Soul Trips

I have had the most amazing few days. I firmly believe that every couple of weeks one should just go off into nature and nourish the soul with the great outdoors. I believe you need to give your soul a trip and a journey of its own every once in a while. It doesn't have to be oversea's and doesn't necessarily have to involve hopping onto a plane... just taking a stroll through your local forest or beach would suffice. Or, if you live in a concrete jungle like I know many of you do then go to a museum or park in the area. There is so much beauty in this world and we all need to take a day or two to just enjoy it. And that is exactly what I did....

A week and a half ago I lost a friend that I had considered to be one of my closest in town... losing him among a million and one other things going on lately tipped me over the edge. So, what better way to mend a slightly battered heart than to go out and have a bloody drink!? hahahaha 

While out, I met four really awesome people and over the past week I have had the greatest pleasure getting to know them and spending my free time in a different town, at a different beach, at a different bar... it has been so uplifting for my spirit and wonderful to experience something new and exciting. I needed this. 

One of the first things I did with one of them, the one that has kind of taken me under his wing and has really bonded with me over this past week, was go down to the Sea Cliffs. He takes every newbie there to experience the hidden beauty that lurks so close by. One of the things that he does when he takes people there is 'initiate' them. He makes them crawl through this tiny hole in some boulders and it was nothing short of hilarious. Not only am I already incredibly clumsy and a goof-ball at heart, but there was also tornado like winds that literally nearly swept me off my feet! Unfortunately because of the wind we couldn't really stick around to enjoy the view... but I did my initiation, passed it and then we ventured on to explore The Garden Route further.

I also enjoyed some time over at an old rustic bridge just outside of town. I used to go there often when I was younger... I'd get a group together and we'd go and drink beer, listen to music, sun tan, jump off the bridge into the lagoon below... we'd hop onto speed boats and go fishing in the area... it was the life! So it was lovely to revisit a place that holds so many of my favorite memories. 

Yesterday, my new found friend (who is seriously awesome by the way! So blessed to have such amazing people in my life!!) took me for a walk along the train tracks in his town...... 

I have no words. 

Just... wow. 

The beauty is absolutely breathtaking!!! We passed through this little tunnel and voila.. it was like a whole new world sheltered from trouble and pain. There's a cave just around the corner from the tunnel where a group of people literally live... some come and go and some stay for good. It's incredible and fascinating and completely 'Wonderlust' style!! That is how I want to live!!! And you should see the way that they have made the cave up! It is simply gorgeous!!! It is like a proper home right on the cliff, in a cave, next to an old, out of use train track. 

I had yet another absolutely wonderful day and met more lovely people who are so at peace and calm... and they are exactly the sort of people I want in my life. 

Funny, I have lived in The Garden Route for the majority of my life yet I never knew there was so much beauty and fun to be found here. You just have to look in the right places. Sometimes it can be right under your nose where you least expect it. 

Five days to go until I set off on my big road trip up to Joburg and the jet off to the beautiful island of Zanzibar!!!!

PS : I have just added a badge to my Instagram account on the side of my page! If you have Instagram I'd really appreciate the follow and would definitely follow you back :)