Last night there was a dramatic African thunderstorm, with lots of lightning and thunder. I love them.
After an early breakfast I headed to the Anglican Cathedral, the centrepiece of Grahamstown, and linked directly to the University entrance.
The service was very very interesting to a lifetime Anglican. At the back of the cathedral was a group of black youngsters manning about 5 or so marimbas. I wanted a pic, but they were gone so fast at the end of the service so no pic. I took some pics in the church, as I was a chorister in the Cathedral choir, and got married there.The service began with a very talented music director trying to teach the congregation a Zhosa song. Bear in mind that many Africans can't speak Xhosa. It was not easy!! This is the new South Africa. Anglican churches in Canada, and some parts of South Africa have an elderly congregation. Not here: kids, teenagers, adults, and the aged like me. Lots of black ministers, choir members and congregation members of course. Good to see. The music was a mixture of traditional Anglican hymns ( with gorgeous pipe organ of course), and the Xhosa songs were unaccompanied, led vocally by the choir director from the microphone. There was no choir today. It was lovely to see the diversity here, and it would be lovely to see that in Canada too. I totally support diversity in South Africa and Canada. The marimba group did an excellent job accompanying parts of the liturgy....very upbeat and positive. I never got a chance to congratulate them.
After the service I tried to call Scotiabank again to get them to unlock my bank account. I succeeded but it was very stressful after many attempts. I got a few supplies from Checkers, went to take pics of Jan Smuts House where I dwelt for many years as a resident, Adamson House, and Cory House. I popped a pic of the Great Hall, and the Students Union, now Bantu Stephen Biko Hall. Apparently the university is doing well as a multicultural institution in South Africa, but I hear the music department cannot attract students, and is now very small. The Grahamstown municipality is bankrupt, and the town is totally deserted on Saturdays and Sundays. A few places are open here and there. I came home, slept, tired from walking, and hope I can rent a car tomorrow!! Also I got to Skype with Matthew, my son, Ashley and Fynnley ( grandchildren)
Inside Grahamstown Anglican cathedral, for the service this morning.
The Great Hall ( above) where dances and graduations used to take place.
Above: Cory house, where I was a resident
Jan Smuts house, where I was a resident and student leader.
The students Union building, and below students relaxing on Sunday morning.
After an early breakfast I headed to the Anglican Cathedral, the centrepiece of Grahamstown, and linked directly to the University entrance.
The service was very very interesting to a lifetime Anglican. At the back of the cathedral was a group of black youngsters manning about 5 or so marimbas. I wanted a pic, but they were gone so fast at the end of the service so no pic. I took some pics in the church, as I was a chorister in the Cathedral choir, and got married there.The service began with a very talented music director trying to teach the congregation a Zhosa song. Bear in mind that many Africans can't speak Xhosa. It was not easy!! This is the new South Africa. Anglican churches in Canada, and some parts of South Africa have an elderly congregation. Not here: kids, teenagers, adults, and the aged like me. Lots of black ministers, choir members and congregation members of course. Good to see. The music was a mixture of traditional Anglican hymns ( with gorgeous pipe organ of course), and the Xhosa songs were unaccompanied, led vocally by the choir director from the microphone. There was no choir today. It was lovely to see the diversity here, and it would be lovely to see that in Canada too. I totally support diversity in South Africa and Canada. The marimba group did an excellent job accompanying parts of the liturgy....very upbeat and positive. I never got a chance to congratulate them.
After the service I tried to call Scotiabank again to get them to unlock my bank account. I succeeded but it was very stressful after many attempts. I got a few supplies from Checkers, went to take pics of Jan Smuts House where I dwelt for many years as a resident, Adamson House, and Cory House. I popped a pic of the Great Hall, and the Students Union, now Bantu Stephen Biko Hall. Apparently the university is doing well as a multicultural institution in South Africa, but I hear the music department cannot attract students, and is now very small. The Grahamstown municipality is bankrupt, and the town is totally deserted on Saturdays and Sundays. A few places are open here and there. I came home, slept, tired from walking, and hope I can rent a car tomorrow!! Also I got to Skype with Matthew, my son, Ashley and Fynnley ( grandchildren)
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