Seoul Sister: You have to have Faith to meet Faith.

"You are never alone or helpless, the force that guides the stars is with you too." 

Shrii Shrii Anandamurti

Whilst traveling there were many times where I found myself, lost, alone and not sure.  Luckily though the Universe never let me down, whenever I thought I was lost I was found. I met interesting and amazing people who let me into their world.  People were kind to me in a ways I least expected.

Clearly I'm not the only one who gets lost from time to time if they have these on the floor at the subway station.

Asking around in my circle of friends, for contacts in South Korea I was introduced to the nicest couple; they took care of me and showed me a good time.  They introduced me to Corona Margarita’s, just what a girl on holiday needs.

Expect the unexpected, like speaking Zulu in South Korea! before I left South Africa I didn’t think I would bump into any Zulu speaking South Africans in Korea.  Boy was I close minded about that,  I met some lovely folks who offered me a roof over my head at any time and they showed me around Seoul.  We are all connected.

Faith and I met at Seoul Station we had missed the last train. All it took was a “hello” and we were off to explore the nightlife in Itaewon. 

Meeting Faith opened up another world of possibilities.  I travelled to Busan, a coastal city to meet up with her for the weekend.   I met the funniest, kindest and coolest people in Busan resulting in me having the time of my life - Gangnam Style!

Sometimes if you choose the beaten track and make your own in-roads, you will meet lady luck and really get immersed into someone else’s culture.

I met O’ ma at the sauna, I was naked in a plunge pool when this woman came up to me and stared.  I figured my chest was at it again soliciting unnecessary attention.  She couldn’t speak a word of English but the body speaks louder than any words.  We fast became friends and I was invited to her home,  introduced to the family and was spoilt with the most amazing meals.  By the time I left SK I was weeping because of the relationship I had formed with my precious O’ma.

South Korean Independance Day Breakfast at O'ma's home.

 

It all starts and often ends with sharing a meal and some thoughts.

Be open to anything, life favours the curious.   

Seoul Sister – Late, Lost & Numberless!

I caught a glimpse of Singapore, a glimpse from the sky, of lights, beautiful lights as we landed at 6 am.   I had an hour to catch my next flight, by the time I made it to the sky train the sun had come out to play.   I was delighted to see that the flight attendant who would be looking after my section was as glorious a specimen as the sun outside.  He had the most awe-inspiring eyes I had seen on a man in a long… long time.  I sunk into my seat enjoying  my view, I even forgot that arriving in South Korea would have to be “rush central”,  as I was  already 2 hours behind schedule and I literally had an hour and a bit to catch my flight to Suncheon at another airport!

Singapore airport from the sky train

Arriving in South Korea I was incredibly excited and in a hurry, I had a flight to catch. I had just made it through customs, about to sashay through the gates after having picked up my luggage when 2 officers singled me out and took me aside for questioning.  At this point I told myself “its ok this won’t take more than 5 minutes.” Little did I know that the officers spoke very little English and my 4 pairs of shoes would be cause for suspicion, who even asks a woman why do you have 4 pairs of shoes?     When they eventually let me go it was a mad dash to Gimpo International Airport but first I had to find the Expressway train that would get me there.

Incheon International Airport - Taken by Rehman

 as I ran through the airport I began to understand why this airport was voted Best airport worldwide for 7 years in a row. 

1.  Its huge.

2. It’s well organised for a place that always has so many people moving through it.

3. It has various entertainment facilities including an ice-rink. 

Train signs were my saving grace because if I had to ask people I would never have found it as quickly,   as my questions were often met with looks of deep confusion.

 I arrived at Gimpo International Airport only to find I had missed my flight and there were no more flights to Suncheon.  As I digested that bit of information I realized I had in transit lost my paper with all the numbers I should call if I miss my flight.  That’s when the real adventure began!

 I dragged my bright red suitcase back to the Expressway train heading back to Incheon International Airport it was so cumbersome that at times different men would help me by lifting it on to the escalators for me.   I was lost for 4 hours; I went from bus terminal to bus terminal asking for a bus to Sunchoen that I was pronouncing the same as Luncheon.  When it should have been pronounced Sunchon (soon-chon)!   Eventually someone was able to make sense of what I was looking for and helped me.  I arrived at Central City Station at 10pm.   I was still without numbers; luckly I had saved them in my Facebook & Gmail account because you never know when you might lose a piece of paper!  I just needed internet access.

 As I made my way around the station I saw signs to the Marriot Hotel, I knew they would have a business center so I made my way there.  I pretended to check-in but had to email home first to let them know I had arrived safely.  I used the computer and thanked the lady and left.  With very little money on me I was worried about using it and finding myself penniless in Suncheon.   My bus eventually left the station for Suncheon at 11:30pm, I was happy to be on my way but with no phone and just a piece of paper with numbers, I did not know how I was going to find my way to Janine. 

Finally on my way to Suncheon

 Eventually 30 minutes before we were due to arrive in Suncheon I started praying that the guy sitting next to me would offer me his phone to make a call.   We had not said a word to one another let alone shared a smile throughout the trip.   We sat side by side, I observed him, he was awfully busy on his laptop, pulling out 3 different electronic pieces that captured his attention.  I fell in and out of sleep and every time I looked over he was still busy with his laptop, phone and something that looked like a PS2.

 I didn’t dare say something just in case he didn’t want to be bothered and a part of me had given up on finding someone who spoke English.  As we entered Suncheon and the bus lights turned on this guy turned, looked at me and asked me in perfect English “are you coming off at the university or at the station?” Say what?  I almost fell out of my skin!    This whole time I had thought he could not speak a word of English and he was as fluent as most South Africans. A flood of relief washed over me and in excitement I said to him ”this whole time! You could speak English and didn’t say a word” and he responded “you didn’t say hello”  

Janine and I on my first day in Suncheon

Who said black woman aren’t adventurous?

I was woken up by a rustling in the roof, listening in; I realized it was home to some pigeons.   Considering it was 4am in the morning I came to the conclusion that this little family lives on the principle that the early bird catches the fattest worm, because why would they be up at 4AM!?!

Whilst my thoughts blasted the worm, I found myself wide awake and restless.  The deep sleep I had dived into was now just a distant dream.  My thoughts soon turned to the adventure that lied ahead, abseiling off the longest single-drop abseil in the world.   Unable to lie in bed any longer, I headed out to enjoy the sunrise.  The sun peered through the trees greeting the river that snaked through the property.  You could smell the mountains just like you can smell the ocean when you are at the seaside.  My senses were alive taking everything in.   I thought that by then I would have been feeling nervous or slightly edgy about the abseil but instead I was feeling calm beyond placid.  I wanted to take everything in, slowly, silently and without worry.  

7am finally arrived!  We met our local guides who would be putting us through our paces. We began with our training; abseiling a 40m rock face in preparation for the 204m long abseil down the side of the waterfall.  

Geared up and ready to begin our training.

 The first and the last time I abseiled  was in my teens,  I can still remember the sinking feeling that filled my stomach the moment the guide (whom might I mention had asked me if I trust him)  told me to step back… and there was nothing…nothing  to catch me.  That sheer disbelief of falling, with no control.  For a second you cannot think of anything … then your senses kick in, your body springs into action and before you know it it’s all over and then you just want to do it again. 





Safety Check.

This time I was ready,   I had an idea of what to expect easing any butterflies I might have had.  The training was a breeze for my friend and I and an hour later we were done and on our way to the falls.  The guide who was driving us to the falls was the first certified Eco- guide in Lesotho as he spoke about what his qualification meant to him, his voice beamed with pride that he, a guy from a village as small as Semonkong had managed to excel and be the first to succeed. 

Arriving at the site we were taken to view the waterfall first, I swear this must be a scare tactic for those people who have height, water or falling phobias because immediately doubt set in amongst the group.  Instead of participating in the conversation of uncertainty,   I withdrew and just fell silent, I feared nothing, I trusted that the guys would do everything required to ensure my safety and the rest I couldn’t have been bothered about.  I wanted no worry, no anxiety just the experience, after all how could I desire certainty when we live in uncertainty every day. 

Sitting on a rock waiting for my turn I was totally blown away by the enormity and the majestic beauty of the Maluti Mountains, besides the angora goats and the shepherds who came to watch our fall, there was no one else. 

My turn finally arrived and standing on the edge, a wave of excitement hit me. I leaned back, looked at the guy and stepped back.  

Standing at the edge.

 The feeling is always mind blowing, my heartbeat turned up a notch, and I could feel my skin beating with it.   I let out a huge Whoop, whoop! As the water sprayed my skin I opened my arms embracing the freedom, the magnificence that is nature. 

Thats tiny spec is me ...the power of nature!

All too soon I found myself at the bottom of the waterfall. I let out another shriek of delight!  I wanted to sprawl out on the rocks and hug the waterfall and just stay in the moment for a second longer.   

Hands up for my Victory Lap!

I had done it! I had abseiled 204m (670ft) down the Maletsunyane waterfall, 50 story’s of pure ecstasy.  I looked up taking it all in, feeling victorious, the guide who was waiting for me gave me a high5, “you are one fearless woman” he said,  “ you looked like you were having the time of your life up there.”  As his words sank in I smiled even more after all Life favour’s the brave.  As I finally walked away from my moment, I looked for my friend so we could share in each other’s triumph it’s not every day that  one does something as exciting as this and to share that moment with someone else makes it that much sweeter.

The face of bravery.

Those who have seen my pictures often ask me would I do it again… My answer is the same every time.  Yes in a heartbeat!

visit http://www.placeofsmoke.co.ls/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=8  if you would like to find out more about the activities available at Semonkong, I'm definitely going back for the donkey pub crawl!

Mesmerizing Lesotho!

Have you ever been to a place where at every turn you are literally having your breath taken away by the beauty you see?   Besides almost suffocating to death by beautiful scenery, I’m pretty sure my co-pilot was tired of hearing “oh wow…. look at that!” as I held my breath at every turn.

still holding my breath

 We were on a long winding drive to Semonkong “the place of smoke”.  The directions to this place where very vague in fact they read “A couple of hills, a couple of bends – Semonkong Lodge is where the road ends!”  What they meant was a couple hundred hills and more bends than you can imagine but you will eventually find the lodge at the foot of a river.  After the promised 3 hour journey had passed and we were still on the road, doubt set in.  What if we are lost?  What if we took the wrong turn?  With no Google maps and no road signs I resorted to faith “don’t worry I said the “directions” say it’s at the end of the road we just haven’t arrived yet.  To further ease our anxiety we stopped when we saw the next stranger to affirm that we were still on the right path.  Countless hills later and several strangers in between, nightfall fell and now we really started to worry as the road seemed to be getting worse and worse and there was still no sign of the lodge.  

Those mountain peaks look like the traditional Basotho hat.

Asking one of the sheperds to affirm if were on track.

As life would have it, often in your darkest moment when you think all is lost it’s at that very moment that you see a sign of hope… Lights ahead!  We were excited, glad to see some form of civilization.  We hurtled along, flinching at every bump that attempted to do some damage to our trusty vehicle.  We eventually arrived, tired and hoping that we still had accommodation for the night. 

The winding roads to Semonkong

Luckily many a visitors to Semonkong have been known to take more than the said 3hours to reach this place of tranquility so we still had a place to sleep with a fireplace! (Lesotho gets cold in the evenings after all this is the land of the blanket people)  We had our supper underneath the stars and boy where those star’s bright and plentiful.  Such unmasked splendor can only be experienced in the most rural parts of the world. 

I found myself withdrawing into myself, taking in the sounds and the magnificence of my surroundings, thinking of the 204m long adventure that awaited in the morning.

Semonkong Lodge in the Morning.

Summer in Jo'burg...I love this City

While we’re young and beautiful, living free and easy. Here without a worry, dancing in our bare feet swinging to lifes rythm and making memories. 

-unknown- 

I love summer, it's my happy time, people are happier, the birds are singing there generally seems to be more laughter in the air.

Proudly South African Mimes put a smile on your dial.

Buildings look prettier as trees clothe them.

lunches shared with friends and family mark our weekends.





Sunday afternoons spent dancing to some amazing, latin inspired african beats on the Roof Top at Arts on Main.  

Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend and Meeting a New Friend

Taking in the silent language of 2 bodies speaking to one another.

Seoul Sister- South East Asia for 1

Life is like a wave. Resist and you'll be knocked over. Dive into it, and you'll swim out the other side.  Evelyn, Exotic Marigold Hotel

“Flight 625 Cathay Pacific has been Cancelled” I arrived at the airport, partially voiceless due to a cold with my ginormous red suitcase only to be greeted with a sign board about my flight being cancelled due to typhoon Vincent  in Hong Kong.  Typhoon  Vincent?   I really had not factored in that Typhoons are a regular occurrence in Asia and something that I would have to deal with throughout my trip.  You would think that I would be put off by this freak of nature; instead I was adamant that I could not stay another day in South Africa.  

Mayhem at the airport as we all try and negotiate flights with other airlines.

Within an hour I had negotiated with Cathay to organize my flight to South Korea with Singapore airlines, I found myself wheeling and dealing using my “oh so sexy” pair of boots to negotiate a good seat and possibly an upgrade * there is nothing wrong with pushing your luck sometimes* even if it means possibly trading in your shoes for an upgrade. 

The "oh so sexy" boots, It truly does help to be well dressed when you are travelling, 

In between the hustling and exchanging some money for the trip I missed my boarding call, by the time I realized I was running horribly late I had to call in back up.  I grabbed an ACSA employee who was already off duty and pleaded with him to help me make it to my Flight.  Perhaps it was the look of horror on my face but something certainly worked for me because the next thing I knew I was rushing through customs with him and just when I thought my lungs were about to give up on me he ran ahead to make sure that they did not leave without me.  There were times when he looked back and shouted “sistas come on you can do it” and even though I thought I might surely die en route this bit of motivation pushed me to jog even harder.

I was the last person to scuttle into the plane and was hailed with looks of disapproval for having held up the flight.  At that point I was just glad to have made it with half a lung still intact and a burning chest,  as we took to the skies I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the sky at that very moment a clear reminder that I had made it.

relief.

One night in Prison...

I have been chucked out of places and even almost tossed into prison but when I found myself behind 'bars' at Constitutional Hill,  it was for a good cause.  To celebrate the great work achieved by various corporates and community leaders for improving communities within Southern Africa.   

The Mail & Guardian Southern Africa Trust Awards for Change are a great way of encouraging Africans to do what needs to be done to achieve a better life for themselves and their fellow man. Afterall we cannot rely soley on the government to improve ourselves.

Prison time well served with some very handsome inmates.

Constitutional Hill is a  National Heritage site that has witnessed a century of South Africa's history. From British soldiers who fought with the Boers at the turn of the century, to the youth caught up in the Soweto Uprising, to the dawn of democracy and the building of South Africa's Constitutional Court, Constitution Hill has witnessed it all. Visit Constitution Hill and learn about the injustices of South Africa's past while observing the process by which freedom was won and is now protected. Exhibitions and guided tours have been designed as an interactive experience, offering visitors the opportunity to participate in the building of Constitution Hill. Visit http://www.constitutionhill.org.za/tours/ for tours.

Cape Town in March

Cape Town in March is beautiful and most probably one of the better times to be in the Mother City.  The days are warm and full of promise, the ideal weather for a weekend of wine tasting. If you are a lover of wine and history then Solms Delta should be on your top 10 wine farms to see. They have a wonderful heritage museum http://www.solms-delta.co.za/heritage/museum-van-de-caab/  that gives you insight into the early developments in the Cape.  The service is excellent and the staff are an absolute pleasure to work with.  We sampled their wine in the comfort of the garden taking in the beauty of the farm; I found my delight in a bottle of Cape Jazz Shiraz, needless to say I took a few bottles home.

 

They also have a great band  

Franschoek for Lunch.

when the wine runs dry use the bottles to light up your room - Light fixture using wine bottles

 Cape Jazz Shiraz being shared in Jo'burg with friends.

White Water Tubing in Hazyview Mpumalanga

The adventure will always find you if you seek it.

Going down stream...no turning back now.

Ever fancied White water rafting? Well White water tubing is the crazier sister who thinks a whistle, a man screaming "weg van die klippe af" will leave you with a greater high than the comfort of being in a rubber duck with other fellow "sailors"

Sometimes you just have to jump.

You sail by your lonesome self sans a paddle as your arms and body become your navigation systems.  You need to remain relaxed at all times this way you steer your tube better.  This is easier said than done but once you get inside it’s the exhilarating feeling that takes over, that unexpected rush that consumes us when we have to make sure that we survive the ride.

After Jumping off a 12m Cliff you need to document your survival in full view of the cliff and waterfall !

Visit http://indunaadventures.com/portfolio-item/geckoing-white-water-tubing/ to find out more about white water tubing. 

Bloem-Freezing-Tein - Hanging out in Bloemfontein in the middle of Winter ?

I am not a fan of winter,  in fact I dislike it immensely... but I like having a good time no matter where I go, no matter how cold it is.  Emoya Estate in Bloemfontein turned out to be the perfect place for my little winter adventure.  A game farm that has everything from a potbelly pig named Atilla to the wild spitting Lama's that I had never seen before in my life.  I was excited for days in fact I was putting most Chinese tourists to shame with the amount of pictures I was taking. 

Winter madness, lifting my spirits with some fun and cheer before I head out to Bloem.

A bit like life, not centred, striking with a bit of shade.

Its a Rhino...No wait! Its 2 Rhino's! Always an amazing creature to see and come up close to.

Live, Love ,Laugh ad most importantly dream Big!

Sitting on a Hill watching the sunset with a game ranger, red wine in hand to keep the evenings icy grip at bay.  Coversation -amazing, sunset even better.