Appreciation

Every now and then something brings back a memory from childhood... we've all had the experience of a sight, or a smell or sound or something bringing back a memory from childhood. Well, the other day, while on my early morning walk with Nina, I had that feeling that all Vaalies will recognise. (I'm using the term Vaalie loosly here to describe all those from the interior, wherever they are in the world, who make the annual trek to the seaside.) We had taken a different route than our usual before-work one, and decided to go down Farmer Peck's Valley instead of up. As we neared the top of the path, the sea slowly become more and more visible, this straight line stretching across between the hills of Muizenberg and St James Peaks, and suddenly I experienced that happy feeling when, after the interminably long drive to the seaside, the sea finally comes into view between the hills. I turned to Nina to ask if she remembered the feeling, and I realised that those who had the good fortune to live by the sea (and, could you believe it, they didn't even go to the beach every day!) wouldn't understand what I'm talking about. So, sorry for you - for those who do, or did, live inland, I hope this has given you a bit of a happy nostalgic smile!

No matter how often I walk here, I simply can never be bored with the view! And after spending my entire childhood and more inland, I am always so appreciative that I can now live in this wonderful place where I can hop up onto the mountain, or get onto my surfboard, or simply stroll on the beach, and get back in plenty of time for work...