For the last couple weeks we've been exploring South Africa.  We have eaten South African food, played games, researched animals, located major landmarks on our maps, watched biographies and movies about Steven Biko ("Cry Freedom"--a really good film!) and Nelson Mandela, gone on safari, and lots more!

Some things we didn't know about South Africa:

• The newly united country of South Africa appears to be very different than it was 15 years ago.  After the end of apartheid, and the election of Nelson Mandela to the presidency, the country has come a long way.  I'm astonished at how quickly it changed, and that the genocide of Rwanda was not repeated.  I have questions yet unanswered about how the government is going about preventing retaliation for years of abuse and oppression.
• South Africa has FIVE official languages.
• The South African national anthem is generally sung in five different languages, and it has two different melodies that are merged together.  About ten years ago, the traditional anthem was joined with the popular anthem to create one song, a symbol of a country that was becoming united into one. You can here it here.
• South Africa is the primary exporter of gold and diamonds in the world . . . as in more than half come from South Africa!

I have been totally captivated by this country!  Maybe the kids eyes are starting to glaze over as I get yet another documentary or biography on it, but I'm still full of questions!  Nevertheless, tomorrow we're off to Kenya!

(Photo above is of our South African meal: Boboti, Mealie Bread, and Sweet Potato Fritters.  You can see more photos of our explorations at our Flickr site.)