Dear South Africa

Dear South Africa

Just a few days ago 2 police officers were tragically killed in England. The continuous reporting and outcry has been broadcasts since the incident took place.

In South Africa, police officers are killed daily. What worries me is the lack of sympathy for these people. Someone has just lost a child / parent / sibling / friend / mentor / hero while defending OUR country, and I make special reference to OUR because it is all of ours to protect, love and enjoy. These police officers have made a commitment to defend, protect and enforce the law on OUR behalf.

Granted, our police force has its problems more often than not we have more bad to say about them than good, but looking deeper into the matter the problems could stem from lack of funding, training and leadership.

Here is a short video clip of the amount of respect that has been shown for the police officer that was killed while responding to a call while on duty in England. This would never happen in SA. But why?

 

Every child at some point wants to be a police officer or a fire fighter while growing up. Partly because of the uniforms and partly because we are taught that these brave people are respected and do good for people and make a difference in the world. I think as we get older we forget that.

My please to SA is to start changing our attitudes towards out police force, appreciate that SA has a police force to help protect us. Let’s show them a little more respect, a little more appreciation and a little more admiration. Being a police officer in SA is a tough job and it takes a very braver person to go onto the streets of SA to protect a nation that is more often than not against them rather than for them.

Roll on October

So this week marked the start of a new month. October has arrived. The scary realisation that there is only 3 months left of 2012 and the realisation that I have been living this adventure for almost 6 months.

I am particularly excited about this month because I have a very exciting trip coming up. I will be travelling to Prague in the Czech Repulbic and to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. 2 places that are on my bucket list and I am so excited to tick them off.

I love that my days are filled with reading up on the history of these 2 amazing places, I am filled with knowledge and excitement at the same time.

Initially when I set off on my adventure one thing always stuck in the back of my mind. If I go alone, I will be alone. All the places I want to see are possibly going to be done solo, something that I had accepted and was prepared to do. While you are travelling you meet so many amazing people and you plan these unbelievable trips to discover the world together.

Once again, I am forced to righten up my budget and be a lot moer careful of my spending so that I can splurge out and have an unforgettable holiday. Its all worth it. And im getting quite good at this budget thing. As my build up continues I shall take you on my adventure.

Should I stay or should I go?

So often I say the words: "I will blog more" and so often I dont, however, this time I can defend myself. I had ordered a new laptop and it took forever to arrive. My order somehow managed to get lost in the system but not to worry I have it now and can continue to share with you the exciting adventure that I am on.

After being in London for a month, I will admit I struggled in the beginning. Having left my heart in Israel (I completely fell in love with the country and would never forget the experience I had)I didnt know if this was the right decision. Being in a country that spoke english, drove on the same side of the road as South Africa and had nearly the same products as South Africa, I thought I would slip right in and feel at home. This was not the case.

My confidence was down and the thought of having to start over again, for the second time this year, scared me. Making new friends. Getting into a new routine. A new job. A new house. It isnt as easy as it sounds in your head until you put it on paper and try and make sense of it. I was ready to move back to Israel and spend the rest of my time there.

I was talking to one of my dear friends a few days ago who has had such a whirlwind year (divorce, changing jobs, moving house) it has been a tough year, she had pointed out to me that although my year seems broken up it too has been tough.

2 weeks ago I spent Rosh Hashana with my Jewish family and last weekend with some childhood friends that now live in London and what a difference it has made. I can now see the world in a different light as I know that I do have support and I am not alone.

Not having access to the internet has made it difficult too as I have not had much contact with my family and friends in South Africa but now I am pleased to say that I am happy and that this is going to be a great journey.

I remember the reasons why I had decided to go on this adventure and I have new found excitement.

I've made my way back to this planet

I never actually thought it would be possible to drop off the face of the earth, but it happened. Living the Kibbutz life with limited need for technology you tend to forget about the outside world.

While I spent 4 months in Israel I did not blog a lot, now I wish I had. What an amazing and incredible experience. I just cannot put into words what it was like. You are completely secluded, out in the nature and living each day without needing to worry about the next. When needing to talk to someone, you get up and walk to their house. It was going back to the basics in every form, living with the bare essentials and having real life interaction with people on a daily basis. It really taught me so much about life and about myself. Live more simply and gain a whole lot more. Coming form a life where you have to have the best of everything and to never be satisfied, I struggled to adjust to the life that I came to love. I thank all of the incredible people that I spent so much time with, I will never forget the people nor the expereince.

I arrived in London, United Kingdom on Thursday the 16th August. What a disasterous arrival. I was overweight by nearly 10kgs, I had my bags searched by airport security in Israel (as they do everyone, but it is a little harder and takes a whole lot longer when you have 39kgs of luggage) my first flight was delayed causing me to frantically run through Vienna airport to catch my connecting flight 5 minutes before scheduled take off, I lost 2 hours through time zones and if that wasnt enough, one of my bags did not arrive when I did. BUT, I have had a few great days travelling around London and seeing all of the great sights. They are a lot smaller than I remember, perhaps because the last time I was here I was half the size.

I am looking forward to building a new life here and know that I will make such special memories just as I did in Israel, this time I will take you all with me along this journey.

Until next time

xxxx

Kibbutz life and updates

Apologies for my lack of blogging.

This could be directly linked to the way time works here in Hazorea. I feel as though I am on another planet, it has its own clocks, its own time and its own dates. The past few weeks has felt as though I am sitting on a bench watching someone elses life.

With so many different cultures coming together and fitting into another has been such an incredible experience.

I have gotten to know so many people, each with their own reasons for being here. Some to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, some to learn about other cultures, some to travel and some to serve in the Israeli Army. I have learnt so much from these various people, lessons that I will take with me and remember forever.

Some of the most important lessons that I have learnt while being here is that you should take time out of everyday to appreciate what you have, here it isnt about how much money you have or the things that you own, it is making the most out of your situation and appreciating the people in your life.

I miss home, I miss my family, my friends, and silly things like that we take for granted but I am enjoying every moment here and know that there is still such fabulous experiences to be had.

I am planning some trips over the next few weeks to make sure that I get to see the most of what I can and do as much as possible because who knows if I will ever have this opportunity again.

The beginning of the Kibbutz

After being on the kibbutz for a week and a half, I am starting to find my feet and settle in. I have started to make friends and enjoying it so much.


When I arrived it was very intimidating. All of the volunteers had their "clicks"- they had made friends and did their own thing. Being the new kid isn't easy in any situation but slowly I started to get to know everyone. 


I work in the pardes (orchards) and work with such great people, they are so friendly and really take care of you. (all the kibbutzniks - the people that live on the kibbutz - are actually). It is really tough work and physically demanding but as time goes on I am getting into a rhythm and finding my feet. I am learning so much working in the pardes, I have learnt so much about trees and how to care for them, irrigation and insects. It really is fascinating and enjoy it so much. It is so peaceful.


The volunteers are from all over the world, we are like a mini united nations, it is so interesting to hear about who all these people have come to the kibbutz and what their lives are like. After hearing why some of the people are at the kibbutz, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have an amazing family, who supports me and care so deeply for me.


I am having such a great time and learning new things all the time, at work we have made a rule that I should learn one Hebrew word a day - I am really starting to get the hang of it and can have a small conversation, I really hope that I will be able to learn a great deal more and learn as much as I can.

The Holocaust Museum, Jerusalem, Israel 2 May 2012

Gloomy day in Israel today. I wanted to go to the old city in Jerusalem but sand storms and a bit of rain it wouldn't be very nice.

Instead I went to the Holocaust Museum. No words can describe it. Its a hard hitting realization of what Jews went through during the time of Hitler; the German takeover, the killing of Jews, women and children alike. If they were not being shot at point blank range into the pits that they themselves had dug, they were being gassed in huge chambers.

You are not allowed to take photos inside the museum, there is just too much to tell about, something everyone should see, if not because they are Jewish but because it has to be heard and people should know about it. It was a hard hitting realization of what people of families went through and the tragic battle they had lost.

Throughout the museum, there were many artifacts and remains such as letters, clothes, shoes and jewelry from the people that had died.

I remember reading a book called "the boy with the stripped pajamas"today after seeing the actual 'stripped pajamas'- the uniforms that Jews had to wear during the Holocaust - sent shivers down my spine.

It is a real moving experience. A lesson I learnt from it was that no matter who you are - black, white, pink, blue, Jewish, Christian, Hindu or Muslim - everyone has a past, everyone has a dream and everyone deserves a future. We are all people and should be given the same respect and humanity as anyone else

Jaffa, Israel. 30 April 2012

Today I walked around Jaffa - what a beautiful place. I walked through the old city and saw such beautiful buildings, so old and quiet. The people are all very friendly.

I took a bus into Tel Aviv and walked along the beach front to Jaffa, the sea is so calm and so blue. There is so much activity going on, people running, fishing, eating at restaurants and enjoying the beautiful day.

Along the beaches there are what looks like parks but they are exercise machines

I went into a mosque where i had to cover my arms and head, the lady didnt speak a word of english but brought me some tea and with mint leaves while I walked around the mosque and the gardens.

In the old city of Jaffa there are many curio shops and galleries, as I sat on a bench I watched all the tour guides come past - such enthusiasm, knowledge and excitement abouth THEIR city.

It felt as though I was walking through a history book. You hear about all the places in the bible and history books and its so amazing that you can actually walk the streets and be in those places that they speak of.

A very memorable day!

Week 1 in Israel

Greetings.


I arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday, 26th April 2012. Not knowing what to expect I was excited and more that ready. After a very long stop in Germany I was tired and very irritated. 


My cousin met me at the airport when my flight came in at 3 am. I was lucky that I could go back to her house and sleep for a while.


It was independence day here on the 26th April so much celebration was taking place. We went to a barbecue (braai) the day I arrived where it was very interesting to see how there were so many people coming and going, each person that arrived had a dish in hand and settle into the festivities.


After spending the day here it suddenly hit me that I was a million miles from home and so far out of my comfort zone I was blown away. For weeks and months before I left, i was hardly phased about my departure and I was waiting in anticipation for the moment it would sink it. I think that moment struck while I was getting out of the cat at O.R Tambo International Airport where I thought I was going to have a heart attack but I survived it and started my journey. It was not until I was in Israel that I had realized and it had sunk in.


It was a tough day but I was fortunate that I had family around me. I think the hardest thing to comprehend was the language barrier, I was fully aware and prepared that I was going to a country where English was not in fact the first language, however I don't think I was fully prepared to the extent of my limitations. Not being able to open the fridge and read one word, not being able to watch a lot of TV, small things such as getting into the car on the wrong side. looking the wrong way when crossing the street. It is all part of the experience though and I am learning day buy day. I am already adjusting quite well I think, well... I can at least get into the car on the correct side for now.


I spent the weekend (Friday and Saturday) at the beach where everyone plays 'tennis' - bats and balls, plays their guitars and plays backgammon - apparently a very big thing in Israel. I have learnt how to play backgammon while being here, its not as easy as it looks but not as hard to learn either. Still very confused but im sure i will get better. 


I have 1 week before I go to the Kibbutz so will be trying to do a bit of traveling while i pass time. Would like to see a bit of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in the next few days.


'till next time

A post from Germany

So, yesterday I left South Africa - what an emotional rollercoaster. I honestly didnt expect it to be this hard to say goodbye to my family.

I was so calm building up to the event until I got to the airport. But with the new life in mind and the full support of my family behind me made it easier to get through.

I landed in Frankfurt, Germany this morning to very chilly weather, thought the sun would come through but not today. I fly out again tonight and should arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel in the very early hours tomorrow morning. It is Independence Day in Israel tomorrow so will be spending the day with the family, whatever we will be doing.

Will be posting another update when I get settled in Israel, hopefully by then I will know what Kibbutz I will be going to and what I will be doing there.

Until then...

Im out.

My last day at work

Today marks the last day of work.

As I look around and start my goodbyes, I am reminded of the last few years that I have been here. Truth is, it hasn’t always been easy. There have been some extreme lows but I have also had some really good days. More importantly I have learnt a wealth of knowledge that I cannot only use in my career but also in life.

I am excited to take the next step in my life and learn so much more.

My graduatation day

As most people do, I went straight to university when I finished matric. As a naïve 17 year old, I had no idea what I was in store for. I had no idea what I wanted to be, what I was going to study and what was expected of me.

Luckily having an older sister who was already in the university system I thought I knew or had an idea of what I was doing. Little did I know.

I remember orientation week, where you go and mix with other first year students, a week where you are supposed to make friends and find your way around. It was not what I had expected and really thought and still do think that it is unnecessary.

Over the years of studying, I made some incredible friends and created bonds with some amazing people that will carry on for a life time.

University teaches you life experiences that you cannot learn anywhere else. You are given a timetable and left to be, you learn so much about yourself in terms of what you can handle, how you handle situations and what you can do to overcome it.

Varsity life. There is just no way to describe it until you have lived it. Partying all night, 7:30 lectures in the middle of winter, a staple diet of burgers and toasted sandwiches, winging exams, lift clubs, the library – the single most distractingly quiet place on earth.

I could not have gotten through the years if it was not for my family and friends. They were behind me every step of the way.

Thank you to all who were apart of my experience!

Happy Easter and Chag Sameach

 

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Hope that this weekend is filled with lots of family, laughter, love and lots and lots of chocolate.

To everyone who gave something up for lent, I hope it has been a success and I hope what ever you gave up is just as amazing as you remember it!

CHAG SAMEACH

To everyone celebrating the passover,hope you dont eat too much Matzah.

Wedding bells, babies and Visas

After such a crazy week, I have finally taken a few minutes to reflect.

Last weekend my sister moved house, it really is a stressful task making sure everything is done properly and waiting for deliveries. There often seems to be more waiting than action but before you know it, it All comes together. I wish her and her fiancé all the best in their new home and that lots of love and happiness flows through their doors.

Another exciting even was that we had a new addition added to our family. We had a little baby boy born and he is just the most precious little guy on the planet. I finally realise what people mean when they say they fell in love with the child the moment they saw him – I did just that!

And the last bit and probably the most exciting was that my sister got engaged to the most amazing person, I dont think there is anyone better suited for each other like they are. Yet another pot finds its lid. All of this in just one week you ask? YEP! All in one week.

It has been the most fabulous week and so full of love, happiness and laughter. A feeling I wish would last forever.

It makes me realise that as I am about to embark on my travels there is so much that can happen. I am glad that I am here to experience all of these wonderful things but I am really going to miss it and know that I will be creating my own memories.

I was informed upon submitting my visa that it would take 30 days to process – that alone has been stressing me out as I will have landed in Israel before I know if my visa had been granted or not (you only collect it once you are there). So many thoughts go through my head, what if they don’t let me stay, what will I do, where will I go, how will I get there, why would they deny/decline it? This morning, bright and early I received an email informing me that my visa had been approved and that it was all systems go ahead (only took 5 days – how awesome)

So with the big count down well in its way, 23 more sleeps, it is time to get my tooshie into gear and start planning the greatest adventure of all!

The winning ticket

I cannot believe how fast time has gone and all that has gone on in between

I booked my flight on Tuesday and have not had time to process.

The first thought I had was “I have a 1 way ticket to the fuck out of here with multiple stops on the way” haha. Funny thought I found as it made no sense at all.

I am not sad just as yet nor am I excited anymore. I think I am so full of mixed emotions. I think my biggest worry is getting on the plane, catching my connecting flights and actually being able to breath once I reach my first destination.

I am leaving Sunny South Africa on April 24^th. My first stop will be Israel. I am joining a Kibbutz for 3 months. Going to turn into quite the farmer I think.

This is where the journey really begins. With just over 4 weeks to go, I will be updating as much as I can on the pre-trip inspection (the mad rush running around and making sure that I have everything I need)

1 thing I am happy about is that I can take 6 more kgs that I initially thought, whoo!

Till next time!

Love life

Have you ever spent so much of your life doing what other people want you to do, thinking the way other people want you to think, being someone you are not?

It is so draining.

I go against the grain, not because I want to go out of my way to be different but because I am. I like to do things my way and I like to make sure that it is something that I am proud of. Whether it is to prove to myself that I can do it or so I know in my heart that I tried it and did the best that I can.

The past couple of weeks I have started to ‘learn to let go’. I try not to let petty things get to me and I do my best to live a life that I can look back on and be proud of – not a life that someone else wanted me to live.

I found the above picture and it is so true. If you accept life and take it as it comes instead of planning every move you will enjoy it more and have more fun.

LEARN TO ENJOY THE LIFE THAT YOU HAVE, IF YOU DON’T CHANGE IT.

LIVE FOR YOU AND LIVE A LIFE THAT YOU CAN BE PROUD OF.

When you wake up in the morning remind yourself that this is YOUR life and that you will live it how YOU see fit.

Lets get the ball rolling

It has only been a few days since I have come out publically about my travels. It really does make a difference when everyone knows. I think I am a lot calmer now.

After finally letting it all sink in and realizing that in just a few short weeks I will be packing my life up into no more than 27kgs (God help me) I am starting to shake in my boots.

Packing for 2 seasons and for a trip that you are not entirely sure how long will last doesn’t make matters easier.

I am slowly starting to declutter and have started my ‘yes’ ; ‘no’ ; and ‘maybe’ piles of all the positions I own. Yes – definitely stays ; no – definitely goes and maybe will be gone through again in the last few days.

With running from pillar to post making sure that every step of my journey is organized is not an easy task. From wanting to leave everything up to ‘fate’ I have realised that if I want to at least earn some money or sleep in a bed, some sort of planning needs to be done, even if it is minimal. :-)

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

Wowee, it has been such a busy few weeks.

I have such amazing news to share

Yesterday I resigned from my job. I am deeply saddened that I will be leaving as I have become quite attached to some of the people; however there are exciting things in the works.

I have decided to take a year or 2 sabbatical. I am going to spread my wings and go where the wind takes me. I have the first few months figured out… slightly.

I will be leaving sunny South Africa at the end of April and hope that you will share my journey with me.

Such exciting times ahead.

29 February 2012, leap year

If anyone truly understands the meaning of a leap year it would be a erson that was born on this day.

Some cool things happened on this day:

-         Julius Ceaser proclaimed this day

-         Hugh Hefner opened the first playboy club in Chicago

-         A few wards happened including Queen Annes war, American Civil War, WW2 and the vierman war

To all the people that celebrate their birthdays every 4 years – you live a life in dog years. (almost dog years infact you are better off – 1 dog year is 7 of our years, only 1 of yours if 4 of us normal folk.)

Another famous custom this day is for the ladies to propose to their men on this day (and rumour has it) you cannot say not because it takes balls to do such things and women do not have any and they are super sensitive so say yes … do it!

Happy February the 29^th. Go out and enjoy it. They are rare. And stop trying to convince your boss that you deserve an extra day because you have to work an extra one.

A thought

Sometimes in life certain events occur that puts ts in difficult situations. Sometimes what seems to think is the best decision doesnt always turn out that way.

We all have people in our life that we cannot live without but believe me, they certainly make it difficult to live with!

More often than not it is easier to be angry at people because it hurts so much less. Being angry distracts you from feeling right?!

I have learnt (and it has been a damn hard lesson to learn (it is best to talk things through). Everyone has feelings and deal with their emotions differently, I for one shut down. Im the girl that wakes up every day, puts a smile on my face while carrying the weight of the worlf on my shoulders.

I am learning to speak my mind and to communicate. And my advise for today is to make amends and to face your fears. Own them and make a change.

As long as you keep moving forward, pat yourself on the back!

A tribute

Today the world pays tribute to one of our most famous icons.

Whitney Houstons claim to fame was her self titled album: Whitney Houston in 1985. She has one of the most recognizable voices and has some of the best songs out, anyone could belt out one of her amazing songs at the mention of her name.

Whitney was found dead in her hotel room just 2 days before the 2012 Grammy awards (which also had the highest ratings since 1984), the cause of death is still ‘unknown’ however multiple pill bottles and a lot of alcohol can be suspected.

One of her greatest songs is “I Will Always Love You”

Valentines day.

Valentines Day has been celebrated for hundreds of years across the world.

The story of Valentines day: “The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.” To read more about this click HERE

Very Romeo and Juliet like. :)

Some facts about Valentines Day:

-          Nearly 150 million cards are exchanged each Valentine's Day, making it the second most popular celebrated day (After Christmas)

-          For every 100 single women there are 119 single men of the same age (Sounds like pretty tough competition to me)

-          Flowers, chocolate and jewelry is the most common gifts exchanged

-          Cupid (symbol for Roman God of love), doves, love birds, roses, hearts and arrows are all symbols of the Valentine’s Day celebration.

-          The first Valentine's Day box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.

-          According to the condom company Durex, condom sales are highest around Valentine's Day, which are 20 percent to 30 percent higher than usual.

-          Famous Valentine's Day weddings: The Captain and Tennille, Elton John and Renate Blauel, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, Jerry Garcia and Deborah Koons, and Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee.

Now there is some information for your LOVEly day!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Don’t forget, you don’t need 1 special day to express your love. Do it always.

Birthday Celebrations

On Sunday I celebrated my birthday.

It was by far the best birthday yet.

As I have gotten older (not that I am old) but you soon realize that it isn’t always about getting trashed and going out until all hours. This year was very chilled. We had a braai and went to play games at Magic Company. We had so much fun. On Sunday we had a lunch with some family and friends. It was so wonderful having those people closest to me around me.

The best times are the times spent with the people that mean the most to you. I wouldnt trade any of them in for anything :)

A thought...

Recently I found this picture and it moved me. I didnt realise how this picture would affect me. It is just a picture. 

This is a man who is doing a selfless act that is going to change the life of this girl.

It always makes me think twice. Everytime I miss an opportunity to help someone I think of this image and I realise that if every person in this world could just do one good deed a day, it sure would be a happier planet.

The afternoon I found this picture, I was on my way home and passed someone begging on the street. I realised that I have seen this person there everyday, I have never been intimidated or felt that I should close my window when I arrive. I had an apple in my car that I had not eaten that day. I asked this person if he wanted it and his face lit up, he came to my window, said thank you and was so genuinely greatful. It was the first thing that he had eaten that day. As I drove off I thought to myself, here is a person who doesnt get to eat everyday, who is not a threat to society and does not harrass anyone at the robot. If this person could do it, why cant the others? I have no problem giving this person things when I drive past, it is never expected of me and he is always greatful.

I challenge you to change someones life. Its often the small things that turn out to be the big things.

1st day of February

It is the first day of February, can you believe it?!

January was really a busy month, besides work being so busy, I was mentally and physically preparing myself for the year. I have my head on straight and have decided what I want out of this year. I can now go on with this year confidently knowing what I want to achieve.

February is such a special month, especially this year, not only is it a leap year, it is the month of love and more importantly my birthday month.

I hope that you have spend most of today (or you will be spending tonight) working out your monthly budget so that you can find the extra few coins to spoil yourself.

Buying luggage

Over the past few weeks I have been browsing around for the best luggage deal I could get. After lugging around for weeks on end I am proud to say I know everything there is to know about luggage from size to weight and brands.

When I first ventured out on this task I had a clear indication of what I wanted. What size and what colour – I did not want black, blue or brown as these colours are the most common and finding yours on a conveyer belt will be a task near impossible as many other people will have these colours.

My top tips for buying luggage.

-         Get a feel for the brands and do your homework. Decide what size you need and what your budget is because it can get quite costly.

-         Shop around. A lot of shops have the same brands and some people are more knowledgeable about the different products and brands. Most shops have similar pricing on similar brands.

-         Check the wheels. If they are not solid and are a thin plastic they might not last as long and what’s a bag without wheels?!

-         When you have made your decision go to the Oriental Plaza. You may not get the brand you want but you know what type of quality you are looking for and what you are willing to pay. Most often you can bargain a great deal with them.