I know I haven’t written in my blog for a very long time…and for that I apologize. I see now why I have so many hits! My mom has been blowing me up. I guess that’s a good thing. Over the past few weeks I have been completely invested in being a college student, both academically and socially. Work hard…play hard. Anyway, I had a few notable experiences yesterday, which I figure I should share.
My research advisor informed me that I should travel to the University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R. Mandela Medical School to see an exhibit about Steve Biko. I had no idea what to expect. Would it be a big exhibit or a small one? Would there be speaker? Would there be many people, maybe potential interviewees? Anyway. My first concern was how do I get there? I could have used the SIT provided transportation, but I figured I should begin using South African Transportation (During my Independent Study, I will have to use South African Transportation anyway). Mini-bus taxis are very popular...the largest informal economy in South Africa. I’ve spoken about Minibuses or “taxis” before….very small for my large stature, crazy driving, and people jumping in and out. I also asked my sisi about what taxis to take, where to get off, and how to get to the med school from the stop. My sister kept saying something about “row boats” and going past the “row boats.” Me and my complacent attitude, I didn’t ask if there were “row boats” around….I guess I would walk and see a row boat, and then make a turn or keep straight…It was only when she drew a map for me and pointed to an intersection and said “row boat” did I but two and two together---“OH ROBOT! “I said. (South African’s call traffic lights robots.
Well, after I got all of that sorted (another term used affectionately by South Africans). I caught a taxi in front of my Cato Manor house and rode to the “Chesterville Rank.” Now... I have never been to the “Chesterville Rank” before…but getting lost is good right? I made it there with little problems (other than transferring to a fuller taxi because the one I was on didn’t have any other passengers). There I had to ask around in broken Zulu for the cab going to King Edward Hospital. That was okay, other than I was stuck in the packed backseat with 3 other people... I could not raise my head completely, the ceiling was too low, and I had to sit sideways because my legs were too big. I MADE IT THOUGH! I followed the directions that my sister gave me, complete with the “row boats.” I made it to the Steve Biko exhibit in good time!
There I was the only visitor, and I found out that yesterday was the last day it was on display…which was a good thing for me. I went just in time. There I met the medical school historian/archivist/curator who offered the university archives to me as a student researcher. I also met the curator of the Steve Biko foundation who, as it turns out, has vested Charlotte. We had a few laughs over that, and my taxi experiences. She said my Zulu was great (I had no accent!), which was pretty awesome. All in all, I got some good information, and made very good contacts for my project.
Now some of you may be wondering, who is this Steve Biko person? If you are, you should watch the movie Cry Freedom. Steve Biko was a former Medical Student, one of the foremost activists in the anti-apartheid movement. He championed “black consciousness” which allowed those who were not white to embrace their heritage and fight the systems of oppression. He is quite a fascinating figure, and it seems that he is becoming a key figure in my research project. Also, my research advisor knew Steve quite well, which is also really awesome.
I made it back safely to my homestay in Cato Manor Township…and then I realized that it was my last night there. I already extended my stay for another month, unlike most of the students on the program (it was cheaper, and the food was AWESOME). AS much as I was uncomfortable, and had such interesting experiences, I knew I would miss the place. It was quiet and serene, yet simultaneously you could hear singing in the church down the street, or boisterous music playing in the house next door. I could go outside and look at the green glowing Pavilion Mega Mall, while looking out on the two valley townships from which most of its income comes. I would miss the hot nights there… the calmness of my homestay family, and sometimes even the water outages. All in all, it was a good time, and I know that those are experiences I will cherish for a lifetime.
Well, I will stop here. I noticed that I tend to write A LOT of information on these blogs. If something else interesting happens, I will be sure to include it.
PS- We saw a whole family of monkeys the other day at our SIT house! It was awesome!
- Ezelle
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