My formative school and University years were spent in Stellenbosch and Cape Town. We moved house 4 times and I loved each one for its different style: Victorian, Cape Dutch and English cottage. My Dad spent all his free time outdoors, fishing, walking, diving and his 3 daughters trooped behind him. Our summer holidays were spent at the coast in a wooden house
without electricity. In order to have running water we had to pump water into an elevated tank, by hand. We learnt to be frugal with water usage. We went to remote fishing spots, clambering up steep rocks, swimming in hidden tidal pools and collecting mussels. This Nature Reserve area, Robberg is truly my hearts home. I can always go there in my minds eye to calm myself or feel safe and when I visit there I am rejuvenated.
23 years ago I got married and moved to the Free State, in the middle of South Africa. It was such a contrast. From abundant water and sea to dry grassy plains. From winelands to grain farming. From winter to summer rainfall. Liberal to conservative. The landscape is harder and subtle, I learnt to slow down and look beneath the surface. Living here has taught me to be self-sufficient and less judgmental. I may not share the same culture, religion or political views of someone, but I can appreciate that we are all looking for understanding and happiness in our lives.
I felt my future was set for ever when I first moved here as the farming community traces land ownership back for generations and the past, present and future were as one. Now with economic conditions, political land reform and the earth crying for change the future is unclear. My most important lesson is to embrace the idea that home is in my heart. Is is not a house, or farm, or even a country. It is my attitude and relationship to the earth and all who live on it that counts.
without electricity. In order to have running water we had to pump water into an elevated tank, by hand. We learnt to be frugal with water usage. We went to remote fishing spots, clambering up steep rocks, swimming in hidden tidal pools and collecting mussels. This Nature Reserve area, Robberg is truly my hearts home. I can always go there in my minds eye to calm myself or feel safe and when I visit there I am rejuvenated.
23 years ago I got married and moved to the Free State, in the middle of South Africa. It was such a contrast. From abundant water and sea to dry grassy plains. From winelands to grain farming. From winter to summer rainfall. Liberal to conservative. The landscape is harder and subtle, I learnt to slow down and look beneath the surface. Living here has taught me to be self-sufficient and less judgmental. I may not share the same culture, religion or political views of someone, but I can appreciate that we are all looking for understanding and happiness in our lives.
I felt my future was set for ever when I first moved here as the farming community traces land ownership back for generations and the past, present and future were as one. Now with economic conditions, political land reform and the earth crying for change the future is unclear. My most important lesson is to embrace the idea that home is in my heart. Is is not a house, or farm, or even a country. It is my attitude and relationship to the earth and all who live on it that counts.