I am almost arriving back to Minneapolis now, after over 26 hours in transport from South Africa. Surprisingly, I do not think that I will even be that jet-lagged. I adjusted really well upon arriving there so I hope it is a similar experience coming home.
I am really sad to leave but excited to see everyone. I will let you know that it is going to be very difficult for me to even try to explain the experience, emotions, lessons, and thoughts that I have had on this journey the past month. So please be patient...it won't happen instantaneously. I think if you are willing to listen, in time, you will perhaps understand some of the things that I would like to share. The experience was very intense, and life changing to say the least. Don't worry; I am still me...just better.
Anyways, I made some connections with some people in South Africa that I am very grateful for. I plan on staying in touch and someday, going back. On our last night there, we had a Braai and everyone came together. It was a perfect way to end the journey. The drums were beating, bodies moving, voices traveling, and of course, a couple of cocktails going down smoothly J some of us went downtown Cape Town to go out with a bang, and this is exactly what we did. My girls and I went to Hemisphere, one of the nicest clubs in Cape Town on the 31st floor of a bank! The view was phenomenal. It was a great way to say farewell to the beautiful country of South Africa and city of Cape Town. We headed to Long Street, the main drag to all the bars and met up with new friends to make more memories for a lifetime. We danced into the morning...I never wanted it to end.
But it is over...and now I am faced with holding onto it all when I get home. I am challenged not to forget all the valuable lessons about life, people, and myself that I have learned. I know it's so easy because life is busy, and we are all caught up. This journey that I was able to experience will be my center point. It will forever be tattooed on my heart and soul.
I made some very great friends on this trip that I will forever be grateful for as well.
Goodbye to the beautiful people, moral land, townships (Delft in particular with Afrika Tiikun), mountains (Educo Africa), Interstudy, , slow internet, old school Nokia phone, talking circles, University of Cape Town classroom #1, VA Waterfront, Table Mountain, whites beaches hugging the freezing Atlantic ocean, hot sun, greenmarket, Osborne Street, Long Street, mini-buses, Pick and Pay, Shoprite, laundry man, Robben Island, Slave lodge, Cathedral, District 6, House 14,and HOME AWAY FROM HOME...for now!!!!!!!
Always remember, never forget.
A special Thanks to everyone who took the time to follow my journey through pictures or my blogs or both! It is much appreciated!
Love, Shauna Rae
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