Welcome to Wilderness

 My first official day at the Beach House, in the village called Wilderness. Yesterday, I didn't make sense, having stayed awake for the past 72 hours, and I had become exhausted. I must catch you all up, though. As I had arrived in George, which is a small town, a man named Trevor was to pick me up and take me to the beach house. He was kind, he had grown up in Durban and knew the area, and he also used to be a guide around South Africa and other countries within the continent. 

Driving to my lodgings, I devoured the scenery; it was like I had finally found serenity. This place is beyond breathtaking, there aren't words, at least not yet anyway. 

Once arrived, I headed to my dorm to settle in and drop off my things. I met my roommates, Danny from Spain, with bright blue hair that made his eyes radiant, as well as captivating and clear. Also, my other roommate, Joao from Angola. 

Joao was kind enough to give me a tour of the beach house; it's a lot bigger than I expected. The common space that is the pizzeria and bar faces the beach, and the view is truly spectacular. We went back to the dorm so I could settle my things in and figure out which bunk I would like to have for my stay here. I decided the top bunk was best. 

I was in desperate need of coffee; luckily, Danny was kind enough to take me into the village. Instantly, I knew we would become friends. He put me at ease, and we talked; he, too, is a creative like me. A writer. He is also a world traveler. He was polite with me, my delerium and his soft spoken voice made it hard for me to understand him, but he was patient with me, and repeated himself. It was nice to be welcomed so. He bought our coffees as is tradition, I guess, as well as now I owe him a coffee. 

We wandered the village, and ended up on the beach, the salt air kissed me with a welcoming embrace. I let out the breath I realized I had been holding onto since coming to South Africa. This wasn't just a dream or words. I spoke it into existence, and this is now my life. I, Alyssa, am now living in the wilderness. 

Danny introduced me to some guests who were staying at the beach lodge. A German and an Englishman. They would both be leaving tomorrow. Also, we met a local on our walk back. I must admit I don't remember his name, but his tattoos were remarkable; they wrapped around his neck and hands, also a small tattoo under his eye. I soon found out that small talk doesn't exist, and we ended up on topics of guns, religion versus faith, and how one can be religious but maybe have no faith or can be both or neither. It was a lovely encounter, and nice to actually have a conversation.  We headed back to the house, and I then met our host Lieze. I put my hand out, and instead she engulfed me in a welcoming, warm embrace. She welcomed me and told me to enjoy my day. I went back to my room and adjusted my space. I realized I was getting hungry, and I asked my roommate Joao about lunch or where to eat. He explained that since I was new, I would be gifted a free welcome pizza. I put in my order: smoked chicken, green peppers, and caramelized onion. It would take a moment, so Joao asked while we waited if I would like to play a game of pool. I said yes. Joao is incredible, he took is on a journey of travel and self-discovery of finding one's purpose in this world. I truly feel like I have met my people. We are all wanderers finding purpose and discovery. 

After some much-needed food, I decided a nap was beyond needed, my eyes seemed to be giving out on me, and my body was screaming for rest. 

Waking up after 2 hours, I knew I could sleep longer, but that might mess up my sleep for the evening. So decided to go to the bar that is connected to our beach house. Joao was working, I smiled and waved, and decided I should take a walk on the beach to watch the sunset. I wandered down and saw some locals play volleyball. I smiled; it was lovely to see people together through a game. I walked and decided that a photo/video was needed to commemorate this moment in time. I set up my phone on my hoodie and decided to record. I walked away and would pose for the camera, as I turned around, I saw a wave come racing to my phone. I ran, but I was too late; the waves came crashing down on my phone. I reached into the water and managed to grab my things. I won't lie, I was terrified that I had pardon my french, FUCKED UP BIG TIME. I quickly wiped it off and took it out of its case. It seemed to still work. Thank goodness. The last thing I need is for my phone to be waterlogged and broken on my first day here. I quickly decided it was time to head back, but I also wanted to make sure my phone would actually charge. 

Once walking back, I heard my name being called. It was my host Lieze. I went to her, and she introduced me to some of the locals playing volleyball. I sat and watched awhile, and soon, shortly after, headed back. 

Once back, I decided to wash my hoodie, since it was covered in sand and saltwater. While I washed the sand out in the sink, Joao appeared and showed me a better way to wash my hoodie, a bucket in the laundry room that I could use. I rinsed and washed, and soon was trying to ring out the water. Joao again was helpful and rang it out for me. He asked if I had eaten, and I told him not yet. He said he would show me how to make our dinners in the kitchen. While working here at the beach house, we do get free accommodation, a dorm that is shared dorm, and 3 meals a day, they are simple, but I can get by, and save money, to hopefully visit other places around, or maybe I'll visit you soon. 

Joao and I talked about his travels, hobbies, and goals. We ate and drank tea; it was a lovely way to end my day, or so I thought. Instead, another worker who works full-time asked if I would like a drink. I smiled and said yes. He told me I should try a South African beer, black label. I soon was drinking like a local and hanging out with Kamuzu, who is from Malawi. We drank and spoke, I swear there is something in the air... or maybe it was my sleep-deprived mind. But I was soon telling this man who I am. Small talk does not exist. We continued to speak and drink, but soon another worker told us they were closing up. I said thank you to Kamuzu and headed to my dorm for the night. 

It is now morning, and I was up at 6am. I decided to head into the village as well as watch the sunrise, as well as grab a coffee. I ended up at the green shed that Lieze had recommended to me the other day. I ordered a dirty chai. It was a cozy little place, and the owner or barista came out and gave me biscotti. I sat and journaled for a while, taking in all the events that had already taken place so far. Tomorrow, I start work, so today I shall enjoy all the little moments. It's now 10:57am, and I think I shall head back into the village with Danny, and maybe even go for a swim. 

This is me catching you all up I will see you all later. 

xoxo

-Alyssa