Afrika MinerydningPalæstina Sydamerika Indianske kulturer Kaffe og Bananer Atlanterhavs-øer Bente Grue
Journey to South Africa – nov. 2009 – jan. 2010
Danish Bente Grue is looking forward to go to South Africa to follow the tracks of her grandmother Maren Olsen.
My Grandmother in South Africa 1904-07:
In 1904, my Danish grandmother took the unusual decision (for a very poor young girl from the countryside) to go to South Africa all by herself.
She started working as a housemaid in a villa at Sea Point, Cape Town, and ended up three years later as cashier and accountant at the Anglo Austrian company in Johannesburg. In 1907 she went back to Denmark.
From her 3 years stay, we have her interesting letters about her journey, life and work in South Africa, 100 years ago.
I would like to find and see some of the places she wrote about 100 years ago. Visit the houses where she worked, meet people who maybe knows about the places and persons she met, and in general to find out about the trend that young scandinavian girls went to South Africa to work as servants 100 years ago.
Cape Town
Contact
I would be happy to get in contact with anybody who has further information or in other ways could be interested in this project.
I will be in Johannesburg 2.-8.nov. 09 and then 6-8 weeks in the Cape Town area.
Feel free to contact me - mail:
Lectures
If interested, I will be happy to give a lecture on "My grandmothers experiences in South Africa, 1904-07"
Publishing the letters
If newspapers or magazines are interested in publishing parts of the letters, please contact me.
Photos for publishing (print quality) will be available.
Letters from Maren Olsen
Letters english version
Letters and old photos
1. Grandmothers journey to South Africa 1904
2. Grandmother in Cape Town 1904-05
3. Grandmothers walk to Cape Point
4. Grandmother in Johannesburg
In the english version, you will see my research notes / wishes. Translation by Jon Gorrie.
Letters in danish - breve på dansk
1. Rejsen til Sydafrika 1904
2. Cape Town og turen til Cape point 1904-05
3. Johannesborg 1905-07
Der er lidt flere detaljer, fotos og gamle postkortbilleder i den danske version.
About me, Bente Grue
I am working freelance as a layouter and webdesigner, and I give lectures about my journeys.
Since I started traveling as 18-year old student, I have been dedicated to life and culture worldwide, sustainable agriculture and fair trade.
I live in Denmark, but have been living 1.5 year in France, 1.5 year in Spain and 1 year in Peru.
My web about my lectures is in danish, but the photos gives an idea about my journeys anyway.
I am living in a nice little house in a big garden, where I grow my own vegetables and fruits.
My interests are e.g. walking in the nature, skiing, building houses, theater, cooking, cultural events and activities with friends of all ages. I am active in social organisations e.g. for refugies.