h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

“Cry, The Beloved Country” is a great film. I read the book so long ago that I had forgotten much of the detail of the story. Watching the DVD last night was a reminder of the long-ingrained social acceptance of white supremacy in South Africa – amongst the whites if not the blacks.

And of course, the juxtaposition of the evils of discrimination and the stunningly beautiful landscapes are the crux of the film. One so inexplicable (to me at least) and the other so breath-taking in its delight.

It’s worth a look, if only as a reminder that generations of prejudice cannot be swept away in just a decade or two. No wonder Africa is still a mess.

Food for thought...
Fb

Dear Fb,

I was at a school in South Africa where Alan Paton, the author of Cry the beloved country was a geat friend of our headmistress. We were privileged therefore to have him come on a Sunday evening and read us extracts from his book.

I am afraid thast I dsagree with you about the change in South Africa. I think it is absolutely extraordinary that a country which was so divided along racial lines could have had such a peaceful transition. I always thought there would be a veritable blood bath. However, the entire thanks for the peaceful transition to black majority rule is due to to that most remarkable man Nelson Mandela. I worte a tribute to him on his 90 th birthday which appeared a few months ago.

there is so much that is good in South africa. I prefer to concentrate on all the positive things. Sure there are people who exploit others, but on the whole, the African is a very peacable loving person and I really count myself fortunate in having been brought up in that atmosphere.

Hope you are keeping well.

With affection

Christiane.
also Ran80

Oh sorry, Christiane. I wasn't refering to South Africa specifically - but Africa as a whole. Zimbabwe was in my mind as I typed.

I am delighted that South Africa is relatively peaceful

Thanks fb

I would agree with you about Zim. And yet I lived for 21 glorious years there.

It is tragic what power does to people. Then when they will not give up power it is even worse. They have a wonderful man there now, Morgan C. but even he cannot be taken into the confidence of the maniacal mugabe, even though Morgan won the election.

mugabe will NOT give up ower.

With affection

Chrostiame
A;sp Ram80

That is a wonderful film. Thanks for reminding me about it, Fb.

Christiane, you have led such an interesting life. I've always wanted to visit Africa, but have no idea where to go. Truthfully, I'd be afraid to visit some places. I always thought a photo safari would be awesome. If I ever do make it to that continent, it will likely be Egypt.

Hello, Hyp,

Just wanted to say I hope you are ok. Take care of yourself

Websailor

Very dear reinstated hippy.

Well, there is little doubt, that when you come next year you will have to come and visit me and then I can let you know about all the places which are wonderful to visit. |I am hoping to be well enough to go on a visit to the Candian Rockies and then on a cruise to Alaska. It was something that my husband and I had planned. Two weeks ago it was strange to see virtually the same holiday which we had planned advertised It is, I am sure the differing weather pattern which helped it, because the reason why we did not go some thirty years ago was because it was going to be dark the whole time we visited it.!!

I am off to Sevenoaks in about thrity minutes time. I am obliged to take a taxi - at vast expense, so I do hope that my son will return with me for the weekend. The sun is shining and it appears to be going to be a lovely day.

Egypt will be very interesting I am sure. My eldest son and his wife and family went to a very nice holiday resort where they did scuba diving. I remember going along the Suez Canal in 1933 and being amazed at this huge ship going so close to the shoreline. Amazing what extraordinary memories one has - and how they return in old age.

Well, I mkust go and prepare myself for my visit.

Hope you are coping well; the service sounded so moving. In many ways she was incredibly fortunate in not having to linger. However it always makes it much more difficult for the fmaily and the two of you were so close. I remember her welcoming me, and being so proud of you !Madame Prez. as she called you.

With much affection


Christiane M.E.
AR80



Love your new name. well done.

Hi Christiane. The new name is actually my Halloween costume. Since we can't have real costumes and masks on h2g2 obviously, a lot of us use anagrams of our names instead. Silly, but fun. I'll go back to Hypatia November 1.

I definitely want to meet you next spring. You know, on my other two trips to England, I didn't see the water. Not even from the air. For someone as landlocked as I am, that was disappointing. Perhaps we can have lunch at the seaside.


Websailor, thank you. back. I'm doing ok. It's a sad time, but it is something all of us must face eventually.

Fb, sorry for hijacking yet another conversation. Actually I don't do that as much anymore. Remember when Jodes and I seemed to wind up turning every conversation to baseball?

PLEASE don't get back onto the baseball stuff with Jodan I don't mind conversation hijacking at all; particularly when it's interesting.

Thank you for reminding me about anograms....






Fb

anagrams

Dear reinstated hippy,

well you shall see the water and lots of it. There is a quite magnificent hotel here called the Grand. It has a very long history of being the war refuge for several Toyal familes who fled Europe and stayed there for the duration. At the turn of the last century it was the hiding/bolthole for a profligate son of Queen Victoria and his amour. There is a bar named after her. !!

And that , my dear is where I shall take you to lucnh. I shall try and get some references for you because the history of this grand old place is quite fantastic. I am sure that fb does not mind.

Have a good weekend. I went up to my old home yesterday and was brought back by the new carer who used to work for K. and I when we lived there. She is a real treasure and we are so lucky to have her.

It is absolutely appalling how amy form of mental illness is totaloy and utterly disregarded - mostly everywhere except perhaps in the States. I think that NAAMI does wonderful work.

Here it is the unfortunate sufferer and one or two family members. Others - Oblivion - they do not exist.
Grrrr.
Brrrr.

with affection.

Christiane
AlsoRan80