I moved into the homestay this weekend with my mama. She’s a wonderful woman, and an even better cook. I live in Cato Manor, specifically Bonela, which is a development of government built houses. In this area, the homes have three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, a toilet and a bath. They are quite small, but you’d be surprised what a mama can do with such a little space.
The inside is kept very clean and she has many of the modern amenities we’ve come to expect - microwave, stove, stereo, TV, etc. The biggest issue is the water. While it’s safe to drink, it’s very slow. There is “pay-for” water and “free” water. Mama used to get the “pay-for” water, but a year ago a pipe broke outside and water drained and drained without her noticing. The bill came out to R7000 (about $1000 dollars) and she had no way to pay it back. So she applied for the free water while she pays off her debt (she’s down to about R2000).
So I cope with the free water. It’s very slow, and you can only have one tap running at a time. It takes about an hour or so to get about 5 inches int he tub to bath (aka dump water over myself). But I really don’t mind. I step out on the back pavement and I can look out over the community. The evenings are my favorite time. The air cools down and the breeze blows through the banana trees in the back. It’s wonderful.
I spent last night talking with my mama about apartheid, her life, her parents and her relatives. Everyone has such a storied history. I have so many stories from people, too many to relay. But last night I did learn a few resistance songs and a little of the national anthem. The song goes like this:
Oliver Tambo, Oliver Tambo
Khuluma uBotha
akhulule u Mandela
It means Oliver Tambo, Oliver Tambo (an ANC leader)
Talk to Botha (former SA president under apartheid)
Release Mandela.
Things like this are wonderful. The community of Bonela is quite safe, and walking around during the day is perfectly fine. Walking around at night is not recommended. Most of the crime is centered in the downtown area, where you might encounter mugging, robbery, etc., but it’s not nearly as common as you may think. South Africa is still very much a functioning country with millions of people of all walks of life, and though many do encounter some crime, they live their lives much like people in the States. It’s hard to understand unless you visit.
No sickness to report as of yet. The food has been fantastic. The tap water is drinkable. Things are great. The only pain comes from my sunburn, which I got at the beach over the weekend. I did have sunscreen on, but apparently I missed a few places so I’m splotchy red. It’s a little painful, but no blisters or anything.
Swimming in the Indian Ocean was absolutely fantastic. Warm, lots of surf, not too crowded (this was the “pay-for” beach, compared tot he crowded and slightly dangerous “free” beach.) Next weekend we’re heading to the South Coast for a long hike and perhaps some time on the beach.
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