Double rainbow over Soweto

I’ll get you caught up on the past couple of days in more detail when I return stateside but tonight I want to talk about today. What a powerful last day in Africa to top off a powerful journey to this continent.

As we collected for breakfast at our guest house in Soweto, we found ourselves in company with members of the ANC, the political party trying to elect a new President. This was the party affiliated with Nelson Mandela. These Africans were vibrant, passionate, happy, and laughing as we talked politics and Christmas traditions. Christianity is the prevailing religion here and Christmas is a time revered for family. Nearly everyone we’ve talked to over the past few days had plans to “go home” to be with extended family, often for several weeks. Despite the cheerful spirit, the morning was bittersweet as we began our final goodbyes and embarked on our final outing with our beloved crew.

Fearless Leader Richard
Our driver Shadrack

A Zulu guide named Linda (translates to “patience” in Zulu) led us through a soul-stirring cycling tour around Soweto this morning, the largest and most famous township in the world, home to roughly two million people.

Sandra dancing with the Zulus to kick off our cycling tour!
Chorus line kick off to our cycling adventure
Towers in the distance- Old coal powered plant turned bungi jumping stadium
Not the largest but one of the most famous soccer stadiums in the world. In foreground is a depressed area of Soweto

There are many stories and much history for this area and, if you aren’t already familiar with it, I invite you to dig in. Besides being home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, whose homes we saw, it is the site of a tragic history of Africans especially through apartheid. The current environment ranges from upper class homes to the worst slums I’ve ever witnessed and we cycled through them all. I’ll leave you to learn the details of the area on your own so I can share the following stories…

During our cycling tour, I saw good people living in horrible conditions. I’ve seen animals living in less squalor. Some folks feel oppressed and hopeless, but the majority were not letting their circumstances harden their hearts. Life is HARD here in the most depressed areas. We paused our bikes in this neighborhood and young kids flocked to our group of tourists, arms around our legs, holding our hands, gazing up admirably to the privileged folk with creamy white skin and nice clothes. At one point, a young girl, perhaps 10, arrived and asked if she could speak to our group. She had beautifully crocheted three girls’ tops which were passed around. The tour guide asked if she was selling them and she said yes but no one was buying. I watched as she dolefully packed them back into her bag, her pride fighting tears. I couldn’t stand it, watching this enterprising girl doing her best to use her own agency and creativity to change her circumstances, or perhaps at least survive. I bought one, with words of praise and encouragement, and her whole face exploded in gratitude. Did I feel better? Of course but here’s the struggle: was it an altruistic act to encourage her and help her survive? I hope so. Do I want to share the wealth of my privilege as a basic tenant of being human- a rising tide lifts all ships? Definitely. Do I selfishly want to feel like a hero? I hope not. All of the above? Who knows? These years as I examine my own biases, the conscious and the hidden, it’s still hard to see my blind spots, to separate my heart from my American socialization rooted in racism and power. But I’m doing my damnedest to shine light on them. I know it’s lifelong work and trust if I keep doing what feels like the next right thing, at worst it’ll be better than no action at all and at best it’ll have a positive impact.

After a traditional Zulu lunch of beef and chicken stews, sautéed spinach, yellow rice, and pap (polenta) at the bike shop, my Swiss traveling companion, Sandra, and I said our final goodbyes to Fearless Leader Richard, our driver Shadrack, and Helen, our final traveling companion to leave, then parted ways at the airport laughing that we’ll reunite with the group in Bali in five years (or less).

Outside Nelson Mandela’s house in Soweto
Post-cycle we stopped to taste Zulu beer made from sorghum and corn. There was a non-alcoholic version that tastes like tapioca. In the background are traditional headpieces for women (hats) and men (halos) plus beaded necklaces for both. The elaborateness increases with age and status
Until next time, Sandra! 😘

Somewhere in the midst of my six-hour layover and a double rainbow over the tarmac, I connected with several people but the standout was a delightful young woman named Sammi. She had the kind of warm smile and magnetic energy that lights the room and you can’t help but love instantly. I told her she reminded me of my best friend and we bonded from there. She’s doing amazing work in the world for her master’s degree in London and was headed home to Phoenix to be with family for the holidays. We hugged as she boarded and agreed to stay in touch. I have no doubt we will. This meeting was no accident.

I had planned to write this blog during my layover but these connections with fellow humans felt so much more important. The Zulus have a word I love: Ubuntu, meaning I am because you are.

Have you been to Soweto? If not, would you go now? What “small world” or chance encounters have you had?

Outdoor museum in Soweto commemorating children who were shot for wanting better treatment

Love,

Wen


8 responses to “Soweto, Ubuntu, and Chance Encounters at the Airport – 12/19/22”

  1. Jean Avatar
    Jean

    Safe travels home. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      Thank you! I’m safely stateside!!

      Like

  2. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    I have learned so much from your blog, Wen. This most recent post tugged at me. You have a way of writing that encompasses a lot of feeling, moral values, and most of all, the struggles to do the right thing. Thank you for being open, honest and forthright with your observations and candor. How long will you keep this blog open? I want to go back and re-read every single one again. Safe travels.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      Hi Diane. Thanks for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the journey with me. The blog is a permanent part of my professional work moving forward so it will remain open for the foreseeable future 😍

      Like

  3. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    Hi Wen, what an impressive last day cycling through Soweto. Highly recommended to all your follower!

    We really had the best time travelling through Simbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. It was a pleasure to share these days with you and read about it later in your blog – thanks for summarizing everything😉.

    See you in Bali😍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      So good to hear from you! Cycling was a great wrap up to the adventure! Yes, see you in Bali! 😍😘

      Like

  4. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    Your writings are lovely and helped me remember all the details. Your pics are stunning!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wen Avatar

      Thank you, Helen. Glad you are enjoying them! 😊

      Like

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