Short and sweet

I realize that my posts completely defeat the point of blogging (and maintaining readers), because they are horribly lengthy. Also, I haven't really included other noteworthy happenings:

-Spent last Saturday night in the townships passing out fliers with friends for a "Jazzalicious" festival. Townships at night are something else altogether; a few white South Africans who found out on Monday were myphed at my willingness to go there. Running from shebeen to shebeen, and occasionally a small jazz joint tucked away on a sidestreet, it was probably one of the more crazy experiences I've had in South Africa. Being the only white person amongst hundreds of locals drew uncomfortable amounts of attention, both positive and negative. Not sure how to feel about being an American celebrity, but unfortunately its true. Parties in the streets and on-top of cars. Police beatings behind vans. Shaking hands and constantly explaining myself. The festival was for Human Rights Day (today!) and one particularly drunk man assertively told me that human rights were for black people, that a white lady cannot fathom rights. Very interesting, teary-eyed conversation. My friends promptly stepped in. The thing is, I can't completely disagree with him. Afterall, I've never had my rights abused. When will we move from declaring individual rights universally to actually developing mechanisms that step in to protect them? One step at a time, I suppose.

-Am obtaining a free surfboard from a new friend I met on campus last week. What does that mean?: 3-day weekend of surfing in Jeffrey's Bay! Hello, now-inexpensive recreation. Cheers to Josh Wood.

-Went to a festival called "Transfest" at Wacky Woods, which is nestled in the most beautiful African countryside on the way to East London. Imagine rolling green hills cut with enormous valleys and misty peaks in the distance. Gorges greet us around every corner, boasting rivers. At the festival, fire lanterns drifted through the sky and we watched the spectacle of lights and music with our feet in a 3-tiered waterfall pool. Amazing. Also painted our faces and danced the night away, with infrequent intermissions for mango-eating. Will post pictures soon.

-Hatha yoga courses began last week: finally learned how to do a head-stand. The studio is only a 25-min bike ride away from Summerstrand.

-Have seen some incredible live jazz performances and poetry readings in local clubs. Every Wednesday night is now officially Jazz Night! South Africa's jazz tradition is rich, Abdullah Ibrahim created a Cape sound that rivals even the best of American small-combo sounds.