South Africa, a rainbow nation they call us, a place full of vibrant diversity that we are proud to embrace and be a part of.
"Until 1994, the country was known for apartheid – white-minority rule. South Africa's remarkable ability to put centuries of racial hatred behind it in favour of reconciliation was widely considered a social miracle, inspiring similar peace efforts in Northern Ireland, Rwanda and elsewhere."
When I decided to settle in South Africa for a few years, I made
a promise to myself that I would explore every hidden gem, and all of her
corners that burst with treasure. Places so easily passed by if your eyes have
not been cleansed and renewed. Places that majority of South Africans never
venture to with the curiosity of a child and the appreciation of a foreigner.
It is so sad to see how so many people have lost this great appreciation and
admiration of this gorgeous rainbow nation, because it is so colorful in many
different ways.
I don’t see a country stricken with poverty and unemployment,
I don’t see a country burdened by a racial history and an uncertain future, no,
I see a country rich and glowing with experiences and adventure, with culture
and art. I see people so beautiful and wholesome, so filled with innocence that
is mistaken for ignorance. I see opportunity, and growth and a unity so
magical, I am proud to be a part of it.
Rachel, who is one of my favorite travel buddies, decided
it was time for yet another open road journey to one of our favorite
destinations, the South Coast. We had
both been feeling so drained by the conformists and people around us, that we
needed a re-charge if you will. We longed for a dose of new energies that can
come from adventure and appreciation alone. To go somewhere with no
expectations from the place or from us, to just revel in the beauty of
something natural without having to be anything but a presence in the scenery.
So we chose Mantis and Moon backpackers.
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we felt at
peace. A place hidden in an ordinary street, built inside an oasis of beautiful
trees. Tree houses, so unique and built with such individuality and love, we
could not have chosen a better place to let go of all of life’s burdens and
regain new stamina for the months ahead.
We were met by friendly and unpretentious people from all
walks of life. Feeling immediately at home, we began getting to know the staff,
each with different characters and from different parts of the world, it was a
breath of fresh air from the usual smog we find ourselves wrapped in daily. It
was as if I could see each of their beautiful souls shining all around them, no
social expectations and no judgmental stares. This place was a secret that we
are so fortunate to have stumbled upon.
We took a sunset tour with a local named Ryan, who from all
angles grabbed my attention in a heartbeat. A local, with so much passion for
the place he was from, and so much knowledge about the surrounding areas and
the people in it. He restored so much of my faith in South Africans, as I am
openly sad to admit, I did not have much prior to meeting him. Of course I am
talking generally (and oh how me of all people despises such a word) but he was
the exception, the exception that re-ignited my hope from a small flame into a
dancing colorful bonfire. He took us to a local village, that many would not
go to without a guide, for obvious reasons of it being someone else’s land, and
trespassing is trespassing no matter which culture you come from, and two,
because of the negative stigma that surrounds such wonderful places. With a
backpack of refreshments, and my camera in hand, I found myself the perfect
spot with the most breath-taking view, I could not have conjured something like this up without a
good bottle of tequila and maybe some special green tea, it was magnificent. I
sat there, absorbed in the present moment, with no thoughts of the next day or
the day before, just there, totally one hundred percent present in everything
the moment had to offer, I was blessed beyond any words description, to be able
to see the view I saw that evening. Surrounded by local village children who
were so fascinated by the texture of my hair, and the abilities of capturing a
moment on a camera, I could not have chosen a better way to end my day.
I wish I could tell those children, no camera can capture a
moment that is felt and experienced in the present by your heart. No camera
will ever express an image that is not only seen with the eyes but absorbed in
the mind and soul. In fact nothing will ever be able to be appreciated if you
are not there yourself, present, in that one single moment, that goes by in
minutes but if properly absorbed seems a lifetime.
Mantis and Moon has something very special to offer any
traveler, it offers purity, it offers untainted rawness of life, and is best
felt if you go there yourself, because no photo, no story and no description
will do that oasis of soul food the right amount justice. Owned by two very
wonderful people, and run by a diversity of people who will ensure you are not
left unchanged. If you are already like Rachel and myself, and have found your
essence, this is a place to go and regroup, rejuvenate yourself and regain all
your positive energy needed to continue on in your walk of life.
South Africa, a love story of sadness and hope, a country
that may seem burnt and baron but if you never take the time to look a little
closer, but rather rushing off to find new lands, you will never notice the new
fresh green buds popping up all around you, all you have to do is look a little
closer. Mantis and Moon can help you see it if you are unable to see it for
yourself, but don’t worry, after a few wholesome experiences, not even a trip
to the shop for some groceries will be same.
No comments:
Post a Comment