I left New York with a million tiny little cracks in my spirit that I didn’t know how to fix, and boarded my flight to South Africa with no clue if it would help. I figured a little time away during my sabbatical could be good, but had few expectations for the 4 weeks I was supposed to be there.
Little did I know Johannesburg would heal me in places I didn’t know were broken. I stepped off the plane, and before I could put my luggage down I was wrapped up in the arms of a community that hugged me like a grandma, picked me up, dusted me off, and carried me back to sunshine.
As a writer I almost wish I had some film-worthy experience to attribute to my joy. But alas, no National Geographic moments here, guys. I didn’t have some spiritual transformation on a mountaintop in Cape Town. Or participate in a ritual with the elders of a remote tribe in KwaZulu-Natal. As much as the tourist companies push that aspect of African culture, I skipped most tourist experiences, and chose to simply live. And be. And take in whatever life sent me in my stillness.
In slowing down and embracing each day, I met a lot of people. Beautiful, loving, joyful, compassionate, and hilarious people who held a mirror up to me and reminded me of the best parts of myself that I had forgotten. People who went FAR above and beyond what I’d ever expected to make me feel welcome, supported, comfortable, and at home. Little people who showed me there aren’t enough dollars in the world I can give to their school or center that will ever match what they give me back with a smile or a hug. And grown people who reminded me that adulting doesn’t have to be so serious. (I barely know where anyone works. Because it doesn’t matter. You aren’t your job.)
I lived among both the “haves” and the “have nots,” and learned the biggest difference is perspective. You can be poor or rich in either situation. I went to the doctor and saw what it felt like to be treated like a person, not a paycheck. I ate more than I should have, and embraced the curves that came along with every bite. And learned that beautiful moments can happen when we lose power (electrical or otherwise.)
Most importantly, I learned what joy looks like on me again. I didn’t post a ton on Instagram, but so many times people (often privately) commented on how happy I look (Thanks guys! I am!). From my skin to my smile, the glow is unedited and genuine. I now understand how important it is to seek and maintain joy by any means necessary. To pursue happiness like it stole something, and never let life keep you in the dark, even if you end up there briefly.
And lastly, I learned to trust that even if you don’t understand why you’re going somewhere, if it’s in His will, you’ll get what you need when you get there.
I ate. I prayed. I loved. And I’m back (for now 😉). Literally and figuratively.
See below for a few photos of moments I mentioned above, plus some extras from my time in South Africa. For more photos and the stories behind them, follow me on Instagram at @bktraveladdict. I’ll start sharing more pictures and videos over the next few weeks!
A typical Sunday in my neighborhood in Maboneng. Fashion, jewelry and art vendors sell their goods on Fox Street while various bands bless the air with some ticket-worthy tunes!
The view from my favorite lookout point in Mellville, Johannesburg. I went several times and sat on the balcony just to take in the dopeness of what the Universe gives us each and every day.
At Little Rose Center in Kliptown, Soweto with some friends and one of the administrators, affectionately known as “Mama Dee.” She was so fabulous, had so much wisdom and SO many stories!
My crew of friends (both Joburg residents and American expats) cooked for the kids and staff at Little Rose Center several times during my trip. This was our American style BBQ day.
On our many visits at Little Rose Center, we also had teachable moments like this one where my friend Akeem, a chef from Seattle, talked to the kids about the herbs and veggies in their food, and why they’re good for them.
Watching the girls at Little Rose Center do their dance classes on Wednesdays is one of my favorite memories. In the photo above, our friend Phiwe who teaches dance in Maboneng came to lead a fun dance class (that I should have taken with all the food I was eating in Joburg!)
In March I hosted a potluck at my apartment, and filled my house just like I was home in Brooklyn. Never have I been to a place this easy to meet people!
Everyone prepared food (like for real for real beans, greens, potatoes, chicken, lamb, steak #younameit) and even after the lights went out due to scheduled outages, we kept it going well into the morning. Thankful to have experienced a tradition I do in Brooklyn with my Joburg family.
The view from the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town. I’ve been before but this was my first time during the day with clear weather, so I could see the view! It’s beautiful!
The view of Lion’s Head from my hotel/hostel in Sea Point, Cape Town.
The view from the rocks between Clifton Beaches (3 and 4 I think) in Cape Town. I highly recommend it for beach-goers who want a little more quiet than Camps Bay. However, if you’re Black, just be prepared to be one of the only chocolate chips in the cookie out there!
Working on my melanin situation at Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town.
I went paragliding for the first time in Cape Town! For the first two minutes I definitely thought I could die at any moment. After that I felt like I was flying. Definitely consider the experience if you want to feel alive! Click photo for video.
I drove the infamous and scenic Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (never again. LORT.) But the highlight of my drive was my stay at Dover on the Sea in Sedgefield. It’s so peaceful and the bed and breakfast was perfect.
I stayed in an Airbnb that is located a township in Maputo, Mozambique. Townships are like favelas or slums in other countries. Typically underserved, but rich in culture. Probably the poorest place I’ve ever stayed, but and experience I’ll never forget.
The neighborhood kids also living in the township came over one morning to hang out and we caught a quick photo with them. It was kinda funny because they weren’t supposed to be there (the American guy in the back who was also staying in our Airbnb let them in) and they were legit shook when the house owner Mata came home (like when your Momma catches you jumping on the bed!) But they relaxed long enough for this photo.
My Airbnb host Mata took me to Macaneta Beach in Mozambique. Randomly as I was walking, I looked back, saw these footprints, and was reminded of His footprints in the sand. (If you have a religious Auntie or Grandma with a house they probably had the footprints poem on their wall)
One of a million random days where I laughed like this. Taken in Mellville, Johannesburg with my friend Solam who showed me so much of this great city I never would have seen otherwise.
I saw some of the most beautiful sunrises from my apartment balcony. This is also a neighborhood most people are told to avoid. This reminded me that beauty and peace can be anywhere if you choose to wake up and look for it.
More photos and stories to come! I’ll also be writing a post on how to plan a trip to South Africa, and where to eat. If you have questions in the meantime, drop a comment below, or email me directly at bktraveladdict@gmail.com.
And a HUGE thank you to each and every person who made this trip unforgettable. There are too many people to name, from both the states and Joburg. But if I met you and had so much as a conversation with you, please know I appreciate our time together whether it was brief or frequent. THANK YOU! And you know I’ll be back. Hope to see you then!
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