By Marelize Vermeulen

The tickets were booked, the snow suits bought and the Vermeulen family was brimming with excitement.

The Vermeulens were planning to go skiing in Switzerland, celebrating a fairy-tale white Christmas in the snow and then visiting the family member residing in Latvia (that is me) for a week.
Well … then the green bug threw a spanner in the wheel once again, when the so-called “Omicron” reared its head, and the South Africans’ first snow excursion had to be put on ice (literally).

The most logical solution was for me to fly to South Africa. So I traded my white Christmas for Santa Clause in flip-flops to spend the festive season in Stilbaai with family and friends, as I have done countless times before in my life.

Although my family was sad, I have to admit that for me it was not all too difficult to make the trade for a bright summer Christmas.

When I returned to South Africa in December, it also afforded me the chance to celebrate my sister’s graduation with her and to spend a few days with family in Stellenbosch. Visits to wine farms in between coffee breaks made up the majority of our routine for the few days. We also had the opportunity to celebrate with food, in true South African style. The meal at La Colombe Restaurant in Constantia Neck in the Cape, characterised by a pleasant atmosphere, ensured a memorable evening.

We flew north for a few days, and I completed my last few online classes before the newly traded Christmas holiday made its appearance.

The day finally arrived and we traded the smallholding’s dirt road for the long road with substantial speed, our Venter trailer and mountain bikes. I couldn’t take my eyes off the green scenery, from the Waterberg to Kranskop that sometimes look like a mini version of Tafelberg. When Pretoria showed up, I reminisced over my hostel, Madelief, and my flat in the old Charles Street. In no time I could see the sheep winking at me in the Karoo. I couldn’t recall ever seeing the Karoo this green and wet, with puddles of water everywhere. After spending the night on a farm close to nothing and a windpump, we got more desperate than a horse smelling the stables. The fynbos was calling. We passed Oudtshoorn so fast, you almost saw feathers flying about, followed by a quick shopping session in George and at last, we were able to turn left at the Stilbaai boat. (There is literally a boat at the side of the N2.)

Stilbaai was just as much fun and as great as always. Time with family and friends, treats at the coffee shops and tipsy tarts at the Spar. Between sun, sand and walks on the beach we also watched one or two live concerts.

Christmas also came and my folks received their boxes with matching ugly Christmas sweaters and Rudolf beanies with great delight. (It would however have been put to better use in the snow.)
We were back home before the noisy crackers descended on the town. I was lucky enough to be able to complete my last classes, tests, and final exam online in South Africa. 27 also greeted me in sunshine, and an Amarula cake my mom had baked for me.

Bushveld, sea and braai filled my heart to the brim. With my new word for the year, “kindness” packed in my suitcase, I look forward to returning to my European home. I am ready for snow, studying and my new winter coat. Travelling and exploring is on the top of my to do list and I am looking forward to 2022 and whatever it may bring.

Until then, my suitcase will be waiting, and the plane will be ready somewhere, and I will be sending postcards filled with love and prayers for my people and my country.

Be safe and keep well.

Until we meet again – the barefoot Africa child and the home country.