July 28, 2016 -
Grahamstown today! We listened to
an interesting lecture and given by Michelle Cocks at Rhodes University. Afterwards, we visited Nombulelo Secondary
School for another lecture given by Mr. Mlukeli Nkosi, and a toured the garden
created by the Science class. The lectures explained the different
biospheres in the area and the importance of the plant life to the Xhosa people
who used them in religious ceremonies as well as for holistic medicines. Ms. Cocks explained that she, her husband, Tony Dold, and colleague, Mluleki
Nkosi were working with some of the Xhosa high school students to teach them about the different plants and the
importance of conservation of the plant life in order to preserve native
culture. During the lecture, I reflected on historical
events and felt sad it that Western Christian cultures used their religious beliefs
and ideas as an excuse to invade foreign lands in order to make a profit from the
natural resources (true in both Africa and America) forcing the indigenous
peoples off their land and doing the best to take away their rights to practice
their own traditional religions and cultural beliefs. We
finished off with a hike in a mountain forest.
The trail in was a very steep incline going into the forest. We sat in silence to meditate and use our
senses to “feel” nature and then Mr. Nkosi explained some important facts about
the surrounding plant life. Climbing up
the steep trail to get out the forest took a great deal of energy and effort
for this old, heavy, out of shape person, but I made it! On our trip back to PE, we were delayed by
construction on the road. Three elderly
native ladies walked along the edge of the highway carrying basket like
containers on their heads filled with fruits and drinks. Most of us purchased fresh oranges and
pears. We stopped at Nanaga Farm Stall,
and many of us purchased meat pies and treats to eat for supper. It was a wonderful day, but I am tired, and
should sleep really well tonight!
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