A pendulum of great vibes, swinging in the yield of Spring.

Happy Anniversary Quig and Charlie! Ten years, solid. <3

In the transition of Spring, I have returned from yet another great weekend adventuring. Saturday was a day of immense rain. I thought the windows were going to cave in. I can successfully say that I spent the entire day reading and catching up on some homework, even though that’s all I feel like I do during the week. Oh, well.

Although, Earth Dance was all weekend (25-27) we could only make it Saturday night into Sunday. Fighting the rain and the clouds on our back, we drove from Cape Town, through a carbon dioxide tunnel and into what some claim as another realm. “The light at the end of the tunnel” did actually emerge between conversations and the warmth of each other crammed into Shale’s Toyota. Arriving around roughly, 11 p.m. our wrists were wrapped in a kool-aid blue bracelet at the entrance, searched for glass bottles (Earth Dance supports and actively promotes the idea of an eco-friendly environment which consequently linked to my International Politics lecture today). Amidst the rain and the copious amounts of strangers that collaborate in the dark, storm fronted campsite, the energy that was leaking from the transmissive beats, bass tones, and subtleties of trance music was a kinetically charged quantum.

Those times when you feel confused or lost or numb you have to remember that there are layers of yourself you haven’t hit yet- a metaphorical onion- sure there are going to be parts of yourself that you are going to be upset over, but the other layers unravel in a versatility unimaginable. Be an onion, even if you are stinky sometimes- it’s always worth it in the end.

Sadly, I was experiencing a piercing and idling migraine where my eyes felt so swollen and sensitive that I was succumbed to the tent the entire night. I took comfort in the fact that the next day was going to be a crazy connection with others and a time of spiritual realization. And to my relief, it was. A lot of people carry stereotypes about trance music and what it represents, claiming that it is too “repetitive” or that it all sounds the same. That’s the thing; many don’t take enough time to pick it apart. It’s the type of music that makes you think and ties in with the layering idea. Trance music represents that idea perfectly. Once you take the time to pick apart the different sound layers you hear the deconstructed messages strategically placed within the tracks and it literally puts you in a state of mind where you find that core of yourself. It makes you move and feel its presence right away, gunning your knees forward or making connections with perfect strangers whom you woke up that morning not knowing of their existence yet you stand lost in a crowd and this relationship that carries as strong of a bond as you would have with a decade long friend.

We woke up around 7 am with all our concentration going towards the dance floor. Missioning over with a beer in hand and some water in the other the dance party started. Before I knew it, it was noon and we had been dancing for 5 hours, but once you get lost into that realm, it is very difficult to break away. We eventually did find ourselves quite on the hungry side and venturing back to the camp to make some fruit salad. And then back again for more dancing.

Overall, the trance party was more than I what I thought it was going to be. Even though my mind was pretty open to anything that came along, there were still something’s that I still thought that would “define” trance. And I find myself, after returning home still struggling to really give a “definition” of trance or the essence that it carries. Almost emulating a religion, the type of following is devote, worshipping and carries a sense of pride. As I am fully embracing, everything is contextual- so of course, what I find exciting and alluring may or may not seem such that way to others. So let it be known, that this is my opinion and in no way should anyone take it as a matter of fact.

As another week molds into the concrete shape of work and seriousness, I am demonized by papers, reading, research and gasp! more writing. I am destined to go hiking this weekend; the forecast has already promised me good weather so if it does not follow through, I will be upset. Ahh.

I’ve posted the good pictures of Earth Dance on facebook, so if you aren’t on facebook, feel free to e-mail me so I can pass some along. I’m trying to conserve bandwidth.

Cheerio!
Mel

Burn Afrika, but leave Tankwa Town behind.

Spring break came and left as always, too quickly. The first few days, it was a relaxing wind down from writing paper after paper and reading article after article. Nothing worth writing home about.

Although, I did go to AfrikaBurn 2009, embarking on the journey Wednesday morning and beaconing home sometime Saturday.I must admit, I have grown relatively lazy on writing in this blog because I have so many other things to write. It always seems that I am writing SOMETHING. So in defense of the genre, I hereby am guilty of self-plagiarism for this post will be a repercussion of a a blog post about AfrikaBurn I wrote for my Print Production class. Forgive me!? All in all, when I have the creative concepts going again, I will return with fresh, un-published material. Haha.

Enjoy the post and the pictures <3
**MEL

AFRIKABURN 2009
$: R350
When: 09-13.09.2009
Where: Tankwa Town, Karoo
www.afrikaburn.com
TIME- 09-13.09.2009 was the theme carried on for the event known as AfrikaBurn. Modeled after the American burning man, AfrikaBurn brings a community and participatory essence to South Africa.
Making 2009 its third year, AfrikaBurn stands for a cooperation of human kind, isolated in the desert and beautified with the key elements to what it means to have dignity, respect, creative juice and a peace of mind. Free of judgment and ridicule, AfrikaBurn gives one time to express themselves in a realm otherwise covered up by the ills of society.
“…a place to collaborate, cooperate & contribute to our collectively created experience… an opportunity to invent the world anew… to generate a culture… a connective environment… to be idealistic & celebratory… to have fun… this town may be temporary, but we hope the experience stays with you… this is an invent rather than an event…”
Spring break in America means hitting the beaches of Cancun, exploring the coast of Southern Cali or just really venturing to someplace warm and sunny and getting wasted with your friends. While that sounds like a nice little week off from college, it begins to feel routine and overrated. This invent as AfrikaBurn deems the event gives people not just a time to get away from the formalities of society but also a time to create something to bring back from this temporary space and intertwine the aspects into everyday life.
We left Wednesday around noon- embarking on this three-hour journey was something of a mystery to me. Carrying with the theme of time, we left our cell phones, our watches and just any electronical piece at home. It was a disconnect from technology and a time to enhance a time where you can really, truly find yourself, connect with humanity, and express yourself in a free and open environment without the harsh judgment or stress of reality.
Lost in the Karoo desert of Tankwa Town, AfrikaBurn provided you with that escaped sense of self, that ideal essence of being where you could connect with a simplistic symphony of ideas and creativity. Having Spring break in September is a cool benefit from studying abroad, but being lost in the desert for 4 days is even a larger benefit. I chose to bring this to our Around the Corner blog so that people can see how cool of an experience it is, so that they can venture into the invent next year.
As a giving community, AfrikaBurn prohibits any monetary exchange and that idea is really stressed on. You don’t have to get your keys or your ID card in order to go someplace, you just need your two feet and your brain. Having an open mind is probably one of the largest things to carry with you at all times; without it, the Karoo isn’t right for you. Since we all lived together in this abyss of communal entity, we ended up using that idea of giving, trading our neighbors for some cheese in exchange for eggs, beer for water, fire for coffee. The exchanges were always fair and it always meant that you could meet and talk with someone completely new.
Cascaded with an explosion of collaborative creativeness, AfrikaBurn was circled around with structures and sculptures that made you just stop in awe and think about why they stood there and what impact they had on your life. ‘The Wish’ was a large white, wooden structure that took semblance to that of Epcot Center in Disney World except for the idea that it had nothing to do with space but more of finding what you truly wish for in life. Created by Brendan Smithers and the Upsetters it honors Welcome Nombila who lost his life in July 2009. It has been apart of AB since last years invent. No matter where you go around the site, you can see ‘The Wish’ which puts this on your mind and makes it a permanent backdrop in your stay.
Other art that was shared was, The Paranoid Android, Memory, Spiral Time Peace, Devoid of Fridge Poetry, Art on a Blank Canvas, The Triple Bypass, Timeless DNA, Half Past Nine, Shipwrecked at AfrikaBurn—Buried in the Sands of Time, etc. Each piece of art carried its own deep connection with time and why it is important to have displayed at AB.
Other than art, AB had themed camps that were set up along the outside of the site, surrounding the art. The theme camps included The Silent Cinema where you could watch a range of classic, antique, silent and rare films. Burning Mail where you can send post to your family and friends. Heart Space where you can go and relax, recharge, rejuvenate and be inspired. The Homeless Hotel which had six hammocks made from 2 litre plastic bottles suspended in a circular design with a fire at night and a portable pool filled with plastic bottles and balls.
Recycle and re-use is a common aspect of the festival. The site is a leave no trace site, making sure you leave with what you have brought. This allows for the desert to be left in the same state that we arrived in and gives respect to Mother Earth.
The variety that is around AB is incredible. It gives you a sense of the diversity that we often forget in a busy, urbanized world. This differentiation is something to carry with you no matter where you are, whom you are with or what you are doing in life. Having a tight grasp on being kind and open is crucial in understanding the order of the world.
So with this all being said, go to AfrikaBurn next year if you have never gone. Get a group of your friends, hire a car, a tent, a sleeping bag and a bunch of food (don’t forget the beer!) and go have the time of your life. I know I did. And I also know that what I learned at this invent will always be with me and it stands as somewhat indescribable, making it that much more valuable.

08/09/2009

I leave for Afrika Burn tomorrow morning, with only what I can carry in my JanSport, a sleeping bag and a tent. I haven’t updated in about two weeks—so let me try and recall what I have been doing.

1. I shaved my head, in the sake of redefining beauty, liberation and for a journalism project.
2. I have learned that you can’t depend on anything but who you are and what you want to become, in order to be happy.
3. I’ve done a lot of cooking the last two weeks- concoctions with avos, tomatoes, cheese, eggs (sometimes, always whites) and some bread.
4. I’ve been trying to get out more- to see more things. I’ve been using my camera a lot more lately, going out specifically to take nice shots and learning how to edit them. Another aspect of journalism that keeps my creative juices soaring.
5. I’m learning more about myself than I ever thought was possible.

After I got my head shaved ( which when I get home, I have a great video of it all ) we ventured in Obz to try and find cool places to hang out in. We discovered some interesting used book stores, the first second hand clothing shop I’ve seen, bunches of java junctions and cafes- If you’re from Albany, Obz is like Lark St., minus Bomber’s and The Shining Star). I encountered this really great find, called Ska, apparently a chain hippie style-clothing store in Obz as well as on Long St. After shaving my head, which the woman who did the deed was fascinated that I wasn’t intoxicated and that I had a legitimate reason for doing it—I found some great head scarf’s at Ska that help my already existing Bohemian-isk style. With some expectation, I did not get the greatest of reactions for cutting it all off, but mostly and what surprised me the most was when girls from my lectures who had seen my hair the length it was before to now, would come up to me and tell me how much they admired what I did and which they could pull it off or have the courage to part with it. I heard rumor that something along those lines happens, but I was utterly shocked when someone actually did approach me—all in all, I think about ten girls complimented me. Which proved my point a little bit more. And it made me feel that every woman really should just shave it all off- it’s such liberation a sense of who you are and a fail proof people filter. Autumn was 100% right when she told me that you’ll get the people that are interested in you not just for how you look, but for what you have to say. I’ve been meeting more interesting people in the last two weeks and the perspective I have now, has revolutionized whatever I thought before.

I went to The Assembly at some point in the last two weeks. It’s a local art/music/bar venue where cool upcoming bands play and you can dance or sit and chill. One of my favorite Friday/Saturday night places because the drinks are cheap and the music is always pretty decent. The last time we went, The Toxic Avengers were playing and it was a sweat fest. I’ve never danced so intensely where my clothes felt like the were embedded into my skin- and I only had 1 drink the entire time so I knew it wasn’t because I was drunk, it was because the music was making me move and dance and feel their vibes. I love how music can bring people together on so many interesting and creative levels.

I went to the Townships again. I saw District 9. I found a park. And I found my favorite place on UCT to sunbathe between classes. And realized that I can go the entire day at UCT without shoes on, gorgeous.

This week at my tutoring section it was a shame, my entire section which was sports didn’t show up. I was bummed to say the least, but I helped out the other sections and kind of just floated. One of our learneres, Thumeka Hoga handed us her poems that she copied for us so that we can publish them in our home papers. Her insight is amazing for her age. Her style and even her structure is so advanced for having no formal education in language or poetry.

This is just one of the ones she handed me, one of my favorites:

You’ll Never Know

You’ll never know how strong is a tea bag
Until you put it in hot tea water.
You’ll never know…
The scent of a rose,
Until you smell or crush it.
You’ll never know
If you are doing it overdone,
Until you are told.
You’ll never know
How beautiful is gold,
Until you burn the dirty rock,
Which holds the element.
You’ll never know
If you head won’t crush
And if you become a solider
You’ll never know
How if feels to be a corpse,
Until you die.
You’ll never know
How it is to be a liar,
Until you lie
You’ll never know
How it is to be him
Until you fit in his shoes.
You’ll never know…

Her insight has left me completely stunned as I read these poems on my couch. I was just aside from myself. I used to write a lot of poetry when I was her age and my notebooks contain nothing his profound and she reminds me of myself and I guess this where I begin to feel age kicking in. So real.

What her poems say to me is that she is just a lost in life as everyone else and that you can’t know anything until you are in the exact moment- making you never judge anyone or anything until you’ve been there.

Going back two weeks is kind of a lot of time to recall everything, which means I should write more in order to remember but I’ve been taking some time away from everything and concentrating on just what needs to get done.

The sun is shining right now, which is good because it’s been a stream of fierce rain the last two days, a great kick off to spring break! Haha.

I will have tons to write on in Afrika Burns, which you can just Google in order to find more about it. It should be one of the best times that I will have while I’m here, or at least that’s what I’m hoping. In December, I’m planning a road trip in the Garden Route in order to go bungee jumping and make friend with some elephants.

You know you’re in Z.A. when you walk out of the coffee place on campus and there is a baboon perched on top the rubbish bins, eating away in glory and instilling fear on every student that sees him. Clusters of people were circled around this almost invisible fence between themselves and the baboon—watching in amazement as he eats our old banana peels and crisp bags.
I discovered the V&A Waterfront, had some coffee, shopped a bit… Yesterday we went to the Canal Walk, the best mall in CT. We were on a mission for a sleeping bag and tent for Afrika Burn but needless to say, we couldn’t afford to get all of it, but luckily our friend Shale was nice enough to lend us his sleeping bags and tent for the week. Without that it would have been tight budget to get the equipment. There are going to a lot of outdoor parties and braais from here on until May because it’s starting to get warmer and people are starting to get as stir crazy as we get in Upstate in March. The entire city is getting ready for the World Cup so most of the highways and commercial looking buildings are under construction and it makes you think about proud this country is for having visitors. They are very hospitable and very welcoming to people who come and appreciate Zud Afrika for what it truly is and for what is had to offer in the world.

They are right when they say that it takes almost three months to feel home. And it’s starting to get that way but at the same time, I also am starting to discover even more of this country and the beauty is that you never really stop discovering, no matter where you are or what you decide to do with your life.

Wish me luck in the desert!

Cheers.
Mel