Hooray for yoga

I've started attending yoga classes here in Cape Town. There's a rock climbing place just around the corner from my house that has a yoga studio upstairs. Today I went to my second class with Ivan (or Ivan the terrible as he introduced himself to me last week), an 80-something year old Indian/South African man, full of life and energy. He's always saying "Right" and "Fine" after we've finished a posture, in this way of quiet resolve and full presence. And when he's explaining things he gets really excited and talks very quickly in a pinched kind of voice, which I find sort of amuzing. He pushes the class hard, challenging us to do difficult postures and stretch ourselves to the limits. And I love it! It's a perfect balance of work and rest and I'm learning new stretches and variations on old ones. Today I bought a monthly pass, so I can go as often as I want to. There are 4 teachers at the studio, and classes 4 days per week, so I'm going to try and go a couple times per week. I leave feeling centered, happy and like I've actually used my body in a good way. Hooray for yoga.

another weekend in paradise

Time is a funny thing, and after 6 weeks in Cape Town, I feel simultaneously like I just got here and that I've never lived anywhere else. My social life is full and work is plodding along. The weekdays go by spent mostly in front of a computer, researching and writing. Friday last week we had an Eminent Breakfast for WHEAT Trust, an opportunity to bring business people (mostly women) together to gain support (financial and otherwise) for the work that WHEAT is doing. It was a very successful breakfast, with excellent speakers, food and response from the guests.

We got off early from work and hit the mall - I felt like I was back in North America. I was almost sick to my stomach when I saw the prices for some of the items - shoes for approx. $800 (Can)... for shoes?! Just to think what that money could do for a family in the townships, my socialist values started to boil to the surface. Friday night we went out for some 80s dancing, all songs I recognized and could sing along to - funny considering I'm half way around the world, but there's globalization for you!

Saturday was a full day - my house mate Vicki (from Germany) and I were met by a South African friend, Leon, who took us on a mini-taxi adventure to Mitchell's Plain, one of the coloured townships. After 3 different vehicles and through a couple crowded malls we saw a hip hop dance competition - youth from the area, competing in group dances. They were great, very well practiced and it was nice to see youth putting their energy into something positive. It was a little over-sexualized in some moments (especially when the girls were like 13 years old) but overall it was a really fun way to spend the afternoon. The trip back to Observatory was a bit nerve-wracking, and as we cruised down the freeway at top speeds, I put all my energy into praying that we would get there safe - and we did, in record time! That evening we ate at a Caribbean restaurant - so good - and headed for an amazing concert - a South African singer and band ('Afro Fusion'). WOW! The show started late (by about an hour) with a fashion show, something I wasn't really expecting but enjoyed. Then the band came on and it was lekkar (my new South African slang for great)! Guitar, bass, keyboards, horns, singers and dancers, and the crowd was so enthusiastic, jumping up and dancing, singing along. We were joined by one of our work colleagues and had a great time dancing and enjoying the music! After we went out for some dancing at one of the local clubs in the area. It was a full day, and some of the most fun I've had since I've been here.

Sunday was planned to be a lazy day, but I got a knock on my door at 11am from Vicki asking if I wanted to join her and some other Germans to Kirstenbosch, the botanical gardens. Why not?! So off we went. It was a beautiful day and we walked around enjoying the plants, flowers and sculptures in this amazing space right at the foot of the mountain. We packed a picnic and enjoyed some food while we soaked up the sun. We finished the day with a "sundowner at Camp's Bay" a truly Capetonian thing to do, a drink (margarita for me) with a view of the ocean under that setting sun. It was breathtaking!

So after another full weekend, I had to decline when I was invited out to play pool at the pub tonight. I needed to catch up on my sleep, as I think this will be a busy week and of course next weekend is bound to be full as well!

Peace,
Christina

** Check out photos from Kirstenbosch and Camps Bay:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28282&l=03dba&id=634581744

Em-powered, De-powered

My day started with a rainbow and light/medium showers. It rained quite hard yesterday - reminder that spring is here. Work was all about preparing for a networking breakfast that WHEAT Trust (Women's Hope Education and Training Trust) is holding on Friday and sorting through notes from the research I have been doing. The monotony of a day spent in front of the computer was broken by a visit to the home of one of my colleagues to check on her new kitten (so precious I wanted to bring him home with me). The work day over, I quickly changed and went to check out the public library. Although I was notified that I could not get a library card (because I am not a resident for at least a year - something to do with the libraries being funded by rental taxes) I was able to pick up some cheap second hand books, which will keep me going for a little while.

Returning home to sit down and sift through my new finds, I was disturbed by a knock on the back window (unusual). Of course I'm cautious, never open the door to a stranger and all that. He described his situation, he is working security for the motor repair shop that shares our backyard and doesn't yet have a key to the front gate, could he go through our yard or the house. It's all kind of dodgy, even with his SA Police documentation (or perhaps because of it) and I waver between extremely suspicious and moderately suspicious. In the end, I let him through the house but let him know it can't be a regular thing. I wonder, "Did I do the right thing?" I did what I felt was best at the moment, using all my instincts and as much caution and understanding as I could. There was no harm done and I plan to go talk to the owner of the shop tomorrow to look into the situation.

Anyway, that little bit of curious-ness finished I ate some food and contemplated my evening. I had plans to see some live music at a venue down the street, but it seemed that there was no one to go with me. I almost bailed on my date with myself, but when I heard another house mate getting ready to leave the house around the time I was wanting to leave, I asked if he would walk with me. A lovely walk together allowed us to explore our mutual love for music (he is an awesome vocalist) and was a beautiful reminder of the depth of people and the light and love in the world.

The music was great and it was actually really empowering to be out alone. In Canada I would never think twice about going to see music by myself, but safety is a constant consideration and concern. In the Obz Theater, with the red velvet curtains, my Appletizer (a local sparkling apple juice) and great performers on the stage, I felt safe. I felt happy. I felt inspired. I still called the Obz Watch service to come escort me home, but I felt like today was a big day for me. I'll continue to reflect on how this all connects... safety and security, freedom and liberty. Learning everyday. Building, growing my soul. And now... I sleep.

** Added Oct. 29th. PS - I checked out his story and it's all okay. The reason he doesn't have a key for the front gate is that he's not supposed to leave while he's working, make sense, but he's legit! And this means that we have a security guard next door watching our place. Works out!

Comments

Hello cyber-world. This blogging thing is kind of funny because I really have NO idea who is reading - other than you wonderful folks who have sent me messages thanking me for my blog. So I implore you, dear readers... leave a comment every once in awhile.

OK. Here. I'll make you a deal. The first person to publish a comment wins a special prize to be disclosed at a later date and time, and awarded at an even later date and time. Who knows.. there may even be monthly draws for the shortest comment, or most frequent responder, or most unusual comment, or most thought provoking... you never know what might happen when you press that little 8-letter word. Try it. I dare you.

Weekend fun

What an eventful weekend! Friday night was rather mundane, spent at home watching 2 movies - Brokeback Mountain and I (heart) Huckabees. Popcorn and a blanket and it was all good!

Saturday we jumped on the train (my first train ride in South Africa) and went to Muizenburg, about 40 minutes away. It was the annual Kite Festival in support of the Mental Health Association. There were huge kites tethered to the ground to greet us as we arrived - a penguin, octopus, elephant and teddy bear. Further on, kites dotted the sky at various heights and for some reason Mary Poppins music was floating through my head. It was a typical festival with ice cream vendors, pretzels and chips on a stick. I found some yummy pizza cooked fresh in a little oven. There were craft vendors and kite sellers, craft tents and clowns. We spent a couple hours wandering around and checking out the kites and kids, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Then we moved on to the beach. It was a beautiful day, over 30 degrees with just a little wind and cloud cover. The water was cool, but I braved it out and walked through, enjoying salty water, the sight of children playing and people sunbathing. There was a surfing competition going on, so lots of activity in the water and tons of people on the beach.

We did a quick turn around and headed out for dinner to "Rick's Cafe Americana", which (thankfully) was not "American" food and I had a really lovely mixed vegetarian plate. Everyone was gearing up for the big World Cup rugby game, which was airing live from France. South Africa was playing England in the final and the town was a buzz with rugby fever. Everywhere was packed solid and as thousands watched these big men slam each other around, there was a feeling of patriotism and pride of South Africa. Weird. Strange. I was thinking of how violent and aggressive this sport is, how much money they were spending on it, and how the spirit of competition is alive and well... South Africa won the game, so needless to say people went crazy. We were downtown in an area with a lot of bars and clubs, so people were dancing and singing in the streets, jumping over cars, climbing up on buildings and generally going all out. For hours the streets were full of people, and any cars that dared venture into the streets were rocked, stopped or mobbed. Even the police cars were fair game as people jumped on for a ride as they passed. Madness!! Utter craziness. We finished the night at the Zula Bar, where a band was playing and we had a few dances before retiring for the night.

Today I found myself at a recital for songwriting and vocal performance classes. From amazing to embarrassing, it was an interesting way to spend the day. The diversity was encouraging, and it was inspiring to see people braving their fears and singing their hearts out!

Every day is an adventure, but this weekend seemed particularly full!

** Added Oct. 29 - Check out pics from the Rugby Game:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28289&l=32acd&id=634581744
** Added Oct. 29 - Check out pics from the Kite Festival:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28294&l=33dcb&id=634581744

Photo Links

CHECK OUT my pictures of the Table Mountain climb at this public site... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27113&l=e7d84&id=634581744

Other pictures are at...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23228&l=c27a3&id=634581744
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=25953&l=ac24a&id=634581744
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=25956&l=3dac1&id=634581744


That's right, even for non-Face-bookers you can see the shots!! I'll post more links as they come.
Enjoy!

Climbing Table Mountain

Yesterday was an adventure; a test in patience and perseverance. There were definitely moments that I thought I wouldn't make it, but yesterday I climbed a mountain... and I'm still climbing!

We started gathering in the late morning, and it was almost noon when our large group reached the base of the mountain where the cable cars take the less ambitious travelers to the top of the mountain in a matter of minutes. The sun was hot, one of the hottest days we've had since I've been here, and there was mixed opinions about whether or not it was wise to set off on such an ambitious challenge as the sun hit its highest point in the sky. But set out we did - a group of about 9 German interns, 3 local Capetonians, and me. The first part of the trek took us to a resting place and it was clear that we had two different groups of climbers - those that wanted to rush ahead, tough and determined, and those that wanted to take it more relaxed, slow and easy. I was in the second group. There were 5 of us - me, a German girl, a German guy, and 2 guys from Cape Town. We made 1 wrong turn near the beginning of the climb, straight up a rocky trail, (which we were later told was very dangerous) but quickly realized we were on the wrong path and made our way back on track. The little detour added about 30 minutes and some extra effort to our climb, but in exchange we found a beautiful little waterfall where we stopped to cool down. The sun was extremely hot, and there was some consideration of abandoning the whole thing. But we had come this far, we couldn't just give up!

Once we regained our sense of direction, and had a few moments to cool down, we pressed onward and upward, stopping often to rest and rejuvenate. It was a steady climb, my calves were aching, my head was spinning and more than once I asked myself why I agreed to join crazy venture. I made several pleas to God to come and rescue me, wishes to be scooped up on a magic carpet and more than once contemplated just laying down and giving up. We measured our progress by those returning from the top - "Only one hour left!" we kept hearing - "Not much farther!" and more honestly, "It's only going to get harder from here!" At a certain point one downward traveler said, "Put it this way, you're closer to the top than the bottom" and I realized that the only way out was up. As we approached the top, I was having to stop every few steps, my muscles were seizing up, I was breathing heavy and feeling dizzy. I am so grateful for my traveling companions, who reminded me often to close my eyes and breathe, relax and take it slow. After over 3 hours and hundreds of steps, we finally made it to the top. It was with a great sense of amazement that I stared out over Cape Town, looked down to where we started and realized how far we had traveled. I understand why the analogy of the mountain climb is so often used to describe the journey of life. Life is a challenge and sometimes you want to give up, but with determination, faith and encouragement from yourself and others, its amazing what you can accomplish. My spirit felt freer somehow, uplifted knowing I could complete such a challenge.

The top was bustling with activity, tourists from around the world, most who pay the $20 (Can.) to take the cable car, which zips up and down so fast that you hardly realize you're on top of a mountain. Before starting the climb, part of me judged those who took the "easy way" up, thinking that you can't really experience Table Mountain without the climb. However, with aching muscles we took the cable car down to meet the other (more ambitious) group who ran down the mountain in 30 minutes, and I realized that life is not a race. In fact, each person's experience of Table Mountain will be different, because each person's experience of life is different. We all made it up and down the mountain, we just did it differently. We all choose our path in the world, which mountains we will climb and how we will climb them. As long as I listen to my spirit's calling, choosing honestly the path and tempo that that work for me, I am truly living.

We ended the day at Camp's Bay Beach, with the cold Atlantic water lapping on the shore, people playing in the sand and enjoying the sunshine. I was exhausted as I looked up at Table Mountain, barely believing what I had accomplished in one short day. Even more than just the physical challenge, the climb helped me reflect on the mental challenges that block my ability to live compassionately in this world. My compassion must extend to myself as well as those stronger and weaker than me. It is with this spirit that I hope to live my life.

Last night, some my travel companions asked if I would climb the mountain again. "No way!" was all I could think. But after a good nights sleep and some time to reflect on the whole experience, I'm wondering when the next climb will be. I guess I just keep climbing.

Today was the first day the temperature outside actually made me feel hot – summer might finally be on it's way. Seems funny to be saying that in the middle of October, but in this southern hemisphere, some things are different. I thought it would be hotter, for some reason, like so many of us, I assumed that, "Hey, I'm going to Africa. It's going to be hot." So far my assumption has proven me wrong. But I've been wrong before.

It's nighttime now. I'm still getting used to the fact that I can't walk outside after dark. I'm becoming less fearful when I'm out, though not less conscious of my surroundings. I feel like I'm always on guard, surveying those around me wondering who might "try something". The newspapers and crime statistics tell an awful tale. But the people of this country have lived with violence and oppression for a long time. "Democracy" and "freedom" are new here in South Africa, and people are unsure how to apply them. They have grown up with these systems that taught violence, fear and division. In a country where poverty and unemployment are still the reality for millions, the "New South Africa" is like a far away dream that you can't quite recall when you wake up.

Will sleep now. That's enough late night ramblings for me.

Christina

"Newsy" Group Email

This was the first group email I sent home, some of your may have already read it. It is somewhat lengthy, but it gives a good sense of what I've experienced so far. A few people commented on it's "newsy" quality... not sure if that's a good thing or not... but I'll take it as a compliment.

September 27, 2007

Hello friends and family,

I am writing to you from the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. I have been here for just over 2 weeks and I feel like I have seen so much already! The city is rich with history and culture, full of contrasts and complexities and I am only beginning understand its many twists and turns. I'd like to share with you some of what I've had the pleasure of experiencing so far. (Don't worry, they won't all be this long – I feel like I have done more in the first few week than I will for awhile! Let me know what you think – I'm eager for dialogue! You can live vicariously through me - and maybe learn something too!)

After a long flight (22 hours in the air, with 10 hours lay over time) from Regina to Calgary to London to Cape Town, we arrived in the cool morning air and were greeted at the airport by Jen Savidge, the internship coordinator from VIDEA (Victoria International Development and Education Association). Edil Absiye, another intern from Toronto was on the flight with me from London and we were both excited to finally be in Cape Town. We hit the ground running, dropped our bags and went to find some food and bank machines. The famous Table Mountain and Devil's Peak are definitely a beautiful backdrop to life in the city. By day two, we were in a van that took us on a jam-packed tour around the Cape Peninsula - a rocky boat ride to see an island of seals at Hout Bay; to Boulders to see penguins walking, squawking and lounging in the beautiful white sand; along the Twelve Apostles Mountain range; and to the Cape of Good Hope where we saw 3 of the 8 zebra that inhabit the park, climbed up to see the view from the lighthouse at Cape Point and went for an exhilarating bike ride through the park lands. We also saw springbok, baboons (with signs warning that they will steal your food) and a whole bunch of tourists! What a start to what I hope continues to be an amazing adventure.

A couple days later we packed up for another full touring day, this time to learn more about the history of South Africa (and Cape Town in particular) and see what life is like in the cities townships (the huge densely populated areas that are home to the millions of primarily black and coloured people). We started down town where we had a crash course in History 101 as we viewed the Castle of Good Hope, the Slave Lodge (which is now an apartheid museum), the House of Parliament and High Court. We then travelled to near-by Bo Kaap, the primarily Muslim area of town, to see the brightly painted mosques, houses and shops. Next stop – District 6, the famous area where thousands of people were forced to leave their homes during apartheid to relocate to the distant townships. All the homes were bulldozed with the intention of building new residences, however because of resistance and threats from the black and coloured communities, nothing was ever built and the area remains empty. Then we went to the District 6 museum, where former residents of the area give tours showing what life was like before, during and after apartheid. It's unbelievable to think of the horrors that happened during this time and understandable that South Africa is still dealing with the after-effects of an era when segregation and oppression were the order of the day. On our visit to the local townships of Langa, Guguletu and Khayalitsha, the population density exploded from that in the Cape Town suburbs and we saw people surviving in cramped and sub-standard housing, visibly impoverished, living on minimal incomes (50-80% of people are unemployed), and just trying to get by. Despite the obvious lack of material wealth, I saw evidence of community everywhere. People working together: community centres, day cares, arts co-ops, bed & breakfasts, training centres and recycling programs. In the faces of the children playing, the women laughing and the men driving their horses from the scrap yards, I saw an amazing resilience and commitment to life. This tour was full of insight into the contradictions of this country (and world), where extreme richness and poverty can live side by side. In the news this week, we are witnessing the peaceful uprising of thousands of people living in informal settlements who are resisting the government's plan to relocate them (some things never change), to expand the N2 Free-way.

Edil and I have settled into a 5 bedroom house in Observatory, an area rich with students and interns, and people from all over the world. It's a great location, relatively safe and we are within a 10-minute walk from work, the grocery store and a whole range of restaurants and bars, with quick access to down town, which we travel to in the small mini-bus vans that fly up and down the main road. We have a shared kitchen, bathroom, and a small lounge, a washing machine, and wireless, high-speed Internet – luxuries!! We share the house with a Danish couple, a student from Alabama, and Zimbabwean teacher (who is moving out tomorrow), so it's been interesting getting to know people. After dark it's not recommended to be out walking in the streets, so I'm generally in bed early and enjoying my new guitar, writing and reflecting, reading some good books and perusing the Internet.

We have been able to make a few trips into town: to the water front to see the musicians and other performers entertaining; to Long Street – which really wakes up at night and there are awesome restaurants, bars and clubs; and to see some of the markets – where people sell all sorts of stuff from clothes, to bags, to African jewellery and wall hangings. In this modern city, you can find anything your heart desires – it hardly feels like the Africa you might imagine. It's extremely multicultural, and you hear and see people from all over the globe speaking a huge range of languages. I am really enjoying hearing the Xhosa language, with it's 3 different types of clicks. I've also enjoyed some amazing meals, from Thai to Indian to Caribbean and African. We've also seen some great music – we went to a concert at the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens called Womentide – an inspirational performance by 3 beautiful Cape Town ladies singing original music honouring their connection to their African roots. The weather's been somewhat cool and rather windy, and can change from moment to moment, but summer's on it's way so it should heat up!

As for the internship position (which is really why I'm here) – I am at WHEAT Trust, an organization providing grants for women's groups to receive training and education. The staff are amazing, there's always laughter and stories, and they have made us feel right at home. So far we have spent most of our time in the office, learning about the organization and helping out where we can. The staff is very receptive to our input and as I lean more about the organization I hope to be able to make an even more meaningful contribution. We did spend one afternoon visiting some of the projects that WHEAT has supported, which was a real treat, including sewing projects, a community centre, and a few gardening projects. It's amazing to see what is being done in these communities to respond to the challenges they are faced with – poverty, HIV/AIDS, drug addiction (crystal meth is devastating the youth population), housing issues and unemployment.

So that's the South Africa I have seen so far – and I haven't left the Cape Point, so there's lots more to see. I'd love to keep you all up to date about my experiences and reflections. For all you Face-Bookers, check out my picture album (if you don't have FB, but want to see, let me know - and I'll try and post some here soon too!).

If you would like to make a donation to help me cover additional transportation or conference costs, make donations to local projects, etc. you can do so through VIDEA and receive a charitable tax receipt. Just let me know, and I'll send you that address.

Thanks again for all the support – what an amazing community I am part of! I wanted to mention that the fund-raiser was a huge success and we were able to donate $2,000 to the Phelisanong Community Group in Lesotho. Thanks for all of you who donated time and money to make this event happen!!

Take care and all the best. Bye for now, Christina Phipps

Virgin Blogger

Technology has caught up to me and through the miracle of the Internet I now have a venue to post my thoughts, feelings and photos for those who care to see. I cannot emphasize how truly blessed I feel to have the time, energy and resources to explore and share my ponderings and experiences. While millions around the world struggle to find their daily food and shelter, the luxury of my privilege allows me this platform of self discovery.

I hope to make regular updates to this site and share with you my learnings and experiences.

All the best,
Christina