Today I went kayaking off Simon’s Town near Boulder Beach. It was a completely flat day with no wind, absolutely beautiful for kayaking. There were tons of penguins and seals in the water. The natural wealth of this country is overwhelming. I’ll update with pictures once I develop my underwater disposable camera.
Just as I was leaving for the coast, Godfrey’s friend Nigel came over with a cooler full of his catches from Sea Point that morning.
Fresh Crayfish – Westcoast Rock Lobster
When I came home for the afternoon, a few more of Godfrey’s friends were over cooking the Alikreukel caught that day.
We boiled them and ate them fresh with a little salt and pepper. Hands down best food I’ve had since I’ve been in Cape Town. So fresh, I had literally just seen them squirming seconds before eating them. Everyone kept teasing me for how excited I was. I was so in heaven I think my face might be stuck in a smile forever (it still is now at least).
Next was Abalone.
Didn’t think it was possible, but my smile got even bigger. I’m still drooling thinking about it. What was the most interesting is that we were technically eating contraband. Abalone is illegal in South Africa, as their populations are being wiped out by gangs and cartels who poach them for drugs. The local guys told me all about the gangsters that come in heavily armed with 20 or 30 guys, to raid the ocean. The details were captivating.
Though they admitted that what we did today is wrong, the guys defended themselves by saying it only happens on very special occasions. They grew up diving and eating these delicacies, and to them it’s unfair that their traditions are ruined by the greedy actions of others. Even so, the action of one adds up, and they stressed the importance of self-control, natural conservation, and respect for the ocean.
After the the abalone, I thought we were done, but after a few more drinks, someone called out, “Let’s break out the Crayfish!”
Over crayfish the conversation got a little more serious, as they started recounting the “dark days of Apartheid” to me. They told me about the boycotts of ’76, ’80, and ’85. About the betrayal of co-workers and friends who turned out to be spies for the Apartheid government. About the freedom fighters, and the various ways even the men I was sitting at the table with put themselves in danger to help the freedom cause. So much more interesting to hear it first hand, than watching the movies or reading about it. So very real.
After crayfish the guys were all pretty drunk, telling stories and jokes. Music blasting, so much laughter. Such a wonderfully happy atmosphere. They definitely know how to have fun.
Fully engaged story-telling
My day was absolutely perfect. Enjoying the beauty of the ocean followed by tasting the fruits of it, in the best company. I don’t think this day can be topped for awhile, so I’ve decared it an early birthday celebration. I haven’t gotten started on the assignments I told myself I’d be working on all weekend, but I’m completely okay with that. Today was so enriching, so fulfilling, and I’m so thankful for how the universe spoils me.
understandingubuntu 