Cultural learning in South Africa

Today's focus was to get a better understanding of the different cultures present in South Africa. We started our morning by heading to Lesedi Cultural Village to learn more about 5 tribes: the Basotho, the Xhosa, the Ndebele, the Pedi and the Zulu. Austin said he really enjoyed learning more about these tribes, especially the Pedi, who wear kilts. Our leader explained to us the meaning behind the traditional Scottish dress--legend has it that during wars against the British, the Pedi saw Scottish highlanders approaching in kilts and thought they were an army of women, so they did not fight. As a result, they were defeated and then adopted the kilts to remind themselves of this mistake so it wouldn't happen again. Danny and Raymond both enjoyed the tribal dancing, especially the different tribal attire. During the tour, Danny thought it was interesting how similar these tribes were, including the cooking techniques, the importance of cattle and the design of some of the huts. Dylan was impressed by the Zulu and their innovative weapons and dominance under the rule of Shaka Zulu. After touring their villages, we gathered to watch the dancing and Edson even volunteered to participate in a stick fighting demonstration. We all participated in some of the tribal dancing and then headed in to eat lunch. One again, some brave souls tried some adventurous food, including tasty crocodile. They said it was delicious (they may have been comparing it to the worms they sampled while in the Xhosa village). After lunch, we surprised the students and took them to Lion Park to get our first glimpse of local animals, and little did we know, there would be a celebrity there! We all hopped in an open air safari vehicle to see zebras, giraffes, antelope, wild dogs, cheetahs and lions. When entering lion camp number 3, we met our celebrity!! He starred in the movie White Lion and he was the main character, Letsatsi, a white lion. We also met his three sons, also white lions and their pride which included 3 lionesses and 4 cubs. Upon our return, we were able to pet lion cubs and Danny, Austin and Dylan all agree this was the best part of the day. A few of the cubs were a bit excited to see us and tried to nibble on Jack's shoe, hug John, and jumped on both Dylan and Nick's backs. Not to worry, since they are cubs, they were just playing around with us and no one was hurt. After a very exciting day of learning about South Africa's rich culture, we headed home for our last night in Johannesburg. We are packing up tonight as we have an early start tomorrow. We will return to Soweto to speak with the Jesuits about their work in the township. We are very much looking forward to attending mass and then meeting afterward to learn about what they are doing in Soweto to help the poor. It will be very interesting to hear about how they apply the teachings of Ignatius to their lives and their work and reflect upon our understandings of promoting social justice and becoming men and women for others. After mass and our lunch meeting, we are headed to the airport for our flight to Cape Town. We have truly enjoyed out time in Johannesburg and have learned a lot. Goodnight and GO BELLS!!