Last Day

Today, after a much-appreciated late wake up (8am), we headed out to Canal Walk to meet up with our ORT connection who would take us to read to children in the township of Lingue. After a few navigational issues, we were finally able to find the children’s interactive science education center in the labyrinth of shops. The contrast between the detached commercial world and the poverty-stricken township was shocking.
We arrived at the school in Linge with our ORT guides, Ruth and Vagriuah and headed in to read to our classroom of third graders. Reading went fairly well – in spite of varied reading levels in English (the native language being Xhosa) the stories seemed to go over well – almost as well as looking at the pictures we took of them.
Next, thanks to Jody’s generous enthusiasm and donation of a wiffle bat and ball, we taught some of the older students how to play wiffle ball – comparing it to cricket. Though we ignored about eighty percent of the rules, instead opting for a “home run or nothing” approach, it went over well and was great fun. The strong summertime south-eastern winds provided an interesting twist to the game.
After returning to the hotel, we headed out to Pick n’ Pay Cape Town’s number one grocery market. We picked up some interesting finds, such as Chicken n’ Thyme Lay’s potato chips, Marmite, and some amazing Kenyan coffee which I sampled at the Africa Café a few dinners ago. We then puttered about one of the shopping complexes at the waterfront – a couple of us picked up some South African rugby and cricket shirts. Though the mall was not too crowded – the jersey shops were. Some shops were so packed with loyal Bokkes fans that the shopkeepers closed the doors to prevent more swarms. After a great dinner of sushi and other seafood some of us got ice cream and gelato (passionfruit being a great newfound flavor) and headed back to the hotel to pack (sadly) and prepare for the long day of traveling ahead.
Thanks for reading our humble blog and following our journey through Cape Town.
-Róisín

Day 9

Sorry still no pix. Today we made it to the Cape of Good Hope, the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean, the tip of the African continent. – well not really, it seems that there is plenty of Africa South of the Cape. It also seems that the warm waters of the Indian Ocean only push this far West for part of the year, then the Atlantic pushes back for the other half. But as far as arbitrary dividing lines go, this one was pretty spectacular. The history is great but the views are breathtaking. Most of Cape Point is a nature preserve. We saw some different types of antelope as well as a troop of baboons. There were several babies as well hanging onto and climbing all over their moms.
We also stopped at the famed Boulders Beach to see their penguin colony. This was a bit of a let down because it had been hyped so much. The students were actually much closer to penguins when they were on Robben Island. Even so, the birds were cute.
We saw some beautiful views on our drive to the Cape Point. At Fish Hoek where we stopped for lunch, we even got a chance to dip our toes in the Indian Ocean. Fish Hoek is a small city in False Bay. False Bay is the largest bay on the African coast. While driving along the edge we stopped several times to watch whales playing about. Though our best whale sighting was on the Atlantic side.
We had stopped to take a boat out to Seal island – not the one from Air Jaws – but one covered in seals nonetheless. Just as the boat left the dock there was a whale in the water 30 yards from the boat. I have several pictures of the water where the whale had just been.
Our morning had begun with a trip to the top of Table Mountain. The wind was blowing steadily and the tablecloth as the clouds are known was sweeping right across the top of the mountain. It was a once in a lifetime experience – except of course for the tram operators who see it several times a day.
After a delicious meal in a Portugese restaurant we have officially called it a day. The students are practicing the books they will read from and donate to the 3rd grade in Langa Township tomorrow. Then it is off to bed.

Day 8 Safari Day

The morning started with a 5AM wake up to get to the Southern Karoo by 7:30. We were treated to a sumptuous buffet breakfast in a rustic but luxurious lodge. Our game drive began at 9:00 in a converted Mercedes. Our driver and guide were excellent. The ride was bumpy. Our knowledgeable guide explained everything we would want to know about each animal. We saw crocodiles, hippos, elephants, water buffalo, rhinos, a giraffe, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and many varieties of gazelle. We even saw some San Rock Art that was over 2000 years old. We ended the tour with a chance to pet some cheetahs. After another huge feast for lunch we took the long ride back to the coast.
We then went out on the town for some of the best cuisine Africa offers. The Africa Café is a family style restaurant that serves 14 dishes from the southern region of Africa. After patrons sample the 14 they may order as many repeat servings as they like. The restaurant was a big hit with everybody trying many new foods. Most were delicious; in fact every dish was delicious to somebody. With very full bellies we returned to the hotel. Tomorrow we continue the sights with a trip to the top of Table Mountain, and then down to Cape point – the mythical Southern tip of Africa. Unfortunately, still no pix.

Day 7

Today was our last day of the South African Model UN Conference. This particular blog is being written by Chelsea, Jody, Colin, Diandra, and Roisin. Yesterday we took a ferry ride on tumultuous seas to Robben Island. Upon arrival, we were all herded into a room with our distinctive red bags (which all participants of the conference received). We were then distributed prison numbers (mine was 071/73), and subsequently shackled to another prison mate with uncomfortable strips of cloth. The point of this “activity” was to bond with someone who you weren’t familiar with. All the while, we were being berated by the “wardens” to “SHUT UP AND MOVE!!!!!”. After a painful walk into the Maximum Security Prison, we were pushed into jail cells with others. Sitting there, bored, cold, alone, and in desperate need of a toilet, we tried to figure out how long they would keep us in there. Some of the prisoners escaped their jail cell, and were either a. caught, and put into solitary confinement, or b. like Jody, got away with just a nasty scrape on your knee. However, we were all stuck in a communal cell the entire time. At first, we suspected maybe they would keep us in there for 20 minutes, and then ask us how long we thought we were in there, a psychological test of sorts. Or maybe 27 minutes, to represent how many years Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. However, it was not a matter of minutes, but hours. Some were taken out of communal cells and put into solitary confinement for bad behavior, but we had minimal luck. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they hadn’t given us juice and bottles of water before we began, a cruel and horrible torture for our bladders. The cameramen from the photography school at the University of Cape Town were not helpful at all either. They seem to have found pleasure in our pleas for a bathroom. However, in our confinement, we had time to reflect on the history of this place. We had spent maybe an hour in a room, and were going out of our minds, while these other political prisoners spent the better part of their lives living within these walls. We resorted to songs and games to pass the time, though sleep was also a popular choice as well. All in all, it ended up being THREE HOURS in a confinement. After we stormed to the bathroom we were taken to dinner. Dinner was based upon the obtainment and specification of your prison number. Black string meant the UMO (unidentifiable meat object) and bread; white meant UMO, “pap”, and vegetables. But don’t be fooled by the “pap”. It is “maize mush”; a tasteless, watery cornmeal that looked like our traditional mashed potatoes. Our beverages were also quite disgusting; a mix between cold tea, granadilla juice, water, bath water, dirty water, and mud. We then retired to the lecture hall, where we discarded our prison number and declared our freedom to Wardens “SHUT UP AND MOVE!!!”. Sandra Daniel’s (aka Medusa, Warden, Shut up and move, etc.) father, Lionel Daniels, an ex political prisoner of Robben Island spoke to us and answered our questions. Then, we were finally taken to bed. And no, we did not sleep in prison cells. We slept in dormitories with bunk beds—but the boys also had air mattresses. Five hours later, we were woken up for our “KNOWLEDGE HUNT”. We divided up into groups, and explored the island. Some journeyed to Robert Sobukwe’s House on the island (brief history- he was a political prisoner who was involved originally in the ANC, put then founded the PAC (Pan African Congress), and was incarcerated at Robben Island. He was given his own residence on the island (due to meeting requests), and was able to wear trousers, and dine with the guards. There seems to be a slight mystery to his death, whether it was a heart attack, cancer, insanity, or poison). Then we went to the Leper Cemetery, and learned about how Robben Island was previously a leper colony. All the while, penguins were roaming the island (there is a penguin colony along the beach), as well as rabbits. We also went to the lime quarry where many of the political prisoners labored for free. Then, after going on a tour, led by another ex political prisoner of the prison (see pictures), we presented what we had learned to all the other groups. We then had our final ceremony for the conference, with the presentation of awards. And, drum roll please……….we didn’t win. But it is okay, we were just happy enough to be able to participate. (FYI, France was the overall winner, Kenya best dressed, and Zimbabwe was the African team which was selected to travel to New York). We then raced to the ferry, which was even worse than the first, and went back to Cape Town.All in all, our experience on Robben Island is one we’ll never forget. As much as we complained (and will continue to complain), our experience was nothing compared to those of the real prisoners of the island. While the educators and facilitators could not ignore the generational gap between our generation and that of those who lived during apartheid, we were all still respectful of the experience. So, in Jody’s words “I would never want to do that again, but I give it two thumbs up!”. We are going to miss all of our new friends greatly, and hope we can all keep in touch. We are waking up tomorrow at 5:30 am to go on a SAFARI!!!Thanks for all of your comments!! We really appreciate all of the feedback!! Chelsea Emond
PS we have had some trouble uploading images but will do so as soon as possible.

Day 5

Today concluded the Model UN debating. It was a long day – each session lasted more than 5 hours but our students were resilient. Roisin led South Africa into the controversy over discrimination based on one’s HIV/AIDS status. South Africa soon became the hub of activity for those who would eliminate a ban on immigration for people with HIV/AIDS. They managed to win enough countries to their side and our team was signatory to the only resolution to come out of this session. The opposing bill was soundly defeated.
In afternoon action the entire UN united behind the issue of child labour. China led the way with a well crafted speech in opposition to child labour. The delegations realized early that most of them were against child labour in theory but relied on it in practice. Diandra spoke eloquently to this issue in South Africa’s opening speech. The delegates passed a resolution that would eliminate the economic causes of child labor and provide for at least part time education for child workers – their word choice. The resolution was universally supported except by Zimbabwe and the USA. It was particularly interesting to see the way team USA interpreted their country. Colin earned a big laugh by closing his remarks for the SA delegation by telling the UN what a pleasure it has been to have hosted the General Assembly.
After the long day of debating we were invited to dinner at the British High Commissioner’s Home. We were wined and dined, well dined anyway but it was very fancy. Tomorrow the students begin their overnight on Robben Island. There is a great deal of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty regarding this tip, but we hear from the older students that it is well worth it. We will have to wait until Monday for a full report as their program will last nearly 24 hours. Rumor has it they will be sleeping in the same cells that housed Nelson Mandela, Mac Maharaj and other political prisoners.

Day 4

Day 4
Opening session of the General Assembly. We represent South Africa which means we have had plenty of resources but also plenty of potential critics. The actual debate sessions kicked off today with a discussion of security issues resulting from climate change. The setting inside the City Council Chamber lent a great deal of prestige to the proceedings. The students had microphones at their tables they could switch on and off to respond to other delegates. The South African Model UN rules of debate are very different from those in the U.S. Each team has a 4 minute opening statement. The order for the statements is drawn at random. At the conclusion of the opening session the chair calls for a speakers’ list. Each country is expected to appear once and speak for 1 minute, during which they may clarify their opening position and/or make comments on the opening statements of others. After the first speech, delegates may leave the chamber to caucus informally, though each team must keep at least 2 delegates in the chamber. Next follows a second round of formal caucus with a second speakers’ list. When this is all over the informal caucus session begins. This is the time when resolutions are crafted, arms are twisted and deals are made. Today’s caucus produced 5 resolutions. By rule, only 3 were presented for voting. The first and last were passed but the second one, which our delegation had signed did not garner enough votes – but such is life for the African delegations. The final round of debate was a closing statement of 2 minutes following the original order of the first round. It is here where delegates must defend the positions they took on the resolutions. The opening statement is the only one given from the floor of the chamber. The others are given from behind the delegates’ tables. Today Colin delivered our opening statement, Chelsea and Jody represented us in the formal caucus and Diandra closed down the entire debate as the South African delegation had been chosen to speak last. They all gave solid performances. The judges’ impressions will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Monday. Tomorrow is a full day of debating where the UN will consider Discrimination based on AIDS/HIV status and Child Labour. Both are topics that provide greater opportunity for South Africa to be a major player and our students are looking forward to playing a more central role in the debates.

Day 3

Today we had our first formal interaction with other Model UN students. We participated in a training for the international schools. Roughly ½ of the 21 delegations are from schools outside of South Africa. In addition to schools from the USA there is a school from the UK and several from other countries in Africa. Some of the students from Kenya extended an unofficial invitation to the East African Model UN…hmmm. As you would expect, our students have done a wonderful job representing themselves as well as all of you back home. I am truly proud of them. They are socializing and networking constantly. After the training we joined with the South African students as well for a private tour of the Two Oceans Aquarium and dinner. Dinner was a wide range of typical South African dishes – which are anything but. So many cultures have come together here that there is no single dish or type of food that can be considered quintessentially South African. So we had to try some of everythingJ I had hoped that the students would take turns blogging but they have been busy preparing for debates and keeping up with their school work. No joke, they are being very responsible and self-motivated. They do enjoy your comments on the blog so thanks for those and keep them coming. Tomorrow we will have our first UN session on the security issues associated with Global Warming – apparently the rest of the world thinks it might happen.