Update from Somerset

As the days go by I started to neglect this blog a little bit. My last update was from my holiday in Cape Town. It was just amazing! Some things I had to do for the second time, like the drive (this time myself) via Muizenburg and Boulders,where the Pinguins are, towards the Cape of Good Hope. It was the best time to do that again; not much tourists, not too hot and I had time! No rushing, no curfues, no phone calls. I really enjoyed it. Another day I went onto Robben Island with a friend. It was not so easy to get a ticket because you have to book it in advance, so I booked it and came back 3 days later. Unfortunately I forgot my camera. Sometimes I realize the pictures I keep in mind for myself are much better than a picture which you can show around just to tell: 'Yeah, I have been there!'

Many things were normal for me to have again like a Potjie and a braii; for others its something different, so I explain a bit: It is a very heavy metal pot with three legs, you put directly into the fire. Then you start putting in anything you like in a special order and after some time you have a delicious dish :)
That was Cape Town. A whole different World. I made a presentation about my work in one of my old schools and it was very interesting how many of the students had no clou of the Eastern Cape. I explained my work, the different structures of the two provinces and answered many questions about Germany; that we dont really play cricket or rugby for example.

Esspecially the higher grades were interested in the german army structure and asked questions about what we do in Afghanistan. I realized that I cannot show my opinion at all times, because I have to give an objective explanation about structures and politics. I realized I am representing Germany in a way, at the same time my school and the eastern cape. Everyone abroad, no matter where, is an embassador of Germany and any misbehaviour shapes the view on Germany abroad. Many will never have the opportunity to travel like me, so asking questions about Germany was very exciting for some.
At the same time I liked that very much too, to stand in front of interested students, disciplined and quietly following every word I said. I have to mention however it was a private school and most students were 'coloured'. Its a subjective impression I made, and it really depends where you go, it differed everywhere I went. I have to be aware how I express it sometimes, because South Africa is so diverse that actually everywhere you go, its different. My students here in Somerset show less interest. If its about Germany or the classes. So I came to a point where I only work with the interested students. It is of no use when some girls after ten minutes still sit infront of a black screen and tell me they will get children and dont need to know anything about a computer. At least they were honest. So this time I didnt throw them out. Others who want to sleep in class know they dont even need to come, so I dont need to waste my time sending them out. Maybe I am very strict, but I reached the opinion that esspecially the children here need structure and rules in school as there are no at home.

Some days are very different. You work hard and keep everything up and running and noone appreciates it. Maybe much of my work people dont see because they understand very little of IT. Some evenings were very long at school as I had to get the firewall for the internet done that the students internet access is filtered. So sometimes the security company calls to ask what is going on.
On the other hand I gain also a lot of cultural expereinces; understand the how's and why's and learn that the things here work different than in the western countries. I have alot respect for the new generations of black people who have to find a way between their cultures and the 'new' South Africa. Now the (eventually) most qualified in the highest position has the most to say. The elders lose their power and many people cant handle to have a younger boss.

One weekend I experienced the ritual of sloughtering a goat in the backyard to receive a blessing from the ancestors (I hope I got it right).
So friday all the intestines were eaten together with the Beer (Mqomboti) and then on saturday the actual ritual is held. Older men, women and children eat seperately and I was invited to eat with the elders. It was definately an experience and I realized the difficulty whites have with things like that. In a way it is amazing how you can get insights to many cultures when you are foreign.

Then the car broke down where I met an old communist who helped me and it was an interesting experience about the outside view on former Eastern Germany. But thats a whole different story ;)
__________
so far