UW in South Africa. September 13, 2017

Greetings…

It’s really late and I’m supposed to be fine tuning my lecture for tomorrow at the University of Cape Town… so I’ll try to sum up quickly.

Started the day (after my now usual little chai and homemade scone at the little café down the street — tired and bored with the breakfast they leave for us at the B&B) by heading with the full group to Chrysalis Academy – a nonprofit located on spectacular grounds in the Newlands area of Cape Town. It’s about 15 years old and has established a comprehensive, 3-month residency program (followed by a variety of support mechanisms) to build physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual development for youth who have been subjected to violence, drugs, gangs, etc. We met staff and after they presented their program… our students explained what they were each doing. They were great! Then some open discussion about racism in South Africa and the US… and then they served a light lunch.

We then headed to Muizenberg and beyond. We stopped to see a factory that produced great silk-screened and hand-painted fabrics (sort of the Marimekko of Cape Town!). I had gone into a store in Cape Town the other day that sold this fabric and items made from the fabric. I asked about the production of the items.. and learned the factory was in Muizenberg where we would be headed, so I called to see if they would give us a quick tour. It was quite fascinating.. and then of course they had a make-shift store with lots of discounted items. This definitely showed the shoppers from the non-shoppers.. with me definitely in the former group. We all got great buys… and then we headed south to see the penguins! Students had a blast walking out on the rocks to the sea.. and watching and finding penguins everywhere ..

Following this, we headed to Kalk Bay to eat at Kalky’s – a sort of institution serving fish (many different kinds)and chips. It’s usually packed, but we lucked out and were able to get a big table for all 15 of us..  Calamari steak and fried calamari, peri peri prawns, yellowtail,  hake. Lots of fries, salads.. and everyone devoured it all. The fish is served on steel platters and tin plates. The place has bright colored wooden tables.. sort of like painted picnic tables… and a great outdoor section, but it was too cold and windy so we ate inside. You line up to order and then they bring the food to the table.. not necessarily in a logical flow. Staff turnover must be low since everyone I photographed here a year ago was still here.. and I showed them the photos (they were on my iPhone).. and I took new ones.

Funny story… A guy came up to our table and started talking with Chris and me..  He said his name was Kevin.. Chris chatted for a while and then he started talking to me…  Strange dude. Turns out he was with this young couple who turn out to be from Jamaica; they are Jehovah’s Witness missionaries working in West Africa and here on vacation. Needless to say the conversation was brief, especially when they explained a woman’s role and a man’s role… Outta there!

Sorry, just finishing this up and it’s a day late.. It’s midnight here and I am fading. Lots to talk about in terms of my day today… but that will have to wait.

Best

Fern