Beaches and Bagels

I invented a new word a few mornings ago: "gawjus." It’s just like “gorgeous,” only it’s more. It was a cold but sunny morning, and I had walked down to the beach. I can still picture the blue, blue sea, a surprising contrast to the muddied water of a windy yesterday. I now know what lies behind the simile of a sea like glass. I have not seen waves higher than about 0,5m, but they lap at the shore consistently, bringing treasures such as shells and driftwood and seaweed. To the right I see the tall buildings of downtown, strutting their stuff in the sunlight, proud. On the water before me I count 13 ships, and I am reminded of Grandpa who would eagerly beckon us each morning to the window of his harbour view, to count. Imagining the stories of each vessel makes for a fascinating exercise of the imagination. And these 13 stories and mine somehow overlap on the blue, blue waters of West Canada.

I fear I am becoming Canadian. In this regard, I could probably lump Canadians and North Americans together (but don’t ever tell that to a North American!): I ate a bagel for lunch. In fact, I have two whole packets of bagels in my freezer, waiting to be devoured with cream cheese or something luscious. Before coming here, I didn’t really even know what a bagel was. I have since discovered that the breaded donut-shape-thing comes in multiple flavours. Ooh, even thinking about cinnamon raisin makes my mouth water. I suppose, if I were truly to become Canadian, I would have to eat a bagel for breakfast. Not long afterwards, I found myself putting in my South African flag earrings. Just to be sure.

You know you're in Canada when...

(Alternatively, this blog posting could be entitled: “You know you’re not in South Africa when…”)

…you leave your mobile phone at school and when you look for it the next day someone has turned it in for you.

…you have unlimited internet.
…you can buy a gallon of milk (such a huge bottle!)
…you can buy a gallon of milk for a single-digit dollar amount.
…the government phases out the penny and the stores round your total up instead of down.
…the cars stop for you if you possibly look like you’re approaching the street to cross.
…people remind you that you have an accent.
 
Two of the biggest differences I’ve noticed being here:
…the weather. I miss hot hot days and heavy rain and thunderstorms.
…the safety. Not that I ever felt scared in South Africa, but it’s nice not to have to be vigilant all the time.
 
The things I love most about being here:
…being a student. This is because it includes the freedom of deciding my own schedule and the process of learning about stuff and researching interesting topics.
…the community, both at school and at church. A tightknit inclusive group of people who are genuine in their love for each other, and willing to step out of our comfort zones to extend that care to others.
…my home. My room is a welcome place to rest and be me; our house is a haven and the birthplace of many a great initiative and conversation; my homies are serious about becoming the best people we can be, and about embracing the lighter side of life.
…the outdoors. From tree-lined streets, to parks and the beach, to the mountains and the woods with tall tall trees, to crisp cool days and moss-covered trees.

The things I miss most about South Africa:

…the people I love. I think about them way more often than they know. I am so grateful, not only for where I am right now, but for where I have come from.
…driving! I didn’t think I’d say this, but I’d love to get behind the wheel of a stick-geared car and just drive!!!
…like I said earlier, hot hot days and thunderstorms.
…Afrikaans. Is it weird to talk to myself at times?!!
…Ouma’s Rusks. Mmmm. Especially on a Saturday morning.

How fortunate I am, to be able to call two places “home.”