Ruzivo: A journey to Zimbabwe
Experience the ancient music, dance, culture and spirit of Zimbabwe
From Chris Berry:
Timbila Musicians |
Last spring, Michael Kang and I took an epic journey into Africa, where we played music with the local people in many villages (read the JamBase feature here). I had the idea that I would like to share with others some of the same magic we experienced there. I am going to lead a trip to Zimbabwe in which people can experience Africa from the inside and not as traditional tourists. On this trip, you will see a side of Zimbabwe that most people will never know. I invite you to be a part of this adventure.
ABOUT THE TRIP: Ruzivo offers a rare and unique opportunity to experience Zimbabwe from within the culture. Participants are not treated as outsiders or tourists but as honored guests and friends of the community. Visitors are encouraged to take part in every aspect of Zimbabwean life from eating the traditional food to partaking in sacred ceremonies. It is our wish that guests of Ruzivo share in the truly enriching experience of everyday life in Zimbabwe.
ITINERARY: Upon arrival in Harare, participants will spend 2-4 days in the city. There we will visit traditional markets, museums, art galleries and restaurants, as well as sample the nightlife in Harare, which boasts one of the most exciting live music scenes in Africa. While in Harare, we will also visit musicians and artists who live in and around the capital. We will then journey to the Ruzivo Center where workshops in music and dance will be offered as well as lectures and cultural exchanges. Performances and informal jam sessions with the local musicians will be held nightly. To conclude the trip, travelers will spend two days in Harare before returning home.
RUZIVO CENTER: Participants will be based at the Ruzivo Center, which is surrounded by the flourishing village of Chiriseri, known for its vibrant musicians, dancers, healers and spirit mediums. Ruzivo's first stage of construction was completed in June 1999 and includes: a kitchen and dining hut, dance grounds, rustic toilettes and bathing facilities, a rural library, and a thatched two story round house that can accommodate up to 24 people. Ruzivo is built on a sacred mountain donated by Sekuru Mandere (a Mhondoro spirit medium who resides in Chiriseri) for the purpose of sharing between people of different cultures. It is Sekuru Mandere's belief that the people of the world must come together and unite their strengths. It is in the spirit of this vision that Mandere has offered this land as a place where others can learn and receive the wisdom Zimbabwe has to share with the rest of the world.
CLASSES, WORKSHOPS and PERFORMANCES: The center will be visited by some of Zimbabwe's most renowned musicians and dancers who will teach workshops in the areas of marimba, mbira, song, hosho, drum and dance, depending on the special interests of the participants. Teachers and performers will join us around a nightly fire for discussions, jams and informal performances. Lectures will be held on Shona culture and its ancient belief system. Visitors are welcome to participate in certain ceremonies and assist in the collecting and administering (when appropriate) of traditional medicines if their interest lies in these areas.
EXCURSIONS: From the center, participants will make overnight visits and day trips to other villages renowned for their healers, spirit mediums, musicians and special ceremonies. We will also visit sacred and historical sites, traditional markets, museums, art galleries and restaurants.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION: Sleeping and bathing facilities are comfortable yet rustic. The food offered is very similar to the Shona people's traditional diet, which is based on their staple food, Sadza (stiff corn porridge), eaten with sides of seasonal vegetables as well as chicken or beef. Arrangements for vegetarians can also be made. Special effort is made to provide a reasonable variety of food cooked in a clean and sanitary way and that is easy on the stomach.
ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING TOUR: For participants who would like to visit the various tourist destinations in Zimbabwe, Ruzivo offers an extra one-week tour for an additional fee. Accompanied by our official guides, participants may visit Victoria Falls, the worlds largest waterfall; Hwange National Park, one of Southern Africa's greatest wildlife reserves; and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient symbol of Zimbabwe's cultural heritage. Accommodations range from moderate hotels to backpackers' lodges.
TRAVEL: Unless arranged otherwise, participants are responsible for travel to and from Zimbabwe and will be met at the Harare International Airport upon arrival. At the conclusion of the trip, guests will be returned to the airport in time for their respective departures.
Dates and Cost: There are two ways guests can partake in the trip:
Dec. 14th to Dec. 28 will be a 14 day excursion in which we will try and pack in as much as possible. Shows, house concerts, nightclubs, village stay, ceremonies, lectures, nightly jams, hikes, meetings and interviews with healers, seers and spirit mediums. Cost = $1,600 (includes everything except airfare).
Dec. 28 to Jan 4th will be a learning intensive in the village in which classes and workshops will be offered in Traditional drumming, Traditional dance, Mbira (thumb piano), Song, History, Herbalism, Traditional spirit practices, drum making, Mbira making and more. Cost = $800 (includes everything except airfare).
Dec. 14th to Jan. 4th Full 14 day excursion and intensive. Cost = $2,200 (Includes everything except airfare).
REGISTRATION: A non-refundable deposit of half the entire amount must be paid by November 15, 2006. The remaining amount will be paid upon your arrival in Zimbabwe. Checks should be made out to the Panjea Foundation and sent to 598 President St, Apt. 1D, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Once your deposit has been received, you will be sent detailed information as to what to bring as well as other specific information regarding the trip.
For further information please contact Chris Berry at 917-648-2462. You may also e-mail us at cb@chrisberry.net
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