So I'm back - Fabi in South Africa (2.0)! Sorry for the long absence, but once you have paused backs up the recounting values such that it pushes further and further ahead. With a new design and fresh motivation, but today it is again!
I shall refer to just about tear that I have driven the last few months, so what has evolved, which currently employs me. In addition to some photos that you can see right here, I have selected photos arranged by topic into "Picasa Web Albums" uploaded. Simply follow the links, it's worth it! Since the firm is here everything much material and information, you definitely need some time to read the complete content and to look at - but you ought to do anyway! And Comments about I am also of course, is obvious. And there you go:
The first major event after my last blog entry was the eight day visit to Swaziland and Mozambique, a great experience! We are very nice about the capital Mbabane, Swaziland deeper into the very beautiful Ezulwini Valley down. There we have a terrible tourist Cultural Village met a guy who took us into his real village, where we could try in a hut in a loud drunken men strong, traditional African beer ". In addition to pumped-up children (Wow, a white man), I learned there also a warrior of the king know. So no soldier, but a kind of traditional, III, Speer "armed" bodyguard of Mswati. The king is already ubiquitous, Swaziland is indeed the last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa - which is why we went with our colleagues, even after Lobamba, in the royal village. The Lord shall Koenig each year an additional wife, father children churning, can its luxury BMWs fly in specially from Germany and treat yourself else so some Spiraenzchen; in the royal village you can see them but not much, the people there it is also not better than the rest of the country. A brilliant day was always, however, when we again go beyond the usual travel routes could be.
Another highlight was the next day the White Water Rafting followed by - a nightmare for me - abseiling. Yes, I was scared. Yes, very scared! But I habs won it:) Then on the far east of Manzini Swaziland in the remote area Siteki, where we slept one night by German missionaries and were able to gain an insight into such a missionary life. A little weird, I must say. So for me would be nothing ... [Photos Swaziland ]
Then: over to Mozambique and into the cliché fucked-houses and palm trees, mine fields and unexploded dream beaches, snakes in the room and nice people! And extremely corrupt cops (!), But bad in retrospect, too funny. I think in any case that Mozambique has a distinctly different atmosphere than any other African countries, where I was before. Further, the capital of Maputo with an incredible flair, despite rutted roads and through the Civil War dilapidated buildings as far as the eye can see. But there is still some, including a giant chalk-white Catholic cathedral. The former Lorenco Marques (Maputo that was the name before independence) shines through even the words at one point or another. In general, the Portuguese colonial rule left its mark in Mozambique, whether in language, music, food and architecture. I was mad Maputo least liked and most my experiences in the nightlife I will probably stay long be remembered. Sven knows what I mean ... The north fishing village of Costa do Sol - where we were with Jamal from Durban - was nice, the opening scenes of "Blood Diamond" were filmed there and it is indeed so idyllic there, from small cottage in the palm forest to the to fishing boats, sandy beach. There was also a fish market where we picked the fresh catch, bought and then cook at a nearby restaurant were. A Spitzenbarracuda was! Anyway, we are still down about Xai-Xai to Nascer do Sol have expanded to the north and the Indian ocean, eaten well (shrimp, coconuts, bananas, etc.) and enjoyed life. To Mozambique I have to at some point in any case again! [ Photos Mozambique ]
The weekend after, I am with Marumo by Jane Furse in the northern province of Limpopo down, that is his home village. What I did not know Marumo comes from a kind of "Chief" family, at least this has a high social status there and the house looks too flashy, accordingly, from downright baroque. The night was a little nervous, because in the next building any traditional ceremony took place and therefore tumbled until the next afternoon and was sung. The landscape has compensated me where she is simply beautiful again stunning! [ photos Jane Furse ]
Then Sven and I finally went to Soweto, but completely without a plan. Very reasonable, right? We arrived after dark so in the famous township and had no idea where is our Backpackers. Aggravating factor was still adding that the roads are there hardly signposted, the hostel is located in the Lonely Planet in the wrong district, and anyway no one had heard his name before. Following the planned loose, but funny Rumgefahre we came finally to a police station and the police there have done us a unique service: Two policemen with us in the car (to be exact, they were at that time even our "wives") and the head with another in her patrol car in front of us. Jam? No problem, blue light on and on we go. So hot!
We then met with Sibusiso Themba's Cousin and celebrated together. The next day was tourist-stuff first on the program, that is Nelson Mandela's former house and the highly recommended Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial, where the bloody uprising of the township youth in 1976, is worked up. Then we have once again made friends with people and the boys had the tip of Europe: Splash Jam, a Hip-Hop Jam out of a picture book with exactly the original feeling that hip hop once constituted. With the guys it was really funny and the day definitely one of the highlights here. Just a note in their own right: The DJ there played music by Eloquent! I can not say often enough, ELQ goes international;)
On the way back, our car broke down and we had to be dragged to Pretoria, no fun when you festhaengt in the night somewhere on the road. But that was only the beginning of a long series of car dramas that last until today. The cart has just already 300.000km on the clock and you realize just. Nevertheless, it remains just a style! [ photos Soweto ]
The second time, Soweto was the occasion of a huge street party for the 80th birthday of Mbusos (a friend of Pretoria) grandmother. The family has quite a lot of money and therefore, the whole fun was organized pretty well. Delicious food, many drinks, music and dancing people and Sven and I once again the only white people far and wide.
The third time was three weeks ago on the occasion of the wedding of my work colleagues Xolani. The church ceremony quite different than in Germany with thick house music, and - how could it be otherwise - Getanze wild, but it really (!!!) longer measurement. A pastor at a time, of course, everyone has to give his two cents as it was called and all the clergy present to hang out with them to the front and a common blessing to the couple express, is to half the church. No kidding, this really is every pastor. Well, whatever was the following celebration extremely funny and I have the gentlemen be dancing once again tidy one - much to the delight of the audience:) [ photos wedding ]
And the fourth time was last weekend, where we have simply made thick Party. Jo, it looks like!
But even here in the WG is always something going on, we get regular visits from various friends from Pretoria, but also people from Johannesburg and from Botswana, South Africa and German volunteers from all over come to visit us. Anyway, our little yard perfect for evening intoxicating and I'm just happy to live there now! Otherwise, I'm really particular with my best friend Zee who's very active way in the local Kuenstlerszene, for easy access to just that. This opens up great possibilities, either through evening programs such as exhibitions and concerts as well as through contacts with local artists for my work in the School of Creative Arts.
Where the name has already fallen to a profession: After lengthy and sometimes a little frustrating renovation sees the SOCA now out extremely well, all the rooms have received a general overhaul, and here the necessary safety equipment were also installed . Furthermore, I have intensified contacts with the German advertising agency and now great and professional promotional materials - from simple logo, flyers and posters to Stundenplaenen and door-plate. Also, the Office is fully equipped, we have computers, Internet, printer and telephone. In addition to these activities, I also cooperation with friendly organization tracked and possibly intensified, recruited new teachers and prepare the final schedule now. Then of course, still had additional instruments are organized (do not buy No, Organize!), A powerful with sound system to purchase and registration systems for working students would be created. Add to that my Hassbeschaeftigung, accounting. Since I'm busy with not insignificant amounts, it is of course important that everything is exactly gaaaaanz. And thus people come to the classes: to make advertising, at schools and in the inner city! Since then the SOCA on 4 February was officially opened runs the awards program, in addition to my own hip-hop class, we offer piano, drum, marimba (An African xylophone and the most fun instrument I know of) -, and guitar classes, drama and poetry workshops and Pantsula dance classes and offer the kids (with the "kids" are eigenlich ago from 12 to 25 years) in addition to opportunity every day to come for lunch from practicing by yourself. Bals we will probably also implement Fine Arts, that painting, Bidhauen, etc. All this will be regularly discussed with their own management, with just that the other organizations and with the working artists on a voluntary basis in various meetings.
After these preparatory months 'underground' work without impressive results for show it is doing extremely well to finally have an ongoing project with in recent months culminated, visible results. The students would be better, the SOCA is perceived and the location can show with pride. Is new now is that I am no longer the coordinator of the SOCA, but was replaced last week, by that very Zee. The reasons are here for simple, because I am leaving in August, the organization, it is important to have a flowing move to have to also be able to continue to provide a smoothly running project. That then calculated Zee, which has been applied only on the way, my advice, for the post was made makes the matter of course again quite a bit more comfortable, I can now work together with my best friend from South Africa! (In addition, it is also perfect qualify, just so on the edge ...) [photos SOCA ]
part was the way but also frustrating, because my organization has transferred any powers to immediately Zee . While this is useful and I would have done so, but I do still not know why people make the change in such radicality must - after all I've done on a volunteer basis for a good six months a full coordinator job and there have I expect that I will continue at least consulted. In a way, was / is the SOCA's my baby. Well, it was the same and I am here still neatly on making it notes containing only few people, except Zee (small example: each SOCA document that now of course, goes out under their names, previously edited by me). Frustrated as I was, I was looking for new content and I opted to the SOCA a little to turn his back and to get involved elsewhere. After playing half a year had built up was something Respectable, this time also my personal benefit - that is gathering new experience - a factor. The situation is therefore now the following:
afternoon I'm usually in the SOCA, where I also teach hip-hop, but twice a week I work as a caretaker in the TLF-Rivoningo hospice, which I will discuss later. Once a week I am kindergarten and at another children's dance teacher in the Community Centre Inkululeko. Also once a week I am in the Girls Shelter Lerato House as so-called male role model and Pursuing the girls. And then there are of course still the outreach to Marabstad and a special outreach, in which we go to run-down, inhabited by people "building" or squatter camps and try through the interview to find out how we can help. All in all, my week is now very packed, but I make so many varied things and learn such a lot that there is a only joy is! In this way I've done my job for the last third of South Africa again really exciting and I feel just as they do not work, but as an enrichment.
So not everything is rosy, the following is a list of less pleasant things to concern me, but not less: The crime
will occasionally shocking forms, since my last blog entry in that direction very much happens. A few examples: From the SOCA were stolen mobile phones and wallets - on a bar was robbed Sven of types with pepper spray and it ripped his pants - another a volunteer was in Marabstad stole the backpack from the Rueckbank, the guy got just a back and made use of - Two volunteers were following a visit to the bar on the way to the car by a group of threatened and robbed - when we came at night from the club, was Marumos car away, when we went to the police are giving up a case, we witnessed how a group of policemen a guy has brutally beaten in the backyard - on our apartment was once shot at a guy while I was sitting in the living room - as I stood at night by car at the traffic lights, I have a guy smashed the window, has joined and stole my cell phone. And I could list a few other cases ... The problem is less physical damage than that one never knows if they now have a gun or by any means of violent be. Sometimes it is a bit paranoid, since the shock, as this idiot then had shattered my window and suddenly the car was, I avoid it wherever possible to keep somewhere at night and prefer to drive over red ..
also bottom drawer was the last job of my ex-girlfriend Khosi - she started to work in a white dominated and led by restaurant, but after two days rescinded. The boss just does not aufgehoert to berate her and his other black employees as "Kaffirs" and otherwise behaving like the colonial master designer herself. It may just be devastating to see how bad some here are still on it. Sven and I were threatened as the Weggehviertel Hatfield of drunken Boers, because we were both there with a black woman. Betrayal of the race, or what? Morons! Even worse is the xenophobia, which takes time here to drastic forms. For example, in Atteridgeville, a township of Pretoria, people from other African countries were driven through the streets and beaten up in Mamelodi, it came out a couple of days to excesses, in which burned neunjaehriges including a girl from Malawi in their hut. And problems such as drug addiction and rape are of course only come with the Nigerians to the country. This xenophobic distrust opened a new dimension, which I knew not that of South Africa, for the black and white scheme does not fit now, but everything is much more complex. Real shit, the whole thing!
Now a short excursion into the wonderful South African cooking the pudding is well known for studies and true to this motto, I always try to learn something new. At dinner I can show previously two extreeeeem delicious dishes. First, the universally loved "Runaways", boiled or fried Huehnerfuesse. Take the nails and plucking them out of the toes, then you put the whole foot in his mouth and chews merry around it. Where the inexperienced German nibbles yet between the cartilage and skin after a bit of meat, because the professional can mercilessly rip the bones. Always nice down with the whole foot! I had my say, by the way, that's not only had the Edible Chicken feathers. What a bunch Huehnerkoepfe the streets is definitely a very appetizing sight! The second culinary highlight was the specialty of the Pedi tribe, the "Mopane Worm." Contrary to what the name indicates not a worm, but an approximately five inches long caterpillar that somehow fried / dried, and my palate reminded strongly of the stable. Especially in the north of South Africa for a popular snack in between. Mmmmmh, yummy!
When my sister at that time for a month in South Africa was, she has lived in Johannesburg for an Afrikaner family, Redelinghuys. planned a long time, I'm finally about time to Sven drove a weekend there. The family is super nice, but it was to sleep a bit culture shock in this house - European standard, white neighborhood, wall around the plot, Prosperity and a very different quality of life. Nevertheless, I felt even at the subsequent visits, never 100% comfortable, it's just simply a different world, and somehow I feel there a little out of place. Anyway, we had the opportunity to explore something more intense Johannesburg and then an already clear that relatively little is in Pretoria, for Jo'burg rocks. Simple as that! Actually, we really need to go there more often, especially the night life thing is done very quickly in Pretoria and Jo'burg there has, beside the rich culture, so to some. I wish to highlight also the Apartheid Museum which, although partly a bit hard to digest and is very close to, but it was just designed really well. [ photos Johannesburg ]
was over the Christmas holidays so my family to visit and so my parents could gain an insight into my work and otherwise was it is very nice, the gentlemen once again with you. At first I was not really time, for I was FOUR DAYS with the busy Christmas in the Park - after the Feast of the clowns the next really big event of TLF. In principle, again a funny Halli Galli, where there was music and a little entertainment program (which I am the way, actively involved as a director of "Christmas Play" and with a little dance), free coffee and cookies were served and on 24 December even had gifts for all. Although many gave the impression to have come primarily because of the free stuff and not because of Worship and Community, it was nevertheless a very nice event! When we had dismantled ready, my parents were of course still had traveled all presented, after which we evaporate together to Johannesburg to Redelinghuys, where I had a "real" Christmas trees, gifts and Christmas dinner. Hach ...
with my sister Julia and her boyfriend, Benny, and Sven and his sister Mira GEDU I went to the next journey - a trip to the eastern province of Mpumalanga and then across KwaZulu-Natal. We started with a Ndebele village where there were indeed no Ndebele, but all the beautifully painted houses, and then finally reach the Blyde River Canyon. Certainly one of the most spectacular scenery that South Africa offers! We had initially extreme fog, but cleared towards the end of it and we could enjoy the mad look ... [ photos Mpumalanga ]
The road was again attraction in itself, because these green hills, with the scattered Rundhuetten, the blue sky and the whole nature of romance just great! And then: St. Lucia Estuary. This National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers five different ecosystems, hippos and crocodiles and beautiful beaches to relax. In the somewhat to American Spring Break-type town commemorates next door, we were partying at a club where everybody shit looked (really!), during the day we are rumgefahren on the river to see animals on the beach rumgelegen and have night again animals Park observed.
While Julia and Benny in St. Lucia were to travel further from there alone, we looked forward to the third largest city in South Africa, Durban. In addition to the largest Indian population outside the subcontinent offers Durban a beautiful Waterfront (ie palms, posh hotels and style), a bustling Indian district Gewuerzmaerkten and mosques, in history that the most beautiful city hall and even a few things holding a for several days on the go. We celebrated New Year's finally in a really hot hip-hop club in a building with outstanding views over the skyline of Durban, the fireworks, and finally the sunrise.
On January Durban very traditional pilgrimage to the city beach and we had been already warned that it is full of something - but so full? Such crowds are incredible, it was like three times Oktoberfest! Then it was said chill out and then back to Pretoria. Conclusion: Great Travel and right the first time in South Africa's long been on the road. Precisely because of the long rides through the beautiful landscape you get a feeling for the land itself [ photos KwaZulu-Natal ]
Shortly after that it was the weekend in the North-West Province, more specifically, in Suendentempel Sun City. This is primarily about one thing: gaming! It really is amazing how quickly feelings arise as addictive, especially in these strange machines where you just expresses hopes that the rolls are to remain cheap. Stay on course and not lose because the Lord very quickly a lot of money ... Besides casinos (Yes Luke, the Jungle Casino was there too!), There are hotels and restaurants but also an extremely kitschy surroundings with many funny animal characters and an artificial beach with artificial waves. Also located a the most expensive hotels in the world (it looks to be just like a castle), where for example Michael Jackson has a private suite, on the grounds of Sun City. It was definitely seeing to time interesting, even if it is anything but a bit absurd and perverse! The next day we drove to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park, where we have seen especially giraffes, but also some wildebeest and zebras and three rather distant elephants. [ Photos North-West Province ]
Then it went back to feels comfortable on the weekend we made day trips available (eg diamond mine in Cullinan, where the largest The world's rough diamond was found, or sightseeing in Pretoria) or chillten, cooked great and celebrated - work with me otherwise dominated the weekly schedule.
... to Zimbabwe! In addition to the coolest trip of my life that was also, the conclusion of Sven's time in Africa. Because I think the trip has a special relevance (especially for current events in Zim, which I incidentally tracks daily with great interest because I feel in some way affected by it. It sounds funny, but it is so!), He gets created a blog entry - just look at the post under this entry, it's worth it!
away 
Since Sven I have some processes of everyday life is to switch, that is, shopping and cooking, has everything to do with the car, wash laundry, dinner planning, travel planning, etc. pp. In the beginning was really annoying and he has often been lacking, because we were a great team, but now I am very happy with my new situation: I'm now much more with all my African friends, I am independent and free from any group ties and just take what I want and with whom I want. Sounds normal, but I feel the privilege just as clear - especially because the Possibilities which are opening up through my local friends!
The German volunteers, I was then again over a weekend at the Blyde River Canyon. This time the weather was great too! In addition to the already seen, we have also looked at Bourke's Luck Potholes, an impressive formation of erosions in the rock that created the river slowly. And then of course the Amarula Lapa where we learned how our beloved Amarula (South African liquor prepared from a wild fruit here - is produced - Marula) comes from the tree to the bottle. It was a fun weekend! [ photos Blyde River Canyon ]
Toll was recently my involvement in distributing of "Books 4 Africa" (American aid project, the new and used textbooks across Africa scatter) sponsored books in schools in the surrounding townships and former homelands Soshanguve, Ga'Rankuwa and Mabopane . In addition to the carrying of heavy boxes, I got an insight into all these schools, but also places in themselves were very interesting. Not to mention the many lucky kids, the sight of one on the fly saves the day ... [ Photos Books 4 Africa ]
Over Easter I was with the three volunteers Eli, and Lisa Maree Lesotho. That was the plan at least ... In effect, we set off, purely to Lesotho (It was also the second time again incredibly impressive, these mountains, these origins, as unlike the last time it was green this time and not brown.) And somewhere in the Maluti Mountains it is my dear car is no longer participated. We are not simply come up the mountain. After several desperate attempts to contact the luck but still, we have given up and changed the whole plan.
We landed in Ts'ehlanyane National Park in the north of the small country where we are rumgeritten the next day a bit in the mountains. The great thing was that we had the horses and guides have received directly from the surrounding villages, some guys could not even rudimentary English. And nature was, of course - yes, I am repeating myself - wonderful! Besides the fact that I once fell off the horse, me riding makes the way, a surprising fun:)
drove After the ride we returned to South Africa in the small town of Clarens, which is dominated by very Afrikaans, but by his high density of galleries, shopping malls Feinkostlaeden and similar stands. After we had covered with all sorts of goodies, we went with quads (as it were motorcycles with four wheels) around in the mountains, which was also a lot of fun. Only the girls have it screwed it a bit, which made the whole enterprise turn pretty funny. That evening we drove past an incredibly beautiful sunset over the Sterkfontein Dam, finally coming in to our preliminary goal of the Amphitheatre Backpackers - very idyllic location in the northern Drakensberg mountains and a pretty stupid owners.
Next day, last day - we go hiking. Well, I know, I know I repeat myself. Beautiful! No, honestly, these landscapes are ... In the evening I still have my car properly sunk in the mud, so we had to pull out an English couple with their 4WD, before our well-deserved sleep received. [ photos Lesotho and Drakensberg ]
Only three of the last weekend I was at concerts, in clubs, football games, theater shows to private parties, with friends to chill out and much more. And although in Mamelodi, Soweto, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Yes, that is the freedom that I have just written!
Before I finish this blog entry now, a few words about Rivoningo (the AIDS hospice where I work now): After a Learning phase, I am now a regular caretaker there - go find diapers and cook, measure fuettern blood pressure and take care, hospital transports and the sick, wash bedding judge and praise the Holy Lord, I speak of course with the patient and that is either very inspiring or very devastating. We at Rivoningo morning always a devotion and when currents, the patients in the room, the rough the chamber of horrors (not now be disrespectful to want to!) - Old men with weak eyes shuffling slowly across the aisle, a woman with vollgepinkeltem bathrobe and walking comes at a wundenuebersaeter and mentally ill man in diapers, no one knows his name and origin, is purely driven by wheelchair etc. Some of the patients are still in their twenties and look firm so old and hopeless, that's really hard to digest.
That sounds dramatize now than I would, but I think this is all more violent than I bescheibe - I've never done a job in this direction and am therefore perhaps emotionally easier to make, at least I will sometimes howl, at the sight of abtransportierbereiten corpses of black boils, close the eyes of a klapperduerren 23-year olds who comes back with even more twisted eyes and foaming at the mouth of epilleptischem attack, the hopelessness that some patients is in the eyes ... Epilleptikerin is said about Man Heard died during my last shift. There are also many positive moments, for it is incredibly impressive to see how some patients are fit only by regular intake of food, hygiene and care. The mentally disturbed man whom I mentioned above, I feed always - but slowly he shows will lead us to be the spoon. Something extremely motivated, even if it is only "little" progress. And occasionally even a beefed patient is discharged - and these can then usually lead a normal, independent lives. I chatterbox always include all people sense if I had just come from Rivoningo, because the new experiences have to get out quickly to be processed! But I am learning so much because it's the hammer.
What comes next? Next weekend Mafikeng, capital of the former homelands Bophutatswana and after a week's work to a big party of Zee's family in Newcastle, to which I was invited. And then? As a result of Sven's departure end of the month I will go alone to Botswana. All alone:) And although by public minibus taxis and as spontaneous as I like it. Hehe! Reporting is to do so if it is done.
now but I will put an end once and solemnly pledge that the next post can not be so long in coming.Kind regards,
Fabi
PS:
a little gem yet the video that on the 60th Birthday of my father's was shown. For two days I have documented my life a bit - I drive around in Pretoria, distribute books in the townships, my dancers bring to the gig and will depend in the SOCA. Check out!
