cow dreams

University, Kennedy Road, Feeding Scheme, Going Out, South Coast

Our last week was jam packed: we had lectures, excursions, and a great weekend trip.
On Thursday we went to the University of KwaZulu Natal which is very near to us. The cutest old professor gave a lecture on race and ethnicity and we finally got a chance to see/minimally interact with S. Africans our age. It also made us really miss being at WashU. But we experienced things at UKZN that you simply cannot in St. Louis, such as seeing about 20 monkeys running around, wrestling, playing, and carrying babies! (In front of the dorms =).
Then in the afternoon we went to an informal settlement known as Kennedy Road where we had a tour though the shacks where over 7,000 families live, right next to a dump. Before going we read about a movement that had sprung out of the community and when we were there we were able to talk to the leaders about their struggle for land, housing, dignity, and a voice in the government. The community also had an all male award winning acapella group that performed pieces for us that spoke about issues that they faced.
On Friday morning, Stephanie had a chance to go a local primary school and help make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for over 100 children with a group called the KZN Youth Empowerment Program (YEP). YEP is led by four young men from the community who have dedicated the last four years to feeding, mentoring and educating primary and secondary kids from the area. They do the feeding scheme, run a life skills class for teens and put on social events. They were incredibly inspirational and do the kind of work we both see ourselves involved in, in the future. We will both have a chance to help this Friday.
Friday night we had a chance to go out for the first time. We went to a place
called News Café with Stephanie’s younger sisters and one of their friends. We had a great time meeting local S. Africans. =) We hope to go dancing later this week.
On Saturday morning we drove about 2 ½ hours to the South Coast where we went on a 4 hour walk. First we paddle boated, then walked along the shore looking at fossils and caves (and simple stunning scenery in general all around. Aka ocean and mountains etc.) for 2 hours. Then we took a break to swim before heading uphill for 2 more hours (through THE locale where Blood Diamond was shot). We arrived deliriously exhausted singing The Lion King “Can you feel the love tonight?” and jumping like a gazelle (Steph) through the African savannah. That’s right. We also hallucinated that cows would come carry us the rest of the way…yeah… So, then we had lunch in a hut on the floor surrounded by chickens/roosters. Dead tired we later arrived at the beach house where we were staying the night and had a braai (aka barbeque). It was fun.
Sunday we drove home, did homework, slept, etc. Right now we’re on our lunch break and writing to all those we love, aka you reader you. = ) (We may still be a bit delirious.)