Zulu Culture and Durban!

Waking before sunrise, we groggily assembled our bags and our tired bodies. A plane and two bus rides later we found ourselves in the thick of African tribal stereotypes. But, the stereotypes are trite and insulting to the beauty that emanates from the Zulu nature and people. Unanimously, the group voted the Zulu meal as the best thus far. A smattering of organic, home cooking gave us a taste for the Zulu diet that sustains their community and strengthens the tireless warriors, herdsmen and workers.

Not only is the culture attractive to the modern western world because of their wholesome foods, but they also live sustainably. They pay no gas or electric bills; in fact, their energy methods actively consume the methane that would otherwise eat away the ozone layer. As proven many times, Zulu life relies on cattle. It is their excrement that gives off the methane gas used for energy purposes. Besides traditional uses for Cattle--meat, leather, and tools--their dung helps in many ways: to clean floors, to burn, and to build shelter. Zulu people entwine reverence for animals, ancestors, and the power of earth and nature in everyday life.

Known for their skill with weapons, Zulu men distinguish themselves at a young age in stick fighting games and grow up with the responsibility to bring home meat and protect all. Defeating British forces, who (according to Western Imperialism) never lose, heralds the power, pride, and prestige of the great Zulu warriors. Every year this date--December 16th--excites much celebration. Luckily, Zulus willingly include visitors in their traditions and customs: we enjoyed a meal together; we learned (and executed somewhat successfully) their tribal dances; the boys got to stick fight; and the girls got to patch and clean the floor by smearing cow dung or they could grind sorghum. Our unique experiences and the warmth we found from sun and people at the Zulu homestead will never be forgotten.