Outward Travels

So today’s highlights have been making Coca-Cola with my housemate’s son (yes, I have THE secret recipe), chasing after the family’s pet pig with a spray bottle (not sure why), discovering a nutella-esque substance in the pantry, and a 2-hour energy-depleting, joint-stiffening induced rugby practice. The big Kwa-Natal vs. us meager Mozzies match is just 3 weeks away and I have missed a number of practices and co-ed games due to my soul’s traveling nature.

Two weeks ago I went to Cape Town, South Africa for a 10-day holiday with my housemate, my colleague and her significant other. We saw and did much. Cape Town is just divine, truly a gem of Africa. The city situated between mountains and ocean has a very San Francisco feel. Curvy streets, sublime views, funky fashion, seals in the bay, and lovely vineyard to the north. We gave our palates a test in the vineyards. Mine has yet to differentiate between effervescent fruit flavors and underlying dark oak tones. I can however differentiate between a merlot and a dessert wine! Sorry, I disappoint wine connoisseurs everywhere.

Most entertaining though I think was recognizing how a mere month in Moz had me thinking differently in South Africa. For one, going to the grocery store was like walking into a SuperWalmart for the first time. I would pick up one item go two steps down the aisle and realize there was something even better, set aside the former item, pick up the dazzling new one and continue my quest leaving a Hansel & Gretel like trail about the store. I forgot how good croissants could be (until the 7th morning when I realized mixing up the breakfast options might be a good idea). I was also amazed by the roads. If we ever tried to drive that quickly on a Moz road, we would have a) been crashed into by someone possessing actual driving skills b) incurred whiplash and/or a concussion c) lost a tire and/or other important parts d) gotten to our said destination at the appointed time (a first).

But it’s good to be ‘home.’ Life has a little more character and suspense around here even if it means taking cold showers and forever having black-bottomed feet.