The way you feel

Hello all,

The status quo becomes that way so quickly, you hardly even realise. I certainly didn’t realise how uncomfortable I felt in SA until I finally felt comfortable. It’s sort of ironic as I’ve just arrived in a city which has the biggest “this is a massive mistake, leave as fast as possible” feelings that I think I’ve ever had! But apart from that, the last week has been pretty good.

But to backtrack. After Plettenberg Bay, I visited Jeffrey’s Bay – famous for it’s surfing. Did a little shopping, bought a new bikini which is good as my old one is falling apart, and it is my work outfit after all : ) Chilled out in the evening watching Man U on TV and talking to another French guy. The next day was unbelievably windy so apart from a quick visit to a shark aquarium, I did little but watch daytime soaps – unbelievably boring and worse in SA than they are in UK!

A nighttime visit to Port Elizabeth as I made my way to Coffee Bay. This was where I finally felt settled. Everyone is so aware of danger here – not safe to walk at at night, not safe to walk by yourself, muggings etc. Had money stolen twice already (but in a hostel). It was driving me insane! Used to being very trusting and feeling comfortable everywhere. In PE, despite that it was night, I went for a walk by myself and remember how much I love walking at night – the lights on the buildings, the quiet, the stars etc. Then I found a cool little café to have dinner in. Finally they were restaurants which actually had both blacks and whites eating there, and the waitress even asked me to join her friends after my meal.

Coffee Bay was wonderful, a lovely holistic hostel with drumming nights, yoga and dancing performances from local school children to raise money to combat Aids. Stayed there for several days and could easily have spent more time there. Very chill and tribal, in a forest setting.

Met a couple of interesting Belgium guys there and ended up getting a lift with them. One of them has been working on having an out-of-body experience, as it’s been a goal of his since he was 15. Not had one yet but has had a lucid dream where he did a lot of flying around. He said it was ace.

The last few days I’ve been in Umkomass, doing some diving. The weather is a bit pants and not the best season for sharks but did see a couple. The owner gave me some work hints, but I want to check out Sodwana Bay first – better climate, warmer water and better coral. Cross fingers that I get a job! Dived with the Whaler (thanks for the tip Mark but new owner now) – and actually saw a whale quite close when we came in from a mornings dive!

That’s all for now. Hope you are all well,
Love
kx