Wet Hot South African Summer.

What summer would be complete without attending summer camp? My final week of my December Summer (remember, it is summer here in the southern hemisphere) holidays found myself and the other YASC intern with HOPE working a camp. One of our Co-Workers at HOPE is involved with a camp called Goal Camp, which is a leadership interfaith camp. The camp’s aim is to promote leadership qualities and dialog between 17-19 year olds who come from some sort of troubled past. There is a heavy interfaith presence since the program this was originally from was Face-to-Face, an international interfaith program based out of the United States. Lacey and I were volunteered to help as facilitators for the camp, and I have never enjoyed something I have been volunteered for as much before.

I did not know what to expect from the camp. I had very little information on what it was and how things were going to happen beforehand since I was unable to attend any of the training or planning meetings. The first day I met any of the other facilitators was the day before camp was to start, at the final planning meeting. I did little more than sit and observe at the meeting, partially because I did not know what I was doing and partially because I had received some sad news that morning (but that is another blog post). I did learn a few things at the meeting, like the fact that the group of other facilitators seemed like a good group of people, the camps program seemed to be interesting and well thought out, and that I was a part of the “Get stuff done crew” as I came to call it. Myself, Adeeb (another facilitator), Iggy, Sarah, and Rashaad (the three facilitators in charge) were not a part of any dialog group. The dialog groups are what I would called small groups, or conversation groups, basically it’s where the majority of the serious conversation and sharing happens. Since we were not a part of these groups, our responsibility would be to mostly make sure that everything else ran smoothly, since if the other facilitators did not get their tasks for their events done in time, we would have to finish up the set up. It was alright, though, because being a part of this group allowed me to get a good look at all the background activities that occur to get camps like this done, it allowed the most free times of the facilitators, and it let me hang out with an awesome group of people.

I could go in depth and describe everything that happened during the week (Monday to Sunday), but I would end up writing a blog post double, triple, or even quadruple the length of my others to get it done. Instead, I will try to get the highlights. To start, I was co-cabin facilitator with Izzy (not to be confused with Iggy). Izzy is an awesome guy who is pursuing his undergrad in linguistics, Arabic, and Hebrew, with an honors in Hebrew, and a diploma in education. He is also a hilarious guy with the most infectious laugh and the capability to get very excited and expressive over the smallest things, as well as being good at and enjoying very serious intellectual conversations on a variety of important topics for no other reason than he can and we should. Needless to say, I could not have asked for a better co-cabin facilitator (we agreed to give our cabin the title “Cabin Kickass”, something we were more excited about than the participants). There ended up being 17 participants and 14 facilitators, so the ratio was very close to a 1-1 ratio. There were 3 guys’ cabins with 3 each in two cabin, and 2 in one. The 3 participants in our cabin were all awesome individuals. One of them felt more comfortable speaking in Afrikaans than English, so the other people in the cabin would take turns translating what he said for me during the cabin time in the evening.

The activities varied from day to day. The ones I were directly responsible for occurred later in the week, so for the first bit I just helped out with whatever the other facilitators needed as well as planned my events and electives. Ali and I were in charge of the sports elective. On Tuesday it was scorching hot, so we ended up playing cricket, which the participants enjoyed trying to explain the rules to me. The second day we switched the elective around a little, since the day before the camp split evenly down the genders with all the boys doing sports and all the girls doing crafts. The second day we sold it more as games than sports, and ended up attracting some of the girls over to our side. Ali introduced this awesome game that was a combination of cricket, kickball, a little bit of red rover, and just plain fun (he was good at that in general). The activities I was in charge of planning and running were the gender night and the Amazing race obstacle course.

Ruth and I were in charge of gender night, and it was one of those things that went so much better than we could have ever hoped or planed for (thought Ruth did most of the planning well before camp started). The discussions and ideas being tossed out by the participants throughout the evening were amazing, and it was one of my highlights of the week to see the wheels start to turn and them begin to see where they had been taught faulty perceptions and habits by society. They begin with writing five attributes about themselves. They then split into gender groups to discuss and write down attributes and characteristics they thought of for men and for women. This alone sparked some debate and dialog, the female group quickly realized what they were putting down was mostly stereotypes. Then we brought the groups back together and had them view what the others had written both about their gender group as well as the other. We then had them pair off into male and female pairs, with one group of three (we really lucked out with the numbers being almost even). We had them discuss everything and answer some questions we prepared, then had them form larger groups of mixed gender, and had further discussion there. The conversations in each part were so good and productive, that we let each section have much more time than was intended for it. Ruth and I kept checking between the groups and asking “Are you guys still going? Good, because so are we. 5 more minutes?” We unapologetically stretched well past the time allotted for the activity, but the higher-ups understood and were ok with it.

The amazing race was an activity planned almost solely by me and held on Saturday. I was nervous how everyone would enjoy it, but it turned out to be a huge success. There was the classic riddles to various stations scavenger hunt. Then a ropes maze (which I ran and went super well). Only one group figured out the trick. Everyone but one was blindfolded, and the one unblindfolded person had to verbally “Get the rest of your team from point A to point B”. We never said they had to go through the ropes. The trick was to just walk them around the ropes. There was also a little zipline where they had a competition to see who could get the furthest without touching the group. And an impromptu station where there was a vertical grid of ropes and they had to see how many people they could get from one side to the other without touching the ropes (credit goes to Rashaad and Ali for the quick thinking to get that one together so that the groups weren’t waiting on the zipline and ropes with nothing to do). After that was Spin it to Win it, a relay race where each member spun in a circle a number of times and then tried to do activities like run straight, run and catch a frisbee, dance, etc. Then we had them build the largest structure they could out of marshmallows and skewers. We ended it all with a game of Jeopardy, where the categories where the themes of the various days, and the questions came from events during those days. All in all it went very well, and everyone seemed to like it.

Those were just two of the events from the entire week. I could go on about the capture the flag game I helped put together that was a huge success (Despite, or maybe because of, a few injuries). I could talk about the Dance/fitness activity where we had outside instructors come in and pretty much make us all realize how out of shape we were. I could wax poetic about the exploratory trip to find the beautiful rock pools, and then the actual excursion the camp took to visit them later in the week (with mixed results on enjoyment).The talent show which had everyone rolling on the floor with laughter at points, or snapping our fingers in recognition of some of the realest slam poetry I have ever heard (usually the talent show is the part of camp I enjoy the least and try my hardest to avoid, this one was actually amazing). I could reminisce about the Help game, an activity that drove the participants to the edge of frustration and annoyance with us. I could recount Star Power, one of the hardest hitting events that had some participants in tears and pure hatred directed toward the Facilitators in charge of it (the group of five mentioned earlier). These and many other things could fill up a multitude of more blog posts. Instead, I would like to talk a little about what it made me realize about myself.

Both weeks of this holiday, but particularly this one, made me realize and address one of the largest issues facing me in regards to my time here. It is the loneliness and separation I feel. Being around other Americans my age in Cape Town. Being around other people my age that share my passion for discussion and openness and acceptance, that cherish the sharing of ideas and experiences just for the sake of knowledge and growth at the goal camp. Being involved with the exposure of the youth of South Africa to new ideas and ways of thinking that will hopefully lead to them living better lives and the strengthening of the future leadership of SouthAfrica. I am beyond greatful for the time spent with the other facilitators, and with the participants. Being able to meet and make friendships with some many wonderful like-minded people has really helped me. There was even a little facilitator get together a week after camp ended to check in and see how everyone was doing. Rashaad and Ali even drove all the way to Hawston to fetch me back to Cape Town and then took me back. All of it was a refreshing and wonderful experience, that exposed to me just how isolated and alone I feel in Hawston. I love the people there, especially the ones I have interacted with, but we do not have copious amounts of things in common. It makes it difficult to relate to them at times (a struggle shared by the previous YASCer in the position). Dealing with these feelings and moving forward in the new year, with 7-9 more months here, is one of the greatest challenges I will face, and hopefully overcome.

Holidays with Sun and Friends

In my previous post I talked about how lonely the holidays can be when you are in a foreign country. Luckily for me, others already knew of this, and there were plans being made months ago to combat this issue. The other members of Team SATZ (what the YASCers in South Africa and Tanzania have been calling ourselves) had been planning to get together over the holidays for some time, and so the end of December found all of us in Cape Town.

I, myself, was in Cape Town by the 24^th of December due to lack of having personal transportation. I was lucky enough to catch a ride to Cape Town with Hananja (The dietician who occasionally works with the Center, and who also happens to be Keri’s, the former YASC member here, best friend) and her boyfriend Rod. It actually turned out for the best because that meant that myself and Lacey (The other YASC member with HOPE who is working in Cape Town) were able to attend the Christmas Eve midnight service at the Cathedral in Cape Town. It was a beautiful service with the archbishop, and even more excitingly, Desmond Tutu and his family, being in attendance. Lacey and I were able to attend the Christmas Day mass at the Cathedral as well. For Christmas itself Lacey and I accepted the invitation of Rachel Mash, who works in the Green Anglican Office, which shares a building with HOPE. We spent Christmas lunch and afternoon having a wonderful time enjoying the company of her husband, who teaches in the medical school at UCT, and her son and daughter, both of whom are in university, as well as another professor from the university and his wife. As it turned out, their other guests were also from the United States. They’ve have been in South Africa for a couple decades now, but they could easily commiserate with us about things we missed from the states. All in all it was an enjoyable time, in which I participated in my first Christmas Cracker a fact that amazed everyone in attendance (they were homemade crackers), and for the first time ever, I lounged by the pool on Christmas.

       

Andy Russell and Jacob Nastruz (The Yasc Members in Tanzania and Joberg, respectively) arrived in Cape Town on the 27^th. Lacey and I met them at the Airport and took them to Ann House, where all four of us were staying for the holidays. From there commenced a week of fun. That same day we visited a rooftop pool, followed by this really awesome Mesopotamian restaurant. That Monday we set out to hike Table Mountain. At that point I was the only one out of our group that had actually been to the top of Table Mountain, and I had arrived there via cable car. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy walk, but everyone else was still dead set on it. We took Platteklip Gorge, one of the popular routes up table mountain. It is the most direct route to the top, but this is achieved by being vey vertical and filled with steep switchbacks, which leads some to say it is also the most difficult way to the top. It was ok though, we took plenty of breaks which allowed us to eat the snacks we brought, as well as take plenty of beautiful pictures. (Pictures to follow at a later date, I am still sorting through them all). It was an overall rewarding experience which enabled us to have multiple conversations with other hikers (either on their way down or as they passed us going up). Once we achieved the summit it was decided that we should take the cable car back to the bottom since, you know, we were only doing this once and wanted to get both sides of the experience. That evening Jacob, myself, and Andy were able to view Starwars Episode 7 at the Waterfront Mall’s Theater. I will not go on in length, but I will say I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The next day we took the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour (also known as the red bus tour). One of the routes offered by the tour is the purple route, or the route that takes you to the vineyards. This was where we had arranged to meet the last YASCer in South Africa, Tim Hamlin, who had his girlfriend visiting as well. The six of us took a cellar tour at the Groot Constantia wine estate, which was very informative and ended in a wine tasting. We then ended up eating at one of the restaurants on the estate purely by luck, since one party ended up canceling right after we had asked and they had told us they were full. It was a wonderful afternoon spent relaxing and enjoying the company of the other YASC members (and Tim’s girlfriend) amongst the beautiful grounds of Groot Constantia. It was nice to catch up and hear about each of our placements, as well as the challenges and triumphs that accompany each. The following day, Lacey, Andy, Jacob and I took the red bus tour again, this time focusing on the downtown loop. We were able to see many different interesting sites, like the district 6 museum, as well as the “Castle”, which is the original fort that had been there. We also explored the watershed, which is a crafts market on the waterfront.

The morning and early afternoon of the 31^st was spent down at the Waterfront once again. We went to the waterfront market where we were able to try a variety of different foods as well as visiting the Aquarium. That evening we ended up at the botanical gardens in Kirstenbosch. The botanical gardens is a beautiful garden nature reserve, which can easily have a day spent there picnicking and soaking up the many beautiful sights. We. However, were there for their new year’s eve concert. Jeremy Loops was the headline act, and I would highly suggest you check out his music (he is on Spotify). Jeremy is a native of Cape Town, and so it was really interesting being able to hear him play to his home crowd in such a venue.

The 1^st was spent on an adventure that could have gone better. We ended up trying to take a train to Simon’s beach, which is known for having penguins. However, because it was a holiday, there trains were running on a more spaced out schedule than we anticipated, and were packed much fuller than we were expecting. We ended up being squashed together along with a number of complete strangers, in fashion I would easily call less than ideal. We made it all the way to the end of the line we were on, before we realized that the train wasn’t running all the way out to Simon’s beach. We could have taken a bus the rest of the way, but we decided that between the wait for the bus, as well as the time to get there, and back, and catch the next train back to our stop, we would be cutting it a little close, and we did not want to be stranded that far out without reliable cab or Uber service back into town. It was decided that we would take the train back a few stops and get off at a beach there, from which we could Uber back. This is where we made a mistake. We were able to get good seats, at one end of the train, when we got back on. The problem was that between the stop we got on at, and the stop we wanted to get off at, the train became packed again. I am talking shoulder to shoulder packed with all types of people carrying all manner of bags and beach equipment. As our stop approached we got up and notified the people between us and the door that this was where we wanted to get off. What followed can only be described as the worst public transport experience of my life. As soon as the doors opened we started heading for the exits, but at the same time the large crowd waiting to get on started surging forward, despite the fact that the car was already packed full. The people already on tried to assist us by pushing us forward while the people on the outside pushed against us to get on. We barely made it off, and it was more by virtue of luck than anything else. We spent some time at the beach before deciding to take an Uber back.

The 2^nd of January was spent at the downtown enjoying the Kaapse Klopse, also known as just Klopse, Tweede Nuwe jaar, or the Cape Town Minstrel Festival. The festival is steeped in history and Black and Colored pride in the wake of racism and colonialism. Different groups form troupes and dress up in colorful outfits with various face paints. They parade through the streets playing instruments and performing a variety of dances and songs. All in all it is a wonderful cultural experience that is amazing to see live. My only regret is that we were not able to see more of it. We arrived a little while before it was scheduled to start (around noon or 1), only to find that some people had been camping out since the morning. The streets were lined with families with pop-up coverings who were clearly there for the long haul. It also did not start on time. We found a spot by the start, and waited until almost 4 pm before we saw the first group. We were able to watch several groups before we decided to leave in search of food.

All in all it was a wonderful holiday spent in Cape Town. It was great to catch up and share with other people who are going through some of the same difficulties as myself. My regret lies in almost planning too much to do. Each day felt like it was jam packed with things to do, and I sorely wished we had taken a day or two just doing nothing. The holiday also ended on a very sad note, but that is another blog.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.

Think of your favorite Christmas song. Maybe narrow it down to your favorite non church Christmas song, one of the ones they play on repeat in the stores 24-7 starting before the turkey dinner has fully digested in your stomach (if not sooner). Then think of your least favorite song, or the one the gets stuck in your head the most. Look at the lyrics. I’m willing to bet that it has the words “snow”, “cold”, “fire”, “white”, or some other reference to the weather, or temperature, or some cold weather activity like drinking hot chocolate or roasting chestnuts. I know that personally, when I summon images of Christmas and the Holidays to mind, I think of snow (or at least in my home town, cold rain). It would be hard to imagine Christmas in the middle of summer, right? Welcome to the southern hemisphere. It was 80-85° on Christmas Day. The house I was at had a pool, and it was utilized. Most people go to the beach as their after Christmas lunch tradition. I mean, the saying “Christmas in July” in practice, isn’t as nice as one would think. And that was just one of the things I had to adjust to.

I’ll be honest, it was a little difficult to get in the “Christmas Spirit”. Part of it was the weather. Part of it was the lack on over-commercialization (They don’t play Christmas songs 24-7 everywhere here along with adverts every 5 seconds. Or at least I wasn’t in the shops as much as I usually am). Part of it was the loneliness. The holidays are inherently a family-and-friend centric time period. I don’t spend a whole lot of time with my family, we haven’t taken any long holiday trips in a while, but we still spend time together, and Christmas day is celebrated with them and with my family in Charleston. I think that is one of the aspects that contributed the most to my lack of feeling like it was Christmas. The days leading up to the holiday were spent much like I would any other day in the care center. Sure, the other workers had some holiday spirit, but it didn’t quite touch me as much as in previous years. Even helping decorate the center didn’t do much to improve my eagerness. (Fake) pine trees seem to clash with the bright sunny exterior. Santa in his big red coat seems ridiculous when it is upwards of 80 regularly (he would roast alive, I know I do and I have appropriate clothing). Even putting up snow-in-a-can couldn’t help, because it is a sup-par substitute for the real thing. There is no way around it, being alone during the holidays is very tough.

This experience gives me a much better understanding of the international students I encountered in my time as a Resident Advisor for Marshall University. If anything, I wish I could have learned this experience earlier in life. If I could go back, I would have done a lot more to try and include those international students around holiday times. In fact, if any of my former colleagues, or anyone who works in residence life is reading this, I would suggest strongly taking this to heart, and reaching out to them. It’s one thing to know as a concept how hard it is to be away from one’s family and friends during the holidays, it’s an entirely different thing to experience the crushing loneliness and feelings of depression and isolation one can incur. It also allows me to understand the international student’s tendencies to clump together and not branch outside of their fellow international students. Having someone from back home, even if it is a completely different part of the country, can be comforting when everyone around you seems different than yourself. I know spending the holidays with the other YASC members that are stationed in Tanzania and other parts of South Africa made it much more bearable for me. But our shenanigans in Cape Town are a story for another blog post.