Hello friends and family of TTS41!
Morgan here, new(ish) teacher of the semester, tapping into blog world to update you on the many many things we’ve been up to in Cape Town. But before I get into that, just want to say holy smokes, these people are awesome. What a joy it has been to join this aware, humble, inquisitive and kind little community. I already feel immense gratitude to them, which, of course, extends to those of you who raised them.
We left our humble Cederberg Basecamp, which in many ways felt like a one room schoolhouse complete with Jurassic style insects and endless nature and headed for the big city. As Big Blue rolled into Cape Town, it’s “bigness” suddenly felt small amongst the high rises and hubbub. But, since our landing, our days have also been big! Learning is happening everywhere, we are truly immersed in the textures and vibrancy of one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world. We’re also immersed in its flavors, eating like the queens we are, and mixing up the ol’ camping routine. So, we’ll talk about some of the foods we’ve eaten since arriving as metaphors for Cape Town’s many parts. Just, don’t judge me if the connection is weak, I’m only an aspiring foodie and Literature teacher.
Indian Curry (night 2): History
Complex, rich & flavorful. Dishes range in hue, texture, spiciness and aroma.
This country’s history and its contemporary issues are palpable and aromatic, notes of various spices wafting from every corner of this city. Prior to our arrival in Cape Town, we investigated the dynamics of pre-Apartheid South Africa to seek to understand why such an oppressive system developed and ruled the country. Immediately upon arrival, we had the immense privilege of visiting Robben Island, a bucket list item for any aspiring historian. As you may know, many key characters in the anti-Apartheid resistance were political prisoners at Robben Island, including Nelson Mandela, Jacob Zuma, and Robert Sobukwe amongst many others. Since the last prisoners of Robben Island left in 1991, we are in a unique period of time where many of them are still alive. Our tour guide for the day, Afrika, was imprisoned on Robben Island for 11 years. It was powerful to hear stories of resistance in his own words. Olive asked Afrika about hope and its presence in his life during his time at Robben Island, helping us all further conceptualize the impacts of political imprisonment and the legacy of Apartheid.
Later in the week, we visited the District 6 Museum. This small museum is dedicated to remembering the community members who were forcibly relocated after the Group Areas Act was passed and the area was designated as “White only,” dismantling and (literally) flattening an entire neighborhood of 60,000 people of mixed ethnicities, religions and races. We also had an all-day tour with a long time TTS friend, Toni. University professor, community engagement extraordinaire, psychologist, activist and opinion-haver, Toni is a wealth of knowledge, and helped our group witness for ourselves some of the impacts from Apartheid and colonialism that shape contemporary South Africa. Digesting these historical meals is sometimes heavy, and each bite requires mulling over to identify its unique combination of spices. Heavy meals always feel a little lighter when shared with friends, and I deeply admire the space your students hold for one another.
Salads, Gyros & and endless stream of apples (Day 4 & everyday): Nature
Fresh, crisp, GREEN. Full of tasty tidbits & crunch.
Table Mountain looms over the city of Cape Town. Its Khoisan name, Hoerikwaggo Mountain in the Sea’ is right on point. It is an impressive geological feature and a healthy reminder that we humans are not so separate from nature. There are many species on Table Mountain that are endemic to the region. No trip to Cape Town can ignore the feature. Our hostel is situated with an amazing view from the porch, and we were able to delight in watching the clouds roll over the hillside, mimicking a tablecloth. Additionally, we took the cable car to the top, snuck in some views of the city through the clouds, and walked around the Cape Fynbos a little bit. The ‘Mountain in the Sea’ is far from the only natural feature here. I think some of us mountain people felt ourselves sinking into more comfort in this city upon seeing so many people around us being active – hiking, mountain biking and paragliding. We had history and literature classes in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and Laila helped us explore – following her heart to take us through various paths. We journeyed through the Tree Canopy and smelled every plant in the Fragrance Garden and every pretty flower beyond. Last night, we headed up Lion’s Head peak and enjoyed a picnic dinner as the sun was setting. These bits of green in our diet are always much needed. During our tour with Toni, we visited some of the townships, and lost sight of the geological features that have been our guiding landmarks since arriving here. It was a good reminder of who has historically been able to easily access fresh, healthy landscapes. The areas deemed ‘Black areas’ during Apartheid were set up without any green spaces. Areas for ‘Coloured’ people host a small selection of trees. Meanwhile the ‘White areas’ of the city are as lush as the surrounding landscape.
Pizza (Night 5): Art
Creative, decorative, variable in texture, ingredients, size and flavor.
We’ve got to talk about art! There is nothing like viewing a city, a country, a community through the eyes of its artists. Like pizza, art is found in seemingly every corner of the world, though it’s interpreted differently as well. Surprising combinations of ingredients can work. For many of us, it’s a comfort food, but add in a certain ingredient and it gives people OPINIONS (pineapple anyone??) Art has popped up every moment since our arrival. It’s been obvious, in our trip to the South African National Gallery; it’s been subtle, faded paint on the streets. It’s been political and historical, educational and full of resistance and hope and pain and joy. Basically, some of the art here has contained multitudes and some has been simple and pure, just as it should be. A favorite for the students was visiting Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre where we met drummers, crafters, potters and some upcycling experts.
Dippin Dots: Next Up
The ice cream of the future!
Okay okay, we haven’t actually had Dippin Dots, but who knows what the future holds?? We can only imagine our future snacks. Tomorrow is our last day in Cape Town. We are doing a cooking class in Bo Kapp, a neighborhood made up primarily of Cape Malay folks. After making ourselves a tasty lunch and learning about this part of the city, we’re headed out to (a TTS first?) roller skating lessons! On Thursday, we head to Johannesburg and to the African Leadership Academy. Our days there will be chock full of activity. Our Traveling School students will room with ALA students from all over the continent of Africa, attend their classes and participate in an entrepreneurial style project in their science class.
Stay tuned!
-Morgan
Morgan & Caitlin