What am I doing here????

In case you didn’t already know, I am in Capetown, South Africa for the next 11 weeks working with the Child Family Health International study program here. Since I participated in their program in Ecuador this past January, I am coming to SA as an Alumni Fellow, which
means that I am here to ensure that the summer students that come here have a safe and enjoyable experience (and don’t fall off any bikes). In exchange, the program has paid for my transportation and living expenses here in the country.

I’M IN SOUTH AFRICA!

So far its a country rich in culture but poor in infrastructure. No broadband Internet, no safe, reliable public transportation. I just came back from tea and samosas at “Uncle’s” house. Uncle is the official driver for the CFHI program that I am here with. He identifies himself as Malay but does not speak Malay nor has ever been to Malaysia. His wife is half Indian and has relatives in India but also identifies herself as Malay because Indian’s had no rights under Apartheid. Under Apartheid, Malays were considered Coloured people and could qualify for a broader range of housing options (although obviously not as broad as whites).

Their name is Mammath and they live in a formerly coloured township in the Capetown Flats. These little neighborhoods are litterally sectioned off from one another by uncrossable highways which under Apartheid acted as physical and psychological barriers between people.

My family, the Arnolds, are also Malay and Muslim and still send their kids to Malay schools where the children are all from Malay households and learn Arabic. They speak a mix of Afrikaans (Dutch/English colonial language) and English at home and eat wonderful Malay food(curries, chicken biriyani, etc) which Mrs Arnold, the grandma and matriarch of the family cooks.

Its just interesting to me to see, meet and experience the lives of the people here and note the differences and the legacy of SA’s history here. Better pick up a history book soon.

Anyway, after a few small bumps in the road (like getting bed bugs the first night, not being able to communicate with the outside world the first two days), I am starting to enjoy myself and feel more comfortable.