Gezellig

English - He zell ick ... not sure if that's the best pronunciation, but it's mine for now.

Gezellig is a Dutch word which has no English translation. It is a beautiful word which encompasses the whole experience of being around loved ones, having a good time, and a nice chat -- it means warm, friendly conversation , happy times, and family all at once. I have had several gezellig experiences while in Holland... all with Leen's amazing family.

Hot December

I spent my first Christmas away from my family, in a new place, in the heat. I'm not sure which part of that was the weirdest. The away from my family part, I'm sadly getting used to. We've figured out skype and email and facebook and all the ways to stay connected. I don't think we're doing as well with all of it as we could, but it works. I was in a new place... Cape Town is increasingly becoming familiar, safe, home. I've been here nearly a year and I know where all the taxi routes are, I look forward to seeing Table Mountain when I've been away, I have friends, a boyfriend, a nice flat, and a sense of community. I know the carguards by my house by name, I wave at the same taxi drivers every day, I am getting into a routine. I feel like I'm just living life. It's so weird to me to feel so comfortable and so at home in a place that I've only been for a year. I guess this is what growing up is about, moving away from home, making a place for myself. I'm glad I have. I feel happy. I feel proud. I feel independent. What scares me is whatever is next... moving away from here... doing this again... making a new "home". I wonder how many times I will do this in my life, where I will go, what I will do, how often I will see my family the next few years. I miss them, I really do, but I also feel fulfilled living away from home in a way that where I grew up hasn't fulfilled me in years. I love Murrells Inlet, and Charleston, and South Carolina. They'll always be there and will always be fond, warm memories, but for now, I'm getting used to the new places, stretching my boundaries, experiencing life at its fullest. Having Christmas in summertime... maybe the weirdest experience of the three! :)