Surprises

The consistent benefits of travel are the numerous and unexpected surprises that pop up in the most unexpected manner.  Today, while searching for the flat of a deceased friend of Sharon’s in the city center, we stumbled into the most delightful small restaurant in a restored and remodeled corner building.   The graphics of the interior, diverse menu, and warm and inviting smile of Zelda (the owner) resulted in a delicious hearty lunch and her interesting story.  After suffering a stroke in which her heart stopped twice, she told us God gave her another chance and she took it with enthusiasm, passion and gratitude.  Both her head and   her heart are now open to all that enter her premises.  We observed black, white, old, young, healthy, and infirmed all greeted with her love and concern.  Six months ago she had difficulty speaking as her tongue was twisted and she walked with a pronounced limp.  She now could be an anchor woman on ABC news and walk a 10K race.  A lovely woman with a new and committed life mission.

Sharon and I then spent the afternoon with two of her friends on the beach in interesting and stimulating conversation.  Pete has a PhD in theology and read the Torah in Hebrew as part of his studies.  His wife, Elize, is an educator.  He believes everyone may be Jewish since we all  descended from Abraham. ..a fascinating interpretation of Jewish history.  We also discussed the mass exodus of South African Jews after apartheid as the Jews were once a vibrant part of this country.   They have no ill will toward the Jews for leaving, as the Jews left as they saw more opportunity in America.  They questioned us on our connection to Israel as it relates to being Jewish.

The beach was raw beauty.  Jutting rocks, numerous bird species, foaming breaking waves, piles of rotting sea weed, and sand as far as the eye could see.  We smelled the sea and walked the beach chasing flocks of seagulls and sandpipers.  A brisk sharp wind sharpened our senses.  We had the slice of heaven to ourselves as there was not another soul in sight.

Yes, travel in foreign lands yields many surprises!