3..2..1...

Time to leave Africa, so what's next? Where do I go? I'm wandering, at this point. I have to be somewhere on this planet and time had run it's course here. I booked a flight to Thailand, because I'd heard so many amazing things about the country, and conflicting emotions of excitement and sadness welled up inside. 

Three days to leaving africa, so I had to make them count. 

I went down to the harbor in Cape Town, and found  

it was festive and beautiful.

I discovered the US was so close there was even a sign to point you in the right direction.

I caught a ferry to Robbins Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for twenty-six years.

The prison

Nelson Mandela's cell

The 'Yard" where they sat and broke stones for hours on end in the heat and sun.

In this corner, buried under the vines is where Nelson hid his writings every day.

Although this looks like just a pile of rocks, it was made by the prisoners years later as they returned in peace and forgiveness, the impact immeasurable. The pile remains untouched to remind everyone.

My south african friend, Saranne, said I could not leave without seeing the western cape in all it's unspoiled beauty.
 She picked me up in her car and took me on a day tour.
She was so right.

The flat mountain on the left is Table Top and the peak to the right is Lions Head.
Tomorrow I will climb to the top of the Table.

But for now the sun sets as we head back to Cape Town.

                                                I climbed to the top of Tabletop Mountain

Yes, that is CapeTown you see below.

The top of the mountain really is as flat as a table.

The view is so endless you can see the curve of the earth.

Africa had become familiar.  I was here long enough to embrace the energy, and the people. I learned to appreciate their thinking, their hurdles, and their indomitable spirit. Africa had stretched me, pushed me and challenged me in ways I never dreamed imaginable. I faced so many fears here. I became comfortable with being uncomfortable, which I realize is a valuable gift. It seems impossible for anyone to come away from here unchanged, and I myself am very different than when I touched down in Tanzania. On the flight to Thailand, the airline has said I am only allowed to take one bag, period.  I can not  pay money and take another. The few belongings I brought with me on this journey have now been cut in half.  I'm stripped down to just me. I guess I'm going to find out what I'm really made of.

Africa, my love. Good-bye.