Blog for a New Day

One night of many mojitos and a sunny afternoon later, I sit on the cusp of the new year in yet another cousin’s apartment: this time in Cape Town. For the couple of days I’ve been here, I’ve been mostly housebound as I am without a car in an area that requires such transport. But last night I caught a glimpse of the cultural palimpsest of which I am soon to witness on daily occasion. Similar to the Obama victory party in Troyeville, Johannesburg I caught wind of a similar mixture of people on the beaches of Table View (a beach opposite Cape Town central and Table Mtn) - old and young, a spectrum of colors and nationalities. It seems a cultural haven for the misfits of an old regime gone sour and where individuals are often squashed by the overwhelming context of this nation’s issues, though I’m sure I’m baring my naïveté. With my cousin Robyn and her friends, we watched fireworks stretch across the bay, crackling just below the well-illuminated Table Mountain. There was a group of Indian people marching along the beach with bells, tambourines, and hand drums. A small paper balloon with a candle inside was released delicately into the air, making for a sweet exclamation as it bobbed gracefully into the night. And of course there were the age old celebratory markings of drunken screaming and horns blowing - all a part of the spectacle.

Resolutions? Not centering my own calendar on notions of January 1st, I still find myself keen to make the typical health and exercise vows (I’ve gained weight since being here!). The Cape Argus is a huge cycling race that takes place in Cape Town every March - a 100 km tour of the coastline. I saw a brief documentary on it and think it would be amazingly fun to participate - but I have several barriers ahead of me! First, a bike - secondly I will have to master shifting gears, tackle San Fran-steep hills, conquer long distance, and I will have to kick myself into shape FAST! But IF I can find a training group, I think it will slot me nicely into an entrée of new people…we shall see. Also, I’m having other half-crazed ideas of forcing myself to start running - getting over the heart in my throat feeling will be the hard part!

And the picture? I just wanted to let you all know, that even in the bush, I make a point of brushing my teeth! Hallelu! Happy New Years all and for those of you who find it a mid-point in a narrative of other things, enjoy!