Today was quite a political one, starting with a discussion about world events and ending with drinks in a country pub, flanked by two lovely ladies.
I began my day with breakfast at my host family’s home in Welgemoed, then spent some time updating my website.
Over tea and biscuits, I found myself in a heavy conversation with Brian and Anita about the state of the world. Meanwhile, the radio buzzed with a story about a suspicious white powder found in Claremont. News like this can be overwhelming, and if you listen too long, your mind starts to go blank.
Brian, concerned about the global situation, believed we were in a war against the entire Muslim world. I was taken aback by this view and explained that the conflict is really against aggressive fundamentalist factions, not the everyday Muslim living down the street. This misunderstanding is common, but it troubles me deeply.
I shared my understanding of why these radical groups are so anti-American, something I’ve touched on in previous posts. They see their culture as being eroded by the constant flow of Western capitalist ideals and products. They fear losing their identity, and that fear drives them to extreme measures. Why resort to violence rather than dialogue? Well, maybe US President George W. Bush could answer that.
Brian expressed discomfort with the idea of Muslim women wearing the khimar—a headscarf that covers their hair, ears, and chest. But I explained that this is a part of their tradition, just as much as shorts and hairstyles are part of Western culture. If we don’t make an effort to understand one another, we’ll never find respect, and conflicts will continue.
Traveling the world has certainly given me strong opinions, and I can’t help but share them. A journalist who interviewed me recently, a Muslim himself, asked me what three words I’d offer as advice to the world. I responded with: communication, understanding, and respect. Without those, we’ll never bridge the gaps that divide us.
After finishing my writing and emails, Malcolm drove me to my next destination—Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest town, known for its Cape Dutch architecture, prestigious university, and world-class wineries. Nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and mountains, Stellenbosch is a beautifully preserved gem of both academic and agricultural life.
I thanked Malcolm for letting me stay at their place when he dropped me off at the corner of Kerk and Rijneveld streets. This where I met Philip, a friendly street security officer. Armed with only a rubber baton, Philip kept watch over the area and had been asked by my new host, Carinus, to keep an eye out for me. Since Carinus wasn’t home yet, Philip took me up to the nearby building where I met Richard and Michael. Michael, Carinus’s flatmate, was busy with their home-based business, while Richard, another guest, stayed to chat with me.
Richard, a seasoned traveler himself, was fascinated by my project. He had spent six years in North America, working at summer camps and organizing outdoor activities. It’s always nice to meet someone who understands the joys and challenges of long-term travel.
Around 7 p.m., Carinus and Michael returned home. Carinus, with his impressive Rastafarian hairstyle, turned out to be a seasoned adventurer too. He had traveled extensively, even walked from the North Cape in Norway all the way to the South Cape of Africa. We exchanged stories about our journeys—his nights spent under railroad bridges compared to my stays with generous hosts. Carinus had discovered my project through an this article on ITweb, and he had been following my progress ever since.
Carinus and Michael run a small business called Upstart WebBuilder, offering affordable website-building solutions that empower clients to manage their own sites without needing expensive developers or graphic designers. They’ve dedicated two years to refining their software, and business is booming.
During dinner, we were joined by their friends André and Frederik. When Carinus explained my project, André burst into laughter. He couldn’t believe the simplicity of the concept, yet there I was—sitting in front of him, a guest in South Africa, thanks to the kindness of strangers.
As we enjoyed a delicious fish stew prepared by Carinus, the conversation inevitably turned to global events. It was a lively discussion, with everyone offering their own perspectives. It’s always refreshing to engage in thoughtful debates where differing opinions are respectfully exchanged.
Later in the evening, around 10 p.m., the group took me to De Akker, a popular country pub and restaurant in Stellenbosch. The atmosphere was warm and lively, with people chatting and 80s music playing in the background. We continued discussing travel, Stellenbosch, and how my perceptions of South Africa were constantly evolving.
At the pub, we met two former students, friends of Carinus and Michael. I’d been warned by previous hosts—both in Europe and here in South Africa—to be cautious with the women of Stellenbosch. According to them, I could easily end up staying here forever, my project derailed by a woman!
Naturally, I explained my situation to these ladies, who, with their arms around my shoulders, reassured me that I had nothing to fear. Not every woman fits those stories.
It was a fun night, full of good conversation and camaraderie. By the time we returned home, we were all a bit tipsy, but not too much—everyone had work to do in the morning, including me.
Good night, Stellenbosch!
Ramon.
