Tears streaming down my face

It's way past midnight and hence way past my bedtime, yet here I am wide awake.  Thats because back in SA, its still dinner time which explains why my tummy is grumbling at this hour, jet lag is not a myth. 24 hours ago I walked in to my neglected studio apartment in SoKo (South Korea) after being away for another summer holiday but this time to the rainbow nation,  a place I'm proud to call home, South Africa! I had an absolutely amazing time with friends and family - I almost didn't get on the plane back, seriously. There are many precious moments I will hang onto for the next 400 days to keep a smile on my face:

ü  Nothing says you are home bound than SAA playing Freshly Ground before take off from Hong Kong
ü  Not having to wonder how much things are in Rands
ü  Watching the news as they show the first day of school for some 4 year olds who confuse that by saying they are in grade 4!
ü  Hand delivering gifts to friends and family just as they thought the festive season was over
ü  Watching a homegrown soapie being acted in 4 languages
ü  Wiping the sweat off my brow because that means its summer
ü  Breakfast at the beach with great company

ü  Calling people by their titles like Sisi(older sister), Mamncane (aunt) or Baba (Dad) instead of first names because that means you are around family
ü  Opening the lid of the pot on the stove and being able to call the dish by its name

ü  Sitting in a taxi or bus and being able to understand the 5 conversations happening around you
ü  Watching my youngest sibling behind the drivers seat as he takes off for his driving lesson – go get ‘em boy.
ü  Wracking my brain trying to remember how to send a “please call me”on CELL C!!
ü  Being home in time for my friend, Kerry’s, uber cool bachelorette party and later helping her get into her gorgeous wedding gown.
ü  Eating a burger meal called The Vanilla Thunder
ü  Being on the drivers seat– for a sec I thought I would forget how to drive
ü  Falling in love all over again

Oh I could go on, but I don’t think I can without drowning myself in a puddle of my own tears. It’s been great but the show must go on. Thanks to all my friends who cleared their calendars to hang out with me and catch up.  A special thank you to those who heeded my plea and hosted a braai for me or cooked some delicious, dearly missed, home grown food. You guys totally rock. I thought saying goodbye the second time would be easier, but it was n't - that's actually a good thing because it means I still have a home to return to. I can't wait to come home again but for now I know that I need to be here, doing this.  My battery is charged and I'm ready, lets do this!

Final thoughts

Home is where the heart is – Mzansi fo sho!