Tomorrow may never come and nothing made that more real to me was the sudden shock of losing loved ones both through accidents and well a pandemic- hard to believe is STILL ongoing even though you know we are maskless, working from home, and getting “just the flu“
A lot in my life has changed in these almost three years and that includes an entire upheaval of my life yet again (remember that brief two-and-a-half-year stint in Johannesburg.)
So I decided to follow “The Great Resignation”, moved back to Durban for two months, turned all my savings into Euros, parted with many items of clothing and my cat, and decided to follow my husband’s dreams to Dublin. Mind you, I am not here to sit and look pretty although there will be a lot of that too, and am currently pursuing my dark academia fantasies by actually going into academia with my LLM (Masters of Law) at the gorgeously gothic and colonial Trinity College Dublin.
Evidently, I do not live life in moderation, as my first trip overseas in 16 years results in my moving here. After an 8-hour flight to Dubai, a two-hour airport layover, and another 7-hour flight to Dublin, I arrived and was met with glorious sunshine, much to my surprise.
This city is so peaceful yet calmly energetic at the same time with so many people of diverse backgrounds (but also mostly white). I can wander freely and safely with my phone out and take in the greenery (they really were not kidding about just how green it is) and enjoy all the fresh flowers hanging from aesthetic cafes in the city centre, while at the same time wondering who is in charge of the flower upkeep because they deserve a raise.
It is eerie feeling so safe and overwhelmed by the politeness of the locals and of course the access to worldwide brands that treat all of Africa as one country. The weirdest part so far is the sun staying up past my parent’s bedtime and the idea that a fox might show up in the backyard unannounced.
Life is however not all sunshine and rainbows and while the grass may literally be greener, figuratively every place has its problems. The cost of living is astronomical and I often find myself doing mental gymnastics to work out how much Ten Euro costs me in Rands (it is as I write this, times 17,2). I am so grateful and fortunate to have family here who is kind enough to let us stay while many students are struggling to find accommodation in light of the ongoing housing crises. With rising gas prices and a growing resentment by the public against the so-called technological boom, who knows what the future here might hold?
Durban, my dearest home you have been ravaged by such turmoil after both the looting and horrific floods. It hurts to see a place so beautiful and full of potential be deserted by those in want of a better life. I hope to return to your sunny shorelines and warm embrace with nothing but a fondness for your quirks and quite frankly best ever tasting tap water.
Caffeinated & Opinionated 