My internship at the State Attorney’s office has provided
me with a wealth of learning experiences. I have learned a lot about what it is
like to fill the shoes of a lawyer and the basics of building a case. With that
being said, it has actually been the personal interactions that have provided
me with the most knowledge. Through observing attorney Colleen Bailey I have learned
how to properly manage staff members as well as how to navigate the treacherous
water of office politics. Everyone at the State Attorney’s office has been
extremely welcoming and eager to educate me about important South African
cultural traditions.
The latest tradition I was educated about was the South
African braai. A cookout or barbeque would be the parallel in the United
States. The preparations for the braai usually begin in the morning when a wood
fire is prepared and don’t end until late at night when the food is consumed. A
braai is a very carnivorous affair, filled with an assortment of meats. Although
the food is the main draw the conversations are what make a braai what it is.
Carmelita, the host of the braai and the birthday girl, had a very eccentric
family that welcomed me with open arms. They laughed as I struggled to
pronounce and comprehend South African slang words and were eager to hear about
American customs. This braai had everything from rap battles to good food. It
was a really interesting cultural exchange that I am sure I will look back on
as one of the defining moments of my trip to South Africa.
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