Arty and Crafty!

This past month, I've been road tripping around South Africa, introducing my BF to my roots and actually discovering places even I had never seen! We had such a jol (South African slang meaning "fun"). Within a month we drove 9000kms, no corner was left unturned, we basically saw everything there was too see - well almost we left a few places out for our next visit...smart of me hey, hehe). Anyways, along the road there were all these street vendors selling nicely crafted souvenirs. My boyfriend starts to bargain and I can't help but cringe as the prices keep getting lower and lower and lower. See I wasn't raised liked that, I can't bargain to save my soul, I always feel that I am cheating people out of their livelihood. So they finally agree on a ridiculously low price , and my boyfriend looks at me and says "Come on, don't be like that, he is still making a profit". That may be so, but I still felt uneasy as if we were cheating them. The funniest part was that along with the vendors I kept trying to get my boyfriend go up with the prices...Let's just say he was not very impressed with me! I'm a big softy - changes have been implemented to change that facet of my personnality.

Everywhere we went the same kept happening, he would bargain and I would hide, and so it went until we arrived at the Rosebank Craft market in Johannesburg, where a huge sign read "THIS IS AFRICA, WE BARGAIN"! Needless to say my significant other took great pleasure in teasing me.....-time to work on 'em bargaining skills!!!

Photos: Just some of the items we brought back!

SKIN

My last trip to South Africa was simply riveting but also very emotional as I was once again confronted to our past. Having lived in South Africa most of my life and being the child of a mixed couple whose marriage was illegal there was always an awareness of what Apartheid consisted of. However, after a visit to the Apartheid museum I found myself overwhelmed by emotions and could not contain my tears. I cried for my ancestors whose land was stolen, I cried for my grand parents who were removed from their homes and relocated in townships, I cried for my mother who suffered many humiliations, but always remained proud, I cried for both my parents whose love was considered immoral and I cried for my country, for all the bloodshed and violence, past and present.

If ever you are in the Johannesburg vicinity, the Apartheid museum is a worthwhile detour. Remembering the past is important so as to ensure that history doesn't repeat itself and hopefully South Africa will move forward.

Ok so I cried, but that's not really what I wanted to discuss. The reason for this post was to discuss a South African film I had the pleasure of watching. The movie SKIN recounts the true story of Sandra Laing, a girl born to white parents but because of her traits was classified as coloured. Her story unfolds and through it we are confronted to the historical and political past of South Africa. A touching and heartbreaking account of how families were separated as a result of absurd and hateful laws. The film is truly well made and stars british actress Sophie Okonedo (Aeon flux, Hotel Rwanda), Sam Neil, Alice Krige, Tony Kgoroge and young Ella Ramangwane.

Promenade a Porté Puymorens

Some sceneries from my hiking trip in the Pyrenean mountains.

Just like a waving flag

I was sold the firts instant I heard him sing! I fell in love with K'naan's voice, and just can't stop listening to this song! WAVING FLAG has some deep lyrical content and I for one do not tire from listening to it!

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there's a zulu on my stoop!

When I was told that a South African dance troup was performing in Montpellier, I just had to go and see them. It was nothing innovative, nothing I hadn't already seen, but just seeing the dancers perform and the crowd go wild for people from my homeland was pure joy. Seeing the pride they took in their performance and watching their bodies move to the sounds of the drum gave me a little chill and for a slight instant I felt like I was home!

Idan Raichel Project

I'm very greatful to my friend and flatmate for introducing me to Idan Raichel, an Israeli musician who sings in amharic . I absolutely love his voice and musical skills!

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Amsterdam

Roaming the streets of Amsterdam was an absolute pleasure. I didn't quite know what to expect, as it is mostly known for it's nightlife, and lenient laws with regards to prostitution and marijuana. However the Amsterdam I discovered is a cultural jewel; a beautiful cosmopolitan city that has a lot more to offer, with it's unique Dutch architecture, romantic channels and museums. You could simply lose yourselve in the Reijkmuseum, admiring the work of Dutch masters such as Rembrandt or Vermeer to name but a few. For my part I was blown away at every turn, discovering and learning new facts abouth the Netherlands and myself!

Amsterdam is a city of diversity, of extremes and of contradictions which blend pretty well together, making it one of the most interesting places I've ever seen!

Versailles

More pictures from my little parisian get away. Despite my numerous trips to Paris, I still hadn't seen The Chateau de Versailles, and decided to attend to the matter by spending a day admiring the chateau and it's stunning grounds. To be quite franck I was a little disappointed. My overactive imagination and childhood fairytales are to blame I suppose. However, if unlike me, you are realistic then I do recommend Versailles. It is a mere half an hour from Paris by RER and quite worth the detour. We happened upon the fresh produce market and what a joy it was strolling about the streets of Versailles before heading for the palace. An A+ day!!!

Zamajobe

Just thought I'd share the sultry voice of Zamajobe, a talented South African singer.

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The Iron Lady