The trip so South Africa also included some sight seeing venues. We were able to take an afternoon to go on a game drive. Unfortunately, the drive was cut short as the jeep broke down. However, we were able to see lions, wolves, and cheetahs. The amazing part is that we were actually able to pet the lions and cheetahs. It was an amazing feeling being able to be so close to such astonishing creatures. During our tour, the guide told us that they rely heavily on donations of frozen chickens to feed the animals. In South Africa, when packages reach the sell by date, it has to be removed from the shelves. When this happens, the donations are then made to area habitats.
Throughout the trip, I was also able to see giraffes (these were at one of the hotels where I stayed), baboons, crocodiles, and zebras. It was with great joy being able to see these creatures away from a zoo. It gives me a greater appreciation to the wild. I do want to note that wild animals are not just roaming the streets. Listening to some locals talk, it appears that many visitors expect to see zebras and rhinos around every corner. 
While in Bethlehem, we watched a presentation from the South Africa Grain Emerging Farmers Project. Our speaker, Mr. Johan Kriel, is an amazing man who works so hard to offer training for people (mostly blacks) who want to farm. He shares his biggest obstacles as trying to find land for people who want to farm. Typically what has happened is that the government has given land to people (primarily the whites) and the people aren’t using the land to farm. One would think that an easy solution would be to let those who want to farm to use the land. However, this is not the case. It takes many months to acquire land as most blacks do not have ‘property’ and are unable to receive any loans—the property is an another story, but I imagine you can figure out why. It has been an uphill battle, yet has been successful. The emerging farmers are addressing the problems of unsustainable farming practices and land degradation. These constraints are resulting in poor quality cattle and limited returns available to communities from the commercial beef market. Mr. Kriel has been a great asset to the black farmers and is very passionate about his work. I wish him and his farmers the best of luck as they continue to pursue their dreams.
Our final days were spent in Durban. It was amazing to be along the Indian Ocean. The first morning a group of us went swimming. It is amazing to say that I have been swimming in the Indian Ocean. The water was warmer and saltier than expected. I knew that the Indian Ocean is the saltiest ocean, but it didn’t sink in until the waves hit me.
Durban
Durban
While in Durban, we went to Isithumba Zulu Village. Here we saw a part of the Zulu culture. We had a performance that explained the courting rituals of the Zulu. It is amazing the athleticism of the dancers as they performed their story.
Zulu Tribe
These were all important parts of the journey, but what really sticks in my memory is the time spent in the schools and townships.
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