Apparently is also popular among the eThekwini municipality. That song played over and over again at the International Translator's Day Celebration at City Hall. One of my co-workers and I served as delegates from the HRC, and we attended the day-long event together. The program included various traditional and contemporary dance performances, short skits, speeches, and musical numbers. Each performance highlighted an official language, and the keynote speaker stressed the importance of linguistic pluralism in eThekwini (the city of Durban).
Friday evening, Amanda and I had dinner on "trendy" Florida Road, and stopped off at the youth hostel she had stayed in when first ariving in South Africa. The hostel reminded me of a cheesy movie set: bright colors, empty bottles, a random pool table sitting outside, and 15 "30-somethings" from all over Europe and Africa bopping to the strangest mix of techno and reggae I had ever heard. The bartender sang along... it was hillarious.
Saturday included a trip to Essenwood market, where we perused countless arts and crafts and marveled at the different street performers. The weather was perfect, and I ended the day with some grocery shopping at Woolies and a nice evening beside the pool at the B&B.
Sunday marked the centennial commemoration of the founding of 'Satyagraha,' Gandhi's philosophy for nonviolent resistance. I attended a celebration at the cricket stadium where I recieved a commemorative T-shirt and cap :) Again, there was lots of Zulu dancing, as well as bharata natyum and some western performances. Many youths attended the celebration with Indian and South African flags attached to their caps. The Indian Prime Minister attended as well.
Following the ceremony, I looked through the market in the CBD (central business district). The weather was perfect, and there was quite a variety of merchandise: Levis jeans, fake Prada and Gucci, traditional arts and crafts. Something for everyone! :)
I'm back at work now, researching for two different files so our provincial manager can decide whether the HRC should represent the complainants. I'm learning a lot about research as well as strategy. I'm sure it will prove an interesting week.
Cheers.