Cynthia Schwertsik

Here we are… first week

first week

we get picked up & the journey in africa begins -staring out the window trying to explain to little one, why he shouldn’t wind down that window “it’s really hot mami” (I find it hard to find sensible words for that -) people everywhere; walking; sitting; working ; living on the street and then we chase through a supermarket – well garded – grab what ever I can think of, get a mobilephone connection – (we can only sell it to you, but we can’t register it – we are offline now – internet ??? – conditions taking me 10 years back 

well, the on to “magagula hights” – more & more shabby housing along the roads, then only countryside, and finally – through a couple of fences we arrive at the ithuba skills college – caspar gets out of the car and into the group of playing kids from primary – he draws a lot of attention… I walk around and take in this fast growing, incredible place & I see people from Africa stranded in this poor surrounding getting introduced to europeans who love to share, to present & teach their ways, many ways, skills – that hopefully will give a chance to survive. I am very impressed – by the intelligent & caring headmaster – he deserves his name – myheart – & at the same time I recognise the few europeans that are around, including me, having the critical eye – seeing all the details that are not working – always knowing better – “that is africa” – I don’t know – I think it is the european mind straining for perfection, which can never be reached if you take in account that there is more than your idea – here some ideas have become real & then you see the difference between theory & life, and I guess it is a very good combination, the ideas have a space to be tried – and people who are thankful to try it, and just make it come alive.

the house we are staying in - all new – cute- still covered in a coat of dust – I manage to find some space in between the architecture where I can install the family – it turns out fine – now I still have to get some basic items for survival – there is a pot, a pan, 2 plates & some cups – that’s a start, it is a bit of a coordination with the timing to get to the fridge next door – ‘cos doors tend to be locked frequently… a teapot would be great & well…. I spare you the details, it’s just – it is about atleast 20 k’s to the next shop – so if you don’t have a car, you can’t just pop out to get the milk. (a specially if you are not sure about the local costumes of the “nogo’s for whities”…) I have to get used to being white….