CapeTown, South Africa has been one of those countries where it truly feels like home, second only to New Zealand.
We are staying in Muizenburg, a small surf town on the coast of Cape Peninsula, just a 25 minute drive from the city. Muizenburg is a vibrant place, mixed with black, coloured, white, Indian and Asian people along with a variety of tourists, missionaries, hipsters, surfers, hobos and security guards.
Mountains stretch along the coastline creating one of the most stunning horizon lines I have ever seen, especially when looking at it from the water as I bob on a surf board waiting to catch a wave.
My new shoes - special thanks to Saucony - climbing up the Muizenberg mountain.
Skate and surf competition at the infamous Surfers Corner. An attempt for the world record of 'most surfers riding a wave' was made on this day as well.
A train runs along the shoreline, stopping at all the neighbouring towns and goes all the way to Simonstown, where you can visit penguins. I often run along the beach in the mornings or to Kalk Bay, and up Boyes Drive which runs along Muizenberg Mountain and offers a spectacular view of the ocean and the towns down below. I am priviledged to be staying amongst some of CapeTown's finest artists and coolest surf crew. If schooling and work didn't take up most of my time, I would be painting and surfing and climbing mountains everyday and having a braai (BBQ) with them every night.
Meet Martin.
His talent and friendly personality has brought him around the world leaving creative masterpieces on walls, canvases, wood and most any other paintable surface.
He's prepping for a big expo coming up in December. Marti is passionate about art, and for good reason - he's good at it!
An idea called "low-brow" amoung local artists, including Marti is making art accessable to everyone - not just the elite, deep-pocketed art connoisseur.
Everyone can enjoy art, no matter your budget and go home with something - even if it's just a postcard.
Masiphumelele
The apartheid laws, a huge part in the history of this nation, forced segregation between the races of its citizens and created barriers and unjust land laws between them. The majority of the black South Africans were made to live in Townships and were disadvantaged by almost every standard including income, education and housing.
Although Nelson Mandella and the "freedom charter" have done wonders in reconciling the nation, many blacks still live in these townships. I had the privilege of visiting a township called Masiphumelele and was taken aback by how many people lived in such a tight place but had a plethora of joy and laughter streaming into the streets. Masi is amazing - it's alive - you can feel the heart and soul of the people as soon as you step foot there but the history of Masi's residents is one of pain and suffering by the hands of their fellow citizens.
The townships can get hectic with gang related activities, drugs and crime. Youth there are particularly at risk for adopting bad behaviours and getting themselves into trouble. This is where guys like Apish Tshepsha can make a real difference and help to change the cycle.
Meet Apish. (left)
Apish is a certified surf instructor and life coach through a program called Waves For Change.
When Waves for Change opened in Masiphumelele in 2011, surfing had never existed in the township. The goal in the program is to use surfing to create jobs, connect with young adults in need of assistance and to bring new skills to a community where 60% of it's population is unemployed.
Apish mentors 28 young adults from his community and uses surfing to connect with kids from vulnerable backgrounds.
I loved spending time on the waves with these kids and getting to know them. I only wish there was more time!
Creating local solutions to national problems - by riding waves! STOKED!!
-taken from Waves for Chage facebook page.
Chillin at Bailey's Surf Shack
This is Bailey. Baxter is in the background.
David, Sarah, Rachel, David and Bailey
Little grom heading out for a surf.
What a great place to be!!
Special thanks go to
1 - Jonathan and Layne Grime - for their special visit, and teamwork skills
2 - Steven Schallert - for teaching and sharing your heart
3 - Mathu Thomason and his crew for lessons on leadership and bringing refreshment and love to us!
-Christmas soon-
