So much to tell, so little time
Today we began the day by heading back into town. Our first stop of the day: Slave Lodge. Although, Lucelle Campbell, the woman who did our tour of the Logde last year, was no longer conducting tours, I was able to have a wonderful conversation with her while the students watched the video and took self-directed tours of the museum. Lucy has agreed to speak in our class sometime in February. She has a remarkable story of how learning about her personal history regarding slavery in South Africa has transformed her.
Next we visited the District 6 Museum. Of all the educational experiences I have had in Cape Town, for me, the story of District 6 is probably one of the most profound. Joe Schaffers , an incredible story teller, who was born in District 6 in 1939 and was forced to relocate under apartheid’s “Group Areas Act” was our guide. Processing the enormity of the history of Apartheid is likely a lifelong process, so this morning’s introduction may be just an opportunity begin that journey.
Even lunch in Cape Town can be an adventure and stopping at Charly’s Bakery certainly was. Although famous for their spectacular cakes, Charly’s is also a popular lunchtime gathering place for Capetonian’s who work in the area (and certainly one of Vernon’s favorite orientation stops with students).
Following lunch we headed to Signal Hill. No matter how many pictures we take or superlatives we use, we cannot begin to capture the essence of that experience.
The Crew: Dan, Kevin, Michelle, Rachel, Jordan, Stephanie, Emily A, Hannah, Jordan, Faina, Julie, Cassidy, Jill Chelsea, Steph, Emily G
Having heard about the Cape Flats during our tour of the District 6 Museum, it was a wonderful surprise that Vernon, who had also been born and lived in District 6 before his family was “relocated" to Bridgetown, took us to the “Flats.” Not only did we get to see the high school Vernon attended and the fields on which he grew up playing soccer, but we were also privileged to visit Vernon’s mother (who was celebrating her 80th birthday) and his sister Priscilla. Being welcomed into their home, and hearing Mrs. Rose’s story, provided yet another glimpse into the remarkable stories that are part of the District 6 legacy.
On our way back to Loch Road for the students to prepare for dinner out on the town, a few students stopped with me at my favorite Rondebosch health food store, To Your Health.
Michelle, Faina, Jordan & Steph also had a chance to meet the woman from whom I bought my weekly supply of fresh flowers last year--- a tradition I will surely continue!
Dinner at Addis, an Ethiopian restaurant on Church & Long Streets finished up a very long day.
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