July in South Africa: Tourism amongst Research- Church Square, National Zoo, Huckleberry's, and Voortrekker too!

Today, though I probably should have been researching a bit more, I spent a little time just trying to soak up some of my last moments here. The past 48 hours have been pretty good to me!

Yesterday, we met up with a Professor from the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Pretoria. She suggested a local place for us to meet- called Huckleberry's, which was smack in the middle of a park nearby in Magnolia Dell. It was such a cute spot! We got tea and interviewed her a bit for our research purposes. She was able to offer us quite a bit of insight into access, equity, teacher training, and teacher evaluation. It was really interesting.

After, our hotel shuttle picked us up and we asked to be dropped off at this local craft store across from the American embassy that we had heard good things about. (Incidentally, as the administrative capital of S.A., Pretoria is home to embassies from all over, just within a stone's throw of our hotel.) The store, Delagoa, was amazing. We spent way too long (and too much haha) in there. As I write this I'm wearing one of my purchases- a fun scarf! ;)

Walking back, Crystal, Jessica, and I stopped at Eastwood's for a quick beer before class. Beer before class? Yes, I know it sounds weird, but in our evening "indaba" sessions, we are allowed to bring wine and drink together. Makes for a fun class for sure.

Last night's class was our last indaba, so as a group we reflected on our time here, on what it will mean when we are home, and on how much we enjoyed the experience. Our professor then shared about her life growing up in South Africa and about her involvement in the struggle to end apartheid. I was in awe, as was the rest of the group. After, she said, ok, what about you guys? We were all silent. Who wants to follow that? I already was so inspired by her, I'm now even more so.

This morning I got up early to head over to the Voortrekker Monument. It's a controversial piece constructed one year after the Nationalist Party came to power in South Africa. It's basically a monument commemorating the Afrikaner victory at the Battle of Blood River on December 16th and the "Great Trek" that they made in leaving the Cape colony. Many people wanted this torn down after 1994, because it was a symbol of Afrikaner nationalism, based on the belief that Afrikaners were divinely chosen to control South Africa. As a history buff, I had to see it first hand. It even was planned so that on December 16th every year, the sun shines through a hole in the ceiling to the exact spot of this symbolic grave inscribed with words from the country's old anthem- we for thee, South Africa. A little creepy.

The Voortrekker Monument

Busts carved into the sides of famous Voortrekkers

View of the city- just one side. You could walk all the way around!

The cenotaph- a symbolic empty grave, with the words of the old anthem on top. (This is the point where the light comes in on 12/16.)

Opening in the ceiling

Was an amazing time of day to go- the whole inside was aglow

Had the top deck to myself

Looking down from the very top- tiles on floor are supposed to be like a water ripple, getting bigger as it spreads out

Sun shining through to the inside

My legs were shaky after from walking up and down tons and tons of stairs

Because I went so early, I had the place basically to myself. Climbed all the way to the top for amazing views of the city. It was eerily quiet.

While I waited for my ride, I stopped to write some postcards at the bottom.

Posts home

After, we met up with Sibongiseni, who works for a local NGO. We had met him earlier in our stay here and were truly inspired by him. While we didn't need to interview him for our research, we thought it would be nice to meet up with him, so we took him to lunch.

Jessica, me, Sibongiseni (who works for Bunang Baswa, referenced in an earlier post), Dan, and Crystal at Cappello

Now back at the hotel and will maybe get a bit of work done before heading to a drum circle as a group tonight. We are treating the professor, our locally-based administrator, and program assistant to it as a thank you for everything.

That's all for now!

Maura

P.S. Can't believe I posted no pics from Church Square or the Zoo! (Ironically, had the same taxi driver taking me to Voortrekker today that took me to the zoo--Michael--he's awesome.) Just plugged in camera and some are too good to leave out. Enjoy!