The first day was spent doing a field lab for my World Religions class. I had one of the coolest days ever! We went between different religious places, all of which partake in the religious dialogues and interfaith initiative. First, we visited the St. Mark's Church. It stands in the very controversial and historical District Six in which they bulldozed everything other than the religious buildings during the apartheid era. The leader of the Interfaith Initiative was Brother John, who also became our tour guide for the day. He told us about the ways in which religion affects Cape Town and South Africa as a whole, which was fascinating. The integration of Western religions, Eastern religions, and African Traditional religions throughout the place and how they all worked as one absolutely amazed me. Next, we went to a nearby mosque where we were meet by the leader. He told us about how the mosque worked within the community, ho wit was to practice there, and about some of the things that Muslims do. He also spoke to how the two faiths interacted, which was cool. After that, we visited a Hindu temple and learned about the faith, sang and chanted with them, and they gave us an incredible vegetarian meal. Onto another church. The only difference was that this was a Pentecostal church located in the heart of the most dangerous township in the skirts of Cape Town. Hearing them speak to how religion is changing their lives, giving them hope, and bringing a way to lift up the people was heartwarming. We also learned the ways in which they are being affected by their lack of sanitation, transportation, water sources, and infrastructure. They are far away from any form of clinic or police station and have minimal access to stores in which they can purchase food and goods. It was eye-opening, to say the least. The last stop was a different Hindu temple that worshipped in a different sect than the first. They treated us to coffee and tea and another perspective on the incredible religion. All in all, it was a brilliant day followed by a fun night at a local bar named Mitchell's.
Day two through the third morning, I stayed in a local township called Langa. I can legitimately say that it was a life changing experience and one that I will never forget. I lived with a woman named Rachel, and she opened my eyes to a whole new side of tolerance. Something I've long known and wanted became so much more plausible and palpable after hearing her story. She spoke of living in the old South Africa and being kicked out of her home and having to move purely because she was black. Living in places that are confined to themselves and forced down by the others and not being able to get good jobs or transportation or high living standards. Yet she also spoke to forgiving the Afrikaans and loving them and not judging and living with a forward sight. It was remarkable, and she was exceptionally warm and welcoming and loving. We also saw what the townships hold. They have numerous places called hostels, and they resemble shanty apartments. In what I would consider a barren, run-down 4 person apartment housed about 16 FAMILIES. One whole family PER TWIN BED. The old kids would sleep on the floor in the main area and the two parents and at least one or two other children would be in the bed. I have never felt so privileged in my life, and I have a whole different appreciation for the small things. We spent the afternoon working with a kids organization called Happy Feet started by the guy who led us around. It was SO FUN! I loved it! The kids of the group learn to step and to dance, and it keeps them out of the streets and out of trouble. They work with each other to make sure everyone is keeping up in school, too. They taught us a few moves and played games for a few hours. The next morning was spent with the family, which I loved. The kids were so great and Rachel was fantastic.
The afternoon of the third day was spent wandering around Cape Town with Bronwyn, Beelin, Quinn, and a few others! We ate delicious Indian food and walked around Long Street. We went to a local market and shopped for a while and watched the street performers dancing. That night Max, Bronwyn, and I got to eat dinner on the Waterfront with Katie, her father, and her step-mother! It was delicious, and I was so excited to get to meet her father about whom I had heard MANY stories. It was a little taste of home, too, getting to meet the parent of a best friend.
Day four contained some of the most enjoyable and ridiculous fun I've ever had. A group of 11 of us (Gaby, Josie, Quinn, Andrew, Kasey, Jake, Meghan, LeAnn, Briana, Gabby, and myself) went on a wine tour to multiple wineries around the Cape Town area! We were guided and driven by a man named Bruce, who was absolutely hilarious, and he ensured that we were treated like the best. It was a bit of a switch from the beginning of the 5 days, but none the less it was hilarious and I loved every minute of it. We wandered throughout the vineyards and saw the most incredible sights! Mountains everywhere, perfect weather, great friends - the recipe for a great day. Also, we spotted some zebras and ostriches on the side of the road! Only in Africa… Then we got to see the sun set over all of Cape Town from the top of Lion's Head, too! Such an awesome day and evening.
Day five was spent wandering the town with Katie and Max. We did some shopping and meandering on the V&A Waterfront and then headed down to Long Street to do the same. The three of us enjoyed lunch in the gorgeous weather and then moseyed on through the markets and shops. We also enjoyed some coffee and tea from a little place on the 5th floor of a building on a terrace overlooking the street. It also had a gorgeous view of Table Mountain in all of its gargantuan glory.
South Africa was an amazing, enthralling, life changing experience in which I learned a lot about myself and others and people in general. For every bit of hate I heard or saw, I saw multitudes of love and tolerance counteracting it. I can't wait to see that place again.
And maybe do a safari next time…
Picture 1 - Coming into the port at sunrise with a gorgeous view of Table Mountain with its table cloth (on left) and Lion's Head (on right).
Picture 2 - Another sunrise shot.
Picture 3 - Inside St. Mark's Church.
Picture 4 - Outside St. Mark's Church.
Picture 5 - Inside the mosque.
Picture 6 - With the Hindu guru at the first temple.
Picture 7 - Inside Guguletu township.
Picture 8 - View of Table Mountain from inside Langa Township.
Picture 9 - Sign for the Happy Feet project!
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