Jozi Zoo and Mandela's hide out Liliesleaf!

This morning we headed out to the Johannesburg zoo. We were able to see the lions that we missed on our safari in Hluhluwe along with polar bears, cheetahs, and a few ducks. It was interesting after seeing most of these animals in their natural habitat to then go to the zoo where the animals were all in separated areas. The zoo was not the only place that we were confronted with the view of walls today. On our ride to the zoo we passed numerous gated communities created to prevent or lessen instances of crime. This sense of security comes at the steep cost of being isolated from the rest of the greater community as well as the actual expense of owning or renting one of these places. In the midst of another community we found ourselves at Liliesleaf Farm. This was one of the best exhibits we have visited so far. We were thrust into the history of the creation of the ANC and the hideout that they created on the farm. What made this exhibit so unique was the fact that it was entirely interactive. We were able to experience the moments of Nelson Mandela hiding out posing as a farm worker, the creation of plans to overthrow the Apartheid government, and even the strategies of gun runners who supported the war against Apartheid. Each aspect of the exhibit was narrated by people who had actually lived it. Hearing their voices and the struggle against Apartheid as they saw it made it personal. It was almost as if we were sitting down with them in the rooms that they once used and even the safari truck that was used to smuggle ammunition into the country. We walked away from the museum both inspired and proud of the spirit that these people had while fighting for such a noble cause. After Liliesleaf, Darin brought us to see the township of Alexandra. For nearly half a mile, all we observed were shanty houses made of cardboard, wood, and tarp. There was an instant change in setting as soon as we crossed the opposite side of the river where we observed more developed housing. This landmark divide symbolized what we have been seeing throughout our trip—the economic divide between people living side by side.