The Final Post

This has been the trip of a lifetime and I am not ready to go home yet! Everything has been amazing from the food to the families we've stayed with and the people we've met to the projects we have been able to participate in. I will not only take away pictures and memories from this trip, but also new friends and life lessons- a true sign of a successful trip. I would also like to thank everyone who has made this trip possible, especially Townes, Mrs. Gregor, Kathryn Johnson, Jayanni, and all the parents. Once again this trip has been amazing and I will never forget the good times we've had! - Isabel Schaad

TIA- This Is Africa

Some of the random memories I will bring back home are spectacular scenery, reading stories to children in the townships, cold winter weather, heated floors, no mosquitos, ostrich and ox tail meat, milk tart, malva pudding, roibos tea, granadilla, chakalaka, mealie pap, local township beer (no worries, no alcohol), Brits on the Baz Bus, naming the countries of the world, thumb snaps, braais, interact students at Knysna, robots, dynamic Rotary Clubs, Xhosa hand shakes, serving food to kids and laborers, pig snout hike, lunch in the Knysna township, quad biking, freezing water, Appletizer, Octavia's hot chocolate, rugby, land rover to the beach, soccer games, the legacy of apartheid, district 6, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch, Table Mountain, Bay Atlantic, Mosaic Sanctuary, and wonderful hosts. TIA = This Is Africa. -Lizzie Johnson

Goodbye South Africa

We are about to leave the beautiful Mosaic Private Sanctuary to go whale watching in Hermanus and then we're off to the airport! We have had such a wonderful time here and are a bit reluctant to return home. I just wanted to write one last time to thank everyone who has made this trip possible, as I know a ton of planning went into it to make it run so smoothly and provide us with such a unique opportunity. I'd especially like to thank our chaperones, who have been positive and cheerful throughout the whole trip- I've enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know them better. Thank you again to all our hosts and new friends, it has truly been an amazing learning experience, the lessons from which I know I will carry with me the rest of my life. -Morgan Larimer

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies

Women are the backbone of community life in South Africa. Wherever we have visited we've seen women serving as teachers to the young children in the schools; they are running cooperatives and projects; they are cooking nutritious food to feed their neighbors and laborers; and they are trying to make better lives for their children and grandchildren.

Today the Rotary Club of Stanford took us to a local school in the 'squatter camp' region of the town called DeKop. The Food for Thought program helps run the pre-school and again we saw strong women in action from Rotarians, to teachers, to Food for Thought workers. Young children are being taught by female teachers who are nurturing and mentoring them in the hopes that a good education will help them out of the cycle of poverty.

I am currently reading a book by Alexander McCall Smith called In the Company of Cheerful Ladies. I was reminded of this title when we ate lunch with the local women in DeKop. Rotary of Stanford had kindly donated food items which were then cooked by the ladies and served to us in one of their shacks. They live in housing without electricity or running water so we were in awe of their skills. They sang and danced for us and their spirits were high despite dire living conditions. Gloria and Florentina translated from Xhosa into English for us as we listened to their needs, concerns and worries. Everyone wants job opportunities, proper housing conditions, and basic rights afforded to other South Africans.

Thank you to all the strong women in South Africa - all races - who are doing what they can to make their country a better place in the future. Liz Gregor

Two schools and one soup kitchen

On Monday we spent the morning preparing a delicious healthy soup at the Anchor Church center in Stanford. We joined the hard-working Jeanette and her assistant in preparing this hot lunch for approximately 100 children in the local area. We chopped, diced and scrubbed the veggies and then let them simmer for a couple of hours before handing out hot mugs of soup to hungry children returning from school.

In the afternoon we visited a couple of schools. The first is a pre-school for younger children run by Pastor John Dickson who hosts 48 fee paying children from the impoverished local neighborhood. Again, as we've seen in Knysna, the boys and girls received a meal and a good, basic education. Team Ubuntu used the flashcards and donated books to make the kids laugh and then we sang a selection of songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle and Old MacDonald Had a Farm!

The second school named Ookie Smuts houses about 45 children who come from abusive family situations. Some of the children, aged 6 to 14 years old, are orphaned or abandoned. Many spoke English so we were able to talk with them, play games and share some information on America and the state of TN. The principal and his wife are doing a terrific job running this facility and acting as parents and mentors to their young charges.

We returned to the duminy grateful for the warm meal awaiting us and a warm fire. We are appreciative of electricity and running water. And good sanitation and proper clothing. --Liz Gregor

When You Stick Your Toe In, You Find Your Whole Foot Is Wet!

"When you stick your toe in, you find your whole foot is wet" - Sandy Shires

Sandy and Mike Shires are no strangers to giving their time, energy and money to projects that support and sustain the community. Over the years they have moved around, but now have found themselves back in their birthplace of South Africa. Mike Shires even served as president of the Rotary Club of Knoxville when he was dean of The University of TN's Vetineary School.

We had the great pleasure of staying as guests in their beautiful and warm home in Knysna. It felt as if we were staying in a luxurious bed and breakfast. Sandy and Mike showered us with comfort, delicious meals, and most of all love.

One evening over dinner as Sandy was explaining the initiatives she'd started in Knysna and the members of the community who had become like family to her, Liz and I sat in awe of this woman-- This dear woman who bears so much of the hardships of others on her back ... This strong woman who never goes a day without planning how to continue to help ... This superwoman who juggled running not only a weekly feeding scheme for 70-150 men, but also chauffering us around and making sure our stay was enjoyable-- We were amazed and Liz finally said, "you know, you do so much" and Sandy simply replied, "well when you stick your toe in, you find your whole foot is gotten wet, don't you?"

And that is how it starts. You begin small, but in a world where the need is so great, the small things you do can turn into big projects! Mike Shires, showing a quiet strength, has been the ying to Sandy's yang and they make quite the team (and wonderful hosts)!

Actually, all of our hosts have been fantastic and we've enjoyed their kind hospitality. And just as Sandy stuck her toe in the philanthropic pool of kindness so does the Rotary Club of Knysna, Stanford and Knoxville and the friends of Rotary such as Katheryn Johnson ... All serving others above themselves.

Pig's Snout

Yesterday the Rotary Club of Stanford kindly invited us to join them on a hike to Pig's Snout, which gets it's name from its resemblance to just that. It was a nice hike on a beautiful sunny day, which was especially appreciated after the past couple of rainy days. The hike was the perfect length and ended at a waterfall from the "Pig's nose". We had originally packed a picnic lunch with the intent of eating at the waterfall, but got caught up in the moment and did not remember this plan until after we had completed the hike. Instead, we ate at picnic tables in the middle of town which turned out to be just as good of a plan, if not better, as there was little room by the waterfall (not to mention our sandwiches might have gotten soggy). Overall, it was a great way to meet and get to know the Rotary members here! -Morgan Larimer

Four Wheeling

Yesterday we went quad biking/four wheeling. It was a really cool way to see some of the outstanding landscape and beautiful views Mosaic has to offer. In the beginning of our adventure Morgan and Kathryn Johnson were the only experienced four wheelers among us, but by the end of the trip we all felt comfortable on the bikes. We began at one area of Mosaic and went along the lake to the reception area, which included the main lodge and several guest rooms. We got to tour one of the rooms and it was exceptionally nice. I would recommend Mosaic as a destination for any type of trip including a honeymoon, anniversary, or preferably a family vacation (hint hint). Quad biking/four wheeling was another successful and safe (we wore helmets) team Ubuntu adventure! 

Rotary Club of Stanford

What a nice group of friendly Rotarians! Kathryn invited the Rotary Club of Stanford to join us at the Spookhuis on Sunday evening for a fun evening of fellowship, good food, and project sharing. After introductions by President Ansie Reitsma, Team Ubuntu gave thanks to everyone for hosting us for 4 days in their beautiful village of Stanford.

We shared with them some of the local and global projects that Webb Interact students have accomplished over the last few years. We're looking forward to learning more and seeing more of their outreach into the local community. As the Rotarians said, they feel like they are making a big impact in a small town. We are very grateful for the group taking time to hike and eat with us today. Liz Gregor

Stanford pictures

pictures while we have been in Standford!

Mosaic Sanctuary in Stanford

After a long Baz Bus ride from Knysna to Stanford we arrived in the dark at Mosaic Sanctuary on Friday night. We are staying on the property in a beautiful duminy cottage with Kathryn Johnson our gracious host. We awoke this morning to spectacular views outside our windows of the Overberg Mountains, the lagoon, beautiful nature and a peahen (a female peacock!) on our front porch. When the rain cleared Kathryn took us on a nature walk ending at the Spookhuis (Ghost House!) which was originally built in 1892 and has been lovingly restored by the Johnsons. Such a beautiful building.

Nature guide Craig took us down to the Atlantic Ocean in his open top jeep where we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the beach in the sand dunes. Despite looking for whales in the bay, none were to be spotted. They usually arrive a little later to calf their babies.

This evening we'll watch the South African rugby team play vs. England! An exciting and big part of South African culture. Liz Gregor

Township Schools and Lunch

On Thursday we met up with Lesley Satchel and Gail at the Knysna Education Trust Office and learned about the SOUNS program that they have implemented in 22 township schools in Knysna. We joined them in 2 school visits - both to pre-schools in the townships to see the SOUNS program in action. We were most impressed with the teachers and students who are working with little but accomplishing much. It was inspiring to see the children spelling out words even though they are under the age of 5 years. We interacted with the young children in doing crafts and playing games.It was heartwarming to see that they receive a healthy, nutritious lunch each day and appear to be well-fed and well-educated. The teachers and students made us feel very welcome and we thank both schools for hosting us.







We then enjoyed a delicious lunch in a township cafe run by an enterprising young man called Mawande Kondlo. He served us tomato soup, Chakalaka (mixed veggie dish) and pap (millie and rice) We've had such a wonderful, enriching, inspiring visit to Knysna and we thank everyone for making us so welcome and for taking time to show us what they are accomplishing.

Now moving onto Stanford for the next part of our adventure! - Liz Gregor

Community Solutions to Community Problems

Spending time at Rheenendal Primary School was both uplifting and depressing. Leslie Satchel, of the Knysna Rotary Club, drove us to this school for the day on Wednesday to spend time with the children ages 5-8 and to observe the projects and additions to the school made possible through the generous donations and care of Rotary.

I was coupled with Morgan and in our second classroom we read to the students and played "Simon Says" with them until our time ran out. In our last class we sat quietly and watched the teacher capture the children's attention and minds with a book and activity. As I sat there I looked at one of the boys who was standing up and smiling at me. I smiled back and he bashfully looked away with a slight smirk on his face. I looked him over ... a hole in his pants ... a large hole in one of his shoes. And it hit me. Tears swelled in my eyes and I fought hard not to let them show.

Most often children don't know they are poor or poorer than others around them. They just live and get by and love and share and engage in daily life. That's how I grew up. My family was not wealthy by any means and we certainty were not middle class, but we were not extremely poor. We just did not have much. So I never thought I was poor and it didn't bother me much that we never went out to restaurants or went shopping for new clothes. I was a child and my mother worked hard as a social worker to provide us with the essentials and sometimes a bit extra. I was happy, comfortable and I did not want for much.

Rheenendal is a community struck hard by the closing of the timber industry. Most of the residents of this settlement (miles away from town) are unemployed. Local farmers have tried other income generating businesses such as growing citrus fruits, but they have largely failed. Leslie explained that pensions from the government for the elderly and children are what sustain them. They pinch wherever they can, but she doesn't know how they are still able to make it. School is primarily where the children are able to get a full meal. School is were I, myself, received a free lunch. Looking at the contrast: the bright classroom, posters, the learning games, the teacher's personality and the children's enthusiasm ... and then the holes, the dirty jackets and pants. They are happy in that classroom and our short visit will never capture their hardships. I find hope in the way that little boy smiled at me. But as children grow and become painfully aware of their environment that hope seems to fade.

I write this because the school is doing well in my opinion. Compared to schools in northern Uganda, where I've conducted research, Rheenendal is outstanding. But only recently has this been so according to you Knysna hosts. Rotary should be proud of their work with the school. If one has the means, there will always be improvements to be made and gains unsupported will be gains lost. I have a feeling that Rotary of Knysna and Knoxville will keep pushing and for that I am grateful.

Lastly, I wish to note that the community is just not on the receiving end of help and assistance, but has founded innovative ways to support themselves. Next to the Cycling Program is the 7 Passes Swop Shop that was started by a local man named Garreth (see the trailer behind bikes).



It has been the most beautiful and exciting thing I had seen yet. The work I do in Knoxville is centered on community building and empowerment and I was so delighted to see such a project. The Rheenendal community donates blankets, toys, clothing, pencils, books and more to the Swop Shop. Children from the community then collect as much recyclable material such as glass, paper and cardboard or plastic and bring it to the shop. Garreth then weighs the bounty and writes the child a voucher. Depending on how many vouchers they have, they can choose certain items in the shop! It's worked very well, is sustainable and gets everyone involved. Community Solutions to Community Problems. They even have a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/7-Passes-Swop-Shop/203673663026596. Litter does not crowd the streets, children are trained as active agents and people everywhere come to donate unwanted items.

Sandwich Making

This afternoon we helped make sandwiches for clinics around town. The clinics take place in townships to help guarantee that those in need can obtain and take tuberculosis medication. Unable to take the medication on an empty stomach, the clinic provides sandwiches to make sure the medicine will be absorbed. The clinic takes place everyday, Monday through Friday. The responsibility of making the sandwiches is shared by members throughout the community. Luckily, we got the chance to assist the Mill's on their assigned day in making them. In total, we made 320 sandwiches (eight loaves of bread's worth) that included a range of types in order to provide an option for all. The types of sandwiches included peanut butter, cheese, tuna, and a liver and ketchup mix. This amount will only provide food for the next two days. After making sandwiches, the Mill's took us out to a lovely dinner at Cornuti where we all experienced our first Potato Pizza and Nutella Pizza, both delicious! We then proceed to do some sightseeing of the coast and the wonderful view at night. This has been one our most fun evening yet! -Morgan

Feeling the Burn: A Team Ubuntu Biking Experience

This afternoon we went on a bike ride through the South African countryside. We were accompanied by the men who head up the Safe Cycling bike program for the children at Rheenendal Primary School. The program teaches children from six to twenty years old to safely ride bikes and holds races on the weekends. Team Ubuntu began the ride confident and ready to bike for hours. We started at the school and biked along the side of the paved road for about fifteen minutes. At this point we were all feeling great and loving biking...until we reached the dirt path. It was much harder to bike on the dirt path for two reasons: 1. It was muddy, which slowed us down and required us to pedal harder and 2. a majority of the ride was uphill. At this point we really started to "feel the burn" in our legs from our extra exerted effort. However, team Ubuntu never lost hope or motivation; we continued biking for about 45 more minutes until we reached a stop sign at an intersection. At that point, we took the sign's advice and stopped. After shedding a few layers and getting some water, we headed back. The ride back took us about half as long becuase it was all slightly downhill and the wind was to our backs. After our bike ride, we were sure we had biked at least eight miles and we were all shocked when they told us we had only gone about two miles. Although our bike ride was no tour de France, it was very fun and we got to enjoy some great views and get to know some great people. I would put this bike trip, along with most of our other experiences so far, in the "success" category. It was a good day to be team Ubuntu!

Rheenendal Primary School

This morning at Rheenendal Primary School, our group had the oppurtunity to interact and teach the children. First, we went to the 5 year old and under classes and they were in a different building. This building was actually finished being built by our Knoxville rotary club. Isasbel and Jayanni went to one classroom and Mrs. Gregor, Morgan, and I went to another. In my classroom we split the kids into three stations and had Legos at one table with me, finger puppets and animal flash cards with Mrs. Gregor, and coloring with Morgan. In the other classroom, Isabel and Jayanni sang songs and played with blocks, colors, animals, finger puppets, and counting. The children were amazingly behaved and listened to their teachers very well. By the looks on all of their faces, they all liked seeing new faces and I think they enjoyed having visitors come to play with them. As we left the little kids, we all gave them high fives and hugs. Jesse, the learning specialist and Mr. America toured us around the computer room and then led us to our new classrooms which were made up of 2nd and 3rd graders. Mrs. Gregor, Isabel, and I went to the 2nd graders and used the animal flash cards, sang a few songs, read a book, and colored with them. Morgan and Jayanni read books and played Simon says with the 3rd graders. Over all the kids could not understand English except for the simple hello and goodbye but it is the smile and compassion that matters for them to know that we actually care about them. I am so glad we got to see this school today and hopefully our interact club will continue to provide money to support this school in the future.

Rotary Club of Knysna Meeting

On Tuesday Team Ubuntu did Webb School and the Rotary Club of Knoxville proud! The Knysna Rotarians meet on Tuesdays at 12:30pm at the Yacht Club and they invited us to come and talk at their luncheon. They were a credit to Interact, Rotary, and teenagers in general! Each of us talked for a few minutes and gave thanks for their warm welcome. They had just celebrated their 50th anniversary so we invited the Knysna Rotarians to come celebrate RCK's 100th birthday in 2015; showed them our video that was one of the runners up in the global Interact competition; and each of the girls talked about Webb Interact, first impressions of SA, and how impressed we all were with their club and their projects. We presented them with the banner and a bottle of Jack Daniels which they'll raffle off and give the money to a local project! The feedback was very good from the Rotarians and we are delighted to be hosted by them over the next few days. In thanks, Liz Gregor

Elephant Park

After the Rotary lunch at the Knysna yacht club, the group headed over to the Knysna Elephant Park. All five of us bought a bucket of carrots and butternut squash to feed the "ellies." Then we were taken to the open field where around 9 elephants were eagerly waiting for their food. First we got to reach out our hands and they would reach out their trunks and suck the food out of our palms. After everyone emptied their buckets, we were free to walk around and pet the elephants. We all were a little worried at first because we aren't used to standing next to the gigantic creatures. Eventually we all became comfortable around them and could not stop touching them. The babies tended to be the favorites and many pictures were taken with them. One of the guides walking around was very helpful to answer all of our questions and even encouraged our more terrified member, Jayanncé to get out of her comfort zone to enjoy the wonderful experience.

Interact Braai

Tonight we went to a braai(bry). A braai is a South African barbeque. At the braai we got to sample some traditional South African food. We ate mealie pap which was a corn meal type food similar to grits with a tomato based sauce on top. We also ate beorewors which are delicious farmer sausages eaten in a way similar to hot dogs. For dessert we had koek susters which were basically doughnuts dipped in syrup with syrup on the inside. They were AMAZING! All of the food was delicious and we are so glad we got to try it. The braai was put on by the Knysna Rotarians to get some of the six Interact clubs they sponsor to come together. We met Interact students our age from public, Montessori, and private schools. We sat with three girls from the Montessori school and a boy and a girl from public school, so we got to know them best. It was really great to get to meet some South Africans our own age. They asked us if we were surprised that they didn't ride lions to school and we asked if they were surprised that we weren't fat. We proved to be a culturally understanding group because none of us were suprised by these facts. Aside from some differences about sports, driving age, and school we found that we liked many of the same things. We were all Hunger Games fans with the only differences being if we were team Peeta or team Gale. We watched the same tv shows and listened to the same music. It was really fun to get to meet South African teens our same age as well as experience a South African braai. We left the braai with good memories and several new Facebook friends who we hope to keep up with!

The Feeding Scheme

This morning we accompanied Mrs. Shires to the feeding scheme. We were greeted by her large smile and open arms as she was grateful for any help. She runs this project from the back of her car and much from her own pocket. She has it down to a science, knowing exactly when to start preparing the next meal, what to prepare so that the day labourers receive a nutritious meal, and when to arrive in the morning so that the meal will still be warm. Each of us was assigned a different job: Isabel handed out utensils, Lizzie offered the workers seasoning, Jayanni gave out bread, and I passed out apples. With this meal, often the only one they receive all day, the labourers have the energy necessary to work and earn a living. Mrs. Shires and her assistant Elias Makaya Sinyongo know each man by name and have truly befriended them. We were inspired by her wonderful giving spirit and the way in which she is reaching out to the community. We hope to continue to assist her in this endeavour in the future. 

-Morgan

Robben Island: The Prison of Apartheid

Robben Island is infamous around the world for being the prison in which Nelson Mandela was locked away for 27 years of his life. The girls, Liz and I took a tour of the the Island and its prison quarters on the second day of our stay in Cape Town. Here's some facts:

+ The Island served as a prison for both political prisoners and criminals from South Africa, whom they kept separate. They suffered from torture, physical beatings and humiliation on a daily basis.

+ People with leprosy were also sent (captured and transported) to the Island to die because it was thought that leprosy was contagious. They kept men and women separate, but those who managed to form relationships and have children, would have them taken away and put up for adoption on the mainland.

+ The photo of The Cave (the small hole) is significant because it is the site where not only political prisoners were sent to work 9 hours a day in the lime fields, but it is also known as "The University." This is because this site is where they educated all who were interested in political and social justice the ideals of the anti-apartheid struggle. It also served as a parliament for the drafting of the Freedom Charter.

+ Students involved in the Soweto Uprising were sent here as well. If they were not initially killed by the police or had fled the country they were arrested. Our guide (the man in the photo) was a part of that uprising to protest against Afrikaans being used as the sole language for school instruction (which was a form of oppression to Black Africans and Coloured people) + Jacob Zuma, the current president, served 10 years on Robben Island for his participation in the anti-apartheid movement.

Riding on the Baz!

Today we traveled on the Baz Bus from Cape Town to Knysna. The bus transports backpackers and travelers along the garden route. We got a few odd looks as the five of us and our eight pieces of luggage boarded the bus this morning; however, once we explained that some we filled with donations from the United States they seemed to be more understanding. After the eight and a half hour journey, we finally arrived. Isabel, Lizzie, and I are all staying with our host family, Mike and Sue Mills, while Mrs.Gregor and Jayanni are with another. Our host drove us around town before dinner to better acquaint us with the area and it is beautiful. We watched the sun set and the full moon rise from the top of a mountain located between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean. We are having a great time and are looking forward to tomorrow! -Morgan

The Baz Bus Experience

Today we rode the Baz bus down the garden route from Capetown to Knysna. It was a small van but we were still comfortable. At first we were worried about our bags fitting because we had eight big suit cases and our fellow passengers had at most one large backpack, but everything turned out fine. We stopped at a Mcdonals and an African burger place for lunch. We slept for a while and also talked to some of the other passengers, who were from all over the world. Now we are with the Mills family, who are very nice and have a beautiful house. I can't wait to get to know the Mills better and to explore Knysna. This trip has been awesome so far and I am so greatful and happy to be here! -Isabel

Arriving in Knysna

When we arrived in Knysna we were picked up by our host family, Mike and Sue Mills. They are great and so is their house. It is facing water so Mike took the three of us to the top of a hill to see the amazing view. Even though we have only been with up them for a few hours, it is obvious that they are very excited to host and they are very easy to talk to. Sue made a chicken, mashed potatoes, squash, and vanilla ice cream dinner and it was really good. I am so glad to be staying in a house where I feel completely comfortable.

SA Through An Outsiders Lens

“Seeing their experiences filtered through an outsiders lens might, I hope bring new perspectives or insights. Anthropologies David Graeber once wrote: When one carries out an ethnography, one observes what people do, and then tries to tease out the hidden symbolic, moral, or pragmatic logics that underlie their actions; one tries to get at the way people’s habits and actions make sense in ways that they are not themselves completely aware of. One obvious role for a radical intellectual is to do precisely that: to look at those who are creating viable alternatives, try to figure out what might be the larger implications of what they are(already) doing, and then offer those ideas back, not as prescriptions, but as contributions, possibilities—as gifts.”

The above quote is from Catherine Besteman’s Transforming Cape Town, which is a part of the pre-trip reading for Team Ubuntu. Before we boarded the plane, I gave the girls various readings on the history of apartheid, the anti-apartheid struggle as well as its legacies today ... Cape Town, South Africa could perhaps be one of the most beautiful spaces in the world. Before coming I imagined what it would be like to visit a place I had dreamed about since I was told of its existence. The journey here was long, but well worth it. Team Ubuntu met in Tyson Mcghee Airport in Knoxville, TN to start our trip. Liz and I and the girls, Lizzie, Isabel and Morgan, gathered with our family and dear program mentor and sponsor, Townes Osborne, to say farewell. Before leaving, Townes reiterated that the greatest and most important thing we could bring were our smiles. So we began our journey with smiles in tow. An hour and half later we were in Atlanta. The next 8 hours in the air took us to Amsterdam and 11 hours after that we were in South Africa!

South Africa is such an unbelievably gorgeous place yet one is confronted everyday with the realities of a country still trying to heal and transform itself from its former infamy. It is seen as a beacon of light for the “good triumphs over evil” narrative, but no place is perfect and in this post-apartheid era I see both hope and disillusionment. The need is immense.

And while this may depress others, this gives me hope in the resiliency of the human spirit to resist in subtle and more obvious ways systems of oppression and inequality that are not as stark as apartheid, but that are still active today. I think this will become more real as we travel to the informal housing areas and townships with the Knysna and Stanford Rotary Clubs and away from the comfort of Cape Town Proper. It is my hope that the above quote stays with the girls so that they can find the larger meaning in the smaller conversations and experiences we’ve had and will continue to have. So I know we will return with smiles, but not just because of excitement but because of much deeper understanding and connection to place much like our home.

Team Ubuntu!

This flower is from the Kirstenbosch gardens.

Nelson Mandela's jail cell.

1.First photo background: this quote is from the Freedom Charter drafted by the African National Congress or ANC (major leaders of the anti-aparteid struggle who founded this political/social organization including Mandiba) "In 1955, the ANC sent out fifty thousand volunteers into townships and the countryside to collect 'freedom demands' from the people of South Africa. This system was designed to give all South Africans equal rights."

While watching Laura Gamse's incredible film "The Creators" (about the power of music and the arts to help people cope during apartheid and also to navigate the post-apartheid environment), we saw the young graffiti artist Faith47 paint murals such as this one around South Africa. ON our first day in Cape Town we spotted it just behind the National Gallery.

2. Team Ubuntu on top of Table Mountain

3. Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town

A Day in the Life of Team Ubuntu

Today was our first day in Cape Town. We arrived last night around 11pm and it was too dark to see the amazing view. This morning we were greeted by one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen. We enjoyed this view over a delicious breakfast of bacon and eggs at the Bay Atlantic Hotel, which is shadowed by Table Mountain and looks out over Camps Bay.This morning we were joined by Knoxville Rotarian Kathryn Johnson, who acted as our terrific tour guide. We are very grateful to have her accompany us this week-end!

Then we took a bus tour along the coast and made several stops along the way at important points such as Table Mountain and St. George's Cathedral. Walking around the city we spotted one of the murals featured in the documentary"The Creators," about South African artists struggling for a better life in the midst of extreme poverty ! It read "all should be equal before the law" from the now famous Freedom Charter written in response to apartheid laws and policies. It was really cool to seeit in real life. After touring both the beaches and the cities I have concluded that Cape Town  is a mixture of Europe and the California coast... only better. After a long day of touring we all took our shoes off and walked along the beautiful beach. We put our feet in the water and it was freezing!
 
After returning to our B&B and watching a beautiful sunset, we went to dinner at a restaurant called The Codfather which had very good seafood and sushi! This has been a wonderful first day in South Africa, with great weather, and I can't  wait to explore Cape Town more tomorrow! Also, no one is hurt or sick! :)
-Isabel

St. George’s Cathedral

One of the stops on our bus tour was the beautiful St. George’s  Anglican Cathedral built in 1901 and resembles a traditional stone built English church with stained glass windows from France.   Desmond Tutu (Nobel Prize Winner 1980) has served as the Archbishop of this cathedral for many years and has dedicated his life to the promotion of peace and anti- apartheid . He has described South Africans as the ‘rainbow people of God’ and we learned that he organized a huge peace rally in 1989 which started on the front steps of the cathedral. An informational display of photos and text guided us through the years of the injustices of apartheid and the people it affected – very moving.

The Cathedral keeps records of visitors and the young ladies who greeted us were interested to learn we were from TN (‘ Is that close to Mississippi?) and had heard of Elvis and Oprah! One of the greeters showed us to the entrance and said that it’s thanks to Desmond Tutu and the abolition of apartheid that she’s able to have the job she has today at the cathedral – 18 short years ago it wouldn’t have been possible for her to work there.

On a side note, I was interested to note that Queen Elizabeth II visited Cape Town in 1995 and a plaque in the cathedral commemorated her visit – such a poignant and symbolic visit. –Liz Gregor

District Six Museum

One stop on our sightseeing tour of Cape Town was the District Six Museum. District Six was a mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers, and immigrants. In the 1970's, however, 60,000 residents were evacuated and the district was declared a White Group Area. Residents were told they were living illegally in a white area and must make arrangements to remove themselves as soon as possible. The Group Areas Act authorized the relocation of 150000 Capetonians who were sent to various townships based on their ethnicity and race. The break out of the bubonic plague was used as an excuse for the first removal in 1901. Since then, there have been a total of 46 sites of removal. The area was eventually flattened by bulldozers and residents were forcibly relocated to the Cape Flats, barren land located outside of the city. 

While in the museum we talked with Noor, one of the original residents in the district who watched his house being demolished. He was neighbors with Christians, Hindus, Coloreds, Jews - everybody lived in multicultural harmony. He now works in the District Six Museum and has written a book about his experiences. Even though he frequently comes in contact with many celebrities and royalty, he treats them just as he would any other visitor as they are just another human being, just like us. Something he said that particularly resinates with all of us is "there is just one race- the human race".

 For more information go to: www.districtsix.co.za

Table Mountain

During our first touring day in Cape Town, we rode a tour bus around the city to see major attractions and one of my favorites was Table Mountain. This mountain is 1,086 meters or 3,563 feet high and has two big peaks called “Lion’s Head” and “Devil’s Peak” that are connected by the lower rocky part of the mountain. During the year, multiple journeys up to the mountain in cable cars are taken daily; however, cloudy days make it harder to see the view of Cape Town from up above, so most people are risky in the hopes of making it to the top to enjoy the amazing view. The weather today was perfect with a few clouds so our group went for it and by the time we got to the top the “table cloth” of clouds cleared. The view was absolutely surreal and the scenery breathtaking! I enjoyed getting to see the beautiful South African geography. Not only was the view of the city amazing; the mountain itself was cool because it contains a huge number of different plant and animal species; more flora and fauna in fact than in all of Great Britain! If you would like to read more information about Table Mountain, I have found a website with more facts that is listed below.

tablemountain.net