Here in Cape Town the term Festive Season is used frequently due to the many different ethnic and religious groups that live here. In the US you hear Christmas Carols starting November 1st, by the time Christmas rolls around you want to pop Rudolph. Here, you might hear a Christmas Carol here and there but quite frankly I walk around not even realizing that Christmas is in less than 2 weeks. Haven't heard of or been invited to any Christmas parties, I haven't seen eggnog in the refrigerator section or Christmas cookies in the bakery department. No one is on the street corner ringing a bell by a red kettle but there are college students dressed in shorts and t-shirts standing in the major road intersections asking for money for a certain charity that the University of Stellenbosch is supporting this year.
Last Monday I was invited to a friends house for lunch. I met Mareldia a few years ago at a cafe at the V&A (the waterfront mall) where Kevin and I would go for coffee. She always recognized us and always knew what we ordered. I should say she knows what Kevin orders. I normally mix it up since I am really not a coffee drinker. Last year we invited her to help on parcel day. Mareldia is 24 years old, coloured and has never been to a township. It was quite an experience for her. She must have enjoyed it because we have remained friends ever since. It was because of Mareldia that I learned to text. Texting is very inexpensive compared to making a phone call here in South Africa. I was told to be at her home at 2:00 PM, seemed late for lunch but for food I didn't have to prepare I wasn't going to question it. I arrived at 2:00 and was told it was Eid Day, al Adha begins at sundown. A holy time in the Muslim religion. Her father had just returned from Mosque, which is why it was at 2:00, they always wait for him to come home. The women did not go to Mosque, they said they could but usually the men just go because the women stay at home to do the cooking and baking. And cooking they did. We sat down to a meal that was incredible. There was shrimp curry, marinated chicken, rice, cole slaw, potato salad, a Greek salad, chutneys and spices to put on your rice and in your curry. They said they usually cook more but it was just too hot that day. It was delicious. After lunch we sat for about an hour while neighbors came to say hi as they made their way to visit other neighbors. Most of their neighbors are actually relatives. The families tend to live near each other. It was very festive and they were most welcoming to me. After the visitors it was time for dessert. The dessert table was packed with cookies, puddings, pastries, cakes, dried fruit and nuts, it was overwhelming. I really couldn't choose what to try but I tried the mint pudding because one of her sisters made it especially because I was coming. I needn't have worried about what to try, they sent me home with a food parcel full of desserts! It was my first Eid and I really hope it won't be my last. I felt so honored to be invited to share their holy day and discuss their beliefs and religion.
As you probably noticed I haven't blogged in a week. Due to the festive season it has been really quiet around the centre. Many people in the townships are from the rural area known as the Transkai. For many people, they leave their rural villages to come to the city to look for work. Many wives and children are left behind. During the festive season, for most of December and January, they return back to the rural areas to be with their families. Most businesses shut down from the second week of December until the second week of January. School starts back the third week in January. The centre is closing this Friday, Dec. 19th and won't reopen until January 12th. John arrives this Thursday and we have a 5 day road trip planned into the Karoo, the desert, and then on the Garden Route which is along the Indian Ocean and than into wine country, back in Cape Town on Christmas day. We have Christmas dinner planned with Mel, the minister from the centre, who will not be going back home either. As I said, I don't feel very Christmasy (I know that is not a word but it works) but I did put out some beaded reindeer that I bought earlier in October. At least they make my flat feel a bit more festive.
I would like to introduce you to the rest of the employees at the centre. You met Nqko and Eureka, the cooks at the centre in an earlier blog along with the Rainbow After School program and the HIV/AIDS Support Group. Now you will meet the office staff.
In the first picture the first person is Manelisi Jack. He has been a paid administrative assistant for over a year now, prior to that he was a volunteer at the centre. Edwin Loew is in the middle. Edwin has been at the centre for 3 years, he is the manager of the JL Zwane Centre. He is who I work with on most projects. He is Rev. Spiwo's right hand man! He is actually an ordained Presbyterian Minister but does not preach or actively work in the ministry of the church. The third one is Mel. I think you recognize her from other pictures and blogs. She arrived the same time I did. She is to be here for approximately 3 years. I think I mentioned she is Army and this experience is part of her preparation to be an Army Chaplin.
The second picture is of Mawakhe Williams, she is a part of the cleaning staff and has been at the centre for over 2 years. TO is in the middle, not sure what his real name is, he just goes by TO, he is security and helps maintain the grounds, he has been at the centre less than a year. The third person is Nomzano Mdekazi, she is also the other part of the cleaning staff. She has also been here over 2 years. I have to say, they make the place sparkle.
Our Festive Party is this Wednesday. We are having a braai. Yes, a BBQ for Christmas! South Africans love their braai's and there is always so much meat! Due to the fact that I am now a vegetarian at the centre they are going to make salads for Mel and me!
I couldn't finish this blog without letting you know that it was Teach's birthday yesterday, he was 83. We had a party for him a the CPOA Senior Centre today. Here is another picture to add to his photo album.
I wish all of you a very happy Festive Season and the best to you in the New Year!
Bye for now...
