My life was changed forever, one year ago (as of Monday), when my feet touched South African soil for the first time. Traveling to South Africa was my biggest dream, and I was fortunate enough to make that dream reality.
I knew that living in South Africa was going to be very different from living in Maryland, but I wasn’t prepared for how quickly it hit me. It wasn’t a bad thing, it was just different. Almost immediately after you leave the Cape Town airport and get on the highway, you can see the township Khayelitsha which runs alongside it all the way to the Stellenbosch exit, which is at least 10 km. All the homes visible from the road are shacks, mostly made out of metal sheets or wood boards. Seeing that is a huge reality check. When I saw the mountains along the road, I was immediately speechless. Never before had I seen such beautiful mountains that had vineyards carved into their slopes. And what was the first store/restaurant I saw? KFC of course. That was pretty funny. As we were driving into Stellenbosch, our driver (who was also a student at SU) pointed out a popular bar called Bohemia. As I looked out of my window I saw some girls sitting at a table outside eating. One of them in particular looked really familiar to me, and I found out later that it was Bia, who was in my study abroad program and who I became best friends with. That day was soo hot, close to 100 degrees, and almost miserable as we checked in and unpacked into our apartments, which had no AC. It was windy, and one of the nearby mountains had a huge fire burning on it, so that side of the sky was all smoky. And that was my introduction to South Africa.
It’s so hard to believe that it’s been a year since I got there. I knew going there that I was going to have an amazing time, but reality far exceeded my expectations. People often ask me how South Africa was, but it’s hard to give an accurate answer. How do you sum up six of the most amazing months, with the most amazing people in the most amazing place, experiencing the most amazing things together… just how do you sum all of that up into a few words? I often reply “it was the most amazing time of my life” but even that doesn’t do it justice.
I met so many different and uniquely beautiful people during the time that I lived in South Africa: people from South Africa’s largest cities, from South Africa’s townships, from the Western Cape, from the Eastern Cape, from other African countries, from countries in Europe, from Canada, from other states in the U.S. And each had their own culture that contributed to truly make South Africa the “Rainbow Nation.”
I’m not sure I will ever be able to put into words what my time in South Africa meant to me. I learned so much while I was there- most importantly about the people of South Africa, about myself, and about life. I learned that although people speak hundreds of languages, smiles are universal. Trying new things and taking risks are good for your soul. So are late nights with your friends, dancing, a little wine (or a few drinks), hiking and simply watching the sun set. Me time is necessary and so relieving. I learned that I can go anywhere in the world, some place where I don’t know anyone, and be just fine on my own. Good people are everywhere you go. You can make friends anywhere, and you will always find people who genuinely care about you. Avocados, feta cheese, hummus and Oreo Cadbury chocolate are some of the world’s greatest gifts. I learned that you don’t need much in life to be happy. Possessions mean so little when you’re in good company. There’s no need to rush things. I learned just how fortunate I am to live in the U.S. I ate the best food, saw the most gorgeous sunsets, climbed mountains I could only dream of, sipped wine surrounded by the most breathtaking views, taught kids (who actually taught me), watched animals in their true natural habitat, met people from all over the world-truthfully the most amazing people you could meet- and learned what it feels like to have true, pure happiness. From the bottom of my heart, I hope that everyone can have an experience in their life that makes them feel the way that I did… that I still do. If going to South Africa isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. Like I said, I could explain these feelings to you all day but the only way to truly understand is to experience it yourself. Africa has made me feel whole. I’ve found where I belong… Africa is home.
To my many friends that I met during my time in Africa- thank you. This experience would not have been what it was without you. You are some of the the kindest, funniest, most genuine and special people I will ever meet, and I miss you all beyond belief. You have the purest souls and I am a better person now because I know all of you. I hope that sooner rather than later, our paths will cross again.
“Wherever we go and whatever we do, may we always be friends when we meet again.”
This was just one of the many adventures I’ve gone on, and there are many more to come.
xoxo
Kim
Doing the kImpossible 