Two Years Too Long

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm no sports fan. The person sitting grumpily in front of the TV while the rest of the family cheered on the national team in huge sporting championships? -- that was me. The person stomping around the swimming pool at my sister's countless galas? -- guilty again. So imagine my surprise when I felt myself get swept up in the buzz of the World Cup! Before anyone's hopes are raised about me being able to hold a conversation for longer than 5 minutes on anything sports related, it has nothing to do with the actual games (although the occasional interest does score me brownie points with Kirsty); but it made me realise how much I miss the sounds and colours of South Africa.

And although this might sound obvious, I am reminded again that I am South African. I live and work in London, and I will probably spend a signifcant portion of my life in the United Kingdom, but I still do (and always will) get goosebumps when I hear Madiba speak. I am proud to have been old enough to appreciate the enormity of Mandela's release, to have witnessed first hand the introduction of a new flag, a new national anthem, and most importantly, a birth of a new spirit amoungst South African people. I have immersed myself into a new country completely- I have picked up a new accent (ONLY SLIGHTLY), I travel by tube and bus most days, I know what people mean when they talk about Oyster cards, Nero, barm cakes, boroughs, and chavs, I cannot remember what Rands look like, enough time has passed that I struggle to remember phone numbers and post codes off hand; but my heart will always be South African.

All the more exciting then to think that in 6 or so weeks, I will be landing in South Africa, with my ladypants in tow, for the first time in two years! Seeing her excitement about it has been the best part, and knowing that I will be able to show her all of my favourite places and people makes me itch to be sitting in that plane already! I'd be lying if i said I wasn't a little stressed by it all- such a short time, to try and squeeze the best out of SA for her first experience; but somehow, I think we will be just fine :)

xx