Travel Day from Cape Town to Durban--- O what a difference for the Marist College Contingent

Today we had to get up really early to make our flight to Durban. We don’t think that any of the group was too thrilled about getting up early and leaving Cape Town because we have all grown to love it so much; however, we are all really excited to head to a new city and have more fun and exciting adventures. As soon as we landed we got off of the plane and headed to a Zulu village that served both as an educational facility and their homes. One of the men explained many of the traditions and culture of the Zulu tribe, describing everything from their home styles and designs to their crops and development of bio-fuel.

There were a few opportunities for some of the group to try some of the activities that the Zulu chieftain was explaining about the way in which traditional Zulu’s live. One activity was the use of a particular cow that is native to Africa. Long over looked because it doesn’t produce as much milk as the European cow, they found them to be far more resilient and able to handle the sharp changes in the African country. Generally, these cows weren’t slaughtered and they were kept for milk. However, Africans have a tough time digesting the milk from the cow and allow it to sour for a few days to allow the nutritional value to increase and make digestion easier. A few people volunteered to milk the cow with the guide. We were also given the opportunity to patch the floor with cow dung in one of the traditional huts. They also use the cow dung and urine as a source of energy. We got to taste the beef for lunch when they served us a traditional Zulu feast. It was delicious, one of the best meals we have all had thus far in South Africa. First, they served us beef that you could dip it in salt and bread. Then they gave us plates filled with a variety of different dishes from cous cous to sweet potato. We also were served fruit after the meal. We were also given freshly squeezed juice made by the villagers. Before we departed, we were shown some traditional Zulu dances and given the chance to try some dancing out ourselves. We then traveled back to Durban to celebrate Eddie’s birthday!!! Happy Birthday Eddie!!!!!!!!!!! And we miss you Marissa!