Times Goes So Fast…
This past month has gone extremely fast as I’ve been traveling every week. South Africa is the most beautiful country I’ve ever been to. I know that I definitely want to come back as I feel like I’ve only seen bits and pieces here and there. There’s so much more to see and experience.
Since I got back, I’ve spent it in Swayimane, just trying to soak in the beauty. My house in Swayimane is at the bottom of a valley, so there are hills all around me (I don’t know whether to call them mountains or not) and beautiful hiking trails. The problem is that the trails aren’t well marked, so it’s hard to know how to come down from the top (there are a lot of steep cliffs) and there’s always the possibility of getting stuck somewhere. But I’ve been wandering around a lot in Swayimane and coming across areas that I’ve never seen before and where people haven’t seen me.
Most of the time, when people see me for the first time, I just say “Sawibona” and they say “hi” back, smile, wave, and that’s it. But a couple of times, people have seen me and assume that I have money, so they bluntly ask me for some. For some reason, it always rubs me the wrong way, especially if it’s children. Who is teaching these kids that their first reaction to seeing a “white” guy is that they should beg for money? I think that’s a horrible mentality and one that is extremely self destructive. I always tell them that I have none and then brusquely ask them that even if I did, why should I give it to them? It’s probably not the right response, and there’s most likely a better way to try to tell them that they shouldn’t rely on strangers’ handouts and stand on their own two feet (Zimele!), but I’m not always the most eloquent. The last time, one of the kids replied, “because I’m hungry” and then I felt really bad. haha.
On the other hand, there are these three boys (~10 years old) that come and visit me every now and then in my house. They never ask me for anything and spend an hour pointing to things in my house and asking me what they are in English (same thing every time.. haha). But they always wear the same pants, shirts with holes in them, and no shoes. I’ve noticed that one of the kid’s pants is extremely tight on him and come up to his calves, like capris, but I think it’s doubtful that he wears the pants as a fashion statement. One day, they found 50 Rands (~$7) on the floor outside my house and brought it over to me and asked if I dropped it. I was missing 50 Rands and they happily handed it back to me.
Whenever they come, even though they never ask, I always try to give them a little something to eat. One day, they came when I happened to buy a pretty expensive steak that I bought to treat myself. I just started eating when I saw them at the door and thought to myself, “oh no!” I tried to ignore them, but they just sat there watching me eat and with every bite that I took, I felt really guilty. So, damn it, I cut up the rest of the steak into thirds and gave it to them.
While I was here, the days went by so slowly, but now that I look back, man, it’s been extremely quick. I only have a week left! Sometimes I wished that I came to South Africa as part of a more established volunteer organization that had a strict regimen of what I needed to do and more volunteers around to socialize with, but I know that my experience was very unique and one that I will remember for a long time. In this short time, I’ve really developed a love for this country and people. I’ve formed an interest that I know will last for my entire life. I’m going to be taking home a part of South Africa with me.
Next week (my last week), Monday, I need to go to Pietermaritzburg to meet with Rosetta. Tuesday will be my last day at the clinic. Wednesday, I’m going on some home visits with Mildred. Thursday, I’m going to go to Durban to do some shopping and try to pick up some souvenirs. Friday is the library opening. Saturday is free to pack and relax and Sunday I climb on a flight to come home.
