I will have a more complete final thoughts when I return home but I just wanted to do one last post from RSA before I leave.
Yesterday, I was able to do another interview with a guest house in Parktown West. The establishment had done quite well. He was unwilling to give me turnover numbers but they had close to 90% occupancy rate for the entire tournament. Funnily enough, he had actually visited Austin before for an international conference for the association of convention and visitors bureaus. Had some nice things to say about 6th street…haha.
Then I took the rest of the day off to do a bit of shopping for gifts and things. I first thought there was not anything in particular that I wanted besides a Makarapa, but once I started, I actually spent a bit. Stimulating the economy one person at a time. I especially was excited to hear about my Zimbabwean friend Tedious, who had managed to register with UNISA and will be starting his studies soon. He even gave me a gift, a (I will post the photo to prove it) 10 TRILLION Zim Dollar note. I believe the note is worth less than the paper and the ink it is printed on. Hyperinflation is crazy or “How to Destroy a Nation” by Bob Mugabe.
I was so excited to go to Alfred Beloyi’s Makarapa studio and see what the originator had created. Unfortunately, though many of the makarapa’s were exquisite, the only USA ones his shop had left were nice, but they just had beaded US flags on them, no player. I wanted the more classic one which had a player cut out on the helmet, so I ended up back at Rosebank market buying one I had seen earlier. (photos to come)
Last night I met up with Hilton and Caroline for a drink and to catch up/say goodbye. Besides the fact the Jolly Cool felt like a smoke box, it was a pleasant time, and I then went across the street to meet up with Bong’s friend Greg, who has been quite cool, taking me out with his friends and stuff when Bong’s has had to work.
This morning I did my final interview and said goodbye to both TEP offices I had worked in. Unfortunately, I missed Mahandra, but I was able to say goodbye to everyone else. (Don’t worry Mom and Aunty Lindsay, I will be composing a very lengthy thank you email when I get back home.)
Anyway I’m just about to leave Nicci and Chris’. I’m hoping one of them make it home before I have to leave. I cannot believe my trip is over already. Five weeks has both seemed like a very long time and also no time at all. Well more concluding thoughts and photos to come. I’m off to OR Tambo.
Peace,
Drew