I'm a Vaalie

I’m a Vaalie.

An inland tourist, or as I like to put it; a person who likes to walk around barefooted, even to the shops. A vaalie is also a person in my opinion who does the December rush from Johannesburg to the coastline of South Africa for the holidays.

I may be living in Sanfarnciso but I will always be a vaalie. It’s winter here and I still haven’t learnt that before I take the trip, to take the rubbish (sorry trash) out I need to put shoes on, but I don’t. By the time I get back my feel are burning, and my toes feel like they are going to fall off, I’ve done this about 5 times now, at least I wear warm clothes- just no shoes. 

People do think I’m odd.

I’m a Vaalie, I am used to driving everywhere and not relying on public transport. The other day Justin and I took the bus in the city to get around, we learnt the hard way that some buses have flat rates and others; like one we took we were meant to tap our cards when we got on and when we got off- it was like we toured the whole of California but didn't. 

We still regret it.

I’m a vaalie, I don’t dress warm enough sometimes in the hopes it will get warmer, but when it doesn’t I complain that I’m cold. 

I’m a vaalie, I complain about the coffee being bitter or too strong but refuse to pay more for better coffee, because it’s a rip off. Typical.

This may seem like a silly article but living here has been a fairly large adjustment. 

I’ve loved every moment, the moments of long chats with my husband as we hash out living here and tallying up the groceries bill is both thrilling and exhausting. 

The moments when you shed a tear for no reason except that you feel a little lonely or miss your family.

The moments when you catch the train or bus with your husband, chat about nonsense, hold hands, and have a sneaky snack when you aren’t allowed to. 

There are many times in this season that I have come to cherish realizing that life is short. 

When you are done reading this go do something with a friend or a loved one, if only but for a moment with them.

“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” Yoda