In which I wander into the Swazi Parliament
Trip Start
May 21, 2003
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2
7
Trip End
May 27, 2003
Ezulwini Valley,
Swaziland
Thursday, May 22, 2003
Ant and Emma told me this morning that they are moving on to another backpackers place, the originally named Swaziland Backpackers, near Manzini. My first thought, completely selfish as it sounds, was, "Yey! I can have the extra blankets off their beds!"
With no particular plan for the day, and no need for one, I wandered outside just to take it all in. The sun was warm on my face and the ground dry and dusty beneath my feet - I couldn't have been happier! Simple pleasures eh? Oh, but it is good to step away from Kids Haven; from Benoni; from South Africa, if only for a while.
And this place is so beautiful - lots of vegetation, the mountains surrounding the valley, the peacefulness in the air..
Swaziland flag
. man, I'll start waxing lyrical if I'm not careful but it's all true. Not wanting any of it to go to waste, I headed out on a walk. Not going anywhere in particular, just turning left down the track and then right at the road. Turns out I walked about 10km through the valley, going as far as Lobamba.
Lobamba is the traditional and legislative capital of Swaziland, seat of the Parliament and residence of the Queen Mother. It is where the two famous Swazi ceremonies (Incwala and the Reed Dance) take place.
On the way, I crossed a bridge over a small river - more of a large stream really - where 3 girls were stood up to their shins washing clothes. I waved at them and walked beyond the bridge until I found a trail leading off to the left away from the road down to the water. With a mountain rising in the distance, I couldn't resist trying to get a photo. I always feel awkward asking, but then I figured, as weird as they might think I am, they can only say 'no' right? They giggled shyly, and there was nothing I could do to stop them posing, but I got my photo. I gave them each a small coin to make up for my odd request, and after a little Zulu-pingpong I left them to return to their washing in peace. I can only really cope with the standard greeting pattern, and then I trail off as my Zulu exhausts itself. Still it's nice to make the effort. And seeing people smile as I unintentionally butcher their language always makes me laugh. Smiling and laughter are universal.
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