I had all I could do to look our the bus window and not cry uncontrollably. It was the most eye opening, jaw dropping, life changing experience of my life, and I dont think I will ever be the same.
What strikes me is that this isnt a government that existed long ago. This isnt some far off story that is ignored in history books. This happened in the late 1980's folks. The government officials who discriminated against, massacred and did horrible things to innocent people are still living. Some of them are still police officers.
Anyway, these townships that are scattered on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth and other South African cities were created by the Afrikaners to push the poor away. They felt that by pushing them to the edges of the city, no one would notice and no one would care. I honestly dont know how to put into words what I saw. Rows upon rows upon hills upon rolling hills of tin shacks that were literally held together with pieces of scrap metal and old wooden sticks. No electricity, no running water. Garbage EVERYWHERE. Rubble EVERYWHERE from when the Aparthied Government would burn businesses and homes to the ground. These shacks were rusty from the rain, absolutely run down and literally put together piece by piece from any scrap they could find to put a shelter over their heads. If felt like it was never ending. We drove and drove and drove, and the more we drove the more I felt absolutely stunned, shocked, overwhelmed and honestly just sad. Completely sad. I know it is hard for someone just reading this to probably understand, and so I hope its not confusing but until yesterday I probably would have felt the same way. "Poverty" and "The 3rd World" is something most of us learn about in text book and classrooms in the U.S. Until yesterday that was true for me as well, but now there is no going back. The images of what I witnessed are something I will never forget. One look literally changed my life forever.
Once we were about half way through one of the black townships, we visited a museum called the Red Location Museum. Is was built to teach and remember the massacres that happened on behalf of the Aparthied Government in the late 1980's. It was jaw dropping. There are thousands of people who were murdered because they simply wanted to attend school, or pay fair taxes. There were lists and lists of people who were murdered, and it showed the end result, as in if anyone was found guilty of their murder, or charged for any wrong doing. I can count on one hand the amount of prosecutions there were for the police and governments wrong doings. Disturbing.
We then visited a "backpacker" that had been set up and run by some of the elderly women of the township. (They are referred to as "Mammas") They served us beverages and homemade bread, (which puts ANY bread in America to shame by the way) and they told us stories of their experiences with the Aparthied Government. Again, life changing. Most people in the room were really emotional, just because it was so, so, SO sad. They spoke of getting arrested and abused in prisons multiple times, they spoke of being beaten, sexually abused and tormented simply because they wanted fresh water to drink in jail. When it reached the point in their story about finally being able to attend school, for their children to attend school, they were absolutely hysterical. They were unable to talk because they were crying so hard about the freedom to simply learn. If that cant put life into perspective then I dont know what can.
While leaving the backpacker, were were greeted by probably a hundred of the township children. They were obsessed with us, which makes me uncomfortable to say, but thats the only way I can put it. They wanted to touch our hair, look at our things, play with our phones and cameras, take pictures with us, and just talk to us. Many children asked me for food or water, and some were even begging. It was the hardest thing in the world to look them in the eye and tell them I didnt have anything for them. One of the other international students, from St. Cloud, told a girl that we had been talking to that she was beautiful and she was beyond herself with emotion. She said no one had ever told her that before.
On the way back from this city tour I was a zombie. I had all I could do to look our the bus window and not cry uncontrollably. It was the most eye opening, jaw dropping, life changing experience of my life, and I dont think I will ever be the same.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Pictures from Addo Elephant Park
So, I realized, not everyone reading this blog may have facebook, to view my pictures, so here are the ones I found sum up Addo Elephant Park the best! These dont even scratch the surface, so if you can, friends me on facebook to see more!
Let the classes begin!
On Tuesday, the group from St. Cloud State, so, including me, got to sign up for our classes. For the most part, I am taking the same classes I would take in St. Cloud, for example, Media & Society, South African Political Economy and Contemporary South African Politics and Policy. I think it will be really cool and exciting to start classes here and just be in a new environment, but what I am most excited about is one class in particular. A few friends and I signed up for an introduction to Xhosa class, and for those of you who are unfamiliar, Xhosa is one of the national, native languages here. If your struggling to pronounce it, it is pronounced (Ko-sa). Im not sure how many of you have heard, but there are languages in Africa that have clicks in some of the words, which is what Xhosa is. I think that yes, it will be something difficult, but it is also something different, something new, that will honestly teach me something I have never done before, which is what this trip is all about. Chances are, when I interview for a job someday, they will not ask me if I know Xhosa, BUT, its all about the experience and thats what matters. I am really looking forward to doing something completely new, and to be honest, kind of a challenge! Im sure I will have lots more to say about this subject, and if you still curious about what Xhosa sounds like, youtube it! Its pretty fascinating!
Addo Elephant National Park
Yesterday, myself, my roommate Heidi, and two other friends, Andrew and Amy, went to Addo Elephant Park, just a little ways outside Port Elizabeth. We hired a tour guide to pick us up right at Annies Cove, take us to the park, and guide us around. We saw SO MANY cool things! Elephants, Kudu, Water Buffalo, birds, Zebra and Jackal! It is impossible to explain how amazing an elephant is in real life, just the mere SIZE of them is amazing! It felt like a dream just seeing them, especially so many of them. Although we saw a lot of cool wildlife, there were some things we didnt see such as lions and Black Rhinos. Those animals seem like they would be common, but they are actually really hard to spot and they dont like people, so they avoid roads and tourist spots. Overall though, it was a blast, and it was amazing to see such different, diverse wildlife! I have pictures up of everything we saw on my facebook, so check it out!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Tsitsikamma Falls/Weekend Orientation
Yesterday, the international students and myself returned from a weekend orientation at a place west of Port Elizabeth, where I am living, called Tsitsikamma. It literally was some of the most amazing scenery I have EVER seen in my life. There were mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and tons of wildlife to see. We stayed at kind of a "lodge" type thing, and shared rooms with whoever we wanted to, whenever we met them. I met so many people I didnt even know how to keep it all in order. There were people from France, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria. I was great and fascinating to get to know so many people.
While there, we were able to go hiking, zip lining, swimming, and just hang out. I got EXTREMELY sun burnt. Fun fact: the pollution we create in the United States in Europe dosent affect us, but it affect Africa and depleats the ozone here, so literally, five minutes in the sun and your baked. Its not even appealing to be in the sun sometimes unless you cake on the sunscreen, because I have never felt the sun so hot on my skin. I will have pictures of Tsitsikamma up hopefully tomorrow, because it was something straight out of a movie. We were swimming in waterfalls, and this tropical, amazing environment that was peaceful and untouched. AMAZING is the only way I can describe it! It was an experience that honestly changed my life because it was simply so beautiful and different.
Lastly, I wanted to mention how nice it is to get to know other international students. Its hard to describe, but it feels like there is no judgement. Everyone is outgoing because they are all in the same boat as you. They are away from home, in a new, strange place, and they want to make friends. They dont care what you look like, or what your wearing, or where you come from. They just want to talk to you. We sat around in circles for HOURS just talking about our home countries, telling stories and comparing our cultures, and every one was enjoying themselves. I have learned more about the world in two days at weekend orientation than I ever have, or ever will, (I think) in a classroom, simply because I sat and talked with people who have different views, culture and backgrounds than I do. I hope everyone, at some point in their life, gets to experience that.
While there, we were able to go hiking, zip lining, swimming, and just hang out. I got EXTREMELY sun burnt. Fun fact: the pollution we create in the United States in Europe dosent affect us, but it affect Africa and depleats the ozone here, so literally, five minutes in the sun and your baked. Its not even appealing to be in the sun sometimes unless you cake on the sunscreen, because I have never felt the sun so hot on my skin. I will have pictures of Tsitsikamma up hopefully tomorrow, because it was something straight out of a movie. We were swimming in waterfalls, and this tropical, amazing environment that was peaceful and untouched. AMAZING is the only way I can describe it! It was an experience that honestly changed my life because it was simply so beautiful and different.
Lastly, I wanted to mention how nice it is to get to know other international students. Its hard to describe, but it feels like there is no judgement. Everyone is outgoing because they are all in the same boat as you. They are away from home, in a new, strange place, and they want to make friends. They dont care what you look like, or what your wearing, or where you come from. They just want to talk to you. We sat around in circles for HOURS just talking about our home countries, telling stories and comparing our cultures, and every one was enjoying themselves. I have learned more about the world in two days at weekend orientation than I ever have, or ever will, (I think) in a classroom, simply because I sat and talked with people who have different views, culture and backgrounds than I do. I hope everyone, at some point in their life, gets to experience that.
Finally here! WHERE TO EVEN BEGIN...OOFTA!!
Well, I'm here! Wifi has been spotty, so bear with me!
Honestly, I am at a loss for words. There have been so many new, interesting, beautiful, funny, unexplainable experiences that I don't even know where to begin or what to say! CRAZY.
First off, I should explain my living suituation in Annie's Cove. Its nice but different. Electricity is a luxury here, not a given. We have to physically walk like 30 minutes to a store to buy electricity and it lasts about a week. There have been so many eye opening things here, and it has really made me realize how much we do take for granted in America. Another thing is crime. Its like any other big city, where you have to be cautions but things we have all the time and treat as a "normal" thing to have, they dont have here.For example, laptops, iphones, nice cell phones are luxuries,and people will not think twice about just taking your things. You have to be very cautious.Annie's Cove is not some beach side, expensive, "touristy" place. Some stuff is run down. Some things are not perfect and it IS an adjustment in EVERY WAY, but that's what I'm here for. It really changes your life.
Next, the different cultural things. It IS AMAZING getting to know South African people. They are so different and interesting to what I'm used to. They are honestly, the nicest most giving people I have EVER met. They pass you and greet you, and smile almost always. Its also an adjustment too because everyone here runs on "South African time" so if you call a cab and he says he will be here in 30 minutes, its really more like 45...and you just begin to realize that its SO HOT and transportation is more difficult that they don't rush ALL THE TIME like we do in America. They are a much more relaxed, nice, polite culture. For example, if you go to a restaurant here, expect to be there hours. They leave you to talk and visit instead of always interrupting you and asking you questions. Its different but nice at the same time.
Another interesting thing is the taxi vans we have been taking, called Kombis. They are like 20 person vans that drive crazy fast all over the city, honking and picking people up anywhere. You meet interesting people, and you get to see what the transportation and culture is really like. My favorite thing about them is the super loud Reggeton music they play in the van. Sometimes they sing along, some dance and you see the actual culture. Its interesting to see how much you can learn from something so simple as a "taxi" ride.
Something else that astounded me is the love of their country. I thought that I was a person who was not only a Patriot, but that I came from a country that truly loved their country. Times that by 50. People here are ALWAYS celebrating their culture and country. Mostly, I have seen it through futbol, aka "soccer" in the U.S. Footbal here is like the NFL but 100 times more intense. EVERYONE loves it. It is THEEE only thing on TV here. There are people in America that dont like football or sports but here, EVERYONE is obsessed with footbal. Its how they celebrate their culture. Literally, people here are devestated for YEARS if their team loses.
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