Notebook of Adventures

It started as a day trip through the Cradle of Human Kind. I came across a sign that said "Lesedi Cultural Village this way". I decided to follow the sign to see what it was about. As I arrived I was intrigued by the vibrant colours of the village entrance, I read the sign on the entrance that had said "Siyanamukela" which meant welcomes you. I visited some of these villages and at the Zulu village I was given a traditional tribal drink where I had the opportunity to met the Zulu Chief. I learned a number of interesting facts. When warriors hunt no part kill goes to waste, they use it for food, clothing, utensils and weapons. An oddity of experience was to pick up a rock, spit on it and throw it as far as I could. The bigger the rock the greater my luck would be! Visiting the Basotho tribe I learned that the British had sent soldiers into the mountains where they were mistaken for women as they wore kilts. The Basotho tribe returned home this action and confusion almost lead to the genocide of the Basotho tribe as they believe it is not allowed to kill women in their culture. They now wear kilts to remind them of this fatal mistake they had made. In the Pedi village I was welcomed into a hut where men sit to the left and women to the right, the reason for this is when they are under attack and enemies enter the hut they will see the men first, this is a strategic means of combat always protecting the women and children of their tribe. I was invited to a tribal feast that had foods from all of the different tribes. I have experienced some very different cuisine mopani worms, samap beans was offered and sour milk. I have tried venison, ostrich and crocodile which can easily have been mistaken for chicken. I was invited to the boma where traditional tribal dancing took place. The sound of the beating drum cried and singing cut through my body leaving me with a turmoil of emotion I felt uplifted yet scared. I then went to the village market where I had purchased some memorable items that were hand made by tribal women, this was truly a remarkable experience that one has to experience themselves as nothing compares to the events that took place at the Village I had visited on a simple unplanned day trip. I will leave you with a new farewell message Hamba kahle - Go well