Comments on: Book Introduces South Africa

By: Steven Otter

Steven Otter — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:59:28 +0000

Thanks pen4hire, I never really think about things like that – a lot of visitors to Cape Town have tracked me down one way or another and my wife and I have taken them into Khaya. The more people who go there the better so we really don’t mind! Have a great day – spring is in the air here in Cape Town and I think I’ll probably climb the mountain a little later!
Steve.

By: pen4hire

pen4hire — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:55:18 +0000

Hi Steven: Just wanted you to know that I passed your contact info on to Dave, but didn’t think it was a good idea to let your phone number hang out here for everyone to see.

By: Steven Otter

Steven Otter — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:13:39 +0000

Thanks Vera and Dave that feels good (!), but it is more of an honour for me to hear your views. I’ll look around the Library in the next few days! Dave, yes that is something you find across most cultures in SA. My first night ever in Khaya, years before I moved in, I slept in my friend Chris’ bed while he and his 8-months pregnant wife slept on the floor. At first I protested, but he said it was rude to disagree with his culture! I still have a very long way to go, but I have learnt a lot from these kinds of incredible displays of humanity.
I have never been into the Knysna township, but your story makes me want to go – perhaps I’ll drop in in December.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:07:40 +0000

Hi Steven – thanks for writing such a great book. It encouraged me to look beyond the commercial township tours.

In Knysna, I arranged an impromptu homestay in what is suppose to be the country’s biggest Rastafarian community (which of course, was in the middle of a township). The hospitality I experienced from my host, Brother Paul, was wonderful. He even offered me his own bed while he slept in a tent with his relative in the unfinished part of the home.
Dave´s last blog ..A Dead Bat In Paraguay by Roosh Vörek

By: pen4hire

pen4hire — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:17:35 +0000

Steve: Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting to Dave here. Hope you looked around A Traveler’s Library while you were here. We are honored to have you visit.

Vera

By: Steven Otter

Steven Otter — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:52:13 +0000

Hi David, thanks for a wonderful read, I really enjoyed your post. As the author of the book you have written about I am extremely pleased that you appreciated it. I still see all my friends in the book so next time you’re in our wonderful country feel free to contact me on [phone number removed by moderator]. My best friend Ta-fumsa has also set up a tour company where visitors accompany him into TR Informal Settlement on public transport and he offers accommodation to those who want to spend a bit longer there, living with him in his shack. But if you come back I will be sure to take you into Khaya myself.

Yours,

Stevovo.

By: Darcy

Darcy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:07:22 +0000

I’d just like to say that I’ve been reading Dave’s blog for nearly two years now and whilst this book doesn’t really sound like it would particularly make me want to travel, it does sound like a great insight into the real culture of the place. Thankyou!
Darcy´s last blog ..What’s In My Bag? School Edition

By: Alexandra

Alexandra — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:41:18 +0000

This book sounds very unusual. David’s write-up made me want to read it. Ever since Cry The Beloved Country forty-something years ago, I have found South Africa fascinating. Recently we had B&B guests from South Africa, who moved, with regret, because of the crime. People say it is so beautiful. Know I will never get there, so thanks for the tip.

By: jessiev

jessiev — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:33:40 +0000

fascinating – i’d love to read this. THANK YOU!