Today we had an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of South Africa’s most important freedom fighters and relive some of the most important events of Apartheid.
Our trip started with a tour of Soweto. On the tour, we saw many of the shantytowns where many people still live. This served as a stark reminder of the poverty that exists in South Africa but not in the United States. Along the way we stopped at the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, the only religious building in the area that remained open during most of the uprisings. It was interesting to be in the place where many of the freedom fighters met to plan protests, as well as see the violence, in the form of bullet holes and the cracked alter table, that the government used to oppress the protestors. This was indeed a dark time in South African history.
Soon we had arrived in our destination; the Orlando section of Soweto where Nelson Mandela’s house is located. It was very interesting to see the quarters where he spent many years of his life. It gave an interesting perspective into the life of the great man.
For lunch we went to Winnie Mandela’s restaurant where we had bunny chows, another traditional South African meal. This was the food of the miners and while filling, was very cheap. It consisted of a quarter loaf of white bread, French fries, a hot dog, and a curry sauce that topped the whole thing. It reminded me of something I would have in America!
We continued our day by starting on the corner where John Hector Peterson was shot, and running all the way to where he was carried. It was an amazing experience running in the same footsteps of such a historic event. While at the museum, we talked with John Hector Peterson’s sister about the events, and it was very interesting to get her perspective on the day. This was a very powerful cultural exchange for me.
We ended our day by singing in a workshop with the University of Johannesburg choir. While there we learned three African songs, including one where we had to click! This was a new experience for me and something I had some difficulty adjusting to. Overall though, I found it a great workshop and enjoyed learning about the music that is important to this culture.
Our trip started with a tour of Soweto. On the tour, we saw many of the shantytowns where many people still live. This served as a stark reminder of the poverty that exists in South Africa but not in the United States. Along the way we stopped at the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, the only religious building in the area that remained open during most of the uprisings. It was interesting to be in the place where many of the freedom fighters met to plan protests, as well as see the violence, in the form of bullet holes and the cracked alter table, that the government used to oppress the protestors. This was indeed a dark time in South African history.
Soon we had arrived in our destination; the Orlando section of Soweto where Nelson Mandela’s house is located. It was very interesting to see the quarters where he spent many years of his life. It gave an interesting perspective into the life of the great man.
For lunch we went to Winnie Mandela’s restaurant where we had bunny chows, another traditional South African meal. This was the food of the miners and while filling, was very cheap. It consisted of a quarter loaf of white bread, French fries, a hot dog, and a curry sauce that topped the whole thing. It reminded me of something I would have in America!
We continued our day by starting on the corner where John Hector Peterson was shot, and running all the way to where he was carried. It was an amazing experience running in the same footsteps of such a historic event. While at the museum, we talked with John Hector Peterson’s sister about the events, and it was very interesting to get her perspective on the day. This was a very powerful cultural exchange for me.
We ended our day by singing in a workshop with the University of Johannesburg choir. While there we learned three African songs, including one where we had to click! This was a new experience for me and something I had some difficulty adjusting to. Overall though, I found it a great workshop and enjoyed learning about the music that is important to this culture.
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