by James Collins
When I stepped up to the counter at the airport however many days ago, I had this satisfying feeling that I had finally made it. The only thing between me and Africa was a long relaxing flight, and I like flying. But, as I handed over my itinerary, I was informed that my ticket had been revoked due to some malfunction in the reservation system. Questioning what exactly “revoked” meant, I found out that my reservation had somehow been completely cancelled and could not be retrieved. This was a bit disconcerting considering my flight was only two hours away and I was supposed to arrive in South Africa just in time for some meetings at the US embassy and to make it to the Field Band National Championships. Missing this could be a huge problem.
As I stood there nervously watching the attendant fiddle with the computer for about an hour, I wondered if this was somehow a sign that I shouldn’t go. To be honest, I was a bit nervous about leaving everything behind and the thought did cross my mind that maybe I should cancel my grants, stay home, get a job, live life as I know it, etc. I am stronger than that, but I can’t say I felt fully relieved when a ticket somehow found it’s way into my hands and I drifted onto the plane.
The plane ride managed to calm my fears and arriving was actually really exciting. When I walked out of the plane, it sort of hit me that this time I actually did make it. I was on African soil for the first time in my life and a year-long adventure was about to begin. I was shuttled to a beautiful guesthouse in Pretoria and taken to the US embassy the next day for a few introductory meetings. Despite all the stories I had heard about crime, I felt quite secure behind the guard of marines and the billowing American flag in the distance.
When I got to Johannesburg the next day, however, my feelings were a bit different. Joburg can be a pretty intimidating place. There are tall walls with electric fences and barbed wire everywhere. Security guards patrol the streets and crime seems to be a very popular topic of conversation. The first few nights in my bed, I felt a bit like a child waiting for the boogie man to jump over the wall and get me.
But, I adjusted and the boogie man scares me less now. The walls are frustrating because of what they imply, but I’ve gotten used to them. They really highlight the level of disparity between rich and poor. Ferraris, run-down shacks, fancy shopping malls, make-shift bars, mansions and beggars all live within a few meters of each other. It’s very strange, but also fascinating. I’m sure I will have much more to say about this some other day.
Expect a report on the Field Band National Championships very soon! I also promise to spice things up with lots of photos and videos in the very near future. I just need a few minutes to sit down and edit all the material I’ve been gathering. Please also send me comments! Let me know if you have any questions or if you want to see or hear anything in particular. I really want to hear what you have to say.
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The views and information presented are the Fulbright grantee’s own and do not represent the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State.
