If you took a look at my “got recent news?” section on this blog, you will read that I had plans tonight to go to this performance. Well….I went but I did not see the performance. At 7:00pm, I took a taxi to Joburg city. Even if I have been on the taxi many times to Joburg city, I still get nervous taking the taxi there especially at night. I really do not have any reason but the fact that Joburg city has a record for being one of the biggest crime cities.
As I am riding in the taxi, the taxi closely approached this over crowded city. It was just crowded like any other city on a Friday night. I reached over to the taxi driver’s ear and I asked him to drop me off on Bree Street. Quietly I said it because I did not want the recognition of my American accent.
As I left the taxi, I got right on the phone to let my friend know I am on my way. He said: “just head back because our arranged ride never called.” This means all sorts of things: it means that we do not have a ride back after the performance; it means that I just spent 7.50 rans for no reason and I am about to spend another 7.50 rans to go back; it means that I added on to my chances of getting robbed by coming to Joburg city for nothing; it means that once again I will be spending the evening alone.
So I just went to the taxi rank near Drill Hall and I asked around for a taxi straight to Randburg. If this was a month ago, I would have freaked out but I was confident because this was becoming my home. One of the guys I asked about the taxi to Randburg said: “Are you English? Are you a BLACK English girl?” I said yes and I moved on. He was so shock to see a BLACK English girl in South Africa. If he knew I was American, his reaction would have been a lot more. I get this kind of reaction a lot.
A month ago the guys who fixed my washer were so surprise to see a black American. They said: “I never meant a black American.” Then I realized the shock reaction from everyone was not because I am American but black too. Anyways…I am done talking about the perception of people have on me.
I got on my taxi to Randburg. I had a sense of pride because I realized my new comfort of me living in South Africa. Simply I am becoming comfortable. I reached my apartment and I had a craving of ice cream. I went to McDonalds and the ice cream was out. I went to all the near by places and they were all closed. Oh well, I just went back to my place and I realized my not need of ice cream. I am supposed to be on a diet. I turned on the television and I am watching Notting Hill. Then it had come to me: the reason why the guy in McDonalds was dressed like a vampire.It is Halloween.
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1 comment:
Elsie!Elsie i am very much proud of you. I kew it was going to be difficult to adjust, but guess what with time it all becomes second nature.
I am sorry i was not able to meet with you during my recent trip to SA, Sello told me about all the hard work you have been putting forth in the studio.
I know you will gain both pride and confidence when all is done, bet you had a good time being in Holland and watching and sharing the same stage with Gregory. I actually saw Greg the day aftre yu guys got back to SA from Holland.
Its been very interstiing reading your blog, i am serious i was laughung and crying tears form laughter, why? to find out that all the experinces you encountered where things i knew will happen, but i wanted you to learn and grow in them for yourself confindence and trust of being independent and learn to be a socialite. Remember what i told you " for as long as you know how to socialise you will be safe"
The taxi stories on your blog they just kill me , i am like welcome to Jozi Elsie.
Hopefullyi will get a chance to see you in two weeks i will be in South AFrica perfoming not far from Johannesburg, i will also come give class at your studio.
I am really proud of you, Amanda and Rezenkia, you all have created a new chapter in your lives i feel very motivated every now and then thinking that i have been part of all of you guys.
If anything i know that where ever you guys go now you will be able to craete that safe haven for yourselves.
Being away from familyis not easy but in long run you realise that you need it as a being and an artist.
Be blessed and i knmow that before yo relaise the year will be over and done, you will actually be contemplating staying or going somewhere else to adventure more.
Natty, check my blog holasbhozo.blogspot.com
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