Post Cape Town Check In...

So it has been three months since I left Cape Town and I thought it might be therapeutic to write on the blog and share thoughts on this and that and reflect on what Cape Town brought (and took) from my life. I have recently moved to Australia after not having lived here for 10 years. I spent four of those years in Norway, 2 years traveling and the other 4 years in The Mother City - Cape Town. I initially went to get to know my family on my father's side and to do my honours in teaching and directing theatre - both of which I was successful in achieving. But I got so much more out of my experience there.

My time at EF was probably the most impactful as that was an experience like no other I'd ever had and I'm sure it impacted my being on multiple levels. I had the opportunity to meet so many incredible humans with whom I had the honour of learning from and assisting them in developing their English. I was constantly inspired by the students both in and out of class and I know that I can walk the Earth knowing that there are a lot of really beautiful souls out there. I've taught students from all over the world and from different backgrounds religiously, culturally and of course physically. I always boasted that I no longer needed to go and see the world because the world came to me in my classroom - and I attest that that was such a gift. I was daily able to expand my world view by just walking 7 minutes from my home to the classroom and BAM - expansion!

Cape Town is a really stunning city in terms of the nature - one can never tire of gazing at the mountain in all of her glory - the shifting clouds, the range in colours depending on the time of the day, the constant presence that she emits on the city is inescapable. And from the top of the mountain one is mesmerised by the endless views that span out each way. After that climb to be able to rest your eyes and savour the view is tatilizing gift she graces you with. The beaches are gorgeous, the water is cold, the forests are accessible and there's always something beautiful to see. Always a place to watch the sunset or as Ali enjoys - the sunrise. Then there's the buzzling city - long street and it's craziness, kloof street and its hipsters, Observatory and its avant garde, Camps Bay and its pompousness yet charm, Bo Kaap and its colourful culture, De Waterkant and its oh so fabulousness, Sea Point and it's promenade where Clotilde and I ran many a fine 10km journeys - the wonders are endless.

Things I miss are the energy, the diversity and the school. The energy in the city is something different to anywhere in Australia or the parts of Europe I have traveled...there is something always cooking - something always sizzling - someone always plotting and planning the next heist or party! There's an aliveness in Cape Town that keeps the blood flowing - there's art, music, theatre, fetivals, movies, cafes, restaurants, bars, dancing, romancing, prancing and just good old vibrant energy. The diversity is also something that dispite being confronting at times is something that makes Cape Town special - there are the Dirty Rich and the Dirt Poor. There are all religions represented, there are 500 shades of brown skinned people and then 500 shades of white. There are open minded, eccentric, trance party goers and then conservative, calorie counting cyclists who bant and paleo daily. There are Jah Rastafaris living on the Mountain and picking the herbs of health from the earth our mother and there are scavenging drunk bergies beating up bins (thanks for that story Nicole). There are those who can't wait to get out and those who will stay forever and those who would give an arm to stay and soak up the sun for just a little bit longer! Diversity in Cape Town is endless - and it's captivating! And the school - well that goes without saying - what a gift - a place where the world gathers to have fun and on the side learn English.

I changed in Cape Town - I became stronger and more independent. I got my heart broken a few times but then I fell in love with Arnold whom I hope to grow old with. I had some really lonely moments but there were more times where I felt like the luckiest human on earth - to be surrounded by so many phenomenal humans with just joy and lust for living. I got robbed and had my home completely cleared out - all my important material objects gone with no goodbye - And yet not once did I encounter danger and I learnt first hand that material objects don't make me happy - love, laughter and friendship are far superior. I danced, danced and danced a little bit more which is one of my loves. I got drunk and embarrassed myself but learnt that forgiveness and growth from errors are far more important than carrying shame. I had quarrels with loved ones that at the time I felt were irreversable but again I learnt that time does heal and to get on with life is far more fun than dwelling on the negative aspects that cannot be changed.

I was inspired on a daily basis and will always carry Cape Town and all of you who shared it with me you have a space in my heart eternally! To my Umanqoba team - You were the best group EVER and I'm so grateful we got to hang out once a week. I hope our paths cross again - you have a home here in Australia if you should ever come (which I hope you will!)

Now here in Australia a new adventure has begun - it's different, I'm different but I am calm in my heart. I'm currently picking passionfruit in the country side which is VERY different to teaching. I miss being in the classroom - but I know I'll return there as it is my calling to be inspired by people and to assist them with developing their skills in what ever capacity I can.

Looking forward to hearing about your adventures Umanqoba!