Our last stop on the way home was Kynsna, s small town on the water. We arrived after shark diving, so needless to say, we were exhausted and ready for some sleep. The next morning we were scheduled to go on a nature tour of a reserve. As we arrived, we noticed that we were the only ones under 65...we were easily reassured that this would not be a strenuous day. We were first taken on a boat tour of the harbor where a very corny guide told many jokes about the history of the town and whatnot.
We then pulled up to the nature reserve where we got off the boat and onto a tractor pulling numerous compartments behind it. We were taken to the top of the hill where we were given an option to walk down the hill through the reserve or be taken down in the tractor. We decided that being 45 years younger than everyone else, we wanted to go exploring.
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| Obviously walking sticks were needed for our group and were mostly used for spontaneous sword fighting. |
Our guide was extremely confused as to why we were the last ones but soon realized that we would go off exploring on our own before we would catch up with the group.
After finishing the walk, we sat down to a large lunch. We relaxed, discussed break, and just enjoyed each others company. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. We got back on the boat, back in the car, and headed to our last stop, Wild Spirits Backpacker in Nature's Valley. Wild Spirits is exactly as it sounds, for wild spirits. It is the definition of a hippy backpacker. There were drum circles around a fire, animals running around, and a lot of very relaxed people.
We had a very chilled last night on our vacation. We met up with the other group of American girls and just enjoyed dinner and started on some homework.
Being a very hippy backpacker, there were quotes and letters everywhere. One in particular stood out to me.
Love Letter to the World, by: Kate Swoboda
In the face of complaints, look that person in the eye & imagine what it might be to be raised to see only what's wrong.
In the face of selfishness, wonder what it might be like to walk the world with a feeling of lack, or depletion.
In the face of disconnection, think about what causes it, and ask if your response will widen the river between the two of you.
In the face of insults, consider where the person first learned that it's okay to abuse others.
In the face of laziness, recognize the fear of living big dreams.
In the face of extremism or fundamentalism, see the clinging, as well as the terror filled silence that would arise if the person risked letting go.
In the face of controlling behavior, understand that chaos must have bred it.
In the face of "always needing to be right", see how often this person was once made to feel wrong.
In the face of arrogance ro bravado, hold gently that still small piece that says, "I am not enough".
In the face of drama or attention seeking, see the person who wishes so much to be seen.
If the face of accusation, imagine what it must be like to live with suspicion.
In the face of judgement or comparisons, step into the opportunity the world has just provided you to practice love & acceptance.
In the face of passive aggressiveness, recognize the child that wasn't taught a safe way to express the truth.
In the face of anger, see the pain of isolation from others.
In the face of ferocious hatred, believe in the possibility that there exists the potential for equally as big, intense, lovely, & ferocious LOVE.
The next morning, before we knew it it was time to head back to Grahamstown. I cannot begin to explain how blessed I was to have gotten the opportunity to spend 19 exploring this beautiful country I have been lucky enough to call my home for the past three months. The people we met, the places I saw, and the things I got to do all made for an absolutely unforgettable vacation!
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