Day trip to Hamburg

We were on the road by 6:30 to head out to the rural community of Hamburg (about 2 hours away) with a professor and 2 other visiting professors from Germany. We did a day trip out to Hamburg to visit an established community development project which reflects unsustainable livelihoods turned not only sustainable but are bursting at the seams with success. Many of the women in the community were previously mussel and oyster poachers, which isn’t only unsustainable but a risky business to be involved in. Through an established Art Project many of the women now make beautiful accessories varying from scarfs, hats, bags, to pillow cases, jewellery and cell phone holders. They sell their goods locally and internationally and, needless to say, are doing really well. Our visit out there was so successful that as of early January I am going to live and work out in Hamburg to start or work on a development project (don't worry, not involving crafts). Details haven't been solidified but my work will likely consist of marine resource use and dependency, linked with other food resources in the area and potential alternatives. Definitely excited about the work and I can’t help but look forward to my future living quarters, not too shabby, hey?

Rolling hills and houses of Hamburg



Sad realities of South Africa include the outbreak of HIV and AIDS. This picture from outside of Hamburg reflects the harsh realities of what remains after an entire family is struck by the disease. 2002 statistics of Hamburg are equally telling, one in every three adults was infected with HIV.