Update on the happenings

It's been a little while since I've made a post here - too busy living I guess (which means there's lots to tell)! It's been 2 months since we've been here and life is full in Cape Town, there's so much to do, see and learn. My understanding of the complexity of this country is growing all the time, and there is lots to reflect on. But for tonight, I'm just going to give an update about what I've been up to in the last couple weeks, and leave the socio-political reflections and revelations for next time.

Work is going well. I've had an opportunity to work on a few funding proposals, as well as ongoing research into Corporate Social Investment and other fund raising information. I have been very impressed with the level of donorship on the part of corporates here in South Africa, and definitely feel that Canadian businesses have a lot to learn about contributing to the social development of the country and the world. The upcoming weeks will be spent on 2 work-related trips (to East London and Johannesburg), which will be wonderful to be able to see other parts of the country.

Last weekend we went to a fantastic concert, with a co-worker and her sister, at the Grand West Casino - a ridiculously huge place where you can get your fix of gambling at the slot machines and tables, plus visit restaurants, bars, ice skating and shopping. You even have to go through a metal detector and bag scan as you enter. But we were there (along with about 5,000 others - young and old, white, coloured and black) to see "Freshly Ground", South Africa's own Afro-pop-funk band. The show was amazing - huge screens, awesome visuals, wicked good music and the crowd was loving it! The group appeals to such a wide range of people that you could feel the energy of the dream behind "the new South Africa". It was a beautiful thing!!

The following day we attended a graduation ceremony with our director for a 3-month youth program funded by the Department of Corrections. Despite the lack of electricity in the hall (for whatever reason) the ceremony continued with singing and dancing, testimonials from some of the youth, a military drill and hip hop dance routines. The program tries to equip young people with skills and knowledge to help keep them out of trouble and to start making a better life for themselves. It was an honour to be a part of it.

That day in our neighbourhood, there was a spray painting competition, with large canvases set up in the near by park and music playing on the loud speakers. There's a lot of spray paint visible in Cape Town, much of it fairly simple tags, but some of it is quite beautiful art work. We checked it out before heading for a braai (BBQ) at a friends house and then out for some dancing on Long Street. After a good night's sleep we ventured out to a holistic market, which takes place the first Sunday of every month, in the community center and parking lot. Lots of books, crystals, clothing and self-care products. We met some friends and enjoyed a day in the park (before the rain started).

As a good Canadian, I supposed I should mention the weather, a subject which I've been somewhat quite about. They say that in Cape Town you can experience 4 seasons in one day, and it is the truth! You can leave home in the morning under perfectly clear skies, only to leave the office at the end of the day drenched from the downpour that hit mid afternoon. Often it is very windy, and this last week we've had a lot of rain off and on. But when the sun comes out, it's beautiful and warm (though I would not say hot) and they say that summer is around the corner - but I'm not sure if I can believe it until I see it.

This weekend Idil and I went to a friend Elizabeth's place on Friday night for a lovely evening of conversation with a group of 6 girls - German, South African and Canadian. We shared perspectives on the state of this country, contemplated the rising levels of gang violence and theft, and just enjoyed the pleasant company of women. Saturday we spent in Cape Town, did a little shopping and eating, before I taxied to the Water Front to check out a film, which was part of the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival that is going on in Cape Town right now. We ended the night with a drink at the Obz Zone, where we laughed with the Congolese doorman.

Today was a dream come true! Idil and I went down to the Green Point market. Overwhelmed
by the vast quantity of goods on display, I was thrilled when she led me to see some friends she had made on her previous trip there - drummers!! I sat down with the Ghanaian man, who showed me a welcome rhythm. He is an excellent teacher and he welcomed me back anytime to show me some more rhythms. Next stop - more drums! These men were from Senegal, and the 3 guys I played with were visibly impressed with my abilities on the drum. They were challenging me - taking the rhythms faster and faster, but I was (mostly) able to keep up. It was so much fun and I look forward to joining them again (and again...) There are lots of drummers around, some of them are good teachers, others good players, it's just a matter of finding them and I hope to learn as much as I can while I'm here. It was inspiring!

That's it for this update. I hope to write more later this week - perhaps socio-political or existential commentary. (Watch out!) Thanks again for all of you who are reading this! And remember, you are welcome to make comments (you don't have to have a G-mail account, you can even post anonymously).

Peace to you all!
Christina

PS - for those of you in Saskatchewan, I was sorry to hear about the election results, but as they say 'maybe it is time for a change'; we just have to hope for the best! I don't know if my one vote would have helped, but I was impressed with the 75% voter turn out! Way to go Saskies!