Back to Berlin

After two glorious weeks back in my home country of South Africa, the time has come for me to return back "home". What an incredible experience it's been coming back here with a fresh set of eyes and a whole new perspective of the world. I met some incredible people during my time here, and also re-kindled old friendships that felt like I had seen just yesterday. I can't wait to share all the photography and video shots I took with the rest of Berlin, and further intrigue everyone about my Beautiful South Africa

Brief non bullshit friendships

Nataliia and I met in a somewhat unconventional manner, although in this day and age I suppose it is all the more normal.

 

I had recently relocated to a new town, of Bergen op Zoom in The Netherlands, and because I got Thursdays  from work off, was wanting to meet up with a local for a bike ride, or perhaps a coffee in one of the cafe's. I had sent out a few simple messages on couchsurfing and awaited responses, but not thinking much of it.

 

I received an email via the website the next day from, none other than Nataliia, who is originally from the Ukraine, and was at the time living with her Dutch boyfriend in the town. She, however, was not one of the recipients I had sent a message to, but had sent talmost the same message to me, wanting to meet for a coffee, or a chat. There was something about the situation that gave me a good feeling about this, and so we met up the following Thursday. We continued to meet up every week, at the same cafe' and had grown close in the matter of a few weeks.

 

She has since then moved away from Bergen op Zoom, and is currently living her dream of seeing Paris and travelling the rest of Europe. Although our friendship was short lived by her departure, whenever a Thursday approaches, I think of her fondly...

Berlin, you son of a bitch

I mean this term in the absolute best possible way, that Berlin, you may just be the best place I have been to. There is something about this place that just does something to you. Of course the people I met and the things I did may influence this considerably, but the entirety of my time in this city consisted of a no bullshit Berlin.

No more words can really describe this place, so I will keep the rest for myself, sorry folks...

kreuzberg canal // wohnzimmer café // bauhaus archive museum // mauer park beauty in the spring// glory whole  kaffeehäuschen // lovers at a protest in front of brandenburg gate  // mauer park childishness in the spring // deep chill at adalbertbrücke // jewish museum // lichtpark // selfie time at the bauhaus archive museum // kaffee pause // portraits at  my good friends café journale

WELKOM THUIS...

As I write this post, I am looking out of my cottage window in Driebergen, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Oh life is good...

With regard to the previous statement, I don't think I have ever been more exhausted in my life. An 8 hour flight with not a wink of sleep, followed by a connecting flight from Dubai to Amsterdam. I honestly can say that it feels like I am floating form exhaustion. Maybe this is the feeling everyone is talking about when they refer to being on cloud nine?

Its only been 1 day, yet I have met some incredible people thus far. I would say the best part of my journey thus far was the incredibly warm welcome I got at the airport with Reinoud and Basti showering me with flowers, hugs and a 'welkom thuis' balloon. Obviously with all the commotion we were causing my host family were able to spot me and more hugs and welcomes preceded. The days events were followed by a tour around town by Willemijn on the' bakfiets' with the 2 boys and myself  and Jeep following  closely. I didn't say much throughout the entire bike ride as I was in such awe of the beauty of the forests, walkways and general atmosphere of the town. I'm going to like it here, I can tell...

FAREWELL NOTES FROM FRIENDS...

I don't know what possessed me to host and organise a farewell. It's not for sissys let me tell you that. Half the day was actually spent running around like a headless chicken opening and sending off my guests. But you know what the craziest thing is, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Seeing all my friends over wine and a braai was the perfect way to be sent off.

I invited a mixed array of my friends, some that I have known for almost 20 years dating back to pre school, primary school and high school days whilst others that I have known from my varsity days and through mutual friends. Although Most of my day was spent on my feet, the grapevine told me that everyone had a jovial time with one another..whew!

I also got gifts. I didn't expect gifts but I like gifts. In our family we don't "do" gifts, so that moment of surprise when someone hands you one is just the best feeling in the world.

 

Chim, thank you for my farewell bracelet. I hope it keeps me safe on my travels and every time on look down at my wrist to check the time (the dutch are very punctual) I will think of you. Although we have only been friends for less than a year, I feel like I have known you for a very long time. I so wish we had approached each other while we were still studying, we would have made such a great team!

Abby, what can I say. Our friendship dates back to Primary School  days and we have somehow managed to keep in contact and stay friends. I suppose this whole trip all started with you although you may not even know it. If I hadn't gone to One World with you, all the events that followed would never have happened and  I wouldn't be going where I am. Than you for the scarf, which is the most beautiful shade of yellow and grey, and the champers. I think I'll sommer pop it open before I board my flight!

Cecilia, I don't think I don't think I have ever received as big a bottle of wine as I received from you. I think this week will prove to test my alcohol tolerance, Thank you none the less. I will miss the very brief friendship we have had but will always remember all the effort you made and the coffee and drink dates where we poured our hearts out.

Cam, we have come a long way! Our friendship dates back to pre school days and play dates at each others houses. You have been such a good friend to me, and although we lost contact while in high school, it never quite felt as though we did. Thank you for the bracelet and the delish piece of fudge toffee, you sure know my where my weakness lies.

Alex, my dear friend. Your face always brightened up many a day in the testosterone filled hallways of the I.D department. Your effort in our friendship is something I truly value, and something I will never forget about you always say the sweetest things about me, and I wish you luck with everything you do, you are one feisty gal.

Sarah, my gorgeous friend. Our friendship has also been one dating back to primary school days. I always had such a great time with you and am going to miss you pretty face. Remember to "sit like a lady"...

My Cousins, Tarien and Mariska, for being the best cousins a girl could ask for. The world had better watch out for The Deacon and Van Heerden sister duo because we are on a roll!

Michael, I too have only known you for less than a year but your super chilled vibes and willingness to always go out and have a good time will be missed.

Graeme, I am going to miss our strange conversations about the world, design, music and architecture, but..I will see you soon, in Europe nogal.

Cara, my dear friend who I have known for such a long time. I am going to miss our chats and giggles and how you always told me you can't stand stupid people. We have had some good memories together and always think of you when I walk past 'Lucy' our wendy house...

Willem and Jurie, you guys are hilarious and I wish we had become friends sooner but alas, we will see one another at the Commonwealth games in Glasgow next year yes? Thank you for the wine, Its going to build up my tolerance nicely before I head over to The Netherlands..

and last but not least, the one person that too has made such a big impact on my life thus far, W.J Pretorius, but to me you will always be my Will. I don't even know where to start, there is just too much to say. Our friendship has been one that I will forever value. I have never had a friendship that has been so true and genuine and I can only hope I will find that In Holland. Thank you for all the photos, which is the best gift of all...