CPT 2 -- Cape Town, South Africa

My trip to Cape Town was a long time coming.  Part of plans for many years; the last attempt about four years ago, during a time when the city was counting down to day zero, when usable water was to run out.  To not add to the burden, I cancelled.

There has been permanent water restrictions since as their reservoir is building back up from a historic drought.  It was in the 70% range full when I was there.  

I loved my time there and have added the city to my "return each year" list.  Stayed a couple of blocks from the ocean in Sea Point and joined the many people on the seaside promenade getting their daily exercise.  The scenary was breathtaking and the sheer number of active people, inspiring.  I easily clocked 15 - 20 km a day.

What I didn't realize was their reliance on coal for electricity.  Load shedding was the worst ever this year.  After about 9 days, I started to feel irritation in my nose and throat, similar to what I had experienced in Bangkok and Kampala previously due to pollution.

Otherwise, the high standard of living (for some), the quality of the food, service, is in sharp contrast to the weak underlying infrastructure.  Should the day come when sustainable solutions to water and power are found, that city would be unstoppable.  Just follow their Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis (and the City of Cape) on Twitter and you'll see what I mean.  Him and his team are simply doing an incredible job.

CPT -- Cape Town, South Africa

 

Snapshots from Cape Town, South Africa.  I took so many.  It's impossible to capture all the beautiful moments that an ocean displays.  Learned quickly that it was better just to take it in.  

Thoughts to come.  Wanted to start with some visuals.

Canada Day 2022

Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians near and far!  

As I reflect on being Canadian; 

our environmental stance, our universal healthcare and how we are perceived around the world; 

I also consider what it means to be a Female Canadian and what rights it fortunately comes with.  

I think of all the countries I have been to and how Covid shed light on the very real inequalities that existed long before.  

So many are worse off because of it, some for political reasons, some due to natural disasters and global warming -- Hong Kong, Palestine, Indonesia, Australia, Myanmar, Brazil, India, USA, Ukraine...to name just a few.  What will it take for them to recover and will it even be possible?  

If I lose hope now, living in a priviledged country, how functional would I be, if I actually had to manage some of the devastating realities that exist right now in so many other locales?  

A solid reminder to myself to please remember to regain some perspective after each emotional upheaval. All this access to news; real or ridiculous, isn't free -- It takes a huge mental toll.

Grateful to have the comfort, space and freedom to be able to reflect.

And to never take for granted, the incredible ability to escape to other places when I want to.