Dark and Light in South Africa
Hi friends.
It's been a crazy 24 hours here in South Africa and I've experienced both the dark side and light sides of this country.
Yesterday I was walking near the beach in Durban and had a knife pulled on me and my backpack stolen. There was four of us walking together and they tried to grab one of the girls' bags so I swung my elbow around and hit the theif, then three guys closed up around me and they pulled out a knife and said "give me your money." I had my money in my money belt and before I could pull it out and give it to them they took my bag. The police took 15 min to arrive and were very unhelpful. They busted into this apartment building where I saw the thieves run into, but their pulled guns and brutal treatment of the residents revealed nothing. I was almost more scared being with them than when I was assaulted. The bummer is that my cameras were both in there. So frustrating! Fortunately, I had all my old video tapes in the room, but I lost quite a few pictures. At least I put pics online from TZ so I think the plethora of cameras in our group should tie me over. My academic journal was also in the bag which is frustrating to lose. I feel bad, so irresponsible, but there really wasn't much I could do. We were on a busy street, in the middle of the day, in a group. I guess we took as many precautions as we could, but sometimes it still happens.
Later that night I went to a Township where it is supposedly dangerous, but I encountered the nicest people I have met in South Africa. We went to a bar, danced, watch cricket, and experienced how fun this place can be.
So, my mind's spinning and I'm ready for a break. Anna and I are going to a movie to take a break and then off to East London tomorrow. I'll explain more later, but I am fine and all is well. Don't worry! I'm alive and still have more experiences ahead.
It's been a crazy 24 hours here in South Africa and I've experienced both the dark side and light sides of this country.
Yesterday I was walking near the beach in Durban and had a knife pulled on me and my backpack stolen. There was four of us walking together and they tried to grab one of the girls' bags so I swung my elbow around and hit the theif, then three guys closed up around me and they pulled out a knife and said "give me your money." I had my money in my money belt and before I could pull it out and give it to them they took my bag. The police took 15 min to arrive and were very unhelpful. They busted into this apartment building where I saw the thieves run into, but their pulled guns and brutal treatment of the residents revealed nothing. I was almost more scared being with them than when I was assaulted. The bummer is that my cameras were both in there. So frustrating! Fortunately, I had all my old video tapes in the room, but I lost quite a few pictures. At least I put pics online from TZ so I think the plethora of cameras in our group should tie me over. My academic journal was also in the bag which is frustrating to lose. I feel bad, so irresponsible, but there really wasn't much I could do. We were on a busy street, in the middle of the day, in a group. I guess we took as many precautions as we could, but sometimes it still happens.
Later that night I went to a Township where it is supposedly dangerous, but I encountered the nicest people I have met in South Africa. We went to a bar, danced, watch cricket, and experienced how fun this place can be.
So, my mind's spinning and I'm ready for a break. Anna and I are going to a movie to take a break and then off to East London tomorrow. I'll explain more later, but I am fine and all is well. Don't worry! I'm alive and still have more experiences ahead.
posted by Scott D. Meyer at 6:44 AM
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