However, there was still one big ugly mess that we did have to clean up: last group project for grad school eeeever! We were planning to head to jo-berg on Sunday for Passover, but on Saturday we were given a 30 minute warning to pack our bags and head to the city. Needless to say, our group was a little disgruntled that we were leaving before the project was finished. However, seeing as they live in Africa too, they totally understand the African way of life.
In jo-berg we stayed with Ilene’s boyfriend’s family- who are amazing for taking care of us, letting us stay with them, chauffeuring us around, and providing a couch (you have no idea how much we miss a couch. You don’t know what you have until its gone). Our first day there, we went to a flea market and African crafts fair. Four hours later, we found ourselves drowning in our own purchases. Don’t worry, they weren’t all for ourselves. But being a consumer felt guiltily amazing. The market had goods from traditional African paintings and baskets and jewelery, clothing, purses, all the way to spices and dried meats. The adjacent flea market had goods from India, Ghana, vintage clothing, and antique collectables.
This is Ayla dripping in vintage attire:
That night we had a very special moment where we got to lie on the couch and watch a weird Samuel l. Jackson movie. Aaaaaaaah. So good. Then in the morning, we got another special treat with a stand up shower. Aaaaaah. So good. That night was the first night of Passover, and while we felt right at home, there were many things that were quite different Like eating a hillel sandwhich with lettuce instead of maror. Or sprinkling cinnamon and sugar on your matzah balls. And don’t forget the weird hagaddah book we used that explained how there were actually 200 plagues. Don’t ask. But being surrounded by our (now) extended family, eating til we burst, and celebrating our jewhood, we felt grateful. Then the next day we did it all over again (dai-enu!).
So interesting note about Johannesburg (aka Jo-berg), it is the largest man-made forest in the world! See for yourself… what you are looking at is johannesberg- bet you cant see it!
On Wednesday morning our host graciously drove us back to Botshabelo. Home, sweet home. That night we put on our own seder for some of the older kids to learn about our tradition. It was our first attempt ever at making matzah ball soup- and it wasn’t pretty. Where is a bubby when you need her? April fools is a really big deal here, so in the morning, Marion told us our food made everyone sick. We are still trying to figure out if that is a joke or not. We are investigating everyone who attended and getting different answers. Hmmmmm. Yet as payment, Marion says we must cook them another meal. Hmmmmmm. Now it is a rainy and yucky Thursday afternoon. And all we want is a couch.
(this is not Ilene at Passover being an orthodox jew, it is her the night of the vigil for the funeral)
Ayla and Ilene
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