Travel
Africa
Wow. Africa is one of the truly amazing countries in our world. We just returned to Jo-Burg from Cape Town where we extended our stay with his brother two full days. He does have a friendly and loving family. It was good for Tony to reconnect with his brother as they weren't close as adults when he lived here. They talked and talked, and Rae, his brother, and I got along famously.
Cape Town is fabulous. A wonderful city and so much more attractive than any other city in Africa that I've seen (3 or 4 now). I could live there, easily. Unfortunately, it is too far away from home and family, however, and the South African political climate is highly unstable. Crime is rampant and people live in cages (nearly literally) here in Jo-Burg. Cape Town and a couple others aren't quite so ridden with rot, but scary none the less.
I can't adequately describe the conditions many of the black people still endure for housing. Shacks built of corrugated metal, cardboard, or any other scrap that looks marginally viable line the main highways like exposed junk yards. They call the shantytowns "townships." Appalling. I haven't taken a picture of one yet, but will try to before we leave. I actually am not sure I'll have an opportunity.
Tony is very defensive about the situation and when I went on about it, he got angry, so I quit "going on." He says I don't understand, and that I am another one of "those people" who rant and rave and don't know what they're talking about. Perhaps I am, but my sense of humanity disallows me to tolerate such outrageous social conditions.
I have observed, however, that the black folk seem happy, mostly, and are well integrated into the white society for the most part. Apartheid ended in 1994 with the release from prison and subsequent election of Nelson Mandela to President. The current government (headed by President Mbecki) is corrupt beyond belief, however, and the black government idea isn't working very well according to many sources (all of whom are white, by the way...)
Apparently, money is allocated where it should not be, and the aid needed by the blacks is not forthcoming as rapidly as it could be. Not enough is being done about the crime problem. A few of my "sources" seem sincere, and many are cynical. Human nature... I haven't had an opportunity to get feedback from the afflicted or newly prosperous. Any approach would be inappropriate.
I've learned so much. I actually haven't written much down but long lists of the animals I saw in Krugar, but it's all in my head, and will try to write a memoir of sorts when I get home.
What a enlightening trip! Great people. Great food. Great weather. I've loved every minute. I sometimes have to consciously realize that I'm in Africa. Wow.