Hi All,
Today is our last day in South Africa. We will remember this place all our lives. It will be so interesting to see how it evolves through the years. It is a place of beauty and complexity. The privileged and the poor. There is a great deal of pride coming from the different people's of this land, the Afrikaans, Zulu's, Xhosa,British and Indian or "colored". The problem seems this cultures don't want to mix as one but that is how Parliament is set up. This country was discovered right around the same time as America. They have been working to develop as long as we have. The historic dates you hear from here are not unlike those of New England . The major issue is that the country is roughly 72% Black living on 18% of the land. The whites are about 12% and own 80% of the land and the wealth. It was not until the end of Apartheid that black people were able to vote "one man one vote" Mandela was elected. That was 20 yrs ago and sadly his vision of a United South Africa has not materialized as far as he would like. The education is truly lacking.
He is both praised and criticized by people , SA needs to make changes. There is frighting statistics regarding AIDS 35% of blacks have it. Crime is violent and real. If you are white and go out alone at night and step out of the protected area of the V&A waterfront you Will have trouble.
Our taxi driver, Erroll, who drove us around to the Cape said South Africa is like a ship in the ocean foundering about w/ a Captain who doesn't have the support of his crew and a crew that doesn't get along w/ each other.
By day this is a country of stunning beauty .
Traci is off to Bishop Tu Tu AIDS foundation this morning. She can fill you in on that and his Birthday party last night we had the privilege to attend thanks to my special lady.
J
Hi Johnnie; great synopsis of a seemingly impossible situation. the contrast of beauty/despair, wealth/poverty, black/white is something i'll never forget. looks cold. love Traci's new doo. look forward to hearing about the party. Bobby's wedding tomorrow. 'til later, Bump.
ReplyDeleteHi Johnnie, I agree with Terry you gave us such insight into an impossible situation. Looking forward to party info. Thank you for the picture of you and dec and Traci and Dec.Duncan's birthday ..great success. watched his hockey practice ..he is a really good little skater. Saw Berube family as well..Cath and Garrett doing very well with new family of 4!! Love to all, Mom
ReplyDeleteHi Johnnie, Traci and Kids,
ReplyDeleteI love following you around the world. What amazing pictures of the places you've been. You are truly getting real live history and geography lessons. You all look great. We miss you! Brendan and Michela busy with high school and sports. Brendan got his license and is itching for a CAR! Getting colder here, mums and pumpkins and Halloween decorations decorate the lawns. Love, Martha
We made it to the visitor center, where we ate lunch before continuing to the birding and wildlife tour was a 30 mile excursion off the Cape of Good Hope. Cape of Good Hope itself.
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