Day 22 - Cultural Site Visit (7/16/11)

Sorry folks, today's location is unknown to me as I am sitting here in my room writing this entry. It's really been a long few days here in Harrismith, and the driving has been tough on me. We drive at LEAST 1 1/2 hours one way to get to the places we are going to, so needless to say, I'm exhausted.

Today we visited another cultural site which was similar to yesterday's visit, but only in spiritual matter. The actual site was quite different and a bit more impressive to see. We hiked into a canyon of rocks that housed a number of people within it's large walls. As we got closer, we then discovered that there was a large overhang which created a series of caves for the residents to live under.

This is also similar to yesterday in that the people aren't necessarily coming to these locations for permanent residency, but for their pilgrimage time where they carry out the requests of God or their ancestors. It is quite fascinating, but it seems as though people are abusing these once "spiritual" callings as a way to neglect paying for somewhere to live. According to our guide Stephanie who is doing research on the area, she mentioned that her information has been hard to quantify because the reasoning behind people being there for extended time is now changing.

Regardless, we met a man today who has loved there for 7 years and by no means looks like he's going anywhere. He has built what felt like a little sanctuary under an overhang that felt like something you would see in a movie. Thousands of little rocks created the homes and walls of this dry masonry work and the houses were nestled between. Houses built of thick straw grass and rock paint with a mixture of dirt and cow dung to close up any gaps. This method of covering the house dats back many centuries ago and is typically known as the act of Ditema. This process not only involves covering the house with the mixture, but also decorating the walls with designs carved into it as it is still wet. It is quite impressive.

Unfortunately, the man was charging a fee to take pictures so I have nothing to share via IPad, but don't worry I snapped some on my camera which was a much less obvious method of getting what I needed.

Afterwards we went to lunch at 2:30 and visited a cultural community. It w kind of slow, but still intestine to walk through. I am just now posting all of my entries from a far back as day 7 which makes me laugh that I have been away from real world all this time. Sure love you all for following and hope you've enjoyed thus far :)


- With all my thanks :)

Location:Hmm ...