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Category: 2022

Circus’ place in the entertainment arena

Circus’ place in the entertainment arena

Circuses originated as a form of entertainment long before the era of movies, television, and social media. The circus arena was a place of exotic mysticism. However, I wondered about the future of the circus in a period filled with many forms of entertainment. We attended the Knie Circus in Zurich twice in one month!

Knie Circus is a family business

Friedrich Knie, a medical student, founded the Knie Circus in 1803 after falling in love with a horse rider. It is a family business and one of the oldest and most prominent European circus groups. Nowadays, members of the 7th generation manage the family business, and their children (the 8th generation) already perform in the arena. I understand the challenges of family businesses and have a lot of respect for the Knie family.

My circus experience over time

I was in a circus as a child when Boswell Wilkie Circus visited our small mining town, Sishen, in South Africa. I was excited but scared of the clowns, and the acrobats stressed me out. It was consequently an experience with mixed feelings. I was curious to see what a contemporary circus has to offer.

In essence, the building blocks of a circus have remained the same over time with acrobatic stunts, slapstick comedy and animals. Circuses have provoked many negative comments regarding the cruel and unfair way they treated animals in the past. The Knie Circus use only horses and ponies but handles the animals incredibly respectfully inside and outside the circus tent.

There were, as then, two clowns who provided continuity. Fortunately, they had no face paint! Their funny pun in German was a bit lost on us, but we had a good laugh with the other people.

Technology in the circus

They used technology cleverly in the shows for a visual spectacle. The Extreme Light Dance Crew created an enjoyable display of light, music, and dance with LED costumes. The group consists of members from Ukraine and Russia despite the war between their home countries.

The quick acrobatic movements on a trampoline and a LED-lit wall were entertaining. Illuminated drones in the circus tent created an incredible visual effect.

Pipistrello

Every year I see the Pipistrello circus tent pitched at our Zumikon’s town square. Their circus wagons stand on the town square, and the crew eat together at long wooden tables. This circus group moves between towns during the warmer months.

They are a co-op circus and organize projects with schools, remedial educational institutions, and holiday organizers. Together with the Pipistrello team, the participants set up the circus tent, developed a circus show with their ideas and presented it at the end of the week.

Circus is a tradition

A friend, who grew up ʼn Switzerland, told me they attend the opening show of the Knie Circus every year. The circus tent was on a square beside the lake for a month. On weekends there were up to three performances per day. The circus tours this way through the cities and larger towns in Switzerland.

The Hirslanden group bought all the tickets for several shows in Switzerland as a thank-you gift to employees. It provided many people and their families with enjoyable entertainment and escape. That’s why we’ve been to the circus twice during May.

The place of the circus in the entertainment arena

All the excited kids’ faces and the smell of popcorn brought the childlike excitement back to me. I enjoyed every moment of the show. Sometimes I had a good laugh, but other times gasped for breath. The quad bike that made a backflip high in the arena tested my nerves. The trick is unique in the world.

Sometimes our family feels like a circus. I will keep the clowns’ identities secret for privacy reasons. However, we all do regular balancing tricks. A circus, however, is a team of people who work together like a well-oiled machine. The team members have specific skills and roles on stage. However, they also help with the usual household chores backstage.

I now understand that the circus is a tradition that connects generations but adapts to the times. I believe it still has a place as entertainment in the future, provided it can continue to innovate.

Regards

Emsia

Team SA celebrated cultural diversity

Team SA celebrated cultural diversity

At the international school, we form part of a community representative of families from 55 countries. During an International Festival hosted by the school, we learned more about their food, clothing, and culture. The questions were “What aspects of our South African food and culture do we share with others? Where and how do we get the right products?” 

ICS Zurich International Festival

The festival kicked off with a parade. I marvelled at the colourful traditional clothes. After the parade, it was time to taste dishes from over the world. As we passed each stall, the most delicious flavours filled the air, and native language conversations created an upbeat atmosphere. There were games and activities for the children, and learners with musical talents provided entertainment.

Meeting other South Africans

We are aware of four South African families and three SA teachers at the school. As SA mothers, we started our regular meetings for the first time at the end of 2021. The international festival was an opportunity to work together on something close to our hearts. In addition, we could meet the other members of the SA families. 

Team South Africa

Without previous experience, we decided to keep it simple at first with boerewors rolls, vanilla cupcakes, and South African sweets. Karin obtained the necessary sweets, chutney, and decorations during their visit to SA in April. Melanie was aware of a Swiss butcher who could make real South African boerewors for us. I, inspired by my son Jacques’ Cinnamon Club, baked the cupcakes.

Our stall’s location was between Italy and Australia. We decorated it nicely with flags, wooden African animals and proteas made of wire. Our cupcakes and sweets attracted the kids, and various people tried our boerewors rolls. It was the Ms Balls chutney that caught the attention of potential customers. Charl was responsible for the braai, and the kids were excellent with the sales.

We could only smile at their marketing and negotiation techniques.

Language challenges

At Zander’s school, English is the first language, and everyone must also learn to speak German as a second language. Various children, like Zander, speak other languages at home. 

When in grades 6 to 8, they must also take French or Spanish as a third language. Zander chose Spanish. In a previous letter, I shared more about my own language challenges.

They recently had to present a Spanish cooking program in a video for an assessment. Zander and his teammate from India decided to bake Spanish lemon cupcakes called Magdalenas. I was relieved that my role was behind the camera!

They started by listing the ingredients in Spanish. However, it was somewhat funny that the packaging was in German, French and Italian. Without previous baking experience, they struggled to explain the instructions in Spanish whilst also having challenges with the demonstration. I tried to advise from behind the camera. However, I sometimes switched to Afrikaans if I could not find the English words fast enough. I felt sorry for the Indian child! Laughter was our best common language.

My lessons on diversity

As a parent at an international school, I learned that a community could consist of various cultures. For a healthy and thriving diverse community, mutual respect, and willingness to embrace differences are critical. Collaboration is key. Understanding each other is sometimes a challenge. However, you must learn to be patient and show compassion for yourself and others!

Regards

Emsia

Tuscan villas and Chianti wines

Tuscan villas and Chianti wines

Tuscany rolling hills, medieval villages and Chianti wines have always been on our bucket list. The warm Italian hospitality, good food, and picturesque landscapes contributed to lasting memories.

We visited Tuscany, located between Florence and Rome, by rental car. I shared more about our visit to Milan, Florence, and Rome in my previous letter.

Pisa

Our first stop in Tuscany was Pisa, and our accommodation was in the small town of Pugnano. I fell in love with the old Italian villa that originated in the 16th century as a farmhouse.

The rooms are very spacious, and the decor is genuinely Italian. There are two wedding reception halls with wooden floors, giant murals, and beautiful crystal chandeliers.

We enjoyed a bottle of Chianti wine in the villa’s garden as we watched the last golden rays of the sun disappear over the Tuscan vineyards. Breakfast consisted of sweet Italian tarts and cakes displayed on a table with a pure white tablecloth.

Chianti Wine Region

The Chianti wine region is home to Italy’s best-known wines. Canola fields provided colour between the carefully tended rows of vineyards and olive groves. In summer, sunflowers and grains take over the role.

Along the road are wine cellars to taste wine and olive oil. We stopped in the village of Greve de Chianti. Boutique shops, workshops and restaurants surround the town square.

The region is known for its Agriturismo, which offers the opportunity to stay on one of the working farms. We spent the night on a farm near Panzano, where they prepared meals with their local produce.

In Panzano, we had lunch under the beautiful, purple-coloured wisteria with the Tuscan countryside as our view.

San Gimignano

The medieval villages built on the hills are characteristic of the Tuscan area. San Gimignano takes you back with its fascinating medieval architecture and towers.

The drive to San Gimignano tested our marriage. The area is hilly, and the many winding paths are very narrow. After my numerous map misinterpretations, Charl got frustrated with finding ways to turn around!

The destination was worth it! We enjoyed gelato with the other tourists on the steps of the old well in the town square.

Saturnia hot springs

From the Chianti region, we drove south through the Val d’Orcia area. The landscapes are picture-perfect, with rolling hills and distinctive cypress trees.

Pictures of Cascate del Mulino, of Saturnia, enticed me. The milky blue natural hot springs at different levels are amazing. The water is 37 degrees and mineral-rich with healing properties.

We stayed in Manciano and slept peacefully. It was a relaxing way to conclude our Tuscany trip.

Cari saluti

Emsia

Italy preserves its heritage for the future

Italy preserves its heritage for the future

We can understand many of the values and priorities of civilizations if we look at their architecture and art. Our visit to Milan, Florence, and Rome renewed my appreciation for the Italians’ efforts to preserve culture and heritage.

Milan, the city of fashion and design

Milan is known as the city of fashion and design. However, the city impressed me with its efforts to preserve its heritage and innovate with future-oriented architectural designs.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxury shopping centre, took my breath away. It is the most beautiful and oldest shopping mall in Italy, with its impressive glass dome and handmade detail against the walls. It houses brands such as Armani, Prada, and Versace, whose headquarters are also in Milan.

I loved the detail and symmetry in the architecture of Milan Cathedral. Similarly, the modern and futuristic Porta Nuova area excited me. There are, among others, the Bosco Verticale luxury apartment blocks with trees and plants. They demonstrate that a building can be a home for trees, birds, insects, and humans. 

The architecture of the future will hopefully include similar environmentally friendly designs.

Florence, the city of art

The high-speed train to Florence at 300 km/h was quite an experience. Florence is considered the Renaissance birthplace. The whole city, with art and architecture by artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, felt like a work of art to me. Our visit was during Easter weekend with masses of tourists, but everyone’s excitement and positive energy were welcome.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is impressive. It has distinctive Renaissance architectural features of symmetry, domes, columns, pillars, and triangular fronts used repetitively. The cathedral’s dome is still an engineering marvel and impacted other religious buildings.
We enjoyed the many street artists in Florence. The city radiates creative energy and attracts different kinds of artists from all over the world.

Our visit to the central market in Florence, with its many homemade, local, and fresh products, was a highlight.

In Florence, we rented a hybrid car to Tuscany, the region between Florence and Rome. However, I will tell you more about our Tuscany experience in my following letter.

Rome, the Eternal City

In Rome, you walk with reverence and respect since Rome had its origins in 753 B.C. The impact of the Roman Empire is still visible in Western art, architecture, technology, literature, language, and law.

Since I visited Rome in 1995, archaeologists have made many historical discoveries. The area around the Colosseum looks very different, with many more excavations. The Colosseum finished in 80 A.C., is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built. It could handle 80,000 spectators who watched gladiatorial competitions and public spectacles.

The Vatican is an independent state with its beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica. During our visit, the Vatican City prepared for a Holy Mass on Sunday, 24 April, led by Pope Francis.

The queues were too long to visit the Pope’s chapel, namely Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s paintings took Michelangelo five years to complete. For those people who are too impatient for long queues, I can recommend the Netflix movie, The Two Popes. It is very informative and contains beautiful footage from the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel.

Preservation of culture and heritage

The restoration and preservation of the cultural treasures place significant responsibility on the leaders of Rome. However, tourism also creates jobs and income. We also made our tourism contributions in exchange for gelato ice cream and pizza. These Italian treats had to serve as encouragement for tired bodies and sore feet.

Our Italian visit was our way of celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. We are thankful our life paths have crossed and for the privilege of being able to walk many foreign paths together.

Cari saluti

Emsia

Signs of a future without masks

Signs of a future without masks

In Europe, Spring has arrived in all her glory. While Spring showed off her beautiful outfits, Winter made an unexpected comeback. Overnight, temperatures dropped from 20 to -6 degrees. Spring’s multi-coloured display picked up some damage. Luckily it looks like it’s just temporary, and she’s shaking her tail feathers for an excellent seasonal show.

Unexpected Covid-winter during our new season in Switzerland

Similarly, Covid unexpectedly arrived a few months after the start of our new season in Switzerland. We had many plans for new friendships and experiences during our planned three years in Switzerland. Let go and let God has acquired a new meaning for us. My friend challenged me with a good question.

“What change has the new season in Switzerland brought to you, Emsia?”

We had many lifestyle changes in Switzerland. However, I am sincerely grateful for the insight the Covid winter has brought me.

Covid Insight

All my life, I have been a person who values action. I was always planning or doing something. A life of action was my vehicle for living my values and purpose. My name means “to be of service”.

After a career of 27 years in South Africa, I quickly updated and sent out my CV here in Switzerland and started talking to contacts. In line with my perspective, I needed a job opportunity to make a difference.

Covid, especially in another country, has significantly limited my employment opportunities. However, the circumstances showed me that I had to change the word “doing” to the word “being”. Instead of doing things for others, I had to learn to be there for them.

It had to start with my own family, of course. I had to learn to be more present, listen, and observe. I am a natural planner and had to get to know the place and value of spontaneity and intuition. Combining creativity with these two helped me live lighter and enjoy life more. However, change is a process, and I sometimes fall back into my old familiar ways.

Spring after the Covid winter

Fortunately, I can hold on to the certainty that seasons will change. The Covid season is changing worldwide. Here in Switzerland, there are no more Covid measures. I almost feel guilty for being on the train without a mask. It’s so awesome to see people’s faces again and share a smile.

For the first time in a long time, Zander can go on school outings and play sports against other schools. It creates excitement and new experiences.

Parents can also re-enter the school grounds and meet each other. Everyone is excited about the annual International Festival happening again. During the event, families from all over the world will celebrate diversity and culture. There will be 24 stalls with food prepared by the parents of the respective countries.

We are three South African mothers working together to ensure that South Africa also has representation. A new mom from Ukraine will do the same for her country with the help of other moms.

The new normal

As we adjust to a new normal and are excited about the new opportunities and experiences, I am very aware of the vital lessons I have learned during the Covid winter in a new country.

We plan to stay in Switzerland for a few more years. It is more time to focus on being rather than doing.

Enjoy the new season, the new normal and Easter weekend.

regards

Emsia

When the familiar changes forever

When the familiar changes forever

During certain life events, the familiar changes forever. An entire Ukraine nation experiences war. As a result, disrupted and frightened refugees have to flee to European countries. They must apply for residence permits in foreign languages and rely on generosity for their basic needs, such as accommodation, food, and employment opportunities.

Refugees from Ukraine arriving in Switzerland

My heart goes out to these refugees when I read about their trauma. It’s so destructive and unfair. There is so much loss in many ways. Every day, trains full of traumatised people arrive at Zurich’s train station.

It is heart-warming to see how many people in Switzerland are trying to help and support the refugees. People make sandwiches so that the refugees have something to eat when they get off the trains. Points exist where people can hand in food, clothing, and items for personal care for distribution.

Local authorities are seeking accommodation and communicating available places on refugee websites. Swiss residents donate furniture, household items and available time to furnish living spaces.

Traumatic and life-changing events

Many people I care about are currently going through traumatic and life-changing events. However, for each of them, it is something different. The unexpectedness, impact, and uncertainty are the common denominators. It forces them to revisit their future dreams.

These moments, when the familiar changes forever, happen to us all. It usually comes at the least expected time, and in a surprising way. Sometimes the fear of such a moment strikes me at two o’clock at night. The most disturbing situations play out in my mind as if it is a contingency plan exercise that should help me be more prepared. However, it only steals my rest, peace, and joy.

I feel vulnerable in a foreign country far from my sons, family, and friends. Flight restrictions caused by Covid contributed significantly.

Truths help me in times of fear and anxiety

I had to work hard on myself and jotted down some truths to hold on to in times of fear and anxiety.

Life-changing events are part of life. 

We cannot prepare for these events because the nature and timing are usually unexpected. Life is in balance. Sometimes we experience joy, but other times we go through painful growth and disruption.

I have a Creator with a bigger plan for my life. 

Looking back on my life, I can see the evidence of this. In confusing and uncertain times, I experienced the nearness of my Creator more than ever. My intuition, for example, was strong, and people and opportunities from strange places crossed my path. I also experienced a lot of love and caring.

The right people come our way at the right time. 

They come with the necessary knowledge, help, advice, or compassion we need. These people obey their commands and act when it is time. We form part of a larger whole and must share our knowledge and help with love. It is, however, important to also receive the effort and time of others gracefully.

We have more courage, perseverance, and problem-solving skills than we realise. 

When I reflect on myself and the people close to my heart’s times of crisis, I am just amazed. Times of crisis allow us to discover underdeveloped aspects of ourselves.

I choose my focus. 

Fear and anxiety over all the what-if questions rob me of energy, peace, and joy. I have control over my thinking and should choose where I focus it. My thoughts have an impact on my emotions and my actions. My mind is sometimes like a runaway horse that I struggle to keep in check, and I must work hard to focus my mind.

I need to have compassion for myself.

Fear and anxiety are normal human emotions.

regards

Emsia

Celebrate life’s special moments

Celebrate life’s special moments

“We are engaged!” read the WhatsApp message early on a Sunday morning. This message filled us with joy and excitement as we loved Candice like our children. Her life path has been full of challenges, but her resilience and positivity have always served as an inspiration. We wanted to be part of this joyous wedding celebration.

Celebration of friendship and a 21st birthday

The wedding date of 5 March created the opportunity to celebrate other events in person in South Africa. We took advantage of the Swiss school’s ski holiday and exchanged snow for the sun. During our time in the Western Cape, we celebrated friendships and Christo’s special 21st birthday in my beloved Stellenbosch.

Celebration of wonderful childhood memories

It was a great privilege to spend time with my mom and sister in our childhood house. In Kathu, we visited places where memories originated and discussed the impact of time on the town. In the same way, I could laugh with old schoolmates who still live in Kathu about how time impacted us.

A special place is the golf course with its beautiful large thorn trees. When the marketing manager heard that we were from Switzerland, he offered us golf carts to drive around the golf course.

We enjoyed the curious meerkats and springboks who made this lovely place their home. We celebrated my mom’s birthday with a large piece of cake at the Kalahari Country Club‘s restaurant.

I greeted my hometown through the window of a small plane while looking at the beautiful views from above.

Tristan and Candice

We met Tristan during their visit in December 2019. They were excited about the opportunity to teach in Thailand. However, Covid-19 affected their plans and created many challenges and losses. The biggest of these is the loss of Justin, Candice’s beloved brother, who died at age 25.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Tristan and Candice stayed with Tristan’s parents and spent time with his grandparents. Tristan and Candice have shared many stories about the family and the special friends in their lives. Meeting all the special people confirmed how our Heavenly Father sends the right people across our path to love, support and care for us in different ways.

These friends who supported them in their darkest times, gathered excitedly to celebrate their wedding with them.

The wedding was a celebration of joy

Their wedding was in Leeupoort, a holiday village in the Bushveld. The tranquillity in the game reserve, where zebras and warthogs graze between the houses and chalets, was soul food for everyone.

Zander attended his school in Zurich online during the week before the wedding. After his maths session, Zander asked if he could show the teacher the zebras and warthogs behind him on the screen. The teacher responded with surprise, “Wow, that is wild!” 

The wedding was a celebration of joy under the large thorn trees in which the birds sang. A few nyala antelopes approached curiously to witness Tristan and Candice’s marriage vows to each other.

Celebrate what is good in our lives

I had time for reflection during the return flight. The wedding and various celebrations reminded me that we must take time to celebrate what is good in our lives. The following words of Khalil Gibran came to mind:

Kind regards

Emsia

My catalyst for growth is turning 21

My catalyst for growth is turning 21

The Lord blessed me with Christo as my catalyst for personal growth, 21 years ago. He was born with a lot of passion, intelligence, and creativity. We called him man-with-a-plan from an early age because there has never been a shortage of plans. As an extrovert, there were always team members involved in his projects.

Pre-primary

After only a few months in pre-primary school, his teacher requested a meeting with us as parents. She explained that he had a large flame burning inside him. She also emphasized that we, as parents have a huge responsibility to ensure that Christo’s flame burns in the right direction.

When I picked him up after work at aftercare, he usually asked if I could come back a little later because he was still playing. He and his friends were always busy with a project on the playground.

As a 5-year-old, he set up a stall outside the school to sell his artwork. Some moms supported him out of the goodness of their hearts. However, the school informed me about his sales activities and that they were against the school rules.

Primary school

During the primary school years of Christo, Mr Lee, responsible for the school discipline, and I got to know each other well. I remember his first call after a game day at school so well. Christo wondered what would happen if he put paintball balls that he found in the games area in the exhaust pipe of the car of a young teacher. The teacher was furious when a learner informed him of the plan of Christo.

We agreed that I would drive behind the teacher to the exhaust system shop to compensate for all the damage after school. When Christo got in the car, he asked,

“Mom, can you please wait until the teacher ignites the engine? I want to see what is going to happen with the paintball balls.”

Fortunately for us, the mechanic reassured everyone that there was no damage.

However, it was not the only call from Mr Lee. I got heart palpitations when I saw Mr Lee trying to call me. Christo was fortunately good at Mathematics, and he and Mr Lee had a special relationship.

High school

Christo’s best way of learning is to explain facts to others. He explained his history or biology to me on our way to school. It contributed to my entertainment and general knowledge. 

He entertained Zander with science experiments on the garden table. I feared an explosion.  Outside his room, he was growing Cannabis plants and tried to distil brandy using fermented fruit. Next to his computer was a Rasberry Pie with a blue light flickering. I kept my distance from all the cables.

His motorbike provided a lot of freedom. However, I spent a lot of time in prayer for his safety. During his final school year, just before we moved to Switzerland, he and I agreed that I would drive him to school again so we could talk and listen to his music in the car. We also had a coffee date once a week.

His openness and honesty about all the events in his life broadened my perspective and understanding of many topics.

University

We went to Switzerland just before his last school exam. Many people helped and supported him, but his dependency on his ability to plan was crucial. He had to tackle university life independently and struggled through Covid restrictions.

This year, he is a third-year engineering student on his residence’s house committee, responsible for technology and spirit. He also developed a HelsHealth application for the Men’s Residence to monitor Covid-19 in their Helshoogte residence.

I am very proud of him and grateful for his personal growth despite the increase in my grey hair. Because of him, my knowledge increased, and I learned to look at situations from different perspectives. My children have been teachers in so many ways.

I hope the Lord also blesses him with little boys full of passion and plans because he will be an excellent dad.

regards

Emsia

We are all ambassadors of something

We are all ambassadors of something

Zander woke up early and was excited to go to school. He had to meet a new learner from Korea at school, explain how everything works and help him find his way. Zander said,

“Mom, I remember how freaked out I was on my first day at the new school. I can only imagine how stressed he must be. I hope we can understand each other’s English.”

ICS Student Ambassadors

The families at Zander’s school live in Zurich for an average of 3 to 5 years. As a result, there are often people coming and going. A new beginning in a new country with a foreign language is overwhelming because everything feels strange and different. Foreigners must make many lifestyle changes. It helps if someone who has been through the situation, patiently explains how everything works and helps you find your feet.

The Inter-Community School (ICS) understands the adjustment required and consequently has the concept of Student Ambassadors. Before the new learners arrive, the Student Ambassadors must contact the learners and their parents by email. Zander is one of the many ICS Zurich Student Ambassadors.

Zander enjoys the role very much and is excited about every new learner. He has already welcomed new learners from the USA, UK and Korea.

Ambassadors of our countries

We form first impressions about a person and the place they represent when we meet them. Every person acts as an ambassador of his country and origin. We enjoy travelling to foreign countries, and the people we have interacted with shaped my opinions on places and contributed to my memories.

Brazil

We explored the coast of Brazil during a cruise holiday. The ship docked at a coastal town for a few hours, and we wanted to visit a beach. We used Uber transport and hoped the technology platform would overcome language issues. The Uber driver used his Google App to translate his Portuguese into English and convinced us to go to a beach that is a favourite amongst the locals just outside of town.

We decided to take the risk but became more nervous as he drove further away from the ship. A few kilometres outside the town, he stopped to our relief at the most beautiful beach and offered to wait for us. He socialised with his friends, the owners of a beachfront restaurant, while we swam in the warm tropical waters.

On the way back, he played tour guide and showed us historical buildings while telling us about the town’s history. He was an example of someone who finds joy and purpose in his work and an excellent ambassador for his village and country.

Italy

With a visit to the Lombardy wine district in Italy, a planning slip caused us some challenges. We forgot to renew our international driver’s license and were consequently dependent on public transport. Our accommodation was high up on a mountain, and that made it difficult to get to the shops and train station in the valley.

Upon our arrival, the manager of the Wine Hotel in Sondrio picked us up at the train station. After that, they helped us with transportation plans every morning. They lent us electric bikes and asked different people to take us as part of their ride to town. Even the mom of the girl who completed her tourism internship at the hotel had a turn. We want to return with our car and thank them again for their hospitality.

Malawi

Many people who come from other African countries work in South Africa. Our first gardener was from Malawi, and he made an incredibly positive impression on us. After him, we appointed Samuel, also from Malawi. Samuel and I got along very well. He told me about his country and its people, and we still have contact. Because of him and his predecessor, I believe that people from Malawi are friendly, hardworking, and honest. I imagine it to be a beautiful country, even though I’ve never been there! A visit to Malawi is on my bucket list.

We are all ambassadors

We are all ambassadors of countries, regions, and organizations. Our actions speak much louder than words and impact people’s impressions, opinions, and experiences. In this role, we sometimes unknowingly leave lasting memories with others.

Regards

Emsia

South Africa through new eyes

South Africa through new eyes

As the plane descended, I saw Table Mountain on one side and green vineyards on the other. We were home. I enjoyed the summer sun on my skin. I smiled behind my mask over the jokes in Afrikaans as everyone tried to find the required Covid paperwork in their backpacks.

My Customs experience

My heart was pounding in my throat when the Customs officer called out to Zander and me. Our bags were full of gifts I had collected over the past 30 months as an antidote to longing. The man took our passports and filled out a form. “Are you returning home for Christmas, Madam?” he asked in his Xhosa accent. I nodded and mentioned that my boys were waiting for us in the arrival hall.

He finished and looked me in the eyes. The man welcomed me back to South Africa and expressed the most sincere blessings over our visit and togetherness in Afrikaans. He let us go. This unexpected compassion caused a crack in my emotional dam wall.

This dam wall finally broke when I pressed my boys’ young men’s bodies tightly against me. For the first time in a long time, words that have become my lifeline were unnecessary.

Green, green grass of home

In the car, I marvelled at the green surroundings. We moved to Switzerland during a prolonged drought that left the landscapes and moods in South Africa colourless. South Africa has recently received a lot of rain that caused the rivers and the dams to overflow. The smell of wet soil and beautiful wildlife on my family’s farm was a great blessing, and the thunder and spray of the water mass at the Augrabies Falls was a bucket-list experience.

Covid impact on my country and its people

Covid left its mark on my country and its people. On our flight to SA, I noticed many young people and families with small children. Most grandparents have never seen these little ones. The impact of isolation and insecurity on especially older people saddened me.

Yet, I have observed a greater understanding and compassion between different generations and cultures. Christo confirmed my observations. He is a member of Helshoogte residence’s House Committee, and they constantly update their residence vision and mission to accommodate cultural, religious, and sexual differences and preferences.

They make each other aware and debate what cooperation should look like in a future South Africa.

With his parents far away, Christo had to stay with other young men in the same situation in residence during lockdown for long periods. They were each other’s family and consequently got to know each other better as human beings.

Medicine for the soul

As humans, we need a balance between familiarity and adventure. South Africa, and love and care from family and friends were like medicine for the soul. In the Kalahari, my mother and sister and her family spoiled us in every way imaginable.

My sons treated me like a queen. Jacques provided delicious and creative vegetarian dishes while I could sit back. Christo did all the driving and was the problem solver of everyday challenges.

Zander and my conclusion after our visit

Before our return, Zander stayed with George, his old friend and neighbour. They swam until late, played and made jokes. 

His conclusion afterwards was spot-on. He said,

“ Mom, it felt like all the emotion stuck in my chest had been finally released. What is left is a feeling of contentment. I now feel ready to return to Switzerland and face new challenges.”

We received all the blessings and prosperity that the officer at Customs wished us. I look with new eyes at the beauty of my country and its people.

I look forward to helping build a future with the people of South Africa after our season in Switzerland has ended.

Regards

Emsia