Yesterday I visited South Africa's second largest township (right behind Soweto in Johannesburg), Umlazi, with a friend from there. Its a half an hour from the varsity so I told her I could take a cab, but she said the drivers won't go there; other South African friends were afraid for me to go there but there really is more fear than reason to have it. My friend's mom kindly came and picked me up, and it was so much fun to meet her mom and friends. I got to see her church and all the cute church moms who have matching uniforms (white coats with black ties, hats, and purple pins). Even though the service was all in Zulu I really enjoyed being there. They made me get up in front of the congregation and give a little speech about where I'm from, in front of all two hundred Zulu speaking members of the congregation...Haha. But I was very warmly greeted. Though Umlazi seldom sees a white person, everyone was so sweet. The church was very welcoming (I haven't had that many hugs in one day in a while) but when we went for lunch I was made quite aware of the lack of pigment in my skin. From the kids who stare stare; I love that they stare actually because they have no shame in it and you always know what is innocently on their minds; to the guys yelling "baby girl" "sunshine" and "white girl" at me through car windows. It was such a great experience to see Umlazi though, and more so to be with a friend who calls it home. It will be a treasured memory.

Spent this past week going to goodbye meals and hanging out with friends who I will never forget. I also got to go visit SABC with a friend who is a reporter there. I remember reading Allister Sparks' (a former editor in chief at the South African Broadcasting Company) book before I left home. His book is about the changes in South African media during and after the governmental change, a reciprocal relationship between shifting media and the move to democracy. Being there recalled all the powerful ways media influences the world, and was a reminder to me of how this country has changed. Nelson Mandela said democracy has made the world smaller and in the process been a great tool for the promotion of democracy. It was wonderful to see SABC in person, as a reminder of how it has changed, how the nation has changed, and just as one more thing I have read about that comes to life in such deeper waves when you are actually standing there.

Off to Cape Town tomorrow morning! We are planning to visit Robben Island, Table Mountain, Cape Point and the winelands, and more! I'm so excited, everyone says Cape Town is the Europe of Africa, it sounds beautiful!

Posted by Lauren at 01:53 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Haha, someone did steal the cheese from the fridge. I wonder what it is about cheese; it's the most commonly stolen food, from me at least. Anyhow it's been a beautiful week. I almost went on a spur of the moment trip to Zimbabwe but had too many loose ends to wrap up, and stayed. Zimbabwe can wait, it's been so precious to have the time to say goodbye to so many wonderful friends. To hang out and go to those favorite spots one last time before I leave UKZN and residence forever. And I'm going with a friend to Umlazi (a black township) on Sunday, which I'm really looking forward to.

In other news I saw the movie Borat with 9 South African friends, and begged them to not think the states is really like they portray it in the movie. Aye aye aye. You never realize how people take the things they see on TV as fact until South Africans ask you if your life is really like The Bold and The Beautiful or the OC. Haha.

Wednesday I got to baby-sit 30 kids at the school I volunteer at while the staff had a meeting. The kids are wonderful, they want to sing for you, dance for you, play games, and once they know you they run up to you and give you giant hugs. They call me the white mommy. Haha, weirded me out at first but its cute.

Spent an evening out with friends and went to say goodbye to another's parents. It astounds me how hospitable the families of some of my friends here have been. I've been to dinner at their houses and had the privilege of seeing families in distinctly different areas (and cultures). Their families have all been so kind and wonderful, and have enriched my experience here in huge ways. I hope they know how much they mean to me! One family is even making plans to come visit the states! Hooray, it would be such a treat to show them where I live.

Today is a goodbye party with a group of my friends from the Varsity; we're playing soccer and having a feast. Tomorrow a goodbye picnic in the park and tea with a couple of the other girls. I can't believe I'm leaving. Turns out that a couple of my friends from SA will be in Cape Town the same time I will and I get to meet up with them. Precious says she wants to show me the town and Patrick says I've gotta see his grandpa's house. Haha, I love the way things have worked out here, it seems like wherever I go now I run into friends and I love it. As I say, people are so hospitable and kind. Man I'm going to miss it here!

PS. I found this great sign on my friend's street:

Posted by Lauren at 11:42 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)