Ahh the minibus. How I will miss the sounds of strange men screaming “Wyberg??” at me as I walk down Main Street once I get back.

Introductions

Well let’s start from the beginning, what is a minibus? For those without their own set of wheels, it is the most affordable mode of transportation in Cape Town. Although there is much competition, which includes: cabs, the bus, the train, or walking. The minibus, unlike cabs, trains and other modes of transportation, usually includes someone screaming out the window at you, a trust payment system, and mainly a lot of people squeezing into a van. While I usually take the train to work, just three weeks back, I took a work related trip – as my opportunity to use the minibus system on my own.

Here is my story

Since I have a weekly train pass, I first took the train to Wynberg, a bustling station surrounded by malls and shops, busy passersby’s, sidewalk vendors, and office buildings. I walk towards the Minibus hub where 15-20 minibuses lined up for the chance to take customers to their desired destinations. Each row touting the name of the minibus’s route: Cape Town, Hout Bay, Fish Hoek, etc. I go for Hout Bay. I climb into the first van that looks loaded up and jump in. Where’s the driver? I don’t know, hopefully coming soon. I am I for sure going to Hout Bay? I hope so, trusting the sign. How much is it? No idea. So about 5 minutes later, with a full van,  we are moving!

It soon becomes clear by the fact I am so eager to pay once I get into the minibus, that I am newbie. A local Xhosa woman tells me she will let me know when to pay. And when we finally do, everyone hands up his or her money. It passes through several hands as it moves to the front (where the driver is). And for those who need change, the money makes it back to their owners.

Minutes after paying, our already full van,  makes a stop and picks up 3 more men.  The limit is 16 people per van, but eh rules are meant to be broken. They squeeze into the van, leaving me with only room for one thigh. I soon have two choices: hold one thigh in the air or place over the leg of the women next to me. She’s nice and lets me. We then make a stop to let someone else off, which you do by yelling out what street you want to get off at, when nearby.

Unfortunately I have never been to the Hout area and find this tricky. Thankfully once again the same lady helps me. We then make another stop, this time the door comes off the hinges. Me and the other guy nearest to the door exchange glances and move further inland. We make another stop. This time picking up and letting people off at a local township. In this mountainside township, within 20 walking distances of the beach, there is an array of colorful formal and informal houses. Children are just getting off school and wondering home, while adults both active and idle float around the mini town.

Finally, the helpful lady screams out my stop, we are close. How close, I really had no idea, since she couldn’t understand my pronunciation of the cross street, but with faith in my heart, I jump out.

Want to know more about the minibus. Check out these three videos!

https://vimeo.com/16401814

Wish I had saw this video first weeks in SA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSV3ayji9UY

An introduction to the Minibus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsWerywXKBA

A minibus prank

“We have been born into a moment of unprecedented danger and opportunity. Our failure to act is itself a choice. Our purpose here is to build a bridge.The purpose of the bridge is to span the distance between our present situation and our vision of a better world. ”        — Joanna Macy, Common Sense

Being here in South Africa, I’ve learned many lessons. One is that waste is a luxury. In a world where we throw away food (when many don’t have enough), we use water thoughtlessly (when many don’t have even have running water), and whereas we don’t think about who or how our waste is disposed off (since it isn’t us!)…its great to see the innovation in South Africa in regards to how waste is being recycled into income generating products.

Innovation, imagination and survival in South Africa for the poor especially has developed into one of the purest forms of proof that most waste is not waste at all. When going to a Braai  (SA BBQ) place, I noticed women and men selling glass beer bottles that were re-modeled to look as cups. In the same Township, I saw shipping carts transformed into Beauty shops and phone repair spots. I have seen oil cartons made into guitars, tires and buckets made into seats, and jewelry made out of tightly coiled magazine strips.

As I see all this innovation around me, it gives me insight into our future, one with less waste and more joy. Less landfills and more parks. Anyway, its like my Dad said: the concept of trash has never been practical. Its always been just a luxury and now its just plain suicidal.

** Also check out these great photos borrowed from my friend JaVeatrice’s facebook page. She has also been in South Africa for the summer. Thanks JaVe and have a safe trip home!

Some cool websites to check out:

–       http://www.upcyclethat.com/

–       http://www.allwomenrecycling.com/

–       http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com/

–       http://planetsave.com/2011/12/06/10-awesome-independently-run-blogs-for-upcycling-ideas/

Photo thanks to saawinternational.org

People in Slow Food understand that food is an environmental issue.
                                                                                           — Michael Pollan

Well recently, for work, I have been doing research on greener grilling and greener eating. And I have found some interesting insight into how much water we use and consume through every meal. It is shocking actually.  It takes about 31603424 cups of water to raise one cow for human consumption! That’s right, just one.

With this in mind, its becoming easier to see why the words “Water is the new oil,” are beginning to ring true more and more often. To make matters worse, tumultuous weather continues to perform summer strikes across the US, and worldwide, making matters of water scarcity or at least potable water issues likely to increase. Already, water scarcity affects 2.7 billion people for at least one month each year. Therefore it is becoming clear that water is a commodity for which we will have to learn to rethink.

Alas there is hope! Here are some first steps a regular Jane or Joe can do to make a difference concerning water: simply eat better. Yep! Just eat healthier. Specifically I mean add more veggies to the plate, and while you’re at it, work to purchase those vegetables locally. Veggies take less water to grow and bonus: they are good for you. Just by doing this one thing, you can become like a superhero, but you know, you’ll be more like an eco-hero!

To learn more about water consumption, global food consumption and other things, check out these below links!

1) Your water footprint:

April’s food

2) A look at a week’s consumption around the world: http://90by2030.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/food-for-thought/

3) Learn about your water footprint at:

Front Page

Today’s topic is food. I love food. Its one of the best things about traveling. Getting a chance to try something new and delectable is awesome. It also lends one insight into a country, its cultures, and its history bite by bite.

South Africa is definitely a country with a lot on its Smörgåsbord. Food varies from dried fish (snoek) to curry bread bowls to a mashed potato-grit hybrid called Pap (said like pop). The food here is truly a reflection of the many cultures and people’s that gather in this Rainbow nation, with influences from throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

And you know what food is on the mind. People think about food here a lot. The food in the market is usually seasonal, minimizing variety, but providing increased availability of fresh fruit and vegetables.  Also portion sizes are different. Smaller. I grabbed a single size of chips the same size as my camera case. The oversized “do it big” portions that America is known for are pretty much absent here, except at a Braai.

Roosterkoek (image provided by cooksister.com)

What is a Braais you ask? Its Thanksgiving on a grill. An array of sausage, chicken, steak, and beef (or vegetables for those who dont eat meat) come to a fine crisp on the grill. Once off, they are soon served with either Pap and Salsa or Roosterkoek (grilled bread). The Braai is so beloved in South Africa, there’s even a national holiday for it. If you don’t believe me, look it up! (http://braai.com/)

Another interesting aspect of eating in Cape Town is the abundance of vegetarian and Halal (food that follows Islamic dietary guidelines) options. There are usually vegetarian options on the menus in Cape Town. And there seems to be shops that sell Halal goods within many communities.

The only shadow on my Rainbow Nation food tour is that great variety comes with a price. Food is expensive here! Well food from the grocery store anyhow. I can buy a bag of vegetables for about the same price I can buy a meal at some restaurants. While meat and carb laden staples are fairly inexpensive (with 2lbs of rice costing 19R, Pap (small bag) costing 7R, and a loaf of fresh bread being as cheap as 5R), vegetables and fruits can be somewhat costly. Thus moving from the land of big portions and plentitudes of cheap food, to my local Pick n Pay or Woolies supermarket was a bit of a shock to the system.

Well with all comes a silver lining. In my case, the shining light is that now I do not have to feel too guilty about eating out. After all I am saving money!

Wanna make some South African fare yourself? Check out these websites:

1) Want to know about Nelson Mandela’s favorite dish, check this site out:

http://cooking-varieties.blogspot.com/2012/05/umngqusho-recipe-nelson-mandelas.html

2) If you want to try Modern day South African recipes

http://www.foodandthefabulous.com/

3) South African Afrikaans Comfort Food

http://www.cooksister.com/recipes_south_african/

4) Some Real South African Favorites

http://www.whats4eats.com/africa/south-africa-cuisine