Culture Lessons

Stellenbosch is the second oldest city in South Africa. As apart of its legacy, the town has a deeply rooted history as one of the major strongholds of apartheid ideals. During a tour of the some of the oldest parts of town, you could see the in both photos and paintings of the segregation between races. African housing, if they had housing, was simple with few rooms and dirt floors. They often had 10 to 15 individuals living under one roof. Dutch Afrikaners lived in more modest housing with yellow wood flooring and single level homes. The British colonizers had the most elaborate housing with multiple levels and many different rooms.






Food in the Western Cape is fabulous! There is a lot of ostrich, antelope, pork and beef. What is most common here is what is called a braai (pronounced BR-eye). It is about equivalent to an American BBQ. And they grill out about every chance they get down here. Even my friends and I tried our hand, somewhat successfully, at our own braai. We had sausage, burgers and chicken over an open fire. Though, we need some help getting started. Our head student Grant, a native South African, had to help us start the fire. My own cooking down here has improved slightly, if I do say so myself!






Classes are pretty easy and thus far. The homework has been limited to reading and short essays on our thoughts about the readings. I have tests at the end of October and if I don’t get the grade I like on those tests I have a second chance at the tests at the end of November. Afrikaans is currently my most challenging class. The words pretty different than English and pronunciation are difficult. I hope to strengthen my vocabulary over the next few weeks and maybe attempt at posting in Afrikaans. Currently I know only my Ps & Qs, like dankie – THANK YOU & essablief – PLEASE, which are important!