weekend...

I seem to be getting into the habit of packed weekends. This weekend I did the Zandspruit Engagement program and then went to Constitution Hill with Simon, Amanda and the kids. Constitution Hill was once a prison that held both Nelson Mandela and Gandhi (not at the same time, obviously). On Saturday evening I went in to Pretoria to see a show at the state theatre called Karoo Moose. It was good - well produced and interesting. Rape seems to be a common theme in African theatre, but that's not to put you off. It was a well produced show and I enjoyed it! There was dancing and singing and drums and physical theatre - it was great. They also did this awesome thing to signify the character being a child or adult by having the actor peg or hold up children's clothes to signify their age. They also had a couple of the guys playing women - one guy (the whole cast was black) played a rather affected Afrikaners woman - he played her like a drag queen! It was hilarious. Plus some of the dialogue was in Zulu and Khosa - both involving the use of the clicky sounds which are just soo cool! One of the internet guys here speaks Khosa (which is said 'click-hosa') and has promised to take me to a traditional ceremony! How amazing will that be!

So after the theatre and failing to find an open and under 300db cafe in the main strip, we drove back to Jo'burg. It's only about 50km, so it didn't take long!

Then today I slept in, then tried calling some people (I have skype working - finally - in my room and so can call, especially early on Saturday or Sunday morning - the internet kinda works then!). After a quick snacky lunch we went to the Botanical Gardens (different ones from last time) and went for a walk. I bought hiking shoes and cargo 'action' pants, so I got to put them into 'action'! It was really nice out today - as always.

This is the Ementia Dam (I think that's spelt right) in the Botanical Gardens, from just outside the gardens (we walked around the dam). It's gorgeous.

Then the three 'Jacques' girls (after the three of us who travel around together using my gps - which I've named Jacques-Hendrik Pot Heater G.P.S) went to Melville for a coffee, which turned into a beer (cider on my part) and a shared Mediterranean platter. It was lovely!

Now back to my room to maybe do some work or just go to bed early! Hurrah!