Ok people, what's going on? South Africa was unbelievable. First I guess I should say congrats to everyone who got their apps submitted for round 2, it's a huge weight off of the chest, I remember it well...the crazy part is you'll find out that it's just as hard now to sit back and wait for decisions to come out, it's a never ending cycle for real :)
As I was saying though, the trip was amazing, we left on Friday afternoon and due to the 15 hour flight and 7 hour time difference we landed on Saturday evening. We stayed for 10 days and spent most of it in Johanesburg. South Africa is interesting in that it's like a first world and a third world country combined into one. For example the country has a solid infrastructure, and a sophisticated stock exchange, but only 10% of the people utilize banks.
We visited companies during the day and experienced the social scene at night. One of the most amazing things is that there is a Black Empowerment Initiative in place, since this may be the only country in the world where Whites control the economic power and Blacks control the political power, it creates an interesting dynamic. The government has mandated that companies employ a certain percentage of blacks at all levels, and companies get measured on their performance in this area. The government is also requiring a certain percentage of company ownership by black empowerment companies...it's all very interesting. It's great to see that there's already an economic plan in place to empower Blacks, of course it's not perfect yet, but it's a huge step in the right direction.
I had the opportunity to go on safari, saw all of the animals close up. You know I was most surprised by the hippos, this thing looked fierce, and it was HUGE...I think we've been lulled into a false sense of security by our 'Hungry Hungry Hippo' culture. I don't know about you but everytime I see a picture or drawing of a hippo, it's smiling...they look chubby and happy...sort of Santa Clausish...well they're NOTHING like that in person.
I also had the opportunity to visit Robben Island (sp?) that's where Mandela was held for 17 years, it was moving. THe person who gave the tour of the prison was an ex political prisoner himself, who had been locked up for 7 years with Mandela. The stories are unreal.
This whole trip was indescribable in terms of the impact that it's had on me. Just going to SOWETO and talking to the local children, who were poor beyond belief, but were fluent in English, Afrikans, Tswanna, Zulu, Sutu and like 3 other languages was awe inspiring, and motivational. If you ever have the opportunity to go take it.
I have to run, getting ready for classes which start next week, plus I have some interviews coming up that I need to prepare for, but good luck to everyone.
later
nice weblog
greetz from holland
20six.nl/howfarcanyougo