Robbed by a Monkey

Evidence of where the monkey snuck in, that little brat!

I am writing this just after I was actually robbed by a monkey. This little monkey had the audacity (as they usually do) to sneak through our front kitchen window with both Mike and I home. I was in my room and Mike was outside on the deck, but I could hear rustling in the kitchen so I thought I better go check it out and low and behold, there’s a monkey perched on our kitchen shelf helping him/herself to whatever it felt inclined to.  When I saw it I just screamed and yelled, “Auhh, there’s a monkey in our house!” and it got startled a bit, jumped back and just stared at me. This scared me enough to do the only logical thing, hide in my room. This gave the monkey the opportunity to get back to what it does best -rob me blind of the only treat I bought from town (which is an hour away), homemade granola snack bars; needless to say they are delicious enough that a monkey chose them over the bananas that were also a perfectly accessible option. I finally peeked out from my room just as it grabbed my treat and made a mad dash back through the window and into the trees.

This is now the second time I’ve been ‘robbed’. Once a few months ago I left my runners (known here as “tackies”) and one other pair of shoes on my balcony overnight, which I had done for months, but this particular evening they were stolen. Oh right, how could I forget, I also had my running jacket “go missing” from the balcony on a different occassion, although at the time I thought the wind may have swept it away??? I should add, this balcony is quite a few stories high, so in order for someone to take something it would take a bit of strategic planning; although completely understandable for a country that has an unemployment rate of 25%, (the Eastern Cape province, where I live, has an even higher unemployment rate of almost 28%). Based on these facts alone it is not surprising people are opportunists, and I actually don’t blame someone for taking my shoes that were left out in plain sight. Ok, I admit at the time I was a bit resentful, who wouldn't be? The mysterious part is that there were other shoes still remaining on the balcony, so only select items were stolen, hmmm...

The Art of Capoeira

I have been hesitant to write about this yet because it’s been such a great experience it seems hard to convey in writing, but I'm going to give it a try. I started to attend Capoeira classes, now this is already the tricky part, trying to explain what it is – or if you’ve heard of it, all the better. Historically speaking, very briefly, it is a form of martial art and dance and music that originated in Brazil from African slaves. My understanding is that the slaves were not allowed to practice or perform any kind of fighting or defence so this type of martial art was created as a disguise to them actually practicing fighting because it looked like they were just dancing. As for the current situation, it is widely practiced all over the world.

Simply put, it is mega hard. I’m talking about being as flexible as you are strong, as you are coordinated and quick. Some of the moves include: cartwheels, a variety of different kicks, acrobatics, handstands, flips, takedowns, etc. with the foundation move being Ginga (a rocking/stepping movement back and forth). Needless to say I can only do a very very small portion of the moves but it's been fun trying to learn them. I also feel it’s necessary to add that the environment we are doing the classes in is much like that of a hot yoga studio...hot. It is taught and attended by locals, all of which are equally amazing at Capoeira as they are inspiring. We’ve actually taken some video footage that I will hopefully be able to put up here at some point. Classes are held every weeknight, 4:30 – 6:00, the first hour is physical training and practicing specific moves, and the last half hour is 'Roda' – 3 people play musical instruments and the rest of the group stands in a circle clapping to the music while two people do capoeira in the middle. It looks as if they are fighting against each other (which they are) yet there is usually no body contact. It really is amazing to watch and attempting it is quite the humbling experience!

A love for Hamburg

An early morning view from where I live of the Keiskamma River

Since it's Valentines Day I decided it would be suitable to talk love, so here I go. I have fallen for a place called Hamburg (not the one in Germany, but it does have German roots) where I've been living for almost a month. Tucked away in the Eastern Cape corner of where the ocean and the mouth of the Keiskamma River collide, the stunning views and never ending rolling sand dunes could win over anyone’s heart. Besides the immaculate natural beauty, Hamburg has a lot more going for it. As I mentioned in a previous post, there are many development projects here, in particular the Keiskamma Trust, who have made a significant impact on the livelihoods of those living in the community, particularly in the health, arts and education streams. With above the national averages for AIDS and unemployment rates, there is much that can be improved here, although the work that has been done here by the Keiskamma Trust has more than changed lives. The NGO I am working for is interested in a partnership with the Keiskamma Trust, as well as the association between the marine environment and those who subsist on it in Hamburg, and ultimately what can be done to improve the current situation. In part with the work of the NGO I am also doing a project on the social and environmental impacts of tourism in the community and local economic development. There is a lot of potential for tourism and I am curious to know what locals think of it and whether they view it as an opportunity they could leverage or whether there’s a negative connotation towards it. I have looked into the concepts of pro-poor tourism and eco-tourism, both interesting and interrelated concepts that could be incorporated into a place like Hamburg. 

Anyways, have plenty more to share but it will have to wait. Until then a Happy Valentines Day and lots of love to those who have supported me through this little journey, it means so much. xoxo

Student's at a presentation our NGO was giving