Hiking in September 2011

Jonkershoek

This place is a dream land. It is filled with waterfalls and beautiful green rolling hills/mountains. On a sunny Saturday, seven of us ladies got together and headed for an all-day-hike among the hills of Jonkershoek which in Afrikaans I believe it means Young corner. Living in Cape Town, I managed to learn a bit of Afrikaans but not enough to navigate myself around town. I have spent great amount of time researching words which are repeated in many of the geographical areas or land marks.

However, I have also come up with my own definitions for these land marks which can be found in many of the suburbs and parks names: -bosch (meaning bush), -hoek (meaning corner), or -kloof (meaning cliff/mountain pass). But by definition from Afrikaans it translates a little differently.

Rodebosch, Kristenbosch - around the bush is what I get from Rodebosch, and the latter is a botanical garden's name

Jonkershoek, Fish Hoek, Franschhoek, - these are places which represent corners aka: hoek

Kloof street, Kloof - to me sounds like cliff, but in Afrikaans it actually means gorge

Living in Cape Town, you get used to hearing these endings quite frequently. Many of the suburbs, if not all, have an Afrikaans meaning to it. I loved trying to pick up the Akrikaaner accent however, most times I failed miserably. The only time it was life-saving to speak the accent was the mini-taxi stops (I don't remember if I ever blogged about these mini-taxis in Cape Town which hold almost 2x the maximum capacity, but I will definitely explain in another post). These taxis would stop at your request but it HAD to be those which were commonly used by locals. So, my most significant stop was home-bound at a store called Shoprite. Now, instead of pronouncing it in English, try the Afrikaans phonetic version: Shopraeit (I wish I could attach audio to my blogs at this time). Cape Town becomes Capetyion and get this, (Heidi you were right all along) Bellville becomes Pyelvol. It might be hard to phonetically imagine all of this if you have never been exposed to it, but to me it's music :-)

But back to hiking Jonkershoek. The beauty of this place is just magical. It's hard for me to look back at these pictures and believe that I was there. Hope that you enjoy a little taste of this magical land through some of my pictures.

Silvermine

A dear friend and I decided to hike Silvermine in search of the Elephant's eye. It's not an actual eye, but instead it is an amazing hole in the side of a mountain. After a little disoriented, and a sun which seemed to be setting faster than usual, we finally found the eye. We were both extremely glad that after our picnic with delicious cheese and wine we decided to continued our journey, not giving up on our set destination. We had faint hopes but only on our return we realized we hiked 1.5 hours extra, which could have been driven in 5 minutes, leading us to the eye that much sooner.

The day was wonderful, and we enjoyed the hike so nothing was lost by walking more :-)

Here are some pictures to prove our amazing day !

Birthday celebrations

This also happened to be my birthday weekend and was pleased to celebrate with some pretty special people !!!

Thanks for reading !

xo

Diving in sub-optimal condition, Aug 2011

Lessons in the pool

Tom felt that the best diving is the most challenging diving one will ever experience. At 11 degrees Celsius, no water will ever feel comfortable. Bearable, hardly! We were managing just barely.

















Diving at Long Beach, Simon's Town

After a challenging pool session, we all managed to show up the next weekend and attempt to dive in 13 degrees Celsius waters. I had little faith in me, knowing that cold is not my friend, but with much resistance and hesitation we all got in and we all managed to dive dive dive !!!! Crazy weekend, and crazy waters, but we all managed to PASS !

I fully believed that by the time we were driving home I wasn't only exhausted form the cold water but high on excess Nitrogen gases :-)

But a fantastic day overall!

Graduated Open Water Diver ....check :-)

Cleaning the Ocean Sept 17th

A wonderful cause and more practice for those who are still nervous about diving alone. Water temperatures are still in the low teens but we were excited to be a part of this wonderful day !

R :-)

Sharing my chocolate with Debbie and Michael

Sharing My Chocolate

This is a story about the life lessons I have learned through sharing my chocolate. You might have experienced some of these or none of these next few examples, however, I hope that you will all find it as eye opening as I have.

Ever since I had the pleasure to live and travel overseas I have had the obsession of sharing, making, learning, and consuming food with others. Food becomes a catalyst to my social activities and therefore it has become a big part of my life. My roommate in Brisbane would agree that there isn’t anything quite as satisfying in our daily living then the sheer management of what we consume. And I agree with this woman 100% for I too love eating. Thao also taught me that consuming food in a social setting (more than one person) also adds to your health and assist with digestion. Basically, you enjoy food more when consumed over a conversation.

Whether we are talking about a big meal or just some snacks which I carry with me (as I have a tendency to eat quite frequently throughout the day) I enjoy sharing. I almost have people consume things with me just so it makes my own consumption more pleasure-full. I do not expect these gestures to be reciprocated by others however, it is never rejected when I do get offered food (reasons being stated earlier on). I guess sharing respect would be something similar to sharing food. It makes people feel good whether they are receiving or providing it.

So this is how the story goes. I was applying for a job which I qualify for with flying colours. I have been told by each interviewer over the past 2 weeks that I am their #1 choice. Only catch: I have to start work...yesterday. I am committed to my internship till the end of November (I will just leave out the extra travels I have planned with Dan, as this would be done in November). Basically, I am committed to my current location till the end of November. This organization needs someone urgently. Even though I fit their mold, I am not on the list for recruitment. Bummer, no more like devastated!

I want this job opportunity to develop my career further. It is the most fluid/proper/challenging/fun next step for me and I am ready to do everything in my power to be an excellent team player. But my personal dilemma lies within my values: never leave before you have completed a job within the requirements and responsibilities which I have agreed to in the beginning. People are relying on my work in my current setting and I too do not have the heart to leave in a split decision. I have committed to this work and I am committed to develop and submit a quality report at the end of it all. This is the moral dilemma I’m facing today. I have been put on the ‘as per needed’ list and I am sad/disappointed/angry/stomping-in-a-puddle over my circumstance. (I’m not even going to go into the circumstances I had to complete both interviews because it would take a whole other blog to explain it all, but just know that I was at a cafe during my second interview using a random persons headphones while communicating, first on skype and then on my cell phone)

I left the cafe defeated, lost, and very low. I apologized to the waiters who kept giving me free internet, and the girl who lent me her headphones, when asked how my interview went, I told her it went well to avoid the explanation. I just wanted to get home and curl up in bed, sleep, and wait for another day to come so I can forget this ever happened. I walked slowly, very slowly even though it was late, and not very safe to be out in my suburb at these hours. But I just didn’t care about anything or anyone around me at this time. On my way home I did stroll into the pharmacy and purchased a Cadbury chocolate bar. Fruit and nuts was my selection for the walk. I was not very upset at this point more just disappointment/confused what I should do/and how can this happen to me. Me, who always gets what I aim for. How was I to make sense of missing out on a once in a life-time opportunity because there was a 2 month overlap in my work. How is this fair? What should I do now ???

Not very long after I purchased my chocolate, I walked by (at the time I thought 2 younger boys) Michael and Debbie. Sitting in front of a store, where they always make their bed. I see them each night sleeping on my street near my house. As I am walking by, Michale asks quietly if I would share my chocolate. “Why of course, here you go... (and I gave some to his mother, Debbie as well sitting next to him, wrapped up in blankest). These two, and many other people (varying in age) find shelter on the street leading to my home as it’s protected from the wind. This was my first time I heard this boy stopping me as most days I walk or run by really fast so I don’t have to be bothered. But today I was walking slowly, so I heard the boy ask me for some chocolate.

I reached forward to give it to them so they didn’t have to leave their warm blankets, and as I leaned in Michael asked me what is wrong. I swallowed at first cause nothing came out of my mouth. When I gave chocolate to his mother I just said, “Oh it was one of those days, you know”, and I gave him and awkward smile. He then says something which made my heart sink: “Lady, don’t worry, tomorrow is going to be another day. It’s going to be ok”. I swallowed much harder this time. I then turned to walk away before he can see me cry. I was overwhelmed by this lovely boy supporting me. I am on my way to a warm home, with food in my fridge, a job which is flexible, family and friends who love me, and this boy on the street, sleeping in filthy blankets near a store window tells me to appreciate life and what tomorrow has to bring. Renata, what kind of a nurse have become of you? I should be the strong one, I should be providing them with just policies and social support groups so they would not have to be sleeping on the streets. How is this picture even possible?

I was walking away in a brisk manner so I don’t have to show him my upset face, but I pulled myself together and turned around to respect his words. I listened and bowed my head as a thank you, and told him with my trembling voice, “You take good care now”. That is all I had the strength for. I turned away and walked to get some air. I wanted to hug him, bring him food, and clothes, and shelter but I just didn’t have the means to get everything for them. I shook my head for the rest of the walk home. I snapped myself out of the sorrow. I kept telling myself, “How could I be so ungrateful? I have everything and there are millions on the streets of Cape Town wanting just one little break in life”.

But then I also started questioning when is my personal development needs to be appreciated for what it’s worth. Aren’t my goals to achieve my next career milestone will also benefit those who are less fortunate? Was this career opportunity the way for me to help those who do not have their voices heard? I feel like now I have to fight harder in order to accomplish what I am set out to work towards. I am astounded by this boy. I have to thank him for my quick recovery and for lifting me up when he is the one who hungers for opportunity. I have not decided on how I will thank him but I will keep my eyes open so I can share a conversation next time I walk by him. I would like him to know how much he’s worth in my books.

I have shared chocolate with many people before but this has to be my most humble story in my 26 years. Oh, and sharing chocolate with Marcus, my brother. He also taught me life lessons which I will tell you in another blog. I wanted to use our childhood chocolate story at his wedding but I cried it away. Maybe if I write it down in a blog he will see what I was trying to share with the wedding party.

Sometimes it is good to be reminded of life's bacis lessons.

R :-)

PS: The reason I know Michael and Debbie is because on my way home from yoga I walked by them again and I stopped to ask for their names. I thanked Michael for his kind words the other day and let him tell me their story. I then suggested to meet agian tomorrow as I will bring them warm clothes and a jacket hopefully. But I will also give them some money to stay at the shelter. Michael tells me that the shelter costs 15R/ night (2$) and they will be getting dinner there as well.

I will call upon some friends I have in Cape Town and see if anyone is looking to hire a fit and kind boy. He is taking care of his mother like a true gentleman and that deserves an opportunity to make a better life for himself.

Wish me luck

R :-)

Sharing my chocolate with Marcus

Marcus and I don't have a lot of stories to share as children. That's because we didn't get a chance to. I was only five when he and my Dad moved to the US. Once I started to know myself, I only knew of him via pictures and phone calls. Months turned into years and years into 5 years. That's when we were re-united as a family again.

But before the boys departure, I do remember a few characteristics of Marcus based on our interaction. I was quite young so exact details are faint. We shared a bedroom in Hungary once our parents found us an apartment. Because we shared the only bedroom in the house, I had full access to Marcus' stuff. Whether it was his G.I. Joes, or comic books, and even his hidden stash of chocolate.

Mom used to collect the empty facial cream containers as they were sturdy with a well closing lid on them. They were small and cute and as children we enjoyed using them as little storage compartments. Our presents were usually the same so there was no arguing over who gets what. At least when it came to chocolate.

Toys did differ based on gender but at the time I didn't make a fuss about that. Instead, when Marcus wasn't looking I would take one or two of his G. I. Joes to kindergarten with me and become the most popular girl in my class. At times they would go missing, or loose an arm but most times they made it home in one piece. Comic books were torn. Why? Till this day I have no idea, but I was not Marcus' favourite sibling when tearing of comic books were done by me. I do remember being chased around the apartment a few times, dislocating arms or fingers during the chase, when Marcus got a hold of me. I remember that once, Granny too dislocated my shoulder during an outfit change. Dislocations happened on a regular basis when I was younger. That is why Marcus wasn't in too much trouble. He was just warned never to do it again.

But back to the chocolate. Marcus had a way of preserving things. His toys were always in mint condition (as long as I didn't touch them), his comic books, if hidden from me, in order. But the best thing was his chocolate collection. The only time I actually remember him managing his chocolate stash: Marcus, carefully breaking up a chocolate bar into perfect single serving squares. He then placed these perfect squares into one of Mom's empty cream containers. I watched him carefully planning out his next step as I was holding my chocolate bar in one hand, and taking large bites out of it disregarding that serving squares even existed. I was basically inhaling my share.

Consuming my chocolate bar this way was an issue because it would disappear quite fast. I would then be super upset that my share has run out knowing that Marcus still had his stash somewhere. He would occasionally grab his hidden container and pull some of his chocolate out, as I watch him consuming and enjoying it all alone.

Well, I decide I would have none of this! I demanded that he shared his chocolate. Marcus tried explaining that I too had once had the same amount of chocolate but already devoured it. I was sad. But I precisely remember Marcus, offering from his stash, not once, but a few times, just to keep my frown upside down (as my friend Liz would say). Marcus tried to keep the peace between us, when he had some control over the situation. If I ruined something, there was no mercy, but when it involved chocolate, he offered some of his share.

This story was supposed to be a funny one, shared at Marcus and Erin's wedding. But instead I bawled uncontrollably at their most happiest days of their life (which I clearly don't agree with, because if your wedding is your MOST happiest day, what happens to the rest of your life? Wishing you were getting married every day ? If you ask me, I think it's your worst, considering that you rack up the most credit dept per 24hours). I still defend myself that having a poem read about my family BEFORE my speech paralyzed me to talk about the only story I remember sharing with Marcus as children.

I then wanted to talk about Erin's and my mischief while the two of them were living in Vancouver. It was clear early on that Erin and I had a very similar personality. We would just think of something and go for it. During one of my visits to Vancouver, we decided to paint the kitchen in order to surprise Marcus (Erin assured me that Marcus agreed to this before hand). Until Marcus came home. As if we both just ripped up his comic books. In the process I realized that Erin and I are more like sisters without ever really spending much time together. By the time Marcus got home his fish were on their last leg (oh, this day I also learnt about the 3 different layers of sand on the bottom of his fish tank, which we dismissed in the process of trying to move the fish-tank, away from the wall we were painting. Also, water from the tap is a fish killer!) but the kitchen walls were a beautiful calming green colour. I thought Erin and I did a great job in less then 4 hours ! After some discussion, we all recognized what actually has happened. Moral of this story would be that I am never allowed to paint with Erin alone again, or at least not near a fish-tank :-)

Once I find the poem read at wedding I will post it. It was beautiful, real, and truly hit home for me. I have yet to come to terms with the past but I love my family. Our story is rich and filled with triumph. Cynthia, the author, captured our family extremely well and till this day I thank her for writing this poem. Having it read after my speech would have saved me, and allowed for this story to be heard by more people. Oh well, life happens :-)

xo

R :-)

Xefina Untimate Frisbee Hat Trounament 2011- Maputo, Mozambique

The Drive - Flight to Durban with Heidi was a short one as we had the pleasure to talk just about everything life has to offer. Once arriving to the airport we had to wait for the boys to arrive followed by the convoy. There were 2 car loads driving down to Maputo and we are ready for our ROAD TRIP !

Driving through Durban I was amazed with the beautiful landscape, rolling hills of sugar cane. KZN seemingly much greener to me however I have not been able to compare any other provinces other than the lively and colourful Cape Town and surrounding area. Either way, I am amazed at the colours since it is winter yet still lush and green everywhere. The driving was interesting and filled with adventures: Mikey learns to man-handle the stick-shift with his left hand, allowing cars to pass on the right while we are speeing on the shoulder lane, and learning the appropriate signaling to say 'thanks for passing'. During all this excitement, it seems all very intriguing and I am trying to keep calm as not being in control is one of my lesser strengths.

Animals along the drive include: baboons, zebras, warthogs, cows, and goats! Lots and lots of goats ! And they like to jump out at you as if they were saying "WELCOME" ! Regardless of the animals on or off the road, we were talking and talking and talking some more, just about everything ! Great bunch of people to be discussing our stories we have collected through our adventures thus far :-)

Swaziland was also very interesting to see. Well, there was very little to see from driving through the country however, the things we did see wasn't very pleasing. There was little vegetation, which tells me that the country isn't providing enough food for it's citizens.
Since it was the winter time, Mike was telling us that the trees and shrubs look more dry compared to the summer time when everything is much more lush. The villages mostly had mud huts with little infrastructures like schools, shopping stores, and community buildings. One really amazing brewery we did drive by with a massive sign on the enterance: something somethings USA something something. I'm sure some of the locals get to earn a nice wage in that brewery however, unfortunately it did not look as if this company had invested into developing the surrounding communities.

From extreme drought and little mud huts along a beautiful mountain range we slowly arrived to the sea side.

Welcome to Maputo ! A busy and extremely metropolitan vibe while rolling barely 20kph on a Friday during rush hour. We happen to arrive on a very busy day trying to dodge cars from all angles. Once on the main road we were in bumper to bumper traffic AND people selling the usual nik naks, sunglasses, and puppies.

PUPPIES !!!! people are selling puppies along the road?! I can't stop staring at these cute little creatures being flung to each car window as it stop at the robots (aka: stop lights). I have seen many strange things being sold while waiting for the light to turn green, but puppies ??? I'm thinking cute, but maybe not so ...safe ? (As I picture excited children in the back seat of a car while frantic parents are trying to drive home during the rush hour) We managed to arrive to the restaurant where the registration was taking place without Renata purchasing a puppy. Shocking ! but I managed.

Saturday Game day, all day!

I will let the pictures speak on this one. Just know that the winds got up to 40kph and frisbees become a challenge to throw in such conditions. Oh, and the evening dinner was hectic and I did pull my ham strings due to being chased by nudist :-)

Sunday -Finals

Makande placing 3rd overall but really, we came first place in our cheering :-) We had the moves and the song no one could truly resist but watch in awe !

After an amazing fish-market experience there was finger licking, and toasting, and saying a few good-byes to those who were leaving after dinner. Those of us who stayed behind an extra night we decided to hit the town and get a few drinks at the local favourite place. After drinks came the ice cream (or maybe before) and then came the ride home. Stopped by the cops! That's right, we have turned bad-ass and was driving over the limit. Or so we thought. The cops noticed that we had 3 people extra in a car seated fro 5. The cop told Mike that each person will be charged 1000 MC which would be 3000MC. Mike starred fear in the eyes and said: we will pay 50% of that. So we scramble 1500MC and drove away like we just made the deal of the night. No guilt, no ethical dilemma, just doing business as usual in Maputo. Take it and go!

Monday - morning rush hour to end out visit

Thanks to everyone for an amazing experience and meeting some great friends along the way !

R :-)

Kristenbosch weekend - July 2011

Adios Mikey S, as he heads off to a trip of a lifetime: Mnt. Kilimanjaro ! We had a wonderful sushi meal at Baluga the night before his flight.

The Fab-now-Three, headed to Kristenbosch the next day, to witness natures other miracles. The botanic garden is deep in the heart of the mountains (Kristenbosch) where flowers decorate every inch of this land. A picnic filled with wine, cheese, and endless flow of stories.

After an amazing day spent out in the wild, we completed the day with dinner and a phone call from the filler, Dan-the-Man. He now filled the position of Mikey, the fourth member of the FF, till Mr Salter returned to us.

Cape Point weekend, July 8, 2011

The Fab-4 include Mike, Mikey, Heidi, and I !

Ever since meeting last weekend, we have been hanging out, inseparable. The family. Here to another weekend enjoying the outdoors and the amazing South African sun. Why watch discovery TV when you can do the discovering yourself !

Friday - Hout Bay Food Festival !

The Fab-Four decided to have a night out and try some amazing food down by the harbor, near Hout Bay. It was dark by the time we go to the festival so the only thing we could see were the lights from the distance near the base of the mountain. It was still hard to believe for me that I was living in such an amazing place. Off to the food court, and drink bar.

Saturday - Cape Point Fun with the Fab-4 plus Michelle

(Singing in the Sun on a Saturday)

Who knew that we were a singing bunch ! Everything from the Lion King, to Sound of music (if I remember correctly?), to TEMPER TRAP !, to Florence and the Machine (Mike's car later becomes baptized as Florence), to American Pie, to ...... the list can go on and on. All amazing tunes, and all were cited without much error. Oh yeah, and we also enjoyed an entire day at the beach, at Cape Point, frisbee, picnic, hiking, and carefully walking by ostridges. Great bunch out on a great day ! [Heidi and I would also like to apologize for the sunrise negativity, the sun does rise in a shape of a circle, point proved, lol, must have been the 5am start to our drive, but boy, now it has become a stupid-fun story]

Thanks for joining me on this awesome weekend !

R :-)