Current Events

Carnival Round Two

The weekend of the 12th-13th Robin and I went to Johannesburg (aka Jozi)! There was an open invitation to anyone at TLF who wished to participate in the Gauteng Province Carnival as representatives from the City of Tshwane’s Feast of the Clowns Festival. We signed up, donned our clown costumes and were up at 5:15am so we could catch the 6am bus that was arranged to pick us and our fellow clowns up for the hour drive. Robin and I decided that while we were there we might as well stick around and explore the city a bit. Robin found a hostel and we had a few places we wanted to check out. The day of I wasn’t really feeling up to it, still recovering from a week in bed with the swine flu. But I figured we’d just jet down there, march in a parade and be on our way to swim in the pool at our hostel.

So here’s what really happened. The bus did not come at 6am. Or 6:30. Or 7am. I was in a pretty horrible mood by the time we boarded the bus at 7:30am. I did enjoy the screaming middle schoolers who joined us at the next stop. They were quizzing each other with questions like, “How many States are in the USA?” (Correct answer: 37) and “Who’s the ugliest president?” (Answer: Mugabe). After a couple hours of driving, getting lost, stopping, circling and then waiting in a ridiculous line for the parking lot, we jumped off and walked to the parade’s starting place.

We painted each other’s faces while we waited for things to get started. Then we missed our cue and ended up at the end of the parade instead of the beginning. At this point I was the least enthused clown you’ve ever seen. I shuffled along with the parade while holding a sign that had me tied to Robin, who couldn’t for the life of her remember that if she suddenly darted after Stephens to spray him with water, I would either fall down or be yanked in her direction. The sun was beating and the parade was stopping every 50 meters for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. And I forgot to wear sun screen. Agreeing to this misadventure was quickly becoming my first regret here. We were entertained by various dance performances throughout, but that couldn’t quite make up for my increasing fatigue and desire to be anywhere without face paint dripping into my eyes. I should also mention that there were no spectators for this parade, unless you count the annoyed motorists forced to stop while we crossed usually-busy intersections. Why were we there? At the end of the parade we found out: a dance competition. Yep, that’s right. This whole time we’d been waiting in line to compete in a Province-wide dance competition. Did we have a dance? Of course not. So we snuck around the competition and cursed the organizers of this ridiculous “carnival” as we made our way to the park where we’d been promised food. In the end, Robin and I just turned around and headed to a Chinese restaurant where we began our real Jozi experience.

Jo-burg

The rest of the trip was great. We both needed a get away from Pretoria and we found the perfect one in the suburbs of Johannesburg. We stayed in a little hostel north of town that boasted a swimming pool (too cold, but at least we could sit by it), a tv room (hadn’t seen a tv since we got here) and a very informative host. We stayed in, ordered pizza and went to bed early. The next day we explored a bit. We enjoyed a great bakery and an art supply store (!!!) and then took a taxi into town to explore Newtown. We checked out the very interesting, if not well kept up Museum Africa and had drinks and worms (on purpose, served in a tasty sauce) before walking through downtown to catch our taxi home. A great introduction to the city, which I’m sure we’ll get to know better over the year.
Last week our house mate Alexa returned to Germany. There were many tearful good byes at all three of the parties we had for her (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights). It was great to have all her friends over. Every night there were sing alongs of Bob Marley songs and South African and American favorites. I’m so glad Alexa has shared her friends with us. I feel like we’ve inherited some pretty great people from her.

In Other News

Last weekend Robin and I decided to explore our own city a little more. I think we could both navigate Central pretty well blind folded by now, but we’ve barely left this neighborhood. So on Saturday we caught a taxi to Laudium, the old Indian township, still a predominantly Indian part of town. We enjoyed a delicious meal of paneer and roti with sweet lassi. Then we explored, checked out the Hindu temple, picked up some groceries (soy sauce!), browsed a Muslim book store and beautiful Indian dresses. I know we’ll be back.

Lest you think all I do is play, let me tell you about my first sculpture class! On Monday SoCA had its first official outreach by sending me to teach sculpture at the Potters House. I know I said I was done teaching, but this is different. I’m teaching adults (all women right now), focusing on art as a healing process. Maybe you’ve heard me mention how I want to use art to bring people together, for reconciliation? Well, I think that’s what this is! I start teaching the same class at the shelter for girls tomorrow. More on why I love my job here to come.