ANC pulls in again

Hoorah, yesterday's elections have passed successfully without posing any major threats and without any unchecked corruption (double hurrah). The TV was running in the teacher's lounge all day long and each set of votes proved the ANC is definitely in the lead. So Zuma it will be; not that it's a huge surprise for anyone, but the opposition parties did seem to show more strength than in the past.

Saw another interesting program on Al Jazeera today about South Africa and the elections. It's called "The Splintering Rainbow" and provides really good glimpse into the politics & state of the country. A brief description: "The Splintering Rainbow is a wry and insightful journey through the state of South Africa, asking if Nelson Mandela's longed-for Rainbow Nation is sinking into a typical African dysfunctionality" Watch it at http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/general/2009/04/200947124845905954.html There are 4 parts and each part is 10 minutes long. By the way, this is such a small country; I danced with the author who narrated this program, hee!

Moment of Silence for South Africa

Tomorrow the 4th democratic national elections take place in South Africa. In less than 12 hours, polls will open across a rainy nation in what has been the most contested election since the 1994 breakthrough. Fifteen years of democracy & a multi-party system that has yet to truly define itself. This is fated to be the first year the ANC (African National Congress) has been given a run for its money since '94. At school the teachers prayed today for the safety of our children, their families and ourselves. There has been a lot of violence taking place in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, but the Western Cape (where I live) remains the most peaceful area. Let us hope and pray this country is prepared to take on results of its democratic elections and that violence does not ensue.

http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/inequality-persists-in-south-african-schools-20-apr-09/16951588 -- on a side note, I really enjoy having access to AlJazeera's broadcasts. They are broad, offering multiple perspectives and offer the best world news my 4-channel tv has to offer. This youtube video shows a very recent broadcast featuring the issues in education in South Africa. It's brief so please watch as a supplement if you have a chance.

After 7 years

After 7 years, Hermanus! The coastal town where my grandparents lived out their retirement together. I took leave last week over the school holiday, making use of my week off, a new friendship with a fellow adventurer, and my proximity to such a beautiful spot. I made many walks along the mountains backing the town and the kloof paths with Karlijn, a Dutch friend who just completed a 5 month cycle trip through Africa. The hostel was cheap, the seafood curry was amazing and the views as magnificent as ever. Strange sights, though, as Hermanus was afire in January 2008. The mountains have yet to recover their greenery and my Grampie's favorite, Hoys Kopi, was burnt to sticks and stones. It lended an eery, Scottish highland effect to the place. The burnt proteas stuck out all over, but still there is new growth prospering by the streams and low against the hills. The green is creeping its neck out to take on the coming rains and to, hopefully, spot some pregnant winter whales on the horizon.

***I couldn't resist adding a few more pictures of cousin Becs aka Beccalina or even Beccalissima! Drool girl, isn't she amazing!

Term's End

Friday marked the end of the First Term. Suddenly it feels like the days are flying! What
happened to this first term? Now I only have 3 to go and then…back home. It’s incredible. The last few weeks have been remarkably busy preparing for the end of the term and now I have a week off to prepare for the winter term.

To establish a sense of positive reinforcement I made name cards for each student at the beginning of the term - each week they received stickers to mark positive attitude and good behavior (ie respect for others). They were told initially that whoever received the most would receive some sort of reward at the end of the term. Having so many excellent critters under my thumb I was scratching my head, trying to determine how I could affordably reward them all. I finally came up with face painting, marketing my art skills for their surprise. I also rewarded each student with a certificate. They were SOoo excited. Most of them had never received a certificate before and were just incredibly tickled. Very exciting that with so little means I could provide them with an ample reward for their achievements! Not to mention the face paint. Here are some pictures from the face painting and the end of the term Teachers’ Braai (barbeque).

Kirstenbosch I

The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are a rich, familial landmark for me. There are photos throughout our family albums of us Brinkley children pictured by lily-ponds and with cycad framed heads. Kirstenbosch was the gold mine of Cape Town for my poet aunt Lynne, a place she frequented often for its stillness and depth of beauty. Her ashes were scattered here when she passed away from cancer almost 15 years ago. For me and my family, on almost every trip to South Africa, it has been a constant destination.

It is amazing that I am living here, in Cape Town, only a 20 minute drive from one of the world's most spectacular botantical gardens. Now that I am (finally!) comfortable driving my makeshift, stickshift, baby car I am excercising my wheels for more adventursome purposes. Kirstenbosch is definitely a favorite spot for a weekend venture.

The gardens are enormous and I never know which way I am going. From my rambles in its spread out paths, I'm sure I'm always missing something. It appears now, at this time of the year, there are lots of red headed botanicals poking their tongues through. Thought I should share some of the season's best: