Gone With the Wind

Read Up on Table Mountain!

Howsit (South African short hand for "whats up") everyone?! I hope that everyone has been enjoying their last month of freedom before school starts! But wait, I START TOMORROW! When did that sneak up on me? Somehow I forgot to buy a pencil somewhere between bar hopping on Long Street and one of the most intense hikes of my life up Table Mountain. I'm super siked however to have a routine forced upon me... I don't do well in the long run with this much freedom. Not that I'm complaining of course, I'm just starting to feel like mountain lion by day and a cocktail vampire by night. My arms are sunburned and permanently stamped with venue entrance IDs. Cape Town is still treating me right and thrusting upon me a different adventure each and every day. Earlier this week, 18 of us clueless Americans decided to take a leisurely hike up Table Mountain. And let me just preface the rest of this post by saying it was ANYTHING BUT leisurely. Beautiful? Yes. Breathtaking? Positively. Hard? Ummmm, yeah. Scary? The biggest understatement EVER.

We started off the morning by having a savory omelet at Cocoa Wah Wah, breathing in the nice breeze and cloudless morning. Blissfully unaware of what we were about to get ourselves into. While the 18 of us stood along Main Street, in a rut trying to figure out the best way to affordably transport 18 people to the gardens where we wanted to start, we were approached by possibly my most favorite South African yet... Boogie Steve. Boogie Steve Boogie Steve, what a guy Boogie Steve! He offered to transport all of us in his painted "Boogie Bus" with over 1,000,000 Kilometers on it. The inside was decorated with old CDs, Records, USA license plates, and just about anything else that would transport you right back to Woodstock in 1969. The bus would only go about 20 Mph on the highway, thus ticking off everyone around us I'm sure, but we had a great time! Boogie Steve informed us that his bus was THE ONLY legal place to indulge in some Ganja. Yeah... well we didn't, seeing as that was likely a tempting lie, but he was the bomb anyways. After paying about $1 for the ravetastic ride and plastering ourselves with sunscreen, all 18 of us set out on our hike for the day.

We decided to make an attempt to climb Skeleton Gorge, little did we know that it was in fact one of the more difficult hikes on the Mountain (aka is was ENTIRELY up hill). It was beautiful and fully shaded for the entire trail. There were small waterfalls and magnificent foliage. All was going well until my lungs decided to have an asthma attack half way up. Perfect timing right? We were in the middle of nowhere in the middle of nowhere with no albuterol, no morphine, no meth, no divine intervention... NOTHING would help me out of this one. After a series of breathers, I was able to pull through it alive, but that small episode ended up being the least of my worries that day. Once we breached the tree line and made it to the top of the mountain, all of us noticed a bit of a pick up in the wind. We were thrilled to be on top of the world and able to see the whole of Cape Town around us. And I mean it when I say, what an unbelievable site! Once again, no picture could do this any justice. Eventually, someone looked off in the distance and pointed out an extremely fast paced cloud formation swallowing the tops of the smaller mountains in the range. We knew that we needed to make some moves. As the clouds started to coil around the mountain, we found our way to another trail that took us right alongside the top of Table Mountain on what was basically a 4 foot wide goat trail. NEVER in my life have I been so afraid. Along with this trail we were met with Gale Force winds and absolutely nothing to hold on to. Whilst leaning heavily into the Mountain and taking hold of extremely thorny bushes, we literally held on for dear life. When the wind allowed us a 10 second breather, we would sprint as fast as we could and then be blown right back into the mountain face. Had the wind changed direction, we would have been sent plummeting back into Cape Town from the top of the mountain. All I could hear were my friends frantically yelling that we should go back (which we couldn't at this point and it was getting dark) and all I could see in my brain was newspaper headlines about 18 stupid American's being swept clear off the top of a Mountain.

Regan and I were at the front of the pack and once we were able to spring from the cliffs edge and make it onto a more central location, we ran, literally, across the top of the mountain like something out of Lord of the Rings in order to catch a group of about ten more unknown people in front of us. Praying to God that they were regular hikers, thus making us feel like less of morons, we were shot with dread the minute they opened their mouth... more idiotic American student they were. I glanced down by my feet and on a little 12 by 12 inch plaque, there was a worn engraving that read "Caution: this trail can be dangerous and deadly in rain and high winds." Fabulous. We were almost to the point of dialing the SOS number located right below these words when we then realized that we had chosen the right course and had made it to a wind-proof gorge that would allow us to descend on a very rocky and moderately steep path. After allowing reality to catch up with us, we were again able to appreciate the unbelievable beauty of the gorge.

The descent was tiring, but I've never felt more ALIVE then I did once we reached the bottom. And for the next few days... I was as good as dead anyways because my quads felt as if they'd been hit with a sledge hammer and the hurricane wind combo with a side of asthma please had given me an oh so pleasant head cold.  However, did that stop us from continuing on with enjoying a great night life? No sir-ee, we were out that night, enjoying jugs of who knows what at a local bar with the other group of American Idiots. Conclusively, I'm so happy that we hiked the trail... however I think I've learned my lesson: DON'T TAKE AMERICAN ADVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA! We spent the remainder of the weekend going through a grueling 4hr long registration process that, luckily enough for me, ended in a successful signing up for classes and what not. The next day the lot of us rested indoors and then enjoyed some amazing Techno/ Trance and socializing at a couple of places downtown. We also ate a fabulous dinner at a really modern and fun hotel called

"Cool Daddy Hotel." They really know their music and club life here. Friday was by far the most fun I've had out in a long time. People just dance and enjoy everything without reservations here, I love it! Keeping up with the never-ending stream of surprises here, five us decided to hit the mall for some leisurely shopping and a good lunch. It didn't take us long to notice that next to us, there was a guy with a MASSIVE lizard on him. CORRECTION: It was, and I quote, a BEARDED DRAGON. Who in their right mind takes their pet dragon to an Italian restaurant? Ew. He obviously knew that everyone around him was staring, especially our table, and after he told us what it was... I had turned back around to focus on more important things (aka the menu) when he walked up beside me and PUT the thing on my arm. All the other chairs at our table flew backwards as the girls jumped on top of our neighbors' pasta. Trying not to seem too rude/ freaked out/ grossed out/ dramatic, I faked a smile and lightly lifted my arm up to our friendly zookeeper and handed back the dragon. This was one of those "Thanks but NO THANKS" scenarios. South Africans love their extremities, which is normally fun! But when someone puts a dragon on your arm, your perspective might change a little for the moment.

Anyways, I start class tomorrow!! Yikesabee, but it will be nice to have routine, as previously stated. Its going to be so strange being in a class of 200+ people considering that classes at Richmond tend to stay below 20 students. However, it will be an experience I'm sure. Everything else here is still going great and luckily I brought a lifetime supply of cold meds so this head cold doesn't really stand a chance, but I'm sure I'll be back shortly with a post about the academic side of life!

Yay for Mind-BLOWING experiences ;)

Hopper X

Wah Wah

Hello my lovely readers! Before I start I just want to say thank you SO much everyone for your positive feedback about the blog! Seriously, I write it for you my friends and I've had a great time with it thus far so I'm glad to hear that people are enjoying it (or at least faking... in that case, keep on faking it!) :) Currently, I'm sitting at a small coffee shop and cafe named CoCoa Wah Wah, less than a quarter mile from my house. Wah Wah is a complete staple in everyone’s diet that lives just off of Main Street. The people who work here are amazing, you can add shots to your smoothie if anyone would ever be so inclined to do so, there is free Wi-Fi, and they make the most delicious tomato and cheese toasted sandwiches. In short... it gives heaven a run for its money. Thus, this post title is dedicated to our home away from home... away from home? It's beautiful outside, about seventy degrees (its supposed to be winter here?) and not even one flirtatious cloud in the sky. The weather this week has been unreal, unfortunately I don't think that it will last through the weekend, but all of us have been soaking up the sun while we can. Another bonus to this country is the men... just being honest. There seems to just be a plethora of men who look like Leo D, Hugh Jackman and Tom Welling. I'm in the danger zone here. I'm sure I'll gain weight in this place just off of eye candy. Ha, that might have been TMI but the point is.... they are EVERYWHERE!

So a lot of amazingness has gone down since my last post. And by "amazingness" I mean, I've just continued to tumble deeper and deeper in love with this place. On Sunday, our orientation had all of the international students participate in a peninsula tour for the entire day. I am not exaggerating when I say that that seven am wake up call was a rough one... very rough. Cape Town is seriously a city that never sleeps; there is plenty to do day in and "night" out. We started off in Camps Bay where most of the upscale real estate is. What a gorgeous place! The backdrop of the area is met with the "12 Apostles" mountains. The rocky shores were met with rolling blue waves and gorgeous beaches.  Afterwards, we visited the Boulder Penguin colony where we all got to meet the tuxedo gang on their own turf. What a fratty bunch of penguins. I never thought that I would use the words "fratty" and "penguins" in the same sentence, but they a have such a bro strut and bitty chasing strategy (I'm pretty sure we made it there during mating season...ha). After saying farewell to our new friends, we bused across more breathtaking mountains and shoreline. The most memorable part of the trip is what we did next.

In an abrupt glace out the window, I realized that our bus had found its way into a very rundown neighborhood that seemed to be only a step up from the previous township a couple days ago that we had visited. This, was OceanView. OceanView, like so many other townships, was built to house oppressed minorities during the Apartheid. At the beginning, I felt a little queasy at the notion that 9 coach buses had popped up in these people's home... as if we were "touring" their poverty. But contrastingly enough, the minute we stepped off of the bus, people where shaking our hands and smiling, so happy that we had come to share the afternoon with them. Obviously, it wasn't a good place to wave around your Prada Sunglasses and Nikon, but it was very welcoming all the same. The 400 of us entered a giant dining hall, dressed with old newspaper clippings of the Apartheid and Nelson Mandela. After learning a bit more about OceanView and enjoying some delicious grub, their arts group performed a series of routines for us that were amazing! So much talent. I would have uploaded some more videos but my internet really struggles so unfortunately, I can't really show you all one or two of the acts. We saw everything from singing, to instrumentals, to rapping, to break dancing. They taught me so much about what it means to have pride in oneself, history, and place in their lives.

After that pivotal few hours, the lot of us climbed back aboard the charter bus and traveled over to the Cape of Good Hope where we hiked up and were able to see and unbelievable panorama of views. Unfortunately, we didn't snag a view of one of the native baboons, but I'm pretty sure that we did later that night downtown (metaphorically speaking). That vaguely sums up Sunday, but I was half asleep for most of it on the bus so apologies for the shorthand! Conclusively, it was just magnificent :) I'm sure that I would be able to do it any justice even if I had the words. Between now and then, my friends and I have just been keeping up with the trend of exploring and indulging. We've managed to land ourselves in some pretty hilarious situations and random outings... all of which have been contributing factors to this marvelous time. Yesterday, six of us decided to pay a visit to the Green Market Square where all of the local artists, jewelry makers, etc. bargain their prices to tourists with a pocketful of Rands (their "dollar"). On this journey, I had my first MiniBus experience... in other words, a NEAR DEATH experience. What horrid drivers! For those of you who don't know what a Mini Bus is, its and extremely cramped, loud, and dirt-cheap way of traveling places. We made it all the way downtown for about 99 cents. The buses jet up and down the streets with one driver who hopefully has their license and a man in the back who yells at people, hoping to coax them in. It was actually hilarious and nice on my pocketbook... but a bit freaky. I guess its one of those things where you just have to close your eyes and hope for the best!

The market place was a lot of fun and the six of us just roamed around, managing to stumble into the most expensive five star hotel for a 4pm cocktail. Funny how we always manage to fall into randomly wonderful situations. But in my opinion, that is the right way to travel. Its important to explore, ask questions, and not make overly specific plans. The greatest part about having the opportunity to live and breathe a different place is the fact that you don't have to rush monuments and museums. After all, the greatest sightseeing that you can do is to just experience the people, the landscape, the air that everyone shares with each other (sorry, that was really hippie of me, but I just got out of the gym so my endorphins are pumping... and I'm listening to U2). Any who, I love yall bunches and hope that everyone is having an amazing last month of their summer!

Tootaloo!

Hopper X

WAKA WAKA

So I'm pretty sure that our plane passed up Earth and landed in Eden... wow! No guidebook could have prepared me for the experience that I've been blessed with. I really wish that each and every one of you who have not seen Cape Town before could witness this place with your own eyes. No picture could do it any justice whatsoever. But I will rave over the Cape a later in this so, lets start where I left off before... oh yeah, airplanes and more airplanes.

Luckily, Regan and I had no issue with luggage, making our flights, customs, etc... but I have to say I HATE flying with stinky foreigners who don't all shower and 9 year old rugby teams. So not ideal. Although, I was fortunate enough to land an empty row on both flights so I really shouldn't be allowed to complain in excess. I did realize however that I have a huge sleep problem on planes... in other words, I just don't. But I got over it, because I mean who wouldn't in order to make it to Cape Town... seriously folks. Once our first plane landed in London at Heathrow (a hella airport by the way, I felt like I was in Snoopy's Dog House), Regan napped on an extremely uncomfortable bench while I watched Sex and the City until Lauren's flight got in. The three of us then scuttled on over to the local Hilton in order to drop our bags and then explore a bit of London before our next flight. Our first valuable lesson to learn in London while on jet lag is NOT to take the regular tube to the city... what. a. long nightmare. It took us almost 1.5 hours to get into town.. but it was well worth it. What a beautiful city! Its unfortunate that we didn't have much time to spare, but we managed to see "Big Ben" and Buckingham Palace and also a local pub where I legally purchased my first pint of Amstel... hurrah! It's just too bad that my mind had taken refuge in limbo and therefore I couldn't fully appreciate this landmark in my young life. We then departed on yet another long tube ride in which consciousness seemed to be checking out every five minutes. I'm sure that we all looked like a bunch of hoodlums that were really cracked out. Sorry America, we haven't helped your image. After showers and what not, we re-boarded British Airways and endured the long eleven-hour flight to Cape Town.

The first view of the land met my gaze with an amazing South African sunrise smiling at me from outside the airplane window... what a sight. My heart beamed, as I was able to acknowledge at last that... I've arrived.  The next few hours was met with the hustle and bustle of meeting up with the CIEE staff, moving luggage to our orientation sight, and also stretching our fried brains to remember all of the new faces in our study abroad program. From the beginning, I knew that I would cherish this country. Even while walking through customs, the agent was a merry South African with the most precious gapped tooth who happily said, "A student Visa ya? What are you studying in Cape Town?" After I told him that I was really interesting in African History and Politics, he chimed, "Oh a history, what a history! Mandela Mandela! Waka Waka!" His spirit was a contagious one. What a beautiful and vibrant population. I think that for the first time in my life I have fallen in love with something so much greater than anything I've known before. The people, Table Mountain's illuminating presence, and the drinking age (ha).

For the most part, these last few days have been filled with orientation lingo and the meeting of other USA students on my program. Already, I've managed to meet equally crazy and quirky people to go out and "explore" the city with. However, its been undoubtedly a little depressing that we have yet to completely break away from our American roots due to the compacted size of our study abroad group. It will disperse soon, but for the moment all we really have is each other. We moved into the houses today and all of my housemates are fabulous! I have had a decent amount of local contact due to the fact that I am whimsical woman without a social fear in the world, but then again maybe I shouldn't be? Nonsense I say! In terms of the culture, its really not too different from what you would get in the USA. The food is diverse, the night life is unbelievable, and everyone love to socialize. The major exceptions include the third world that exists in the townships and the variation in safety in terms of public transportation and going places alone. Also, there are other small things (or big depending on how you feel about them) such as the drinking age and the plethora of GORGEOUS people here. However, I think that many of the fears are perpetuated to unreasonable highs by outsiders who don't understand the balance between being street smart versus forever fearful. Cat calling is a legitimate sport here. Every street corner that a group of us walk by is met with and un-translatable mixture of jargon followed by..."hey White Girllll!!" Never in my life have I felt more... loved? Ha, I'm just kidding, but seriously, its a consistent buzz in the background of the streets, especially since we are all still sticking out as Americans due to our loudness, misguided whereabouts, and a frigid determination to wear flip flops in 40 degree weather.

Orientation has been a sluggish process, but among the highlights of the whole thing were our first views of the UCT campus (unbelievable beautiful beyond all measure) and also our trip to various non-profits that we will be able to choose to volunteer with. The UCT campus is built up into the base of Table Mountain and is elevated above the city. It is also enormous and is physically exhausting without the use of a bus called the Jammie. On the other hand, as modern and magical that the campus and downtown are, there is the extreme opposite type of living environment located no more than merely 15 minutes away. Our non-profit tour included visiting a Tuberculosis Clinic, a refuge for the impoverished and abused near a township, and a school for children who would otherwise be undereducated. The severity of living conditions amongst those living in metal huts in the townships, so vast and blanketed with trash that is picked through by thinly clothed residents, is heart breaking. Many of the children in the TB wards and nurseries were sleeping sockless in the chilled air due to their parents' lack of financial means. The people working within the non-profit sites are unbelievable and so admirable. It was hard not to become overwhelmed at the site of such devastation, but just feeling sad about it isn't enough. We need to do something about it. I am so pumped to spend time at a non-profit of my choice and to experience the lives of these people through spending time with them and learning about the types of things they undergo everyday. Already, I have been completely stunned at their incredible spirits that have not been broken. We walked pass a group of women singing and dancing whilst gardening at the refuge... its amazing to see considering that we were all raised in a world in which material happiness seems to take priority much of the time.

Sorry about the length of this post... however I have a feeling that they will not shorten anytime soon. This place is so amazingly diverse, dreamy, and downright breathtaking. I miss all of you so much and I hope that this email finds you safely and surrounded by so much love and beauty!

Until my next lengthy rant...

Hopper :) 

Bright Lights Big City... and then some

Well, I wouldn't say that Wednesday morning was exactly pleasant. After what seemed like a short 2 hours of sleep (wait... that is short! ha), I got behind the wheel of my car, fairly sure that my sleep deprivation would fail me on a sobriety test, and drove myself to Hobby Airport at 4:30AM for my flight to NYC. Upon arrival, the desk clerks were about as awake as I was when it came to checking me in. Thirty minutes later, with only one person preceding me at the check-in counter no less, I was good to go (or rather just good to wait for another 30 minutes in the security line) and in desperate need of a, well I don't know... nap?!  Conclusively, I give JetBlue customer service an "S" for slow and sedated... however the airplane was really neat. Every seat had their own T.V. screen, controls, etc. TOTALLY fabulous. Therefore, the actual flight gets an "R" for relaxing and for lack of a better word, just plain rad. Thus given that "R" precedes "S" in the alphabet, I guess its safe to say that I really got out of that hella morning what should come first... a means of transportation to one of the greatest cities on earth. A billion rounds of stellar techno and HBO therapy later, I was fit to frolic in the Big Apple!

Upon arrival, I immediately realized that my outfit had a serious character flaw... tights. It has to be illegal for a city outside of Texas to be that hot. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to be back in one of my favorite places, even though I would be at risk for a heat stroke in Times Square until I could check in 3 hours later. Our troops were stationed at The W, right next door to the Hershey's store... bravo! Given that our clan does indeed have its own population sign (one that always seems to be growing I might add), we were forced to be stationed in three hotel rooms. This type of situation is when my tuition and Starwood points on my American Express comes in handy. For the remainder of that day, we spent the majority of it catching up on sleep, roaming, and trying not to trip and locals with one of the strollers. After much deliberation and ticket searching, Kaitlyn managed to land us four tickets to see the Adam's Family on Broadway, staring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. 

So, Kaitlyn, Clayton, Hannah and I set off for out 8pm viewing of the play. It. Was Fabulous! Nathan Lane is simply amazing, hilarious, and nailed the part of Gomez. Seeing that I am an Adam's Family enthusiast myself, I greatly enjoyed it! In order to pass the morning hours away the next day, we decided to raid the Toys R' Us in Times Square. The kiddos all enjoyed a farris wheel ride while I scoped out the goods. Among some notables, I discovered a new brand of Huggies that was made to look like jeans. Did I buy them? Of course. After spending time in antfarm-ville, Barbie world, and Jurassic Park reincarnated,  I met Regan during her lunch break in Rockefeller Plaza after having explored a bit more of the area, and following lunch I strolled over to Central Park where Kara and Taylor had fallen into carnival heaven in the midst of health hazardous rides and tasty hot dogs. 

One pair of sunburned feet later, we returned to the hotel, showered, and then caught taxis over to Regan's place for a scrumdidlyumtious family dinner. It was really fabulous to have a mingling of the parents and a showcase of our child circus! Dinner and a show, who'd have thunk?With our smiles and stomachs filled to each his own quota, we returned happily to The W. The next morning, I woke up and shared my final goodbye's and "Ally" hugs with the family. It was a very bittersweet moment... as some people left my life temporarily, an experience crept in and took their place. I am going to miss them so much, especially since this is the first family vacation to Block Island with them in 10 years that I will miss! I mean... I'm not complaining, just feels strange. In order to shake off tears and too much of a thought process, I roamed around and then was lucky enough to snag a few wonderful hours of catching up with my Pi Phi Big, Mary. We had a great time walking around Union Square and enjoying froyo and a smoothie at "Recess." We also got to see Timmis which was so nice! Continuing on with the "Richmond" theme of the day, I met up to have dinner with Regan and some other Richmonders as our last pow wow before abroad. Currently I have pitched camp in the Regan household am enjoying not being the only ginger for once!! Woo hooo! And then my friends, tomorrow is the day! We will leave around 7pm from JFK in New York and will arrive in Heathrow (London) the next morning where Regan and I will link up with Camuso and then tryout a bit of exploring in the city before our next flight to CAPE TOWN!

Until I breach the Equator for the first time ever....

Hopper XOXO

Kodachrome

"THE TIME HAS COME!" the Walrus said, "TO TALK OF MANY THINGS: OF SHOES AND SHIPS AND SEALING WAX, OF CABBAGES AND KINGS. AND THE SEA IS BOILING HOT AND WHETHER PIGS HAVE WINGS!" - The Tweedles

Well, not really... but who doesn't love Alice and Wonderland? After all, this whole up-and-coming experience seems so surreal... I still can't figure out where my "wonderland" and real world finally met. However, I'm fairly sure that it became apparent today when I attempted to pack. WOW. My heightened excitement was brought back down to Earth (only temporarily of course) when I pulled out my two suitcases and realized what I was going to have to fit into those small empty spaces. In other words, my life in less than 50 lbs each.  

Tomorrow is my last day in Texas (insert: obnoxious disco move of pure happiness) before I jet off, on JetBlue no less, to NYC so that I can crank out a few more laughs and memories on American soil before Regan and I down a copious amount of sleep aids for our long day(s) of traveling. So, in order to accomplish the daunting task of packing without reaching for a vicoden or other strong pain killer, I chose the sensible route.... the best of Paul Simon (hence the post title). With "Outrageous" blaring so that the screaming child colony, my siblings, eating lunch on the first floor knew I was "out of the office and therefore unable to answer and calls" for the next millennium, otherwise known as my closet, I started to pack. As it turns out, it wasn't all that challenging. However, perhaps that means that my life is valued at about as much as a 50 lb suitcase! Although I do have to admit, I still think I overpacked... ouch. All was going well until I came across shoes... oh the tragedy. I literally cradled my few pairs of beloved heels in my lap for half of "Darling Loraine" before I neatly tucked them back into my closet. I'm pretty sure that they would be classified as part of the "unnecessary" articles to pack. After all, I'm feel that my pajamas probably deserved the spot. I'm not sure that I could picture myself bungee jumping from Victoria Falls in my Steve Maddens.

Some notables among the pile are a lifetime supply of NyQuil, Benadryl, Motrin, and, well... ladies you get the picture. I was also advised that packing Solo Cups would be a must... thats one part of American life that I would be ABSOLUTELY sad to leave behind. Someone robbing that suitcase would be seriously thrown off... however I would be quite devastated to find them displaced. Other than that, I really did come to understand the clichéd statement about not needing much "stuff." I mean, if everyone was cool with being naked all the time, I could probably reduce my life to a 6 lb toiletry bag. Luckily, I'm fairly positive that nudity is not widely accepted around the globe, except for those of you studying abroad in the opportunistic sections of Europe. Otherwise, I might really be insecure about my life's net worth. Just kidding, I'm not that materialistic, but not requiring much would be convenient!

With only a few small items remaining on my "ToDo" list for tomorrow, I think its safe to say that I am ready! I have to say that I am going to miss everyone greatly. All of my close friends and family have  helped me get to where I am now and that includes the act of making this decision to study abroad. So, as Paul Simon said, "Whose going to love you when your looks are gone," I do know (or at least hope) that all of you will! I promise not to get that ugly... unless of course I am dismantled by a Great White shark while abroad. In that case, I probably wouldn't give you a hard time if you did. On that note, Thank You :) Thank you for allowing and encouraging me to put vanity and material safety aside in order to plunge into the richness and vast beauty of this world and all of the people who I will meet along the way. I love yall' and will always keep you in my heart and the spirit of friendship in my walking shoes wherever I go!

"His path was marked by the stars in the southern hemisphere, and he walked his days 

under african skies." - Under African Skies, Paul Simon

TaTa amigos!

Hopper