Time for reflection.
First impressions are that this should be a wealthy country. And for some, mainly white, it is. Where we are in Somerset West could be a rich suburb of some Surrey town, or Harrogate ! All big houses and manicured gardens. A really lovely place.
But drive 20 minutes down the road to Cape Town and you hit the townships. Acres of corrugated tin shacks, maybe 12' x12' at best, cheek by jowl, with big families living in them. It's cruelly unfair and anyone with an iota of kindness running through them wants to see it change.
Not easy when you factor in African politics and rulers ( OK our politicians in the UK are models of decency and restraint ! ... True / False .... You vote )
Why can't people just get along ; forget about war and fighting. Question religion ? Spend the country's money doing good for the people, rather than on weapons etc.
Love and educate your kids ; grow and rear food ; catch fish ( not too many and not to feed bloody cattle ) ; build good housing ; get along ; help each other.
Thing is, the vast majority of us are kind and peaceful and want just this.
Phew !
Nearly got into to the whole 'save the planet / global warming' debate !!!
I think it's the Africa Effect.
Here is a continent that should be richer than the USA. All the resources, climate and people to exploit it. Except, if you look back in history, they've never gotten along with each other.
Tribalism. A bit like Leeds playing Milwall.
Time to stop thinking and report.
We are having a great time. The weather has been varied and kind, the food exceptional, the scenery sublime.
We have hit hundreds of golf balls at the range ( very many not behaving as intended ),
driven down stunning coastal roads, wandered around botanic gardens of unique beauty ... and in two days time we get to watch Al launch himself off a mountain , albeit strapped to someone else with a parachute. Anything for a laugh.
Excepting the times we have lazed about around the pool, it has been a very full assault on the senses.
Everything a holiday should be. Travel as adventure.
I'll get my man to do the photos.
Over and out.
J S Coy
Reuters
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