It may be common to see a sign "Alight from Vehicle At Own Risk" when within the bounds of a national park warning against the dangers of lions. Coincidentally, there was a lion kill the very day I visited Addo Elephant National Park at 9:00am. But, this time these signs lined the drive to a private property not warning against lions, but...attack dogs.
Our destination: a waterfall. I believe the VW Van packed of university students were second guessing this destination as we approached the property. However, we made it through the gates after a woman greeted us at the car door and collected 10R a person. We continued on a gravel path into terrain that looked rather unsupporting of any type of water, much less a waterfall. We approached some parked cars and followed suit. We exited the van and followed a pathway where we spotted the waterfall. The group broke out in laughter as our eyes gazed at a trickle of water falling down a cliff side.
But the area had so much more to offer than this. A beautiful spring of deep water was surrounded on three sides by cliffs and craigs. The water was deep enough to cliff jump so we most of us took the leap. There was also a fufi swing (zip line) in to the water as well. Although the waterfall was the purpose of our destination we quickly learned that the purpose can be minimally important compared to the greater wonders and memories that are created as a result.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thank You, Joseph Mbele
Prior to leaving for Port Elizabeth the professor Joseph Mbele from Wisconsin came to CSB to speak about cultural differences between, primarily Eastern Africa and America. One aspect that stood out to me in his speech and his book ("Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences") was the value of relationships.
He told a story that lent insight into why Africans are often late to functions most Americans would interpret as rude or disrespectful: when an African is on their way to this function and they see someone they know, the person comes first and may ask many questions "how is your mom?" "how is your cousin, I heard that his bike broke did he get it fixed?" etc. Americans on the contrary, would wave in passing and explain quickly they have a meeting to attend. After comparing this generalization I become comforted when a business opens later than expected, or a bus just never shows up or friends arrive an hour later than planned.
An additional example was the comparison of meeting with friends. In America you always alert someone when you are going to stop by their house. Most people would be partially confused if you just showed up unannounced and stuck around for hours or even longer. However, in most of Africa this is desired by friends and family. There is no need to call, no need to alert the person. So the night before when I "planned" to have a relaxing evening ten friends showed up from the Dunes around seven and hung out with us until half past eleven. I was tired so I fell asleep after they left and then when I awoke everyone was at our flat and they hung out until one the next day.
When I left the group to type some of my thoughts and check my e-mail for ten minutes, Mike came and asked me "Haley, why are you out here alone. Sitting alone is never a good thing." So I then rejoined the group. This was rather ironic since I was in the middle of typing this, but it just goes to show that this is very alive here and it is beautiful.
He told a story that lent insight into why Africans are often late to functions most Americans would interpret as rude or disrespectful: when an African is on their way to this function and they see someone they know, the person comes first and may ask many questions "how is your mom?" "how is your cousin, I heard that his bike broke did he get it fixed?" etc. Americans on the contrary, would wave in passing and explain quickly they have a meeting to attend. After comparing this generalization I become comforted when a business opens later than expected, or a bus just never shows up or friends arrive an hour later than planned.
An additional example was the comparison of meeting with friends. In America you always alert someone when you are going to stop by their house. Most people would be partially confused if you just showed up unannounced and stuck around for hours or even longer. However, in most of Africa this is desired by friends and family. There is no need to call, no need to alert the person. So the night before when I "planned" to have a relaxing evening ten friends showed up from the Dunes around seven and hung out with us until half past eleven. I was tired so I fell asleep after they left and then when I awoke everyone was at our flat and they hung out until one the next day.
When I left the group to type some of my thoughts and check my e-mail for ten minutes, Mike came and asked me "Haley, why are you out here alone. Sitting alone is never a good thing." So I then rejoined the group. This was rather ironic since I was in the middle of typing this, but it just goes to show that this is very alive here and it is beautiful.
Learning Through Others
Masifunda is an organization that accepts volunteers from NMMU in a nearby township. The volunteers stated objective is to assist children with homework. Although I can almost guarantee the volunteers will learn more from the children than the reverse. I especially appreciated that at the orientation the guide made this reciprocal nature of learning fairly evident.
I will not be volunteering with Masifunda, but Maggie will be and shared this story with me. On a tour of the township where they will be working the volunteers stopped at a beauty salon. One student asked the barber there in light of making conversation, "so how much does a haircut cost?"
The lady denounced this and said to him. "One does not ever ask about prices before asking how the person is doing." Although both parties meant well, this is the essence of what I love about my new home. PEOPLE come first, always.
I have experienced this countless times and it has challenged me to evaluate my western style of thinking. For example, Maggie and I stopped by a Travel Information Booth to inquire about car rentals. We asked about it directly as there were other people waiting for the worker's assistance. After helping to answer our questions she asked us numerous personal questions about our length of stay, where we were from, the weather even though she was aware of the other customers. My awareness of them made me feel uneasy to take up time discussing these thigns at length and I found myself rushing the conversation as a result. Once again, Western perception of time puts business ahead of relationships and after leaving I felt disappointed about those feelings. I wish for myself to change this sentiment.
I will not be volunteering with Masifunda, but Maggie will be and shared this story with me. On a tour of the township where they will be working the volunteers stopped at a beauty salon. One student asked the barber there in light of making conversation, "so how much does a haircut cost?"
The lady denounced this and said to him. "One does not ever ask about prices before asking how the person is doing." Although both parties meant well, this is the essence of what I love about my new home. PEOPLE come first, always.
I have experienced this countless times and it has challenged me to evaluate my western style of thinking. For example, Maggie and I stopped by a Travel Information Booth to inquire about car rentals. We asked about it directly as there were other people waiting for the worker's assistance. After helping to answer our questions she asked us numerous personal questions about our length of stay, where we were from, the weather even though she was aware of the other customers. My awareness of them made me feel uneasy to take up time discussing these thigns at length and I found myself rushing the conversation as a result. Once again, Western perception of time puts business ahead of relationships and after leaving I felt disappointed about those feelings. I wish for myself to change this sentiment.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Splish Splash
Today completes the best day I have experienced thus far on my journey in South Africa--hands down.
I awoke at 5am and headed to the airport with Marco (Saxony, Germany), Daniel (San Francisco, CA) and Martha (Minnesota). We waited for the car rental services to open at 7am, compared prices and we were off for 256R (about $35USD) . Marco began driving and I was in tears laughing at the entire situation--one of those uncontrollable laughters that you wish you could just bottle up. It was his first time driving manual on the opposite side of the road.
We were on our way to Addo Elephant Park 60K east of Port Elizabeth. The park was beautiful. We saw kudu, red deer, warthogs, elephants, birds, ostriches and more. Although I was disappointed to not have seen any zebras, rhinos, lions or dung beetles the following makes up for it completely: we spotted two elephants down a No Entrance pass way and, naturally, we drove down it and waited for them to greet us on the road. We were only 20 yards away before Martha started yelling at Marco to drive away. It seemed as though I glimpsed into prehistoric ages. They were so massive and to see them like in the wild was truly a rare opportunity.
We drove from the North Main Entrance to the South Entrance and from there drove to Colchester. There we had lunch and went to the Sundays River. I felt as though I was back in the Midwest. There were families boating and kids playing along the beach, dogs frolicking along the bank and jetskiers and tubers. Marco and I went swimming across the river and then climbed some of the sand dunes. In the banks of the sand dunes there was a garden of white sea shells which hinted at the transformation the landscape has taken over the years. At one time there must have been water covering this area as hard as it may be to envision. Running down the hills made me feel as if I was flying. Relatively exhausted after the climbing, we took a nap on the dock will basking in the warmth of the sun.
When I awoke I watched a boat unloading from the landing and there was a father and his son. There was an inner tube in the boat and the little boy had a soccer ball. The rest of the relatives and family were on the bank. There were two other little boys splashing in the river and enjoying the simplicity of the nice day and cool water. This comforting display reminded me of home and showed me that my home could just have well been right here, in Colchester, South Africa. Families participate in the same activities half-way across the world...except for one thing: where I would be the little kid holding a basketball or volleyball, the soccer ball symbolized how soccer dominates here.
When I arrived at my flat Liem (my incredible roommate from Holland) and Caleb (San Francisco) had a surprise awaiting: banana pancakes! They were delectable. I showed them my pictures from the day and tried to bring the day to life for them. The day could not get any better....so I thought.
I envisioned doing some reading for the evening and resting from the long day. But in keeping with the idea that planning is usually out of the question, our friends from the Dunes showed up about an hour later: Nayo, KG, DA, Tich, Joseph, Karen and Mike. Liem, KG, Tich and DA put on a talent show for us. They sang "Always Be My Baby" acapella. It sounded phenomenal and made me rethink any idea I had to sing karaoke anywhere. We hung out around the flat for a couple hours and listened to music and it was such a genuine community vibe that I hope to recreate on numerous occasions. And this concludes the end to a most wonderful day and a cheers to many more to come!
I awoke at 5am and headed to the airport with Marco (Saxony, Germany), Daniel (San Francisco, CA) and Martha (Minnesota). We waited for the car rental services to open at 7am, compared prices and we were off for 256R (about $35USD) . Marco began driving and I was in tears laughing at the entire situation--one of those uncontrollable laughters that you wish you could just bottle up. It was his first time driving manual on the opposite side of the road.
We were on our way to Addo Elephant Park 60K east of Port Elizabeth. The park was beautiful. We saw kudu, red deer, warthogs, elephants, birds, ostriches and more. Although I was disappointed to not have seen any zebras, rhinos, lions or dung beetles the following makes up for it completely: we spotted two elephants down a No Entrance pass way and, naturally, we drove down it and waited for them to greet us on the road. We were only 20 yards away before Martha started yelling at Marco to drive away. It seemed as though I glimpsed into prehistoric ages. They were so massive and to see them like in the wild was truly a rare opportunity.
We drove from the North Main Entrance to the South Entrance and from there drove to Colchester. There we had lunch and went to the Sundays River. I felt as though I was back in the Midwest. There were families boating and kids playing along the beach, dogs frolicking along the bank and jetskiers and tubers. Marco and I went swimming across the river and then climbed some of the sand dunes. In the banks of the sand dunes there was a garden of white sea shells which hinted at the transformation the landscape has taken over the years. At one time there must have been water covering this area as hard as it may be to envision. Running down the hills made me feel as if I was flying. Relatively exhausted after the climbing, we took a nap on the dock will basking in the warmth of the sun.
When I awoke I watched a boat unloading from the landing and there was a father and his son. There was an inner tube in the boat and the little boy had a soccer ball. The rest of the relatives and family were on the bank. There were two other little boys splashing in the river and enjoying the simplicity of the nice day and cool water. This comforting display reminded me of home and showed me that my home could just have well been right here, in Colchester, South Africa. Families participate in the same activities half-way across the world...except for one thing: where I would be the little kid holding a basketball or volleyball, the soccer ball symbolized how soccer dominates here.
When I arrived at my flat Liem (my incredible roommate from Holland) and Caleb (San Francisco) had a surprise awaiting: banana pancakes! They were delectable. I showed them my pictures from the day and tried to bring the day to life for them. The day could not get any better....so I thought.
I envisioned doing some reading for the evening and resting from the long day. But in keeping with the idea that planning is usually out of the question, our friends from the Dunes showed up about an hour later: Nayo, KG, DA, Tich, Joseph, Karen and Mike. Liem, KG, Tich and DA put on a talent show for us. They sang "Always Be My Baby" acapella. It sounded phenomenal and made me rethink any idea I had to sing karaoke anywhere. We hung out around the flat for a couple hours and listened to music and it was such a genuine community vibe that I hope to recreate on numerous occasions. And this concludes the end to a most wonderful day and a cheers to many more to come!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
You named your blog WHAT?
Choosing titles, team names or any sum-it-all-up-in-one-word processes tend to create a brief moment of angst for me. Unnecessary as that may seem, it may lend some insight as to why I chose to name this Blog: Mailbox Inspired. Not only this, but also why this blog will be relatively short as I have spent far too long mulling over a proper title.
Now that I have one I would like to elaborate on it's significance.
After returning from Heredia this past summer an idea continually seemed to circuit my mind. I wished for a way to "give" my experience to other people. Dissatisfied with only being able to share pictures, stories and gifts-bought, I desired to do more. Realizing the limitations of this wish I settled with sharing the gifts, pictures and the stories with anyone willing to listen or who inquired about my experiences.
Then in early September an opportunity came along that at the time I did not realize was a way for me to fulfill this wish: the opportunity to host a student from Germany for two weeks. Her name was Sarah and it would take an entirely separate blog to share the joy she brought to my family, the escapades we shared and the bond we established considering the time constraint. The irony of this exchange lies within the "teacher-learner" construct of traditional exchange programs. Sarah learned a lot from her experience here; however, I am convinced I matched, if not surpassed, her in lessons learned from this experience.
One memory that I recall on a daily basis describes why I chose this title. Upon arriving at my home for the first time with Sarah, she shrieked when her eyes fell upon the mailbox at the end of the driveway. "WOW! A real mailbox!" It was not until this moment had I found anything spectacular about a mailbox. This instance remains so close to my heart because it reminds me of the importance to understand the lens through which I view my surroundings. I hope to transfer this child-like curiosity and awe which Sarah held for her experience in Watertown, South Dakota to my experience in South Africa. I can no longer retrieve the mail without smiling. Thank you Sarah.
Now that I have one I would like to elaborate on it's significance.
After returning from Heredia this past summer an idea continually seemed to circuit my mind. I wished for a way to "give" my experience to other people. Dissatisfied with only being able to share pictures, stories and gifts-bought, I desired to do more. Realizing the limitations of this wish I settled with sharing the gifts, pictures and the stories with anyone willing to listen or who inquired about my experiences.
Then in early September an opportunity came along that at the time I did not realize was a way for me to fulfill this wish: the opportunity to host a student from Germany for two weeks. Her name was Sarah and it would take an entirely separate blog to share the joy she brought to my family, the escapades we shared and the bond we established considering the time constraint. The irony of this exchange lies within the "teacher-learner" construct of traditional exchange programs. Sarah learned a lot from her experience here; however, I am convinced I matched, if not surpassed, her in lessons learned from this experience.
One memory that I recall on a daily basis describes why I chose this title. Upon arriving at my home for the first time with Sarah, she shrieked when her eyes fell upon the mailbox at the end of the driveway. "WOW! A real mailbox!" It was not until this moment had I found anything spectacular about a mailbox. This instance remains so close to my heart because it reminds me of the importance to understand the lens through which I view my surroundings. I hope to transfer this child-like curiosity and awe which Sarah held for her experience in Watertown, South Dakota to my experience in South Africa. I can no longer retrieve the mail without smiling. Thank you Sarah.
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