Adios Capetown...

I arrived thinking I would stay 3 days, and I confused days with weeks... Thank you so much to Kent the Healer, Landy the Warrior, Tim the Philosopher, Gaia the Cat, Robert the Walker, Chris the Positive Rivet Man, and all the other great friends that helped me get everything done in Capetown. I could not have done it with out you guys, and can't wait to see you all again!
So Yesterday was my first drive, and it went great. The wonderful thing about this little truck is that it is logical, everything works, and everything makes sense. If you have to fix it you do not need Microsoft windows downloads. Just a few tools and some time. But we tuned everything up, and it runs great! We spent the weekend, sewing curtains, installing new locks on the canopy, lashing water and fuel tanks, getting, spares, and putting feathers on the dashboard. As Tim says, "Rad"!!!!
A huge storm arrived in Capetown over the weekend, and brought a lot of rain, wind and swell. While driving down the road I saw little water funnels (Mini-tornadoes) out in the ocean...it was quite spectacular. The on the news they gave the low lying townships an evacuation warning, and I thought about how muddy those shanty shacks floors must get. Hope they fared well...On the way out of town the rain was starting to break as I drove past Khyalitsha (the township I visited), and a huge rainbow was visible over the bay. So amazing that that ghetto sits on the shores of one of the most beautiful stretches of beach....we might have to rethink our definitions of poverty, besides the issue of having to walk for your water (this could be a drag).
I bought the Bakkie from a police officer named Brahm, who used to work in one of the townships before the aparteid. He was shot in 1992 while on patrol, as it was very common for members of the township to shoot unprovoked on patroling officers. A few years later, a faulty stun grenade exploded in his hand, and blew his thumb virtually off. Since then, he has been struggling to be compensated for the medical bills and pay time that were associated with the accidents. He still battles, and the money from the Bakkie sale should help with his attorney fees. I doubt that this would happen in the States...what a tough job.
The highway to George was quite beautiful, and reminded me alot of the Santa Ynez Valley back in California. A lot of wine production, and beautiful open roads with subtle reds and oranges. Every now and then a beautiful black body contrasts the landscape. I wonder where these people are walking to way out there! Till soon, jg