Those eyes (Knysna township trip)

Had a very interesting day touring the Knysna townships which lie on the hill overlooking the town. Quite fascinating actually. I joined local professional photographer Ian Fleming and 8 other photographers for a tour of the townships -- a wealth of photographic opportunities.

A few more images over here

The thing which got to me the most were the eyes of the people we met. I couldn't really decide which face to post here, there were so many candidates to choose from, but I chose this boy as something about him leaped out at me. I might have to combine another image with this one and come back and post it, as the faces were so alive in most of the people that it was heart warming to be amongst them.

We also got to enjoy one of the best lunches I have had in a long time at a restaurant in the township located above the owner's house. Another surprise as I was rather apprehensive of eating in the township (after a previous experience in Fiji) but I need not have worried. The food was delicious and everything spotless.

I often convert images like this to B&W but I felt like posting this image pretty much as it came out of the camera.

I might as well also repeat the story that my son (Viggo) came home from school with (my kids are going to a local school for the time we are here):

Viggo: "Dad, do you know that only whites are allowed at my school"

Me (rather surprised at him): "Really .... what about your best friend (who is obviously not white)"

Viggo (impatiently): "Just because someone has got a brown skin does not mean that he is not white on the inside".

Me: "So how do you tell someone who is not white then"

Viggo (after a long pause): "it is very hard to tell. I think that Mommy used to know .. there is a question that you need to ask, but I don't know it".

I LOVE that my kids have no idea of discrimination.