Siren Scares
Apr. 2 – This was the first day I awoke to the sounds of police sirens here. It was a little startling, in these quiet streets, the sound is amazingly loud. I had seen articles about violence against individuals who were out on lockdown in Johannesburg and my mind went to the worst. I’m sure it was a medical emergency, but for a moment, my anxiety spiked.
It wasn’t helped that in the afternoon, a couple people drove to the grocery store, and they were tailed by a police car, before it eventually decided to pass them. It’s very clear we’re foreigners here and sometimes that makes me nervous. I’ve never had any trouble before, and I feel like I shouldn’t be so anxious, but today started with me on edge.
On a more positive note, First Thursdays, a monthly event, on the first Thursday of every month, centred around access to the arts, such as art galleries and cultural attractions that are open to the public until late. Obviously, we couldn’t participate in this, but I crafted a 20 minute colouring challenge, to see how far we could get with an elephant.
It was nice that my housemates were all so happy to participate. I think having these creative outlets are the only thing keeping me sane.
Sans Sandee 