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I have always wanted to indulge in reminiscing about my recent visits to South Africa - post February, 1990; until now I have always deferred, until my happening on some pictures this morning and decided to link my recollections with some pics....starting with this one, taken when we were staying with some very good friends in Durban, January, '07.
A visit into the Valley of a Thousand Hills brought us to some very unspoilt area of the erstwhile Natal - now Kwa-Zulu Natal. Beauty of sub-tropical Nature where people tried to re-capture some of the old cultural traditions....a valuable practice for re-enforcing one's cultural identity.
The picture was taken in a 'Reproduction Zulu Village', huts, implements, dress-wear, and the like...all designed to present a 'reality' picture of Life some 300 years ago....These women lived quite ordinary lives in nearby Durban, but they get to this 'Pageant' when it is their turn to put on a demonstration....
Great fun...and a tremendous learning experience...to move among them...and see what life was like...so many years ago. The lasses are of different ages...the one holding the 'stick' near the drum is about 14 yrs old - others are a little older.
Great to be there.......Will post one of the men-folk soon!

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