30 March (Day 14)

We took a tour of Kayamandi Township today. The townships are where people live in shacks made from scrap metal and wood. There’s not plumbing in the shacks, there are little areas of toilets with like 15 toilets to be shared with hundreds of people. I saw people washing their clothes in sinks that were filthy. They do have electricity, though, and our tour guide Madiba was telling us that people are obsessed with having nice music systems and TVs, and we definitely saw a lot of TVs and heard lots of music.

We met a woman in the township who makes handmade jewelry, as well. I bought a necklace in purples, pinks and teals that is made of buttons. I also bought a couple of gifts. I think almost everyone bought something, and no one even bartered. We really cleared off her boards. She was so, so thankful. The things she made were beautiful and she was so nice.

We also visited the daycare in the township and were with the kids while they ate lunch. I didn’t get as many pictures as I would have liked, because I spent most of the time wiping little kids faces. I was happy to help, though, and I think that other people in our group got a lot of pictures.

I really feel like this day is better shared in pictures than words. When we left the township we came home to find that our laundry had been done for us and the beds were made. It was really surreal after seeing how some people have family homes the size of my room, while I have a live-in maid who cooks and cleans. I am very lucky. The people in the township weren’t unhappy, though. They were friendly and welcoming and much more open than I had expected.

The night was spent at the rugby game. I must admit that I definitely got into the local drinking customs, so I had a wonderful time. Heather and I bought a six pack of beer at the beginning of the game, and it was a good thing we did because beer sold out fast. We met some guys who were friends of James (Jeff's roommate) and they helped explain rugby to us a bit more. We tried to learn some of the Stellenbosch songs, but no one was interested in teaching us. I guess we'll have to try to find them online, or something!