USvsSA

What I miss from back home, back in the states:

relationships (of course, being blessed with absolutely ridiculous friendships and family, of course relationships are and always will be what I miss most when not on American soil)

Starbucks (as much as I wish I didn't miss that place, I miss it more than I expected. Nothing here even compares to the greatness of an iced coffee.)

rock climbing & camping (I do miss both of these activities, so much - but I think I miss the freedom, the independency that come with them. The ability to pack up my stuff and head out for the weekend alone. You can't do that here.)

I miss superficial American stuff, and my shopoholic is starving at the moment: REI, urban outfitters, anthropologie, thrift stores and flea markets galore.

I miss American vibe. Whether you are in the south and people are gloating over good 'ol 'merica. Or at the plaza in KC and families just enjoying the culture and surroundings. Or NYC, or LA full of hustle-bustle success driven individuals. There are downfalls, like the overwhelming consumerism (which is probably why I am a shopoholic). But still there is an American feel, that resides within the society we have become. The foundation that our forefathers first built our country on, still lives in our soil. There is a bond between individuals, you can trust people, you can see the good in people - or at least their intentions and desire to be good. There is a bond that connects Americans, all Americans of different status from different places - they care about people. And you can feel it.

I miss my jeep. my record player. my hand-made wool Indie stockings. I miss over-rated holidays. I miss my boxes and boxes of books.

But I do love South Africa ...

Just like home, here relationships are the most important, what I spend my time most thinking about. I love the people I spend my time with, I'm learning, I'm growing, I feel like I'm apart of a community that fights for one another and when they accept you, it's with their whole being.

I love South Africans as a people. They have this way to thrive for life, so see what really matters and what is worth your time and energy. It's a fresh of breathe air, being away from the consumerism bubble. South Africans love their country. And its easy to see why.

the Food. mmm, wow I have eaten some great food while being here! (I don't think America lacks great food, we definitely have AMAZING food - Joplin on the other hand, essentially I feel like I have been sitting inside a 5year olds lunch box and now I'm in the experienced hands of the guru natural chef)

I will have to re-write this list of what I love about South Africa. Because this time I have only been in Jeffreys Bay (I'm not thinking of my last trip here, that part of South Africa, Lesotho, is a world entirely different from this one.)

Jbay is safe (for South Africa) it's a small surfing holiday town living off of their tourism. I like it, I love Nina's and SuperTubes and the Lagoons.

But there is much, much more of this country that I need to see, that I need to explore...

But I like being here, I like being in this moment. This works for me.