JOY is a Reciprocal Thing ~ Give & You Shall Receive...

Yesterday was a great day. I had almost lost hope of finding Emma, a South African Friend who I met while attending law school. She was a visiting student from South Africa during my last year of study. I saw her in passing again maybe five years ago when we both happened at the same law firm in NY. She was making big bucks. I was just working... (smile) Since then, we lost contact with one another and none of the conventional ways to find someone was working...

It is my last week in South Africa and finally logic and ingenuity kicked in and I figured out how to find her. DUH!!! We spent a lovely afternoon together and caught up over dinner. She fondly remembered that a few fellow students and I at Rutgers ensured she felt welcome and that she had a good time in the US. She wants to pay it forward and do the same for me here and has assured me a good time for my last few days.  

While Emma is a Jo'Burg girl, born and raised, she has run for peace and quiet in WITBANK of all places!!! LOL! Surely you recall Witbank, the lovely little town where I had my near fatal, never to be forgotten lesson on South African photography etiquette. What are the odds of that? You could not have convinced me that I knew anyone residing in or anywhere near Witbank! Comforting to know that if some stuff had gone down in the lovely little town in Somewhere, South Africa, I would have at least had good counsel to get me out of jail or the hospital, which ever had been the case! (smile)

Such a small world. Sorry I am only finding her during my last week. But we were both excited to see one another and looking forward to our time together. We will meet again... For right now, I am HAPPY to have found her! Receiving My Joy!!!

Today will be a special day because I get to do a good deed for John, the shoe repair guy I mentioned early in my trip. He has a roadside shoe repair business. Often still, during my walks, I stop to talk with John. He and I have become rather friendly and occasionally, we see one another about town. Daily John constructs a tent under which he works all day. His tent is 3 years old, worn from daily wear and tear and very tattered. Holes are in the top and the sun shines clear through on a beautiful day. The rain pours clear through on a rainy day. John is creative and improvises but nonetheless, when it rains, he has real problems! I am excited today because I get to surprise John with a new tent! He has no idea that I have done this for him! Giving a small piece of joy and I can't wait to see his face!!! It's the small things folks...

 

Additionally today, I will take 3 very special teenagers for their very first mani-pedi! They are "besties" and I am excited to give them this small slice of joy! Creating memories...

Joy, Miss Higgi Says "It's a Reciprocal Thing!". Give and You SHALL Receive!!! 

There is Laughter on the Journey!!!

Sharing a LOL moment!

As I have previously shared, I enjoy walking and taking in the sights and have done a lot of that during my visit here in South Africa. Well, in her hey day, Sistah Girl had it goin’ on and could stop a little traffic. I was cute, shapely and blessed with a set of those wonderful Walker women legs, a family trait for which I remain thankful cuz' in the spirit of Bel Biv Divoe, all Sistah Girl has left are big legs, mysterious eyes and a smile! Sorry, I digress... 

So here I am in the Motherland where, as in the Caribbean, shapely is defined just a little bit differently than at home. American Brothas like a little meat. African Brothas, and Sistahs for that matter, like even mo' meat! So present day Sistah Girl fits right in, “big bumpas”, as so eloquently described in Jamaica a few years back, and all.

Quite naturally when I’m strolling about the streets of Johannesburg and I hear horns honking, my mind cautiously revisits the ego of old when in the US it was not unusual to attract the attention of passersby who might honk their horn, whistle (old skool’) or express their admiration in the form of some unique and highly descriptive, sometimes offensive, but mostly well intended cat call! As I tend to stroll solo, I am cautious of any such attention in South Africa and truly not trying to attract such attention. Crimes against women here are very real and Sistah Girl would prefer to be unnoticed… OK, less noticed (smile)

Well Sistah Girl has nothing to worry! Ego has been properly checked and is no longer in overdrive! Seems here that honking horns are not a form of flattery acknowledging that the walker has a cute booty, great legs or anything of the sort, but instead, honking horns here are a form of local commerce signaling that the driver has room for the big booty and long legs in his local taxi minivan, what we would call a “jitney”. I am still Laughing Out Loud!!!  Thank God Sistah Girl has a sense of humor, appreciates customs and is also blessed with a strong constitution. Otherwise, she might be just a little crushed!!! (smiling…)

Sharing a laugh and playfully passing on the value of understanding local customs. Hope you enjoyed…

Thanks to my beautiful and friendly South African Sisters, Refilwe and Merrise, I am off this morning to spend the day in infamous Sun City and then on to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve where we will enjoy an evening safari and see South Africa’s Big Five (the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) up close and kinda' personal...  

Miss Higgi Says, ENJOY YOUR DAY TOO!!!  

 

 

“Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.”, M. Scott Peck, American Psychiatrist

Miss Higgi Making the Rounds in South Africa

I share stories and photos on Facebook that don't seem to make it to this blog. This one however, I thought was pretty cute and want to pass on. Enjoy!


Mayor Conrad Sidego, Amy Sidego & Miss Higgi


Miss Higgi & Conrad Sidego

Here I am photographed with Conrad Sidego, Mayor of Stellenbosch, and his lovely wife Amy. Conrad and my very good Friend from DC, Clifford Lee, knew each other back in the 70's. Conrad traveled to the US as a foreign dignitary, Mr. Lee, who worked for the State Department, was his assigned escort.

Before traveling to South Africa, Mr. Lee gave me a VERY dated business card for Conrad and some photos of the two very handsome and dapper young men with Daddy King (Martin Luther King's Father) and Muhammad Ali. He told me to look Conrad up when I got here.

Armed with fascinating photos and an outdated business card, the telephone number did not even have sufficient digits, I had minimal expectations and fully expected that he, like Mr. Lee, was a hard to find retired gent. In my mind I was humoring Mr. Lee... Much to my surprise and thanks to google, I found a very much UNretired man who was happy to meet a Friend of his old Friend.

Conrad, like Mr. Lee, has lived a very fulfilling life. Among other things, formerly he was the South African Ambassador to Denmark. Presently, he is the Mayor of Stellenbosch, a small municipality 25 miles outside Cape Town.

Despite very short notice, he scooped me up from my hotel in Cape Town, took me to his lovely home to meet his wife and to share stories of old and off we were for an evening of fine dining at a local Indian restaurant. They were a very warm and gracious couple and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening with them.

I did not know prior to our meeting that Conrad and Mr. Lee had not seen one another since 1979 and have spoken only a time or two since then. They were both tickled to revisit old memories. I was tickled to be in a position to make their re-connection.

Also while here, I have had the honor of being taken back stage by Dr. Toni Luck before and after a live taping of a gospel concert at Gold Reef City Casino in Johannesburg to meet a very famed South African singer, Judith Sephuma. She was as gracious as she is lovely and talented. Google her. She is considered Jazz & R&B. You will love her music.


Miss Higgi & Judith Sephuma

While dining one afternoon at JB's Corner in Melrose Arch, I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Lottering. He is one of the top comedians in South Africa. Unfortunately he is not performing during my visit. He was most kind and graciously indulged the American tourist and my American Friend, Dorothy Nairne, who I only met since arriving here and who has lived in South Africa for many years.


Mark Lottering & Miss Higgi


Dorothy, Mark Lottering & Miss Higgi

Never far from the scene, I also had the pleasure of meeting an up and coming American actress and fellow Howardite, Milauna Jackson. Milauna hails from Chicago and is here in South Africa taping a series that will air in the states on Cinemax, Strike Back. Check it out and please give her your support. Met her and some of her friends visiting from the states at a luncheon held in her honor by Dr. Toni Luck (see below), a fellow American and local celebrity in her own right. She resides in South Africa, is a regular on the local talk show circuit and is also a sought after motivational speaker and public figure here in Johannesburg. True to Chicago's reputation for being noted steppers, Milauna led us in various dances as we partied the night away American style at a birthday party thrown by Cora Vaughn for her husband Roger. They too hail from Chicago and own two Guest House lodges here. I am staying at Lemurian, their guest house in Athol. Consider it for your next stay in Johannesburg. I am hopeful to attend a live taping of Milauna's show before I leave.

Miss Higgi & Milauna Jackson @ Luncheon



Dr. Luck and Milauna (center) and Friends


Milauna & Miss Higgi @ Party

And apparently, this is as close as I will get to President Mandela! LOL! That's OK. I am honored to have had the pleasure of traveling in the midst of his legacy.

Mandela Statue at Mandela Square at Sandton Center in Johannesburg


Beaded life size mannequin of President Mandela displayed at waterfront in Cape Town.



Dorothy and I in front of his home on the corner of 4th Street & 12th Ave in the Houghton section of Johannesburg.


This has been a wonderful trip. Thank You for taking this journey with me...

Pontificating. Yes, I am...

Yesterday afternoon I visited Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent almost 19 of 27 years of unjust incarceration. I find it amazing that a country of such absolute physical beauty could have been guilty of such raw and vile hatred. Part of the tour is led by a previous political prisoner, who by the way, now resides at Robben Island after 5 years (1984-89) of being a political prisoner there. There are 20 such men who now reside in their previous house of torture and horror! Not sure I am equipped with so much resolve... Thank God for men like him, Malcolm, Martin and Mandela.

Where are today's men of such strength, conviction and character? Admittedly the ANC (and others) looked to US Blacks and were inspired by our valiant fight for civil rights for ALL people. We were the role model for so many who must now look at us in absolute astonishment and wonder what in the hell went wrong… How did we ever become so complacent? Not only are Black Americans guilty of being bought, paid for, absent and/or disengaged, but so goes the nation.

Where have all the panthers gone? Where have all the hippies gone? Our silence and apathy WILL be the death of us as our government and American corporations know no boundaries for just how far they will push us. We offer no resistance. We are afraid of our government, our government is not afraid of us. That a congress with damn near single digit approval ratings, would dare subject already hurting Americans to this sequestration nonsense speaks to just how fearless they are. Their behavior shows no regard, if not contempt, for the American people they were elected to serve. Sadly, they feel secure in their positions. They serve only themselves and the corporations that bribe, I mean pay, them... 

Walking through Robben Island [and other parts of South Africa], I am struck that while the ANC was looking to Black America for strength, the South African government was looking to the American south for instruction. So much of what they did here is structured after American jim crow and/or the most atrocious of acts committed during American slavery. It is a mirror image...

As I strolled through Robben Island, knowing world history, I wondered HOW did the rest of the world trade with and/or sit idly by and allow such atrocities to flourish well into “civilized” times? Amazing. Truly amazing…   

Again, how could such vile spring from a country of such beauty? Come to think of it, I've seem some pretty spectacular sights in America too.

 

Pontificating... Yes, I am...

The Sojourn Continues...

A dear Friend from the states emailed to me, "you are the only person I know who can go to another continent, land in another country and instantly create a community of friends." She is right. The people I have met in South Africa, with the exception of one "ugly American", have all been wonderful! I am appreciative to feel so welcome and blessed that so many have given of their time to ensure that my stay in South Africa is rewarding and memorable. There is no doubt that I have made new and lasting friendships...

My new Friends have kept me so busy that I have not updated this blog in the last two weeks. Forgive me and thanks for your encouragement that I share this experience. So here goes...

The past two weeks were as eventful as the weeks before. Early on I traveled to Witbank, a small town in the middle of somewhere South Africa (smile) with an American Friend who does work here around the issue of HIV and Women. One of her initiatives is a farm co-op just outside Witbank wherein she partners with local women's organizations to farm the land in exchange for life skills, motivation and a means for self sufficiency amongst the local women. Her organization, SisterLove, Inc, does really good and worthy work here and in the US. Google and support them. Dazon Diallo is founder and CEO.

Witbank, unlike other parts I have traveled, is small and seemingly less accustomed to having foreigners strolling about. Makes sense. I'm from small town, NJ, so I get it. Typical tourist me however, is roaming about taking pictures of people and things, as I have done for all of my trip. Most often South Africans are asking to be photographed and then want immediately to see it. I have emailed more than a few photos to persons who have made this request. So I was caught completely off guard by a man who followed me into a shop and demanded to know why I had taken a "shot". Not being familiar with the term I had no idea he was speaking to me. I thought he was talking to the shop keeper who was looking at me like "no lady, he is talking to you and please hurry and get out of my store!" LOL!

As the man was visibly angry, quite naturally I was a tad concerned for my safety. Mostly because I was alone in "Somewhere", South Africa, because of the stories I had heard about acts of violence against women and because it was perfectly clear that Mr. Shopkeeper was not going to help a Sistah' out! Ms "Independent Tourist" is on my own, while my Friend Dazon, who knows the area and understands the local people and the local customs and who surely could have talked me out of this mess, is safely secured and working away in her office. No where in sight. No where in ear shot. Oh Hell!, quick thinking is in order... Much to my own surprise and in true NJ "never let them see you sweat style", I turned to him with a look of absolute perplexity, raised eyebrows and shrugged shoulders and nonchalantly posed as a question, "because I wanted to?" He did not appreciate or expect my response. I'm not sure I did either but it served well to disarm him.

I went on to explain that I had not taken a photo of him so I did not understand what was his problem. He went on about he and others being paid for pictures taken of them and something about their photos appearing in overseas magazines. I explained that I was just a tourist and not a reporter. This  exercise in futility fell on deaf ears. It was clear that he was hoping to instill fear in me and to incite others. I think however, my "perceived" lack of fear and my flippant attitude served to spoil his plot. Don't believe the hype! Inside I am thinking "Oh Shit! What's a Jersey Girl to do?" I am wondering where in the hell is Dazon when I need her? LOL!

Thankfully, before "abandoning" me on the street corner in Somewhere, South Africa, that had wooden and raised sidewalks with storefronts reminiscent of Gunsmoke, Dazon had pointed out to me that the municipal building was just across the street. I am interested in politics and the judicial system. The angry man, still griping about me, but to no one in particular, walked out of the store. Another however took up his cause and let me know that I had also angered others and that there was a "group forming outside". Still CCC (cool, calm and collected ~ Jersey style), I finished my business, casually walked out of the store and into the municipal building directly across the street.

Now of course I did not know what/who was in the municipal building, but I relied on my US sense and ASSumed there must be cops or officials of some kind who will show concern for a misguided, albeit sassy, American tourist. I went inside and just kind of hung around for a few minutes. I then just as casually as I entered, walked out of the building and back onto the street I had just left in full view of the "group", who I was sure was still watching me. If ever I am sticking out like a displaced American, it is now! Although a bit nervous, I maintain my 'Jersey Cool', at least for as long as I am in view of the "group"! LOL! Whew that was a close call! Sistah' Girl changed my course of action, walked away in a different direction, stopping to engage folks along the way, to further support the appearance that I had not a care in the world, but believe you me (as the old folks used to say), I did not take another photo of anyone for the rest of that day without FIRST asking permission! (smile) I'm a Howard (University) Girl. I learn quickly!!!

As I am writing this blog I am on my last day in Durban, South Africa. I look out my hotel window and see that the sun has risen and the beach is calling. I am off to Cape Town later today and will resume chronicling my saga as my next break allows. Thanks for your support and please continue to follow my journey!

Miss Higgi Says, Have a FANTASTIC Day!!!

Acts of Kindness Returned...

Waking up this morning to the gentle roar of the ocean. Since last posting, I have traveled to Durban, South Africa. My hotel, Blue Waters, is located just across the street.  

Opted to take a bus here so to see the country side. Not disappointed at all. South Africa is a BEAUTIFUL country. I am told however that to ride along the coast to and from Cape Town is absolutely breath taking. That, however is an 18 hour trip. I won't do that this time but look forward to doing it on my next visit. There WILL be a next visit. I feel very comfortable here.

Met a lovely couple on the bus. Like so many others, they were thrilled to learn that I am American. Folks here LOVE my accent! (smile). They were so gracious. Their son and grandson came to get them from the bus station. They loaded the car and left. As I was still searching for the elusive cab, much to my surprise the family returned to the bus station. They unloaded themselves and waited while their son transported me to my hotel. He then went back to retrieve his family. JUST TOO NICE!!!

That is the spirit of the people here and I appreciate it!!! Had the same experience last week in Johannesburg with a young man who overheard me contemplating how to get from Wits University, where I was visiting and where he contracts as a copy repair man, to the local mall to have my laptop repaired. Without hesitation and unbeknownst to university personnel, he took me to the mall, waited with me, drove me back to the university and refused my offers to buy him lunch or to pay for "petro" (gas).

The South Africans have been very welcoming and want to make certain that I have a wonderful time in their country. Their goal is accomplished... Off to have a wonderful breakfast and then for a walk on the beach! Hopefully then I will come back and finish at least one of the blog posts I have started but not posted (smile)

Miss Higgi Says, Have a WONDERFUL Day Folks!!!