South Africa has 49 million inhabitants. Many landed in the country as part of the slave trade generations ago. The rich international influence from India, Asia, Europe and different parts of Africa is seen in food, architecture and language, particularly in Cape Town. The Xhosa language is major African language there, and it includes five different clicking sounds. In the year 2010 the World Cup will be hosted by South Africa and the population during that time is expected to double. They're making plans.

During Peter’s visit we went to Market Theatre in Johannesburg before setting out across the country and saw a performance entitled, “Shirley Goodness and Mercy,” an autobiography about a national film personality that starred in the show. It was about growing up in the Apartheid years from the perspective of being “coloured,” described by the writer as, “not as low as being black and not has high as whites, but somewhere in-between.” It was set in Soweto, the huge black township near Johannesburg and gave great insight to this culture. Peter and I had dinner at Gramadoelas beforehand a place to spot dignitaries and celebrities and eat authentic South African food. We took a picture and sat a table away from the Dutch ambassador.

This weekend my neighbors will get together, as is our tradition now, on Shabbat or Motzei Shabbat; anywhere between 15 to 25 of us not counting children gather for dinner and fellowship. Friday night is the thirty-fifth day in this biblical festival season leading to Pentecost. It will be one our last times together as my time is coming to a close and I'm making plans. I return to the states on March 23rd!