So I have nothing particularly exciting or specific to report, but I thought it would be interesting to simply record some philosophical perspectives of my overall experience here in South Africa (remember — this blog is merely here to serve as a sort of “public diary,” in which I can simply rant and rave about my experiences, emotions, perspectives, etc.. whilst making my thoughts available to the public.) I sincerely apoligize if at any point I am not entertaining to you, but I will be downright selfish in saying that this blog isn’t for you. It’s for me.
It’s been a little over 2.5 months since I dropped my entire life in the USA for a new life here in Johannesburg, South Africa. Part of me wishes I had something more dramatic and interesting to report. And another part of me is [understandably] perfectly happy with the fact that I haven’t gone crazy… yet. But realistically, I am doing quite well. I anticipated a serious nervous breakdown within the first few weeks. I mean, I’ve had experiences in the past where I simply went on vacation and had severe anxiety from homesickness… But for some reason, I feel perfectly fine here. This is my new home.
Work life is stressful, yet invigorating. I am doing things way above and beyond anything I’ve done previously with my company… I am very much in over my head. BUT, I am thriving on the adrenaline of the challenges I face and I’m incredibly thankful to have been granted the opportunity to do something bigger. I’m taking things in stride and learning a great deal along the way. And just because something is difficult now, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be difficult forever. We live, we learn, we grow, and we excel. As is the case with everything we do in life.
My social life is exhausting (in a good way!). I have met so many amazing people so far, and there is something new and exciting to do every day. Dinner parties, InterNations Social Events (aka expat meet-and-greets), archery lessons, rugby matches, beer festivals, club dancing, wildlife exploration, Friday after-work happy hours, yoga classes, craft markets, beer brewing socials, etc… And yet there is still so much more to explore and experience! I’m starting to think 2 years here isn’t going to be enough time to truly soak in the experience of living in Africa.
So in other news, I have a 17-day trip to Cape Town scheduled over Christmas. Part of that will be work, the other part will be fun 🙂 I plan to visit the famous vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschoek… I plan to take the most difficult hiking route up Table Mountain (then rappel down)… I plan to climb Lion’s Head mountain and subsequently paraglide off the top… I plan to jump in a cage and get face to face with Great White Sharks… among a number of other exciting and adventurous activities. I’m looking forward to some time away from work and the chance to experience some of the natural wonders that South Africa has to offer.
Also, my 28th birthday is coming up next week. Seeing as how last year on my birthday I was just a short length away from the highest point on this beautiful Earth, spending my day hiking with amazing people towards the Mt. Everest Base Camp, I figured it would only be appropriate to embark on another hiking adventure this year 🙂 If all goes as planned, I will be completing the Amphitheatre Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains near the border of Lesotho with some colleagues. It’s allegedly one of the most beautiful hikes in South Africa, and also one of the more dangerous 🙂 Google it. It’s going to be a blast!
Pictures and more exciting news to come soon!
If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are? – T.S. Eliot
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