Day 4 of South Africa...On the road to Durban

I know this post is late but I didn't have any wi-fi last night, but I didn't forget about you guys!! Yesterday was more of a travel day from Jo-burg to Eshowe a town right outside of Durban. (7hour bus ride) This place is filled with everything Zulu!! Here we would also encounter monkeys on the street as if you were seeing cats and dogs chillin'. 

Now something that would stand out for me was the art it is truly a sight to behold. Just how advertising is complicated, complex, and controversial in the states the same could be said for the art here. I would definitely be in my thinking mode as I saw pieces of art that angered me, made me laugh, sometimes even cry.

Although it was a long day jammed packed, there would be a few cases in which I had to acknowledge my privilege of living in the states. Trust me when I say we got it good...real good. I had to kindly put myself in check a few times. But if I learned nothing else it was that meeting new people and opening yourself is truly good for the mind, body, and soul. For more of what happened in Day 4 just check out the pics. 

On our way to Durban...

One of the smallest churches in the world was close by as we were traveling to Durban...

 

"Till next time...Stay tuned for the next adventure!!" ~Brooklyn Assata, WST

Welcome Home! Day # 3 in South Africa

Today was truly and eventful and spiritually filling day!! 

1) We had the wonderful opportunity to attend church in Soweto, and let me just tell you these voices, from the adults to the children, was pure joy!!

These are the Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers of the church we attended this morning....And check this out the third one seated is 101 years young!! Amazing!!!

2) One of the highlights of today was how our tour guide, Ms. Queen (who in person looks and is the sweetest lady on earth) went straight gangsta on some 'rent-a-cop' sillies (her word) at the US Embassy. (Which by the way is truly a massive place, no surprise though.)

This was our awesome, knowledgeable, sometimes gangsta, multi-lingual tour guide Ms. Queen!! She was definitely about her business!! She was the best!!

US Embassy in Johannesburg

3) Once again the food was truly AMAZING and out of this world!! My trainer is really going to go in on me when I get back. (let me begin to prepare my mind...lol)

Today's meal...Mashed potatoes, green beans, mixed veggies, fish from Mozambique, white rice, cole slaw, and potatoes....Yummy!!

4) Now I realized in the US that there is this fascination with hair, especially those with locs, but it is at another level. It is amazing how people will just stare and whisper about your hair, but never bother to clue you in. ( I mean I can still hear what you are saying.) Not sure if I should be flattered or if they really do not care for my locs...
5) I would be blown away by the recent events involving male circumcision in South Africa...It is no joke...actually quite deadly...
6) And I would have a better appreciation understanding for the lobola/lobolo system in South Africa, rather intriguing...
7) Also today was one of those learn the real history days...today I would be schooled on the lowest of lowest neighborhoods in the capital city, the controversy over changing the name of the capital from Pretoria to Tshwane, the fact that sometimes your own people will do you wrong regardless of where you are, and the Dutch people well let me just say things really got jacked up when they eventually defeated the Zulu people... Funny how things happen...

Johannesburg and Soweto it has been real!! Thank you for everything!! Well we are off to Durban bright and early in the AM!! Stay tuned for more updates!!

This little one here, believe it or not is 11, helped to translate what was going on in the church service while at the same time taking pictures of us, so I figured why not take a picture with me .

Two Legends Nelson Mandela (Madiba is his tribal name, RIP) and Steve Biko (RIP)

This is where the World Cup 2012 was held!! Massive!!

Leaving my imprint in the restaurant...

Going Home...My Trip to South Africa!!

Wow!! I must say this trip has been one to remember already. My thoughts and ideas are constantly being challenged, and I truly feel like I am growing as a (Black) woman and a scholar. There have been many lasting impressions that have been imprinted within my mind and soul.

And I must say, I was truly in second heaven today here in my second day in South Africa!! I got to truly witness and enjoy some authentic South African House Music, for all my Midwest and Baltimore folks you would love it!!

Also today I experienced a lot of touching moments:
-From being face-to-face with a noose (literally),
-Witnessing smiling faces of young children and watching them dance and sing with out a care in the world...(These young babies give definition to appreciating the small and simple things in life)
-Being confronted with serious hardships regarding youth homelessness and housing disparities...
-Appreciating and learning more about Nelson Mandela and his contribution to the country of South Africa...
-Trying some new delectable cuisines...
-And even in the midst of sadness, the icing on the cake was being able to celebrate with some local Zulu and Xhousa natives through dance and song!!

What a day!!

"Till next time...Stay tuned for the next adventure!!" ~Brooklyn Assata, WST

Welcome Home Grace!! Trip to the African Continent!!

Made it to South Africa safe and sound!! And let me just tell ya, it is truly beautiful, and the people greeted us with "WELCOME HOME!!" I love it!

"Till next time...Stay tuned for the next adventure!!" ~Brooklyn Assata, WST