Shev's Corner

Long Overdue: The “REAL” CAPE

The extremes of Cape!!! On one end of the spectrum we were able to enjoy the beauty of the waterfront and the mountains, and on the other, we visited townships that are evidently short of resources, space, and access to reasonable housing conditions and good education.  The most “beautiful place on earth” is also segregated and divided by the coast and its urban design. 

Langa Township in Cape Town, South Africa. 

http://www.capetown.at/heritage/city/langa.htm

Langa Cultural Center is an uplifting community project that incorporates arts, dance, and after school educational support. I had the opportunity to meet talented artist and dedicated members of the community.

We visited children with HIV/AIDS at Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare in Khayelitsha Township, South Africa. Please pay attention!!! http://www.ubafrica.org

• 9 months ago
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“WE’RE ON THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER”

“WE’RE ON THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER” were the words written on a tour bus at Robben Island. This reminds us that we should never forget the struggle and the unity behind fighting for an undivided South Africa!

Applicable to all aspects of our lives…

• 10 months ago
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Friends Around the World!

The Colgate connection continues! Naledi Semela ‘10 and I explored Cape Town together. Nelly became the adopted brother in our class of 24 students. Sites included the Cape Town Waterfront, Robben Island, and Table Mountain.

Robben (Seal) Island, once a prison for slaves from West Africa, European convicts, and those with illnesses such as leprosy, was better known as “Outcast Isle.” This island is the prison where Nelson Mandela and almost 3000 political prisoners (anti-apartheid activist) served 2 decades of his life sentence before being released in 1990. 

Cape Town’s Table Mountain.  This mountain may be the oldest mountain in the world and is considered to be the “geological and spiritual heart of the city.” After a cable car ride to the top, I could definitely say that “the view up here was so awesome!” You can feel the ocean breeze on one side of the mountain and appreciate the amazing landscape on the other.  You can find peace up here.

Table Mountain Cable Car - Fun Fact: The Table Mountain Cableway has been running for 80 years.

• 10 months ago
• 0 notes

In Transit - The Layover

Hello Good People,

Sorry that I’ve been so distant but I have returned. After a 13-hour flight to Dubai, a 20-hour layover, and a 10-hour flight to Cape Town, I’ve made it. We made it! Hello South Africa!

Dubai is a thriving developmental city with a rich architectural culture. The whole city is under construction and the buildings vary in design and size. This desert city reminds me of an up and coming Las Vegas in terms of its commercialization, hotels, malls, nightlife…It is a city that caters to tourist.

Two of my classmates and I had one of the most adventurous layovers. We planned on doing a self-guided tour of the city, but after taking the metro downtown Dubai, where we visited The Dubai Mall and Gold Sauk, we quickly realized that we needed guidance in the 100 degree weather. By mid-day, we contacted a tour guide company. We had two amazing guides who were able to give us a fulfilling 4-hour tour of mosque, Arab historic museums, beaches, 7-star hotels, restaurants, and even a nightclub. What more can I say, we were welcomed and loved!

It was an unforgettable experience!

• 10 months ago
• 1 note

The Countdown!

18 DAYS until my departure for South Africa, Mozambique, & Tanzania!

Checklist:

Immunizations

Immerse myself in writers and films on South Africa:

Leonard Thompson’s A History of South Africa. 3rd edition.

Graeme Block’s The Toxic Mix

Coetzee’s Disgrace

Adam Robert’s Soweto Inside Out: Stories About South Africa

Methbane’s Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography

And the list continues…

Pack for Winter in South Africa

Enjoy the beginning of summer in New York City!

Take ACTION ON GREAT IDEAS! (Coming Soon)

• 11 months ago
• 1 note

I’ve Arrived!!

Hey Friends,

Welcome to Shev’s Corner! Wherever I travel, whomever I meet, whatever I’m doing, you are a part of my adventures.

I have officially completed my first year of graduate school at NYU! Now I have an amazing opportunity to travel to South Africa as part of a study abroad program. I will be conducting research and interviews to study education and social reform. Following my trip to South Africa, I will visit Tanzania to take the opportunity to visit various communities, meet new people, and engage with non-profit organizations.

I’m Super Excited!

I will be traveling throughout Africa from July 3^rd – August 7^th.

I am currently fundraising $6000 to support this wonderful trip, and I need YOUR help! You can donate any amount. No gift is too small. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to immerse yourself and join me for an amazing ride!

Thank you in advance.

Shev

• 11 months ago
• 1 note