Transition

February 16, 2014

Transition

Despite the fact that I have been on South African soil for over two weeks, the overwhelming realization of permanence attached to leaving Amsterdam still manifests itself in my thoughts. I've avoided the finality of this blogpost because for the first time since the hype of reuniting with my country and my people, I'm forced to reevaluate my thoughts and feelings about this immense transition, which I'm afraid I lack the ability to do. I understand that this all sounds incredibly melodramatic, however despite the physical transition of moving back from Amsterdam to Cape Town, such as temperature increases of about 25 degrees, having lived in Amsterdam as opposed to purely experiencing the city as a tourist is now resulting in my overly analytic tendencies of making constant comparisons between the two cities. Comparisons of people, culture, landscapes, habits, energies, communications, resources and my own personal feel. As a result, I'm now viewing my home in a light which admittedly I never had before.

The 20 hour flight journey still seems slightly surreal.Without delving into too much detail, I met a fellow UCT student who coincidentally goes by the same surname, happened to be on the same connecting flights back to Cape Town all the way from Amsterdam and is extremely pleasant company. In my opinion a rare occurrence on plane journeys. Mr de Vos, Thank-you for your entertainment. On top of this I had four open seats to myself. Upon landing and after the chaotic and admittedly emotional airport reunion, I found myself gaping in utter awe at the mountain views en route from Cape Town International to Hermanus. I had driven that road countless times yet this time it looked inexplicably different. Having lived in a country as flat as an ironing board for almost 6 months, the hilly contours surrounding me was truly astonishing.

Currently I am still in a state of awe at my surroundings. Waking up to the smell of the ocean, saltwater in my hair, sunburnt skin, late evening sunsets and the view of Table Mountain and Lions Head every time I drive are the elements which I craved whilst being away. Due to the fact that my two comparable homes are so fundamentally different, the nostalgia is bound to kick in soon. A degree of envy certainly strikes when my Amsterdam friends so kindly remind me of the fact that the weather is taking a turn for the better (Thanks Nic ;)) and the canal views and city energy is as striking as ever before. What I can learn from this is one thing only: embrace.

EMBRACE.

It is a dangerous road to walk down when one becomes too comfortable, letting the beauties of life simply pass you by. Wherever you might find yourself, search for something to feed your psyche. Despite having a hunger to explore and venture forth, despite wishing you were elsewhere, find the niche in the place where you're at. As I said, I know the nostalgia will kick in, I already find myself reminiscing over the incredible experiences which I was blessed to have had. However, for now I find it important to not get comfortable, to keep the hunger and the passion alive, despite being in a place I call home and therefore I'm going to continue writing, continue looking, continue exploring.

Heres a little pictorial rendition of Amsterdam vs Cape Town: (Last two weeks in A'dam and first two weeks in Cape Town)