Grahamstown and the Forest Visit that almost killed me

Beef jerky

An olive tree in the garden started by a high school teacher.

School Bus

High school students who went with us to the forest

The man who asked explained the importance of the forest in Xosha.

Mrs. Ketchum becoming one with the forest.

What we did:  We traveled to Grahamstown, South Africa to visit Rhodes University where we listened to a lecture about biodiversity from Michelle Cocks.  We visited a local high school and observed as a level 12 class was taught on ecosystems.  I toured the garden that the university and the science teacher have been working together to create.  Finally we hiked straight down the mountain to commune with nature in the forest.  Going down was hard because I thought I might fall, but going up was excruciating because I thought I was going to need to be airlifted up out of there.  Nothing like a hike straight up the side of a mountain to let you know how out of shape you are.

What I know:  The Xosha people believe that they can communicate with their ancestors in the forest.  They also believe in healing properties of the plants from the forest.  They make sedge mats and grass brooms to use in rituals and ceremonies.  They use fungus for cosmetic reasons and to have dreams to communicate with the ancestors.

What I think:  The Xosha people history correlates to the Native America people's history in many ways.  The Xosha people are at risk of destroying their forest by over collecting from the resources there.  Just like America the traditional customs and beliefs  are not being handed down or practiced by the younger generations.