In Country Assignment #1

I could start this paper off with some leadership lessons that I have learned here in South Africa. That’s what I feel like I am supposed to do. Talk about how I feel about apartheid, Nelson Mandela, South African history. Don’t get me wrong; many of those things have affected my outlook and meaning on life (as you can see in my previous blogs). Leadership exists all around me: in our group discussions, in our group organizers and in the surrounding community. It is natural for me to connect South Africa with leadership, it seems to associate and scream the subject. But one of my biggest passions in life is science and I have been struggling to link this trip to just that. I find myself wanting to ask the tour guide of our safari what the microbial ecology is in the area.  This past semester I have been surrounded by Microbiology, from my classes to the UROP I received to the REU application I have filled out. I have been surrounding in science the entire time before leaving and now I have been thrown into this country and I have a hard time transitioning into the context of leadership.

Which is partially why I was exciting upon cracking open the book we were assigned to read: Dinosaurs, Diamonds and Democracy. I received a little taste of the scientific history that South Africa holds. The word bacteria was mentioned on the first page, explaining that South Africa contains fossils that hold the remains of ancient bacteria dating back to the earliest evidence of live on earth, 3.5 billion years ago. The book continued on to explain that the first evidences of humans on earth were also found in places of Africa, such as the famous fossil Lucy. Due to these reasons, the first half of the book was naturally a quick and interesting read.

Now, I know that this has little to do with leadership, but my leadership skills lie within my passions and science is one of them. After learning this information, I have found myself connecting with South Africa in my own special way, a way that is unique to my scientific interests and my future. Now that I can feel myself becoming one with this country, I know I will be able to “switch” my brain to a leadership context and start to understand the country from a different lens. When I first arrived in South Africa, I found myself trying to be this intelligent leadership student with tons of insight and understanding. But I have found that is not how I work. I need to slow down, step back, connect with my surroundings (however I find necessary to do so) and THEN start to reflect with respect to certain subjects (in this case leadership).

So now I finally feel like I can mentally start this trip with reference to leadership. It has taken me awhile and I did not understand why I was struggling so much until reflecting in this paper. I have learned that I can have more than one passion in life, science and leadership. I do not necessarily have to “turn off” one side of my brain to focus on the other. I can find my own ways to connect the two, to make them feel as one. I am happy to be making this experience one of my own, something that can be unique to my interests and special to my liking. I am excited to get this journey started. 

My Favorite Place in the World

Can I just say today was AMAZING. We had a full day excursion, which started out with the most amazing scenic drive along the coast of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean.  We stopped along the way to see the wild penguins just hanging out at the beach and then made out way to the peninsula and Cape Point. On the way to the point we encountered some baboons eating snacks in the middle of the road (pictures below). 

Once to the park, we climbed up the mountain and let me tell you, it was beyond worth it. Upon arriving at the top, I was almost brought to tears. It was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. Standing atop this mountain at the edge of this lighthouse, I could see for miles. At the point is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. So I can officially say I have seen 2 oceans at the exact same time in the exact same place, live. We were miles in the air, with the waves crashing below, mountains in the distance, with the nearest next location being Antarctica. Words cannot even describe how amazing this was. I have so much video (HD, thanks to Brian in the leadership minor office), amazing video if I had the capabilities I would upload it on to youtube and show you all. Even then it would be indescribable.

Left of point=Indian Ocean
Right of point= Atlantic Ocean
(we walked all the way out to the point)

 I was breath taken and every time I am stressed, mad, bored, happy, or sad I will think back to this moment and this feeling. How can you be anything but happy when you think of this place? I know I will be coming back here; I want to share this place with others around me.  I am so thankful I have friends and family who have supported my trip. Without them I would not be here and I am grateful beyond words to have this experience. 

Histories, racial divides, internal struggles

Today we learned about the history of South Africa, which is surprisingly very recent. There are specifics that I could divulge into but I will try to sum it up in a couple sentences (ish). The Dutch were the first to colonize South Africa followed by the British and eventually the intermixing of French and Germans. The main indigenous group of the region was the Khoisans.  Of course, the history is much like the European invasion of America where the Khoisans were not too excited to have foreigners coming into the country telling them a different way to carry out their lives. Slavery existed in South Africa; the Europeans brought many of the slaves from Indonesia and Malaysia. We went to the slave museum and learned that slaves were ripped of their identities, having their names changed to offensive words such as vegetables or the months that they arrived in SA. The abolition of slavery took place with ordinance 50 in 1828.

We will be learning more tomorrow about the final stages of SA’s history from 1910-present tomorrow (Xhosa and democracy).  It was interesting to learn about slavery and compare it to my knowledge of America. From what I can tell, and I will have to clarify this, there has been no extreme racial tension between the race of the slaves in SA and the inhabitants of the original region. Yet there is and was still this apparent divide between the Blacks of the country and the white Europeans. I find it interesting that in America, racial tension between whites and blacks came from slavery whereas here, it has seemed to come from colonization. Yet no matter the source, it has been between white and blacks. I find that interesting. Is it because of the obvious visual color difference that just leads us humans to naturally separate ourselves? I haven’t figured this one out yet.

The divide between blacks and whites is a recent problem and continuing solution. The apartheid (separation of blacks and whites) just ended in 1994. That is in my lifetime. In 1966, District 6 was banned to Blacks to inhabit the area. That is in my parent’s lifetime. The government declared District 6 a white area only and all of the blacks had to leave their homes and all the buildings were demolished. Just swept out. And then no one else really took up shop in those areas. I cannot believe that happened, that kind of discrimination. It makes me skeptical on the feelings of those around me. Are there elders or children in the SA community who see me as a white person and feel disgust or hatred? SA’s history is so recent and everyone seems to be trying to overcome this struggle but I do not know where everyone is during this progress. It has proved to be a struggle with me to interact within the community. At the bakery yesterday some of us were looking at the delicious options and the black woman behind the counter gave us attitude walked away and said if you don’t want to buy anything don’t come to our bakery, and then rolled her eyes.  I am not sure if it was because we were white or if we were American or both. But I felt uncomfortable and scared. For this is one of the first times I am a minority in a community and I don’t know how to process. It is hard for me not to take it personally. It is hard when I accept them and they don’t accept me.. But I have to remember their wounds are fresh, their history is recent. I cannot imagine what it was like living in the United States after the abolition of slavery and what the racial divide was like then. Many might still be bitter, annoyed, confused, and struggling.

District 6 before it was considered a "white group area" (1966)

District 6 after 

All I can do now is be respectful to others, as my parents have taught me. To treat everyone respectfully no matter race, culture, background, gender, height or weight. I know that as I interact with this community I will be satisfied knowing I am doing just that, even if those around me haven’t reached that point or do not want to reach that point.  I need to let go and understand that I cannot control what others feel towards me, I need to not take it so personal. They have nothing against me; they have been through some intense hard times. They need to grieve and go through their own internal process to deal with the hardships they have experienced. I need to be the best version of myself and that alone should allow me to be satisfied with my time spent here.

From USA to SA

We have successfully landed in South Africa, 26 hours later. Lexi: the food was best on the flight from Amsterdam to Cape Town. Our lunch meal was a chicken with a nice glazed mango fruit sauce and a side of rice. Also came with cous cous and salad, bread and a slice of presidente brie and for dessert an apricot mango mousse with chocolate bits on top, choice of drink on the side. Movies were also a pleasant selection, I watched Harry Potter, True Grit, Blue Valentine and various TV shows. Also learned a bit of Spanish through the interactive language game.

When we arrived we were greeted by Aaron (our professor), Alan (the leader of the study abroad program in South Africa) and Jane (Logistics), I’m sure we looked stunning. We are staying at the Riverview lodge, which is an exchange student long-term housing building through UCT.  We arrived, got settled into our rooms and took a shower. Showers were interesting, the temperature went from super hot to very cold every 5 seconds. We all got a good laugh out of it. Then we went to bed around the time that we should have been eating dinner in the US so it took me a while to fall asleep and it was difficult to stay asleep after that. But I will sleep better tonight.

Today we became oriented with the town and learned about the surrounding area. The population in Cape Town is around 5.2 million, with 50% colours, 30% blacks, 18% whites and 2% other (From what I remember). There are about 8 different languages spoken here with Afrikaans being the main. We tried some good foods such as sambosas, and cook sisters. Pictures below. Yum. We had a delicious South African traditional dinner tonight and it was delicious. Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera and could not take a picture (I seem to be taking more pictures of food than surrounding areas lately...).

It is uncomfortable being in a different country and not understanding the rules completely (like what side of the road to drive on...). Is it weird if I smile at people while walking through the streets? In Minneapolis I just smile or nod at everyone I pass, regardless of race, gender or culture. I am still trying to vibe out if that is okay here. It is hard travelling in a large group because we are tourists and we stand out. Not saying I don’t LOVE this group, it’s just different when people stare at you because we are obviously American, with our North Face backpacks and large camera bags. I am trying to figure out if that’s just me being paranoid or if people are actually staring. Aaron and I talked about my odd constant need to feel accepted so perhaps that is what I am doing in this country, wanting to be accepted by the people.

Tonight we got to listen to a variety of South African music genres from Alan’s former student DJ, who’s name is also Aaron. It was relaxing. Combined with the after affects of jet lag it was almost too relaxing. DJ Aaron said he would email us some songs so I will have to post a few on here. Or perhaps I can find one on youtube.  Tomorrow we are learning about politics and culture, touring the Cape of Good Hope, visiting the District Six Museum (apartheid related) and visiting the Iziko Slave Museum. Free time at night, proving to be an adventurous day.

Chelsey

Post 1

So this is my first post on my new blog. This whole blog thing is a tad confusing to me but I am sure that I will figure it out. I am not a stickler for grammar or punctuation, so I apologize for that but it is more effective for me to just write thoughts, even though they may not be complete sentences. The whole point of this blog is to update everyone on my journey to South Africa. Before, during and after. This is for friends, family members, acquaintances or anyone who is wondering where I am in my journey, what I am learning, etc. It is a way to connect with everyone and share what I am going through, considering I will be miles away without a phone and with very little time to spare.

A little background on the Journey:

*The trip is from May 21st to June 13th
* Aaron is our group "leader" (sort of, we are all kind of leaders but Aaron is our professor and is very  knowledgable concerning SA and leadership)
*We are partnered with Arcadia University and will be staying in "lodges" on campus for the first week
*The second week we will be living with families in the township Gugulethu. There is where we will be delivering food parcels to families who are victims of HIV/AIDS and learning about the township and its people
*Week three we will be back to Arcadia University to continue to study leadership through a global lens

So far, I have been a bit overwhelmed. I have much to do before we depart including but not limited to: vaccines, raise money for food parcels (more info to come), buy a raincoat, learn how to pack light (...), make or purchase a gift for my host family and have a clear, open mind. My current task is getting vaccines, which is proving to be a difficult process. I am thankful to be under my parents insurance but the fact that the insurance is valid within a 60 mile radius of my hometown, Oshkosh Wisconsin, is creating some obstacles. My 5 hour journey for these vaccines will prevail and I will be immune, don't you worry immune system, fake antigens are coming your way.

The bond that has started to create itself within the 15 of us that are all going to South Africa is profound. I feel very close to everyone in the group and I look forward to spending 3 life-changing weeks with this group of people.

Shout out to them all (in no particular order, well sort of in order of the "name game" we all participated in at our last meeting):
Suzie
Riise
Lindsay
Catherine
Elisa
Alexis
Kelsey
Simone
Kendall
Brain
Aaron
Megan
Brittany
Nekey
Shane

I recently received the roommate assignment for the lodges we will be staying in at the Arcadia University in Cape Town. Kelsey and Lindsay appear to be the lucky ones rooming with me. I hope we can come up with a cool call, like in Anchorman: News Team Assembleeeee.

Although I have roommates in the lodges Aaron has informed me that I will most likely be the person who is all alone during the home stay (everyone else stays in pairs). Knowing the Leadership minor, Aaron and myself, I am assuming this was not random and was a challenge for me to grow. It will be uncomfortable for me considering I tend to be an introvert in new situations, but I think it will be a good thing.

Post may be infrequent during these upcoming month, but once I arrive in Cape Town I hope to update each day, depending on the internet service available to us. I hope you all can follow me on this journey to get a glimpse of what my life will be like in South Africa.

Chelsey