I'm 1/4 Mozambiquan, but unfortunately cannot speak a word of Tsonga or Portugese. Once during a visit to Maputo, I spent almost 10 minutes trying to ask for salt!
I've never left Africa. I've been to a couple of African countries & every province in SA but I've unfortunately never left the continent.
My mom lives in the UK, and she's not too crazy about this idea.
I've dated two Ethiopians in my life. There's something about that curly hair & Ahmaric accent...
The last time I was in a taxi (or any form of public transport) was in 2008 & before that day, it'd been since 2006.
I once witnessed someone smuggling someone into the country, they paid the official at the border R20. (I swear, couldn't believe it either!)
One of the toughest questions for me to figure out an answer to, is: "Whilst Europeans were building ships, building large cities, making scientific discoveries... what were Africans doing?"
The hardest part of preparing for this trip was trying to figure out how to fit all my clothes, shoes, books, accessories into one bag. I had to make some tough calls, especially when it came to which two pairs of shoes can go with over 9 different outfits. Including a cocktail dress I packed just in case!
If I could have dinner with one president in my lifetime, it would be Thabo Mbeki. I think he's one of the best things to have happened to this country (but I am Zulu so ofcourse I voted for Msholozi)
My biggest fear as far as this trip is concerned is getting arrested/into an accident. Anything that would leave me at the mercy of the authorities in a foreign country where I may not even speak the language.
I believe that African values hold the key to solving the worlds problems.
If there are two people I wish I could've taken this trip with it's firstly my cousin Xoli, she's one of the calmest people I know, so nothing phases her. The second one is my man, he's great with people & he makes me laugh. That 12 hour bus ride to Bulawayo would've been a breeze!
My least favourite thing about being African, is... Actually, I'll keep this one to myself. (",)
The one thing I'm gonna miss the most this week, is Big Brother All Stars!
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"One of the toughest questions for me to figure out an answer to, is: "Whilst Europeans were building ships, building large cities, making scientific discoveries... what were Africans doing?""
ReplyDeleteThis paragraph took my attention, I might know the answer I also stand to be corrected. Africans have perfected life values, mutual respect, community structures (hierarchy from umuntu umuntu ngabantu) things like it’s a single family then the next family, a neighbour is a brother which in most cases its blood brothers, reporting structures, to be one- how to help me be, so I can help you be. They are in touch with life, they know how to have fun, sing, dance, fist, give, love, they spent more time living as oppose to building big cities. The mentality was I will move on to another location why build a permanent structure. The most important thing to us was life. Families, fraternity, Rich culture (religion), rains, livestock, etc this gave life to us.
In a nut shell we spent more time enjoying our lives until the colonizer, slavery was born. What we had built was partly destroyed but we had a strong foundation that is why we still possess all this qualities.
Gal you always get me so drawn to your writing. It is true that we tend to over Americanize ourselves. What you are doing is not just for you but also inspiring to us. This is a journey that every African must make at least once in their lives. go out there, learn, discover then come back and share, change a mindset. But all in all you must have an amazing time. Wish Id packed myself in your suitcase and we would sing old Brenda Fassie songs all the way to Bulawayo.
ReplyDeletegreat blog ntombazane. like Nozie is saying, ur journey is rather inspirational, makes me question y exploring SA, let alone Africa is such a mission 4 SA'ns.
ReplyDeletecan i make it my 2011 resolution? *the 1 i know 4 sho i won't live up 2, but still that's no excuse*.
enjoy enjoy!! pix plz!
Boni