First of all, Happy Mandela Day!
Colleges are amazing, and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is no exception! It is a beautiful campus. It is also a nature reserve, and students can attend here for about a quarter of the cost in the US. (To my son: watch out, I'm sending you to college in South Africa!)
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| At NMMU! |
After receiving a tour of the campus, we went on a tour of the city. And we had a bonus surprise of having some NMMU students travel with us! We were able to discuss so many topics with these young adults and gain their perspective on family, lifestyles, and their input on Port Elizabeth. Thank you Nikita, Sihle, Bontle, and Joy for spending the afternoon with us!
One of our stops included the Donkin Reserve (which had a lighthouse, a pyramid, and gigantic mosaic walkway!) It also had The Moving Wall sculpture. I loved the artistry! It was a place I would like to visit again, just to appreciate the details and the beauty. There was also a umsintsi tree, AKA a "Lucky Bean Tree" on the premises. Legend says if you keep one in your wallet you will always have money! Yes, I have a bean!!
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| The Moving Wall. The shadow is remarkable. |
We also visited the house of a local native woman who creates pottery in her home. She explained her creative process and how she makes her pottery -it was so interesting! It was inspiring to see her way of life and how a she can combine her talents with what little she has to make a life for herself.
After being here for only a few days, I am impressed with how resourceful people can be, especially when faced with poverty. There is always joy to be found, even in the little things.
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| Seeing the local pottery |
I want a bean too! :p
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