Great people

I've met some wonderful people I wish I could bring home. Barrack is the security manager in our building. He came from the Congo for work. His country has been at war for 30 years, leaving no job opportunities. He started as a security guard in the dangerous Woodstock area of Cape Town and also washed cars on the street. He shares an apartment with several men, and there's not much money left after rent and food. His outlets are running and church. Jim and I took him out for a drink. Barrack joined me for a non-alcoholic beer. We invited him to stay for dinner, but he wanted to go home. We got him "takeaway" for him and his roommates. He was grateful.

A young woman works at a spa and resides in one of the townships near Cape Town. She mentioned that she is a proud colored woman, which signifies being of mixed race. I informed her that the term "colored" would be considered offensive and racist in the US. However, here, colored people take great pride in their identity. She has aspirations to travel and is contemplating working on a cruise ship, but she needs funds to complete her training.

I encountered a beautiful woman at a hotel. She worked as a massage therapist and received her training from a hospitality company. This company trains South African women to enhance their skills, enabling them to support themselves and their families.

We found an incubator (very well done) on the harbor. Artists display their products. Many are made by women in villages, coordinated by the artist. I bought a sweater designed by an African woman, Diana Seboke. I had it shipped and hope it beats me home!