2010 was a pretty crappy year. I had a lot of cool things happen, but this past December left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the year. You can see by the television set above that I didn’t really watch any tv either.
In February I will be traveling to Cape Town in South Africa and I am really excited to go. I have never been to Africa before and have heard a mix of different things about it so far. I am sizing it up to be a kind of alternate universe to my own; a world with similar things that I am used to like hotels, beaches, cars, and government but set in a different culture and environment. That’s kind of what I am picturing from all the information and pictures I have seen of it online and by word of mouth. I just talked with the family I am going to be staying with and they seem really cool and willing to house me. I plan on hiking up Table Mountain and looking at the great view over the city, going to a nice club or two, and definitely finding some time on the beach, but not on any strict schedule.
I plan on losing myself on this trip, and that’s something I really enjoy when traveling to new places. I admit, there are some times when I must have a plan and get really anxious and freak out when things don’t go the way I envision them. For this trip I am trying to avoid any major plans. I want to experience Cape Town without any motivation other than to explore and experience as it shows up. Go with the flow and relax; let things happen as they will. My friend Cao Boi imparted some really good energy to me at the last big Survivor Charity event in Houston, and I am intent on following his lead. No plan means more fun.
I have been working a lot at home lately on my artwork and writing, and that’s really the only thing I enjoy doing in Michigan during the winter. It is so miserably cold outside it gives me a good excuse to stay inside and get some work done. It’s a peculiar trait that I think most Michiganders share; the need to stay inside during the bad days and work on little hobbies or projects and then go outside and, “enjoy the weather” the moment the sun comes out.
Whenever I go to someplace that has a warmer climate I feel like the wonderful weather is forgotten. When I wind up in the Virgin Islands or Los Angeles I get the feeling that everyone takes the unlimited sunshine for granted. This is the kind of thing that is considered a blasphemy in Michigan, and I agree with that sentiment. I don’t think I could live in a place with unlimited blissful weather just for that reason; I couldn’t justify sitting inside drawing over being on my front porch reading a book or going for a run.
I don’t think I will waste a day of my trip inside when I get to visit Cape Town. I plan on running around the streets, taking pictures, and making the most of it. When you live somewhere with overcast skies the physiological value of being in the sunlight will carry you through until spring, and that is my only goal. Soak up the sun.
3 Comments
I couldn’t live with “unlimited blissful weather” either, but a little less freezing rain would be nice! lol
Hello! I finally made it here. Trying to work on my blog. I loved your words about an alternate universe and getting lost, while traveling. It went that way in indian. I was forwarned actually. You can stay in one place forever and become lost. Times goes by, you had no idea that you have been in that place for like a year. So much is going on all at once… Time is difference there too…
escape into other realms and places… Get super lost…. =)
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