Greetings from Portland. Although the blog has died down a little, the work on this project has definitely not slowed.  Since we have been back in the states Andy Blubaugh http://theadultsintheroommovie.com/about-andy/ has joined the team as editor.  It’s been a while since we crammed our gear into the van and set out to explore the issue of human trafficking in South Africa, but we are getting much closer to bringing that story to all of you.  As I think of this story I’m reminded of all the wonderful people that we encountered. People who brought us into their lives so that we might better understand how they are affected by human trafficking.  People who helped us to understand the current campaign on trafficking and ways that it might be improved.

As we work towards our final cut we are also planning our film festival calendar, trying to bring this film to a theater near you.  There are some great festivals out there and we hope you come and join us and take part in this experience.  Subscribe to our newsletter so that we can keep you posted on news, screenings and events that are happening in your area: http://changingdirectionsfilms.com/news/

We are very excited about this project and can’t wait to share it with you all! More news soon!!

Our final location is Diepsloot, a township located 25 mins outside Jo’burg.  We meet-up with Melanie’s friend Reggie.  He lives here and will be our guide.  We pick him up at the “robbots” (i.e. traffic light) at the intersection that leads to Diepsloot.  We drive-in on what could be considered Main Street.  Aside from scattered potholes, the road is well maintained.  Shops housed in concrete and aluminum structures line the road.  The sidewalk is dirt and not well maintained.  So are the side streets off of Main Street.  A constant stream of people flows throughout.

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Mzoli’s Place is a butcher shop / braii spot in Gugulethu, a township outside Cape Town.  The surrounding area isn’t the best, plates cost extra, and dogs brush past your legs under the tables in the outdoor eating area — and it is the best food we’ve eaten in SA!

First you pick your meat (we picked everything)…

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After two weeks of scoping prostitutes and Nigerian pimps, night tours of crack houses, buying secret spy cams, and a general, overall hyper-focus on safety and security, the calm of Cape Town is a welcomed respite.  And almost like:  What are we doing here?  Mountains, sun, white-sandy beaches…  This is a supposed hotbed of human trafficking?  Under the control of who’s syndicate, Spicoli’s?

Monday morning we’re back at work.  Our nerves have been softened by a weekend away from the grime.  We leave the comforts of our hotel and neighboring hood bound for the likely discomforts found in a neighborhood suitable for an NGO working on human trafficking.  We are meeting with Christina who works for Justice Acts.   We are early and wait outside.  Hm…  That’s odd.  No barbwire.  No spiked fences.  Only a few low walls with decorative gates.  And a gorgeous beach with suffers paddling out to waves.  This seems nice.

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We make the 10 hour drive from Bloemfontein to Cape Town in 12 hours.  7 bladders require many’a stop along the way.  It’s late when we arrive, but there is still action on the street.  Folks appear to be returning from dinner, going for a drink, there’s even a young lady out for a jog.  Already Cape Town seems different compared to where we’ve been.

There is no hurry in the morning.  Today is an off-day.  We sleep-in and meet downstairs in the lobby before going to brunch.  The window in the elevator bank — which is a bank of elevators — offers a panoramic view of the city.  Daylight has revealed Cape Town’s beauty.  Two massive mountains flank the city.  Table Mountain to one side.  Signal Hill (formally Lion’s Rump) to the other.  Their size is humbling.  Even the tallest buildings look miniature.  From Signal Hill, where we watch the sunset, the brand new soccer stadium, Cape Town’s pride and scourge, is a kiddie pool at best.   The landscape here does that — to everything.