Reflections from South Africa (looking back)

Something that quite immediately struck me on arrival in Cape Town was that it did not really “feel like Africa”. Not that I have been that much to Africa before, but compared to Zimbabwe and Ethiopia where I have been, Cape Town felt very much less “African”. And as my friend probably quite correctly stated; you will probably see more black people in southern London than in central Cape Town. However I, honestly, don’t pay much attention to the colour of peoples skin and quite often I don’t even really “see” colour that way. But then all of a sudden something makes you aware of the fact that the colour of the skin can look different, and sometimes it is the strangest things. As for example when you meet a black person with a band aid. The band aid is supposed to be “skin-coloured” not to attract too much attention, but the “skin-colour” is the beige/pink of a Caucasian person, which really do catch attention on a black person. Then it struck me; I have never seen band aids developed for black people. Maybe there are some, just that I have never seen any. Or is our world really still so biased that it has never been developed?!

Arrived in Cape Town

So, now I have arrived in Cape Town! And it feels good!!
All the way until now I have not really had much time to think about this trip or make any plans for it and at times it even felt like a bad idea going here. I have been working a lot and neen very busy and tired, which made me somehow feel I really needed holiday, but also thinking maybe I should have choosen a place where I have been before and am familiar with, somehow I didn't really felt ready for a "new" country. However, all the time I kind of knew I would like it once I came here and so it is!
Immediately on arrival I felt good. I was a little surprised how calm and well organised everyting was at the airport and on the way to the guest house. I was also struck by how friendly everyone I have met is. And somehow it feels very "normal". It does not feel like a unknown country. Staying at this guest house feels like staying at home with friends (and dogs!)
Ok, I admit I haven't really seen anything yet. But considering the number of hours I have spent here I have seen quite a lot anyhow. As always I seem to be landing running. Already as we shortly landed in Johannesburg on the way here I got a sms about that today is the day of Cape Town Pride and that we should go there. So I landed, took a shuttle to the guest house, had a shower and changed clothes, then my friend came and we went for lunch and then to the pride party. So, you can say I have seen something. Met a lot of nice people and seen the most fabulous transvestites.  I like this place! Among all, and what firsts struck me and what I have missed since I left Brazil is the colours! Finally I get to see colours again!! I love it!!
Looking forward to see more tomorrow! And the coming two weeks!