In the Jungle Again

JFK > Jo'burg > Nelspruit > Jo'burg > Durban > Cape Town > Jo'burg > JFK 18 hours in the air, 7 am arrival and I am at work struggling for the next 12 minutes. I can make it.

Flight 7: I came, I saw, and I conquered, Me.

It is my last day in Cape Town and though I had a 9 am massage scheduled and had planned to tour the Cape Peninsula on the Blue Hop On and Off bus, I was completely kidding myself since I woke up after 11:30. Thankfully, the night before I had convinced Candace at the front desk to give me a 1pm late check out and as I was packing the last of my things so I am on time I heard the band in the Green Market playing "All of Me" again and it was the perfect morning send off. This time the words just seemed to mean so much more as I opened up my heart to this experience and it gave me all it had to offer in these moments. I got a What's up Text wishing me a beautiful day and trip back home from Razia, the mom and business owner who I spoke with days earlier. I told her I was still here and hoped to see them again before I leave. When I finally made it downstairs where I stored my luggage, I kicked it with the staff for a bit before heading out for lunch. I ended up spending more than intended in the Green Market by picking up beaded necklaces and African art work to bring home and I met this beautiful Shop Keeper named Ruth who is from Naroibi, Kenya and her adorable toddler son. She asked me about my travels and I told her I came her solo for my birthday to challenge myself and she hugged me for my boldness joking that she hopes it rubs off on her. I encouraged her to push herself outside of her comfort zone and we chatted and agreed that when you have kids and that life you are no longer living for just you. It is different, great, but different. So best enjoy your time with self as much as you can. We hugged good bye and wished each other farewell. I stopped at this Trattorria named Bellinni for pizza but only had time for a Bellini with 15 mins on the clock since the airport cab was coming at 2:30. I connected to the eatery's wifi and saw another text from Razia asking if I was still there and I let her know I should be back in 5 minutes not totally sure if they would get it in time. As I headed back to my hotel, picking up more art and talking myself down the shopping ladder I was anxiously greeted by my shuttle driver, security and the resident travel tour agent, Ruth. Turns out it was 2:30 on the dot and traffic was starting to back up. I told them no worries. I have a late flight. Hugged Candice good bye, got my bags from Spar, the cute security man with locks who walked me to Long St on my first night and always told me to be safe, and I looked around for Razia and Zahaira hoping to see them one last time in the lobby. Walking towards the hotel exit there they were standing in the entrance waiting for me, mom and daughter. They thought they had missed me and I thought the same. Razia gave me such a long and tight hug calling me her angel but really they were mine. We all shared parting words with Zahaira promising to let me know of her college decision and me promising to send a step by step plan on how to further the business. I got kissed from everyone all around from Ruth to Zahaira, both cheeks, with South Africa's signature "Pleasure" as a good bye. I promised myself I wouldn't cry but then being there made it the best departure. The ride to the airport had the city and Table Mountain in the backdrop and ratchet African music as the soundtrack. Four Leaf Clover. After declining offers for help and quickly flirting with a sexy African brother dressed all in traditional garb while waiting for his ride, I checked my luggage at the ticket counter and heeded the warning from the agent that my wine bottle can't fly in my purse internationally. I kidded with him that maybe I can finish it on the way back to Jo'burg since it can fly domestically. He surveyed the 1996 bottle of Cab from Stollenbosch and let out a whistle saying he doesn't blame me if I did. It is a delicious bottle of wine and a great pick. We tucked it away in my checked luggage and I just met the baggage allowance short of .3 kgs. He asked me if I enjoyed my trip and I gave him a quick playback which led to more questions from him and the two other agents that gathered around surprised that I did this alone. He joked that if I had told him in advance then he would have taken holiday and joined me and now he is sad to send a beautiful sistah back to America. I laughed. Flattered. I told them I wasn't really alone. God was with me and sent angels for every step. Seriously. Every step and I thank Him. The female agent asked if I found what I was looking for here and I told her that I did. I did this for me and I gained peace with me. I did everything I set out to do and then some thanks to wonderful people who met me along the way. I lost nothing but I gained everything. They shook their heads and smiled and wished me all the best, safe travels and thanked me for visiting and I thanked them for having me. Through this entire journey I encountered angels and kindhearted Saffies who shared themselves with this young, solo traveler from New York. As I walked to the security check in I was humming/singing "All of Me" the entire way. It is now stuck in my head but ever so fitting. I challenged myself, I listened to the hearts of others while opening up my own and embraced every moment as it came to be, reminding myself that we attract the energy that we put out. Not once was I homesick, felt alone or felt sadness upon having to leave here. God used me in every way and showed me all I needed to see. It was all in His perfect timing and it is now time to go home. Along the way I learned many things, but the most important as told to me by Feesah is to be yourself, unapologetically. Be unapologetically you, all of you and I am doing just so by being All of Me. On this red eye flight now headed to JFK listening to John's newest album as I down my third comp bottle of sparkling wine. 4 cities, 7 flights, 2 weeks, countless adventures, priceless memories and hearts touched all around. South Africa, I will carry you always until my sweet return. Sanibonani. Igama lame ngu, Michelle. Hamba Kahle. Nigiyabonga . Pleasure. Indeed, it was a pleasure. I was there, I lived with you, however a small fraction of time in love and life, and it was a pleasure.

Flight #6. The plane, Boss the plane!!!!

I reached Jo'Burg after falling asleep on my flight from Cape Town. Maybe it was the Castle beer or the double bacon Wimpy cheese burger (Breakfast and lunch) but I was knocked out after 30 minutes. Mouth opened. Head jerking. Smh.  We finally landed and it is like Roe to Perdition (bad ass movie) trying to get to the connecting flight to JFK. After waking from West bubble I landed in front of security check in and of course I was flagged. Last time It was for my and dust toy where i had to explain to the woman what is an adult toy and where she can order one. Yes, I did. This time let's talk about the b.s. The man took out my two bottles of water, my coca cola that I had from day 1 of landing in Cape Town that was still fizzy fresh, my Lemon Iced tea from my Wimpy burger breakfast /lunch (Ok, my bad)  and my jamsss!!! Yasss, he tries to stop me for my jams that I got for a good damn price from  the wine estate. No, honey! Called them liquids and then asked if he can open it. I said, Hellllll Naw!! In my Sophia voice. How you gonna stop me for my jams but not my spiced cheese or proscuetto?! My choices : Leave them or check them in. Well since I am not providing you with a late work snack, sir, defiant and determined as ever I will scurry my self back on over to West Bubble and check them in even though the plane is boarding.

Off I go. Tried looking for plastic containers in the pharmacy on the way, no dice. Contemplated trying another security entrance and sneaking them through but in those 10 minutes of time lost I opted to head to West Bubble and check in my carry on bag . I told the agent what happened and she did a rush processing while I shifted items around in my bags and put lock ties on the zippers for my former carry on while praying I will get my bag back after all this fuss. Those jams are the business and I'm  bringing them for my mama. The airport clerk told me the flight is boarding already so I better run cause the gate  is a ten minute walk from here. Why, West Bubble, WHY???!!!  So my just in case you got to run  sneakers have now been checked in and I am in these sandals trying to get my life and my flight. 

I walk hurriedly with my two side bags that have passed on all 6 flights as a pocket book and a blanket bag and I go through security. Breeze. Passport checkpoint?  Huh? Breeze.  Challenge: 10 minute walk with four announcements for final boarding. Lord knows as much as I love South Africa I am not trying to stay in Tambo Airport for the night. I scurry and hop on the  moving belts, out of breath, being reminded that I need to get my butt back in the gym asap upon my return and I swear if one more Mofo tells me it is good exercise running for things in S.A....... Chile! Two gladiator looking men are also running with me and as I slow down they yell don't you quit. They are heading for the same flight so naturally I told them to hold it for me. Either I'll die after I make it or I won't make it cause I died. Lol, I am dramatic. We hear another announcement for door closing and haul ass. The last thing the passport inspector guy told me after security was Run!! South African Airlines will leave you at the gate with your mouth open. Chileeee! Mouth open, heart burning, and refusing to just throw my stuff down and quit I run and get to the gate with the guys, drenched in sweat only to be asked by the lady agent... What happened to you?  She conducts what is probably the 6th (no lie) check on the way to the plane. One thing I can say is they play no games with security. I get through final boarding and exhale when I got on the plane. One minute more and I would be sleeping on a silver chair cursing myself out. Mama, I am coming home! I get on the plane, which is not full at all and many of us are scoping out center seats. I learned my lesson the first time. You get yourself an empty center row of seats so you can stretch out on this 15 hour flight. Got mine!

Robben Island: Hold That Boat!!!

Just like my first night here in S.A, I couldn't sleep well at all last night and, I am sure that just like the anxiety had for that 6. A.M Safari it was because of the anticipation for today. I Skyped my mother at 3am because I can't go to bed without saying good night, but she was off grocery shopping and trying to hear pass traffic noise so she totally hung up on me with a rushed, love you, miss you, bye and I am screaming into the tablet "Mommy!" with my mouth open. Did she really? I convince myself that I would call her in an hour to make sure she got back home safely but I was fooling myself. I managed to get 4 hours of sleep in before a 7 am wake up call, but of course I continue to hit snooze at 8 am when a second phone call from reception phoned to let me know that the tour that I was originally supposed to take had arrived. Only, I had a change of plans with reception and opted for a half day today instead since I missed the boat for this tour yesterday . Apparantly, they did not get the memo. We won't talk about how the reception who was kind enough to book me on these tours and slip the confirmation under my door with no tour operator name before taking her days off. We worked that out. So I hurry to get ready and leave the apt by 8 :30, outfit already laid out for once or twice in my adult life. I head down to the continental breakfast area to get a take away box and some OJ. Only the people are moving extra slow to bring me a fork, a cup, and to close my clearly defective fruit container. My patience is wearing thin and I am cursing myself for not waking up earlier. I hurry out for a cab with maybe 15 minutes left and realize I am so my mother's child hopping in a cab 15 minutes before I need to be somewhere. The cabbie is sitting outside reading the paper and in no particular hurry. I asked the guard woman for assistance flagging a cab and she tells me to ask the parked cabbie who I assume is not working but she says ask anyway. Sure enough, asking anyway made the difference. On the ride to the V.A Waterfront we strike up conversation and Dilbert asks me to teach him English so we trade words between Swahili. When we arrive he gives me his card for my return, and asks me about my tours afterwards since he is willing to take my around. We start talking price but I promise to call about free I get on this boat and get my life. 5 minutes to spare. He points me in the direction of the clock tower where I am supposed to get the boat. Breakfast and juice in hand I scurry up the stairs and down the boardwalk in the sandals of death. I stop by the clock tower to see a boat leaving and the guards ask me if I am going on tour. Me: Yes. Was that the boat? Did I miss ? Them: Yes. They pointed me to information. When I reached the information desk for the boat departure the lady first looks at me sideways and I smile my " Hi, I am a customer" smile. Blink. Blink. Blink and she flashes her toothy smile back like she remembered why I may be in her presence. I told her that I am trying to get on the 9 am and have the webticket on my tablet and she says go around they are boarding. Luckily the boat that I saw was circling around to the pick up area. Only I lied to all of us because as I go through to the security checkpoint the damn ticket won't pop up and it wasn't sent in email. The ticket checking man tells me to go back up to the information desk but he really means the sales desk. 2 minutes left. So there I am at sales after stopping at info where both ladies are on the phone, lines crossed and the ticket taking man is yelling at me to go to sales. Boat leaves in one minute. I am being asked for first four of my card, last four of my card, name. Search , search, search. Ticket found and printed. I rush back over to the checkpoint and almost throw or hastily placed my bags and breakfast on the conveyor belt. The man is like "Ma'am , ticket please."Gave him my ticket to be scanned and walked through. I beeped and they just waved me through. Maybe they pitied me. I don't care. Finally walking down the ramp to the boat and woosh, slip in the sandals of death. Him: Ma'am are you ok? Me: Yes. Three more hurried steps....woooshhh! Nearly bust my butt again. Him: Ma'am, Are you Ok? Be careful. It is wet. Me: Yes, I am O.K. Today is going to be a great damn day because I said so. Him: Amen sistah! Lol, I get on the boat and try to find a seat on the lower level, but all the people with the sense to come earlier have taken them. I head upstairs to the upper deck where I have a better chance of surviving anyway. The shipmate gives a hilarious and not very assuring demonstration on how to put on your life vests, which mind you are tucked away in corners to the left and right. Side eyes. I am currently enduring an hour long, slightly choppy ride on the ocean as we are enroute to Robben Island with my eyes on the view and the life vest corners. Down to the minute, I made it and the experience was worth every second. The long walk away from the prison and back to the dock is what really got me. It was the walk of Freedom for Mandela and the other ex- political prisoners. At first I wondered if he even paused to look back but it didn't matter. Looking forward was his next best step.

My Saturdays Be Like...

I opened my window to hear John Legend's All of Me being performed by a band in the market so I scurried down to the Green Market behind my hotel where they have lots of arts and crafts and performers. Think Time Sq, but less crowded and more entertaining. Listened to the children sing and dance while nyaming African style chicken and having a cocktail for a late breakfast. The kids were amazing and Chris, my waiter kept that glass full. First full day in town and had been drinking wine all day so I found my way to the Hop On and Off Red bus where I took it to Table Mounain. Epic views!! Saw Robben Island where Mandela was held for 16 years from the top of the mountain. He and other prisoners would look at the mountain for the sun rise as a sign of hope. Ate there, Beef curry, cheesecake and more wine. Sent myself a postcard from the top of the mountain with a kiss. Got back on the red bus, which had headphones for an audible historic tour. Very nice. Circled round to Victoria and Albert Waterfront (V&A) where there are tons of shops, restaurants and entertainment at the pier and the boat leaves for Robben Islands. Watched the game and listened to thevlive band play our classic songs like Marley "Could this be love" and Marvin Gaye, even Happy by Pharell. Watched all the tourist enjoy themselves while I nyamed my shrimp. Then doubled back to the hotel to turn up...in my bed. Love gorgeous Capetown. Wine tastings and cheese for the day. I'm bringing back bottles.‪#‎CapeTown‬

Even In South Africa I am In My Zone

If ever I wondered whether I am in the right business God gives me the best reminders: In Jo'burg I got the chance to sit with my friend and discuss her business and do some light consulting/idea tossing over drinks and dinner. In turn, she also gave me insight for my own business idea. In Soweto, I had pop and ribs with my driver Dickson, (about my age)and listened to him tell how he started from a boy in a village with nothing to a tour operator with 2 employees in his building fleet after 10 years of hard work. He asked me how can he best market his business and I willingly gave him pointers and recommended that he include a listing onTripadvisor and I would gladly give him his first review. We exchanged contact info in case he needed more help. Now in CapeTown, I met a family that lives in my hotel and we're heading to the the Waterfront yesterday like me. Their daughter, about 20 yrs young, so nicely offered to split a cab with me, and the family and I started talking on the ride over and they asked about my background, if I was in finance. So I gave my short finance to SKorea to small business mgmt and entrepreneurship pitch. Next thing you know the parents are asking how much do I charge for a consultation as they own a diamond business in S. A and need fresh ideas on how to get it moving in other markets. I told them I'd happily meet with them to discuss, no charge. Just spent the last four hours having the most amazing conversation with mom and daughter over coffee . Brilliant ladies! Mom is such a sweetheart with great ideas and her daughter, (an Aries!!) is just as bright, well traveled and taking a bold step to come to undergrad in NYC with so many options, SUNY Geneseo and PACE as her top two. Naturally, I steered her to the latter. So not only are we talking business but we are discussing NYC, college experience and I'm trying to give them as much insight as I can before she makes her big decision in a week. What are the odds? Mom was so grateful and offered me a home cooked meal since I missed my dinner. I exchanged info so they may contact me at anytime and reminded them that I work a stones throw from one of her daughter's choices if she ever needs me. Zaihara and I ended up closing the night after a late night walk through Long street for McD's (and I TOTALLY understand why people say don't walk through there alone at night. Madness on a five block stretch. It is like the Village meets Brooklyn ' s worse neighborhood and Harlem and the Bronx, rolled up in one ) and sat in the lobby munching our fries and discussing life and her future before see you later hugs good night. Honestly, when I was told that I would meet wonderful people along the way I wondered how if I plan on not talking much (Lol) but God has definitely placed the right people in my path along this journey and I am glad to know that he is using me as well to help others. Tonight was dope. ‪#‎entrepreneurs‬ ‪#‎smallbusiness‬ ‪#‎entrepreneursneversleep‬ ‪#‎Smallbiz‬ ‪#‎helpingbusinesses‬ ‪#‎Passion‬ ‪#‎Inmyzone‬ ‪#‎SouthAfrica‬ ‪#‎Imaginethat‬ ‪#‎Godisgood‬

Good Morning, Cape Town!

Sat morning music from the Green Market. Woke up to this. All of Me, John Legend.

Single Man, Married Man.

So I was reading this book written by Kel Spencer on my first night in S.Africa and it was like revelations. After Safari the next day, I flew back to Jo'burg where I had the book in hand but was knocked out. They tell you to put your things in the pocket in front of you during take off and descending so I did. Well, I am settled in my hotel in Joburg only to get an email days later asking if I left anything on the plane. I called to inquire and the woman, Sasha, told me that she found this book with an inscription to Michelle and then she checked the flight manifest and found my email. Got the book back on my way out to Durban. Very lucky! Had it not been signed I would have lost it. Thank you! P.S.: Get this book!

Day 1: Cape Town. Ask Me No Questions

First night in Cape Town and I am enjoying an outdoor dinner with sweet African sounds playing a his lovley Bistro in m hotel. A waiter was called over to take a bill payment from the next table in front of me and he makes like he is clearing a table and then takes the payment. On I didn't even notice t Why the management asked me if I  can identify which two of these guys In FRONT of me did it? Blink once for yes and twice for no. Child bye! That man's eyes widen so bright lol. Like he didn't know he would get caught. I said I don't know who.... but let the cameras tell it. I still have to eat here tomorrow...😔 Meanwhile,  an old man begs the outside patrons for change while they sip their wine. Irony when you look at the building across the street.

Last night in Durban

Last night in Durban: What started off as light dinner and hookah with feesah and Patricia slowly turned into me sweating out my tresses ( which we stopped mid song to address that this is not a word). From Nigerian dancing to two stepping and dropping it low to the African beat, we were getting it in.! Henny is $4 but the Manager gave us shots from his special bottle on the house. Hookah $7 with 6 shots included but we got extra shots on the house. Bottle of Rose wine $8. Something close to Gran Marnier double shot, meh under 5 bucks....hearing 7/11 and clapping my ass off and I am spinning while Im sweating out my tresses....PRICELESS!! LOL Then the Dj plays I am in Love with the Cocoa per my request and it is a wrap!!!! We went cray!! i met a guy from Capetown who just got his PHD today and visited NY for two weeks and another who dipped it low with me and taught me the Saffie handshake. Every time I think it will be another ordinary night it turns out to be so much more! #Ratchetaffairs #SouthAfrica #waistelinemovements #wehavenoshame #Roomserviceondeck #afterhoursturnup #smackitintheair

31, Day 2.

I received birthday wishes from friends and family abroad and it was greatly appreciated. 31 feels wonderful and I had a fabulous time with my sweetheart Naf Allen! Thank you so much for celebrating with me!! From toasting and smuggling sangria to the spa, to relaxing with manis and great convo with a beautiful city backdrop, to a DELICIOUS Durban curry dinner and a humorous offer for my transportation back upstairs lol, to the Roulette table where that black 15 came 5 TIMES ...Luck be a lady! Great time, hilarious people and I had a blast! God is good.

Me and the Indian Ocean: It's MY BirthDAYYY!!

I didn't get to see God's window but this is close enough. No sleep yet, just sat up, connecting back home and waited for the sun while listening to the waves of the Indian Ocean. Peace and calm. Now, breakfast and sleep time. I got to see a monkey run across my path. Soooo cute!!

He is with me

Today, my younger cousin Zoe had the brilliant idea to get all of her first cousins from our fathers' side together to meet one another. Some of us have never met and some haven't seen each other in years. In a way, I feel like my Father is here with me by me being able to reconnect with his side of the family today. Very special and unexpected.

God Be Watching Out

So many things have happened on this adventure, unexpected things, and before I start to worry I say God will work it out and He has each time. Even down to my old friend being in the same two cities at the same time granting me unplanned adventures. What are the odds? Look at God. I've met angels along the way who took me under their wings and I listened to their stories and thanked them with farewell hugs. From miles away I've got words of love and encouragement that touches my heart and as I turn 31 (for the first time) in a few minutes I just thank God for all His love. It shows through every person and experience that has brought me this far — in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Jo'Burg, it's been real!

I woke up to a Construction wake up call with surrounding d pounding from all corners of my 1 bedroom  alartment. At first I thought it was children gone wild but a quick call to the front desk confirmed constuction. Enter headache. I packed my things for check out and had the  front desk make arrangements with Dickso. The night before he had taken me to the Monte Carlo casino before disappearing for a 20 minute drop that toom 2 hours. Not my business. We  he returned and found me at the craps table we played for a while before both feeling defeated and headed home. Fast forward back to my last morning in Jo'burg (for now)  I tried to catch a nap to no avail. Dickson came and gave me his signature, "Everything all right, Miss? Yes, Dickson. We had spent the last four days together but the last two more so with us having lunch together and talking about his life and his growing business and me giving him advice on what to do. Honest to say, Dickson became someone to look forward to seeing each day. It was almost like we were both exploring Joburg and all my tour spots together for the first time. When he dropped me off at th airport I surprised him with a professional photo of the two of us stroking the lion  so he can share it with his kids. It was a first time experience for both of us. He thanked me and I hugged him good bye. I just went for it. Dickson is 34, married for 10 years with two kids and has been etching his name in this world as a business man who rose from humble beginnings by the age of 12  when his stepfather took him  from his small township outside of Jo'burg to the city to work. He didn't have the opportunities afforded to me but he is making his way. The hug good bye was bittersweet for me and of course when I said thank you, he said Pleasure.

From there I went to check in and then was turned around three times in a quest to find Sasha who had emailed me earlier about finding my inscribed book on the flight back to Joburg from Nelspruit where I safaried. This was the book that got me through my first night, tears, revelation and all. I was determined to get it back so I can read it on the rest of the trip rather than wait until my 7th flight back home. I finally found her office in  the airport, showed my passport , and signed for it. She remarked that she knew it was special since she saw the inscription in it to me and rarely do they get lucky to reunite passengers with their items. I thanked her and proceeded to do a mad dash to the gate since my plane was already boarding. I seem to like taking these risks. I made it just in time for my flight and as I settled in my seat I opened the book to continue from where I left off. Once in the air, I put on my music and let Corrinne Bailey Rae serenade me with "Girl Put Your Records On."

I had just completed the first two legs of my journey and was now on my way to Durban to meet up with Feesah and bring in my birthday. No transportation arranged, but winging it has worked out thus far so I am game. I lucked out and got an airport shuttle for 90 rand or 9 bucks and arrived at the gorgeous beachfront casino hotel where I was greeted with a warm towel to cleanse my hands and a glass of iced tea as I checked in.. Oh yes, I am going to love it here!

Jburg or Bust!

Johanessburg was real. I did everything I set out to do here and then more Partied Day 1 Braimfortain Day 2Dinner and discussion in Mellvile business and love Day 3 - Soweto -Apartheid Museum, Mandela House, Mandela Square, Hector Peterson Museum, FNB Stadium, Sandton Day 4 - lion Park, Pretoria, Union Building, Church Square Peter Kruger, Vontrekker Museum, Monte Carlo Casino

Pretoria - Church Square

So South Africans are not playing games. They want this monument in the Church square torn down since it is a depiction of the main leader and driving force behind Apartheid, Paul Kruger, (also the same man who Kruger National Park is named after) and his group of men. This is where S.African politicians would come to discuss strategies against Apartheid without being detected so it is considered the first parliament.  The police have to keep the monument surrounded with barb wire and watch guard because folks are doing their best to deface the statues and no one understand why they have yet to remove it. ‪#‎Politics‬ ‪#‎SouthAfrica‬

Don't Pet the Lions..

Up close and personal!

Michelle meets Mandela

I was 6 years old when my parents went to see the play Sarafina! They didnt take me with them probably because I was rambunctious or they wanted their own time, but they did bring back a video of the play. Every weekend I would pop this video in the vcr and watch it until the tape no longer worked. I would sing the songs with Sarafina and her classmates including the Our Father as they laid dying and I'd shout along to "Freedom Is Coming Tomorrooow!!!!" with my little fist pumping in the air. Traveling through Soweto, Johanessburg, South Africa, home to Nelson Mandela and very significant freedom movements including that of the Soweto students' peaceful protest on June 16 1976 that led to a deadly attack brought on by police is bittersweet. This little girl from Brooklyn is now standing at the steps of Mandela ' s home and walking through the township where passion, fearlessness and greatness ignited a change. I found a copy of the tape on Ebay at least 10 years ago and haven't opened it since because as an adult it is even deeper now. Over the course of 2 years 600 students were killed as they fought for a fair and proper education. At the time, the Dutch settlers demanded that the schools began instructing students in Afrikaans as it was the language which they who were powerful and rich spoke. Teachers resigned as protest because they were not trained in Afrikaans and students were overwhelmingly suffering in their education as they would be failing exams due to the language barrier. The Civil Rights movement in the States inspired the youth of Soweto to stage a peaceful protest, which led to the deaths of many including Hector Peterson, who was just 13 years old. They were unexpectedly tear gassed and shot after being given 15 minutes to disburse. Thousands of kids expected to move in 15 mins. They stood their ground and the movement began. They choose to gather in the Square near Mandela ' s home because Winnie was there under house arrest and they had hoped that she would come out and address them with words of encouragement. Can you even imagine the political climate and the struggle? Parallels with our struggle at home. As I walked through the Mandela house and touched the walls, and sat by the olive tree where he and his family buried the umbilical cords of his children so they can be near their ancestors, and saw the bullet holes and petro bombing burns to the modest and humble beginnings of a young family man, who only wanted a better tomorrow for his children and his people, it took everything to hold back the tears of awe and love for their determination. His real name is Rolihlahla, which means trouble maker but he was not a trouble maker. He was a human being first, a son, father, husband, brother, freedom fighter and a willing rebel with a noble cause. R.I.P Tata and all who fought for freedom.

Mandela's House

I am trying to capture in words what it feels like to walk through his house but here is a short clip

Non White

My ticket said non-white (randomly assigned) and so I walked through the gate and saw what a non-white was subjected to during those times. The walk was less than a minute into the museum but every sign above my head reminding me that I was considered inferior and not allowed to do as the others had me all up in my feelings. It was only less than a minute walk and some people walked this route for a lifetime. — at Apartheid Museum

Wheels Up : On Her Own

I am my mother's child, but even she probably didn't imagine the free spirit that she would birth. Three years ago she told me that by the time she was my age she was married and had already traveled most of Europe.  Her stories always fascinated me and so I built my bucket list.. Still, the surprise in her voice when I told her 4 cities, 2 weeks, South Africa. Solo. Dolo.  She probably  asked why. I don't quite remember because she asked tons of questions subsequently, but  my mother did exactly what a mom does and began pleading the blood and giving instructions that I will heed. I taught her how to Skype, left my intinerary, let Zo take a picture of me just in case (as he says) and our hugs goodbye that morning was all love. On the drive to the airport I told him that I wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone and he shook his head and laughed, "South Africa!?! " Then he prayed. We prayed. He took my picture after putting my luggage on the sidewalk and when I turned back one last time he was already watching me and smiling.

My bestie, Natasha, was with me every step of the way from her work desk until lift off. She reminded me to buy a blanket, took down my itinerary and threatened to harass the hotel if she doesn't hear from me by tomorrow (today).  Got to love the ones who love you.

Check in was a breeze and as I sat down by the departure  gate the Hawaiian themed "I'm Yours" began playing at the bar. My mood: Optimistic. I viewed the plane as it sat on the tarmac with the South African flag kissing its tail. A young lady with a brown brim hat topping her short cropped locks sat right near me and we gave each other knowing smiles just before I doubled back to buy that blanket and the take a shot of Makers Mark right before that last call for boarding. 14 hours straight, no rush. I've been thinking about this for two months but I finally got my nerve on Friday to purchase the ticket. I knew once I purchased that ticket it would all be real. When the wheels went up, the tears came down and when my feet touched this Mother land, my spirit rejoiced. Selma showing on the small screen was ever so fitting. Being able to see God's Window right after checking in and going on early morning Safari was priceless. Being in the land that birthed greatness, resilience and the strength that runs through our veins feeds the soul.  It's  just Me and God. My birthday gift to self. 4 cities, 2 weeks, Solo dolo. #mamaImadeit #Journey #Motherland #Living #Carpediem

Day 2: Hazyview

I landed in Nelspruit and luckily I had arranged airport pick uo with the hotel Manager, Michelle because there was no a cab or shuttle in sight outside of this small airport for two. My driver was waiting for me with a sign and I am feeling all V.I.P like for my $90 transfer. I am definitely on guard as this is my first time really interacting with someone here and the ride is about 45 minutes long. The driver turns out to be a humble older gentleman who grew up in Hazyview. As we "cruise" along the beautifully tree lined and smooth highway  doing 120 mph speed limit, he tells me about his upbringing and I tell him about my plans to explore his beautiful country. I am starting to understand why this trip costs $90 one way as the minutes go by and I realize the distance between the airport and the small town of Hazyview, where a haze lingers when the sun is out. So Africa.