Monday was the first day of school with Thandeka, Ms. Thandeka that is! So excited, happy, anxious...every feeling one could get for the first day of school – keeping in mind this was one of the only times in my life I have actually looked forward to going back to school. And WOW!! We arrived to Soheko Primary School in time for morning assembly – better than any assembly I've ever witnessed…and they do it every morning! The children line up in front of the teachers and principal – according to grade and gender – and sing a variety of songs, some prayers, some “good morning” songs, and some “thank you” songs. FANTASTIC...especially since all the kids harmonized perfectly and even had little choir-like choreography to go with it! Now THAT is how to start a day.
Thandeka teaches English on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to the 4-6th graders, so this morning, I was able to just meet, greet, and converse with the kids. Upon request, many of kids wanted to sing and dance for us...so whoever wanted to get up in front of the 5th and 6th grade classes could! And did they ever!! The kids got up in duos, trios, larger groups, and the very brave ones headed up to the front solo to sing a variety of songs, mainly those they learned in school and church, for us. One girl even sang “The Weakness in Me” – that was so much fun to compare her interpretation of the song against the versions I've heard by recording artists in the States. I'm not sure if I was just caught up in the moment, everything being sooo new and different, but all the kids sounded SO GOOD – all on pitch, all harmonizing with each other, all knowing exactly when to do steps and when to stop! Many were shy performing in front a new visitor, but you could just SEE how much they loved what they were doing, how much music was a part of their lives, and how they would secretly do that all day long if that was an option. Same applied for the dancing...the group would form a circle, start providing a steady beat with either a song or repetitive percussive sounds made using their mouths, and take turns entering the middle to shake a leg and showcase their favorite moves. The two most popular trends in the dancing styles of this group were lots of weaving leg action (turning a bent leg inward and outward) and what I like to call the “dinosaur” – much like the robot, but imitating the movements of the ancient reptile...bringing a hand around the opposite side of their head and back around to starting position was a popular move. Crazy dancing + astounding singing + continuous smiling + seeing Thandeka in her element x seeing the obvious influence she has had on these children = Unforgettable Experience and Honor. (Also, this was a fantastic first experience with the children because they all did something unique that I could later refer back to when trying to memorize their names!)
The next three days were spent observing how Thandeka teaches her three grades and helping out when and where I could. Thandeka really made me feel included, which is such a blessing. She was very good at creating lesson plans to utilize an extra body - the class would be split into two groups, each working on a different activity for half the class time, and then each group would switch activities. This really allowed me to see how each child’s English had progressed since having Thandeka as a teacher. My goodness these kids are SHARP! As a class, we read stories, did reading comprehension activities, played Bingo with a board of vocabulary words, wrote sentences about what was read in class, and had question/answer time. For most of the kids here, school and education seem to be incredibly important – many kids try so hard to understand what is being taught and there is rarely any griping when homework is assigned. I can see that many children are challenged and want to continue being challenged by the schoolwork Thandeka provides. From what I understand, it is often the teaching method to come into the classroom, write what you want to teach on the board, and then leave the room without providing any explanations or fielding any questions. This might be another reason as to why I think Thandeka is helping them learn more than anyone is aware, as she always explains what she is teaching, goes over it many times, help individuals who need it, ask for the kids’input, and provides an open floor for questions. But above all, she is respectful of them, possibly the single most important difference of all – and some of the kids sense this...they act and react as kids who are cared for and loved. And they are!
The biggest challenge I have had personally over this very short time is mastering the children's names. It is so great to hear how well Thandeka knows each of her kids – she knows their learning styles, what they are capable of, and how best to engage them in a certain activity...in addition to what each aspires to be when they get older, who has a really great voice, who are the best dancers, who wants to be the celebrity, who each likes to hang out with – and the list goes on and on. Inspired, I tried hard all week to try and use the children’s names as much as possible...serious memory issues aside, it is coming along because the kids' names are so important and often representative of their personalities. For example, some exhibited their names in their everyday demeanor – Happy, Success, Realeboga (meaning “we give thanks”) – and most it is a very random association...like I remember California because she is long and tall, Benny because he wants to be a celebrity (so I associate it with Ben E. King), and George because he is curious?
Like I said, I still haven't mastered them all.
Friday, Katy and I headed to Pretoria to pick up the Chico and head over to Badplaas to give it another try for the horseback riding with Jean. Lucky with the weather, we all climbed atop our horses and followed Alpheus through the huge hills of the resort's private game reserve. There were sun rays pushing through clouds EVERYWHERE, illuminating hill peaks, houses, and animal packs! The pace for the ride was perfect - medium walking pace - especially since we were working with half a saddle (looked like a toilet seat curved to fit the lines of a horse) and really high stirrups (where it felt like we were leaning forward with our feet tucked up behind us the whole time). Good times. And although we loved Alpheus and had to put our trust in him, there were times when I had to question his actions...such as when he walked us right in front of a kudu, a massive animal with sharp, knife-like horns and, for all we knew, a very short temper. But, being the good man that he is, Alpheus knew he wasn't ever putting us in any serious danger - thanks for that, Alpheus! We saw zebra and kudu(really close-up), springbok, waterbuck, heart-beasts (?), wildebeests, and impala. The environment was simply astonishing and it was quite a rush to BE among these beautiful animals. After the equally amazing ride back to the stables, we stopped at Gangsters one last time - now that Thandeka and I know the staff as well, it seemed like the only thing to do. We took a night trip to Barberton for some dessert at a really cute cafe and fully enjoyed having the Chico, cruising with the music full blast and the wind in our hair! One thing I have learned...do not take reliable, timely public transportation or having a car for granted! They are A-Mazing! And so was our weekend getaway. This is the last few days of my trip, so I'm off to enjoy every moment of them!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Blyde River Bonus!
Blyde River Canyon...umm, absolutely breathtaking. Wednesday I took a tour of the canyon and surrounding area with a nature-loving outdoor enthusiast turned tour guide named Jimmy and another girl I met at the hostel in Nelspruit. The day started about 7:30 as we started climbing the hill to get to the first (and what I think is quite possibly the best) view of the day – the "Three Rondovals," which quite literally is three huge vertical rock projections that take the shape of rondovals, types of houses here that typically have a thatched roof over a circular foundation. There was a small river (small being respective to where we were standing 700 meters above, which in reality turned out to be pretty raging waters – perfect for kayaking) in which Jimmy pointed out what appeaByred to be a tiny stone that is apparently large enough to land a helicopter on! So, it's all about perspective! The Rodovals were just beautiful as they sat behind the winding river and water dam and in front of the green farmland extending for miles in every direction. It was incredibly relaxing to dangle our feet over the edge and take in the beauty of our surroundings.
Next on our Blyde River excursion was "God's Window," a location that provides more extraordinary views of the surrounding area (green at this time of year) and a secret rainforest that reminded me of a mix between "Fern Gully" and "Swiss Family Robinson." Rainforests are just so calming because they provide a whole realm of relaxing stimuli – the air is richer, the leaves of various plantlife constantly rustle, regardless of if there is a breeze or wind, the sounds from the ANIMAL life...everything!
Question...if we were standing at God's window, does that mean we caught a glimpse of heaven? I think sooo...it sure looked like a good heaven to me. Aside from the main viewing attractions, our trip was interspersed with many different waterfalls (Lisbon, Berlin, Mac-Mac, Whiteriver, and others whose names I don't recall L) – some 50 meters high, others 90, some we could jump over the top of, some we could hike down to the base, some we could drink from, and others not so much.
Thursday morning was transport day as I headed back to Badplaas to catch up with Jean for a little horseback ride in Adventura, the local resort that I refer to simply as Jean's own. Had a quick bite at "Gangster's" (nope, not kidding...it's the resort's restaurant) and it was off to the stables for our horseback adventure through the reserve. Gearing up and wearing the stellar helmets was quite possibly the most fun moment of our preparation...that or just getting to spend time with the nice man running the stables, whom Jean of course knew. That woman is amazing at remember names and finding connections to each and every individual that crosses her path – two extremely wonderful talents. Just as we were about to pick our horses, the lightning started exploding throughout the sky and we could see the clouds releasing rain in the not-so-far-off distance. Having just a small suggestion from the man (who was secretly a Doppler radar weatherman) to get going before the rain came, we did as we were told. And as we started walking, the rain started chasing us down…so we picked up the pace, and the rain followed suit. Now, running as full-speed as we could having just eaten, we are literally trying to outrun the rain…which was such good fun! It caught up to us, but in a Hollywood movie moment, we shouted mid-run to a man up ahead backing out of his driveway in a sheltered golf cart for a ride – perfect timing!!! So we waited out the remainder of the passing storm and had a laugh under the roofed entranceway. The second half of the waiting out process took place in, you guessed it, Gangsters!
Friday I met back up with Katy in Pretoria (yay!) and got to meet another of her good friends from the Peace Corps. We had some good eats – my favorite being the local frozen yogurt/ice cream bar Marcel's – and toured Hatfield for a bit. Got to share some stories with an international student at Pretoria University (originally from the south back in the states) and Katy over an amazing spiced chai tea latte J Saturday, we started making our way back to Katy's village by way of Kwamhlanga, a great place to stop and get some last-minute groceries and meet up with Katy's closest neighboring PCV and good friend at the newly redesigned KFC. Fantastic lunch followed by a big blessing – a ride from a friend of the Katys' and ANOTHER ride from a student who recognized Thandeka – Katy's name given to her by her African family, meaning "to be loved." Can't get a better name than that!! And once we finally reached her home and I had the opportunity to meet her host family, I could definitely see this love they had for one another. Sunday is a day for a little R+R before SCHOOL on Monday. I have not been this excited for SCHOOL ever in my life! Pumped to meet the kids Thandeka teaches and see the influence they have had on each other! Love to all back home! Heading off to try again with the safari on horseback with KATY!!
Next on our Blyde River excursion was "God's Window," a location that provides more extraordinary views of the surrounding area (green at this time of year) and a secret rainforest that reminded me of a mix between "Fern Gully" and "Swiss Family Robinson." Rainforests are just so calming because they provide a whole realm of relaxing stimuli – the air is richer, the leaves of various plantlife constantly rustle, regardless of if there is a breeze or wind, the sounds from the ANIMAL life...everything!
Question...if we were standing at God's window, does that mean we caught a glimpse of heaven? I think sooo...it sure looked like a good heaven to me. Aside from the main viewing attractions, our trip was interspersed with many different waterfalls (Lisbon, Berlin, Mac-Mac, Whiteriver, and others whose names I don't recall L) – some 50 meters high, others 90, some we could jump over the top of, some we could hike down to the base, some we could drink from, and others not so much.
Thursday morning was transport day as I headed back to Badplaas to catch up with Jean for a little horseback ride in Adventura, the local resort that I refer to simply as Jean's own. Had a quick bite at "Gangster's" (nope, not kidding...it's the resort's restaurant) and it was off to the stables for our horseback adventure through the reserve. Gearing up and wearing the stellar helmets was quite possibly the most fun moment of our preparation...that or just getting to spend time with the nice man running the stables, whom Jean of course knew. That woman is amazing at remember names and finding connections to each and every individual that crosses her path – two extremely wonderful talents. Just as we were about to pick our horses, the lightning started exploding throughout the sky and we could see the clouds releasing rain in the not-so-far-off distance. Having just a small suggestion from the man (who was secretly a Doppler radar weatherman) to get going before the rain came, we did as we were told. And as we started walking, the rain started chasing us down…so we picked up the pace, and the rain followed suit. Now, running as full-speed as we could having just eaten, we are literally trying to outrun the rain…which was such good fun! It caught up to us, but in a Hollywood movie moment, we shouted mid-run to a man up ahead backing out of his driveway in a sheltered golf cart for a ride – perfect timing!!! So we waited out the remainder of the passing storm and had a laugh under the roofed entranceway. The second half of the waiting out process took place in, you guessed it, Gangsters!
Friday I met back up with Katy in Pretoria (yay!) and got to meet another of her good friends from the Peace Corps. We had some good eats – my favorite being the local frozen yogurt/ice cream bar Marcel's – and toured Hatfield for a bit. Got to share some stories with an international student at Pretoria University (originally from the south back in the states) and Katy over an amazing spiced chai tea latte J Saturday, we started making our way back to Katy's village by way of Kwamhlanga, a great place to stop and get some last-minute groceries and meet up with Katy's closest neighboring PCV and good friend at the newly redesigned KFC. Fantastic lunch followed by a big blessing – a ride from a friend of the Katys' and ANOTHER ride from a student who recognized Thandeka – Katy's name given to her by her African family, meaning "to be loved." Can't get a better name than that!! And once we finally reached her home and I had the opportunity to meet her host family, I could definitely see this love they had for one another. Sunday is a day for a little R+R before SCHOOL on Monday. I have not been this excited for SCHOOL ever in my life! Pumped to meet the kids Thandeka teaches and see the influence they have had on each other! Love to all back home! Heading off to try again with the safari on horseback with KATY!!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Big City and SWAZILAND
Last Tuesday held two major activities that evoked to very polar emotions - we headed to Jo-burg central to visit the Apartheid Museum and attend the South African broadway/theater version of the Lion King. There really isn't a whole lot I can say about the museum - something you definitely have to experience for yourself...but I did walk away with a little better understanding of the history leading up to apartheid, the events that occurred during the times, and also what has happened since the establishment of a democratic state in 1994. There is still a LONG way to come, but only time will tell. To put a positive spin on a rather depressing afternoon, Katy, Jean, and I went to the Montecasino Theater to see the South African adaptation of "The Lion King." Umm....A-MAZING!! Seriously, I was covered in goosebumps and on the verge of happy tears midway through the first act of "Pride Rock." The COSTUMES + the sets + the MUSIC + the dancing (with many local tribal influence) + Rafiki's VOICE + a 99% South African cast = UNREAL EXPERIENCE. I could watch it another 2034899275081459817234091847 times in a row! Because I was in South Africa, with Katy, in the land that was the original inspiration for the creation of the movie, because I can SEE how perfect each set design is in comparison to the real landscape of this country, and because the people that were in the play LIVE in this amazing land, and because the "actors" were more so LIVING their surroundings, not just acting in them... for these reasons, it was the BEST it could be!! Though the experience might be a bit different, the vision behind it is always there, SO GO SEE IT!
Wednesday was a great lounge day - ran some errands, dined a bit, and watched Hairspray in the cheap ticket movie theater in Hatfield - pretty cute film but wasn't even fair to compare to the previous night. Thursday we headed to Jean's village in Badplaas...the kombi ride in and of itself was an experience - within 4 hours, we headed east of Pretoria with ourselves and 13 of our closest friends/ new buddies/complete strangers. Ahh kombis - not even really sure I am spelling that correctly, but hey, these other 10 national languages are a bit difficult for me. Side note: wouldn't even say I am fluent in English...some of these people come up to me speaking English and spouting these HUGE words, their meanings completely unknown to me. Moving on, we finally got to her village, and visited Jean's resort (resort about 1 mile's walk away from her go-go's house, but that she frequents so often that all staff members know her by sight and address her by first name, as she also does). Staying in Jean's home was the first TINY glimpse I had into what living situations must be like for Katy, Jean, other volunteers, and the people who live here their whole lives. For this glimpse, I am honored, most thankful, and very appreciative for everything we have.
SWAZILAND
Friday afternoon, Jean and I headed to Mbabane, Swaziland with a few other PCVs to see a concert event called Bush Fire! Thank you guys for the invitation because it was a BLAST! Friday was the chill day - had a meal in the shopping area, caught up on necessary errands, and then hung out at the hostel all night long. One of the volunteers made an amazing curry dish that eventually became our breakfast and lunch for the next two days. Sat on the floor around a big table, placed the one dish of curry in the center, and then proceeded to feast with torn pieces of loaf bread...AWESOME - it was a lovely meal and there were quite a few laughs shared among the group! Good fun! I came prepared to camp out, as there were many people coming to stay at the hostel for the festival, but luck was on our side - got the opportunity to stay in an extra bed, which was a welcome relief!
Saturday was concert day! Jean and I took a walk to the top of the hill behind the hostel, which provided these amazing 360 views of the Mbabane landscape - and it was soooo different, as there were forestry areas, farmlands, villages, a business district, a marketplace, and green hills as far as the eye could see. Two things I love about hiking and getting to views like these: 1. You can create your own map, see where you have come from, look to where you are going, review where you have visited, get a better idea of the people, the land, and its "structure," see where water sources are, what is growing where....you can tell SO MUCH! and 2. You get a better perspective and understanding of how SMALL we are - stupid annoyances that occur throughout a day, disagreements, menial worries...they do not matter! And as I say that we are small, and that some things we place such attention on aren't really that important, do not interpret it to mean that small is synonymous with insignificance. What we DO is SOOOOOO important!! So, my recommendation, go climb or drive to a place with a view and ENJOY IT!!! I am done with my rant now, and needless to say, we had a great time taking in the views, thinking, and getting lost on the way back.
The concert was held outdoors in two main locations - an open lawn area and an amphitheatre-style venue where the smaller acts performed. We got the grounds at around one which happened to be just in time for the DRUM CIRCLE!! Nothing is more fun than beating on a drum, laughing, and watching all others around you do the same thing! We played for about an hour before the group leading had to call it quits for the next group to come on. A-MAZING. Really fun to just look around and see people from all over - different nationalities/races/viewpoints all enjoying the same thing...still a firm believer that in any situation, music is a common ground. After that, the party moved to the main lawn, where the remaining 4 bands played on the bigger stage. There were three or four traditional Swazi elders playing their handmade instruments that we had the opportunity to see - very interesting... I heard lots of pain, suffering, and hardship in their voice when they sang, but unfortunately, I have no idea what words were actually being sang. And THEN, a group of Swazi men and women performed traditional chants, songs, and dances, including the one and only Swazi KICK! This kick is A-MAZING - there is something about it that is so enchanting and powerful and sooooo entertaining. They kick up but the emphasis is bringing the leg as forcefully and as quickly as you can back to the ground. So whereas our emphasis on kicks as we know in the States are more about the upward motion, the primary focus on the Swazi kick is the downward. When the girls perform it, they also focus on bringing the kicked leg as high as possible before propelling it back down to the earth. AH - just AMAZING!
The next band that played I can't even remember...in the best possible way. They played music that had a sort of salsa-rumba-Latino feel and groove to it, so I spent the entire set dancing with a BEAUTIFUL girl about 12-years old who was up there busting a move as well. We just mimicked what each other was doing....she nearly gave me a hernia with all the moves she was busting out, buuut I tried my best to hang with her and she acknowledged my efforts by calling me "sister." I will take that any day of the week. SOOO MUCH FUN to just learn THROUGH someone...one of the few moments of my life where I really didn't care and it just felt like me, my friend, and her two little brothers just dancing the night away. UNFORGETTABLE! Next up...FRESHLY GROUND!!! GREAT BAND from Cape Town that just gave an amazingly energetic and entertaining performance....an experience rather. Great tunes, great messages, beautiful band members (who occasionally busted out choreographed steps when there was an instrumental solo), dancing all around, great VIBE and absolutely one of the best moments of the night. LOVE IT ALL!! We danced the rest of the night away after an encore performance from Freshly Ground to a local DJ and spun more tunes into the late night. We all headed back the next day after a GREAT weekend. Thank you to all that were a part of it and a special thank you to Jean and the gang who extended me the invitation!
Wednesday was a great lounge day - ran some errands, dined a bit, and watched Hairspray in the cheap ticket movie theater in Hatfield - pretty cute film but wasn't even fair to compare to the previous night. Thursday we headed to Jean's village in Badplaas...the kombi ride in and of itself was an experience - within 4 hours, we headed east of Pretoria with ourselves and 13 of our closest friends/ new buddies/complete strangers. Ahh kombis - not even really sure I am spelling that correctly, but hey, these other 10 national languages are a bit difficult for me. Side note: wouldn't even say I am fluent in English...some of these people come up to me speaking English and spouting these HUGE words, their meanings completely unknown to me. Moving on, we finally got to her village, and visited Jean's resort (resort about 1 mile's walk away from her go-go's house, but that she frequents so often that all staff members know her by sight and address her by first name, as she also does). Staying in Jean's home was the first TINY glimpse I had into what living situations must be like for Katy, Jean, other volunteers, and the people who live here their whole lives. For this glimpse, I am honored, most thankful, and very appreciative for everything we have.
SWAZILAND
Friday afternoon, Jean and I headed to Mbabane, Swaziland with a few other PCVs to see a concert event called Bush Fire! Thank you guys for the invitation because it was a BLAST! Friday was the chill day - had a meal in the shopping area, caught up on necessary errands, and then hung out at the hostel all night long. One of the volunteers made an amazing curry dish that eventually became our breakfast and lunch for the next two days. Sat on the floor around a big table, placed the one dish of curry in the center, and then proceeded to feast with torn pieces of loaf bread...AWESOME - it was a lovely meal and there were quite a few laughs shared among the group! Good fun! I came prepared to camp out, as there were many people coming to stay at the hostel for the festival, but luck was on our side - got the opportunity to stay in an extra bed, which was a welcome relief!
Saturday was concert day! Jean and I took a walk to the top of the hill behind the hostel, which provided these amazing 360 views of the Mbabane landscape - and it was soooo different, as there were forestry areas, farmlands, villages, a business district, a marketplace, and green hills as far as the eye could see. Two things I love about hiking and getting to views like these: 1. You can create your own map, see where you have come from, look to where you are going, review where you have visited, get a better idea of the people, the land, and its "structure," see where water sources are, what is growing where....you can tell SO MUCH! and 2. You get a better perspective and understanding of how SMALL we are - stupid annoyances that occur throughout a day, disagreements, menial worries...they do not matter! And as I say that we are small, and that some things we place such attention on aren't really that important, do not interpret it to mean that small is synonymous with insignificance. What we DO is SOOOOOO important!! So, my recommendation, go climb or drive to a place with a view and ENJOY IT!!! I am done with my rant now, and needless to say, we had a great time taking in the views, thinking, and getting lost on the way back.
The concert was held outdoors in two main locations - an open lawn area and an amphitheatre-style venue where the smaller acts performed. We got the grounds at around one which happened to be just in time for the DRUM CIRCLE!! Nothing is more fun than beating on a drum, laughing, and watching all others around you do the same thing! We played for about an hour before the group leading had to call it quits for the next group to come on. A-MAZING. Really fun to just look around and see people from all over - different nationalities/races/viewpoints all enjoying the same thing...still a firm believer that in any situation, music is a common ground. After that, the party moved to the main lawn, where the remaining 4 bands played on the bigger stage. There were three or four traditional Swazi elders playing their handmade instruments that we had the opportunity to see - very interesting... I heard lots of pain, suffering, and hardship in their voice when they sang, but unfortunately, I have no idea what words were actually being sang. And THEN, a group of Swazi men and women performed traditional chants, songs, and dances, including the one and only Swazi KICK! This kick is A-MAZING - there is something about it that is so enchanting and powerful and sooooo entertaining. They kick up but the emphasis is bringing the leg as forcefully and as quickly as you can back to the ground. So whereas our emphasis on kicks as we know in the States are more about the upward motion, the primary focus on the Swazi kick is the downward. When the girls perform it, they also focus on bringing the kicked leg as high as possible before propelling it back down to the earth. AH - just AMAZING!
The next band that played I can't even remember...in the best possible way. They played music that had a sort of salsa-rumba-Latino feel and groove to it, so I spent the entire set dancing with a BEAUTIFUL girl about 12-years old who was up there busting a move as well. We just mimicked what each other was doing....she nearly gave me a hernia with all the moves she was busting out, buuut I tried my best to hang with her and she acknowledged my efforts by calling me "sister." I will take that any day of the week. SOOO MUCH FUN to just learn THROUGH someone...one of the few moments of my life where I really didn't care and it just felt like me, my friend, and her two little brothers just dancing the night away. UNFORGETTABLE! Next up...FRESHLY GROUND!!! GREAT BAND from Cape Town that just gave an amazingly energetic and entertaining performance....an experience rather. Great tunes, great messages, beautiful band members (who occasionally busted out choreographed steps when there was an instrumental solo), dancing all around, great VIBE and absolutely one of the best moments of the night. LOVE IT ALL!! We danced the rest of the night away after an encore performance from Freshly Ground to a local DJ and spun more tunes into the late night. We all headed back the next day after a GREAT weekend. Thank you to all that were a part of it and a special thank you to Jean and the gang who extended me the invitation!
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