There are so many stimulating events and emotions after this next port that it is difficult to sort them into a coherent letter for you. Life on the ship is stimulating enough with all the great people, discussions, classes and social events that by the time we get into port we are excited but exhausted! Arriving in South Africa I was a little glazed over and numb to more adventures but in awe at the natural beauty as soon as I walked off the gangway. Table Mountain frames the city from a distance with the Atlantic Ocean coming right to the edge. Outside the city the townships and miles of handmade shacks reinforced the disparity between the rich and poor with the struggle that ended apartheid front and center in our minds.
Highlights:
South Africa is beautiful! The natural beauty in every direction is gorgeous; water, mountains, cliffs, and absolutely stunning sunsets. There are penguins on the Cape of Good Hope, elephants and giraffes on the plains up north and whales in the ocean. It is somewhat similar to the California coast with mountains and big animals! I had a wonderful adventure with a few friends driving around the Cape and hiking up to a lighthouse at the most southern point in Africa. The view was gorgeous with the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meeting in the distance. (Sailing around a few days ago was a bit “sketchy” and made for a sleepless rocking night!)
Traveled on safari for a few days which made me appreciate what a good job San Diego has done on the Wild Animal Park. There was not that much difference where I was at Kruger Park, a little disappointing for a long, expensive trip but did enjoy the watering hole with hundreds of animals and incredible sunsets.
Desmond Tutu came to speak to us! He rallied for non-violent resistance to apartheid with Mandela, chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Committee and also won the Nobel Peace Prize. It was a real thrill to listen to him. He must be in his late 70’s, a very funny, down to earth man and big supporter of young people to make a difference in the world. When asked what his biggest accomplishment was he said, “my son, being involved in the struggle and able to see the outcome- freedom”
Insights:
Well, I thought this trip was about becoming more independent, making decisions on my own and exploring new places but am realizing it is also about seeing the world as it really is… there is major poverty. 50% of the world population lives in sub standard conditions and I have had an opportunity to see it first hand. It is overwhelming to experience the disparity between the rich and poor in every port and have been in tears more than a few times at heartfelt moments.
One sweet experience was when I went to visit a microfinance company called Kuyasa. They fund loans to people the bank will not lend to, the poorest of the poor who live in shacks on the outskirts of the city. We traveled out to a black township to visit a few clients where we met a wonderful little lady, named Granny, a small black woman about 65 years old with a wonderful expressive face and personality to match! As our group of 16 arrived she was so excited that she danced around with her hands covering her tears because she couldn’t believe that we were interested in what she had accomplished. She had earned enough credit by repaying her loans over the years to transform her shack into a brick home with toilet, water and electricity. She was so proud of her house and the credit cards that she earned by working that I had to give her my credit card case as a gift for allowing us into her home. I felt like the 16 of us would never forget the experience and was hoping to give her something to remember us by, a very touching exchange with hugs all around. (Thanks Martha, my case now has a new proud owner!)
You really feel for these people and how they have struggled for both freedom from white oppression and poverty.
I guess the real question that keeps coming up is why are we so rich? I have learned a great deal in my classes about colonization, imperialism and exploitation of people and countries. How we consume more than our share of resources and waste much more. I am not becoming a socialist, you can relax Mom ☺, the United States is still the land of choice and opportunity but there is a lot we can do to help all people, especially in the way of corporate responsibility and awareness in our communities.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu said it best while speaking to us:
“Americans are very generous people, why not export your generosity rather than your bombs. The U.S. can be a compassionate leader, we can win the war on poverty, the people will be with you, but we will never win a war on terror as long as there are conditions that make people desperate.”
Interestingly, people out here are very aware of our political system, looking at us to lead the way in a direction that is good for all. I think it gives them hope for a better future. The influence of our power is very apparent. I realize this is a tough time at home too with the economic crisis and political debates but it is a big world and believe me, we are still relatively in great shape.
Am leaving South Africa a more caring and aware person. India is going to unglue me… maybe a few days at the beach is the best plan! I have some new friends on this adventure and it is great to share perspectives as we navigate the globe.
Communicating with you is wonderful as well, there is no place like home, most of us are missing our family and friends as we are a long way from home and feeling it - laughing that even a stuffed animal would be nice to get a hug from, keenly aware of how important you are to us, at the same time thrilled for this experience.
Sailing along past Madagascar on our way to India now, some rough seas ahead they tell us. Going around the Cape of Good Hope was no picnic, big swells made for a sleepless night but happy to have a smooth ride for now…… stay in touch!
Love
Margareta
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