Photo post

 So, first, I want to thank everyone who responded to my previous post. I have had some insightful exchanges and discussions about the issues that have been on my mind. These conversations have helped me put development work in perspective, and I very much appreciate it. I'm not necessarily closer to knowing what I want to do come this fall, but we're getting there. As they say in Swaziland, kancane kancane. Bit by bit.

These are photos from a hike Walker and I did yesterday in northern Hhohho region, near Jack's place. We came across a fire tower, and Babe Sibandze, the fire watchman, let us climb up inside and take a look. The hand-cranked alarm is in the photo below. You probably can't tell, but there's a Star of David in the center of the circle. That made us curious about where the alarm came from. Any thoughts?

Babe Sibandze, pictured below, has been keeping watch for fires for 40 years.

Below that are photos from my recent trip to Cape Town with Jor and her dad. We had an amazing time. We stayed at a place called Olaf's in Sea Point, just outside of downtown Cape Town. We were able to take public transport most places we wanted to go (70 cents for a ride > $15 for a daylong tourist bus pass).

We did a daylong winery tour, and we had sundowner cocktails with the rich and trendy set in Camps Bay. And I drew a heart on the beach. You gotta draw a beach heart when the opportunity presents itself!

I was able to run on the beach in the morning, and the sunrise shot from that is below as well. We also visited the gorgeous botanical gardens and Green Market Square, where tourists buy lovely things.

Cape Town is amazing. If you have the opportunity, please go. It is glorious.