Day 3 - Sensory Explosion

Today, as we end our third day in Cape Town, every sense in our body is nearly bursting. There was a morning of stunningly beautiful creations at Monkey Biz, an organization that supports women in the townships to learn beadwork as a way to earn income and support their families. Many of whom have earned enough over the years to send their kids through college. There was the District 6 Museum where we were shown a window into a world of diversity that existed in harmony and joy with one another until apartheid tore it apart and separated families, friends, and neighbors. These images and voices of history will continue to ring in our ears. 

We spent the afternoon being guided by our partners and friends through the streets of Guguletu into some of the least developed areas of Cape Town. On one side of the street, government built concrete homes can be seen, while directly across from them are corrugated metal ones pieced together in overcrowded spaces with muddy water often trickling down the road due to lack of adequate drainage. So many feelings emerged during our walk together…sadness and frustration at the inequities of the housing and lack of infrastructure, awe and gratitude for all the waves and smiles that welcomed us on our way, as well as excitement and hope as we listened to our companions share their stories, projects, and aspirations for the future.

We cannot forget about the taste and smell of “smiles,” a local staple which some of the delegates shared eating with the local community at a small open food market. When food is scarce, every piece of the animal becomes a great delicacy.

We ask that you continue to keep us in your hearts and prayers and we continue our journey. Your interest, love, and support is what has allowed us to reach AIAIA’s 25 year anniversary!