A Soulful Llama

 

How many elephants can fit on a Vespa? 

 

Eleven.  And 1 tortoise, 1 bear and  1 wide eyed llama. It took us quite a while to achieve this, and a lot of cable ties.  We also stuffed some arty goodies into the back box, and were satisfied that we were ready for our first Toy Run.  The Toy Run is a spectacular event held late November or early December every year.  If you live near one of the routes, you would have heard about it.  The revving is festively loud.  Andrew and I joined the parade of thousands of bikes, all adorned with toys for needy children, and set off through the Cape Town streets.  Traffic cops waved us through busy intersections and cleared lanes for us, smiling and waving and giving us the thumbs up. (Finally - I see the attraction of being part of the blue light brigade.  Motorists were equally cheerful to wave us through, unlike our political counterparts who usually avail themselves of that service.) It was an excellent start to the festive season.

The group of riders was as diverse as the bikes.  The magnificent Harley Davidsons led the procession and the rest of us followed.  Not too many Vespas took part, and scooters were definitely in the minority.

 We didn't stay long at Killarney - just time enough to soak up the atmosphere and hand over the toys. There was a band playing and inbetween songs the continuity announcer thanked us for being part of the Moral Underground.  I like that phrase.

To be honest, when I started writing this blog, it was a bit doomsday -y.  I was /am struggling to see the bright patches in between the increased darkness of load shedding.  It is not so much the lack of electricity - we can, and have, learnt how to live working around that - it is more the darkness that load shedding represents.  The corruption.  The lost opportunities for this country to thrive. A lack of hope in the future.  It is easy to get bogged down in that train of thought, because the world is cruel, violent, intolerant place at war at the moment. I thought that people are doing such a bad job, that maybe letting AI have a go is not such a bad idea after all.  

So I asked Chat GBT to write a blog for me addressing South Africans about load shedding. This is what it came up with:

Dear resilient South Africans,

In the face of challenges, remember that the spirit of unity and strength runs deep within your nation. Each trial you encounter is an opportunity for growth and solidarity. Your history is a testament to the power of resilience, and your ability to overcome adversity is boundless.

Embrace the diversity that makes South Africa unique, for it is a source of strength and richness that can lead to a brighter future. In the tapestry of your nation, every thread contributes to the strength of the whole.

As you navigate the present, hold onto the belief that tomorrow holds promise and potential. The challenges of today are the building blocks of a better tomorrow. Trust in the power of collective effort and individual perseverance.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "It always seems impossible until it's done." Your journey may be tough, but your ability to overcome is tougher. Remember that hope is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a force that propels you forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

Stay connected, support one another, and foster a community that uplifts every member. Your shared strength is a beacon that lights the path to progress.

Believe in the resilience of your nation, for within every challenge lies an opportunity for greatness. The sun rises on South Africa, and with it comes a new day filled with possibilities.

Keep the flame of hope burning bright.

With unwavering solidarity, [Your Name]

 

Not bad really.  As far as rhetoric goes.

But Chat GBT lacks authenticity and, more importantly, Soul.  (So I wouldn't be surprised to hear our politicians sprouting this speech some day soon.) Having Soul makes us part of the moral underground.  The goodwill of ordinary people ripples into communities and forms the bedrock of kindness and stability that holds society during turbulent times.  

A few stuffed toys will not solve the world's problems.  But I am hoping that, sometime in the future, someone will remember being given a wide eyed llama, a bear, a pink elephant or a tortoise, and know that it comes with my hope for  their happiness.

 

 

 

 

Round the bend

I am learning to lean into the curves. This does not come naturally to me at all, as I usually strive for balance, which often means leaning the other way.  I am specifically talking about  being a passenger on Verdi, the Vespa.  When rounding a corner,  I have learnt to follow Andrew's lead, and relax into the direction of the bend, instead of my instinctive first thought to lean the other way.  Which is dangerous, of course.  I enjoy - no, love!- this new-to-us mode of transport.  Andrew has been telling me forever about his dream of getting a scooter for us to tottle around on in our advanced age, and finally after lock down, I made him an offer he couldn't refuse.  We had the Vespa within a week. 

As always, there have been some funny tales to tell along the way.  Standing in the traffic department queue to book a learner's licence test, the kind security officer offered to escort me to the front of the line in honour of my age.  (Sigh.  I am really  NOT THAT OLD).  I declined, but when I finally reached the desk and told the clerk why I was there, he told me that people older than 65 are not allowed to book learner's licences. (You are, btw, with a certificate of good health.  And I am NOT THAT OLD.)  It was a relief to pass the test, and not have to go through that ordeal again.  I have yet to get my motorcycle driver's licence though, which is why I am the passenger.....

One of the things I enjoy about Vesparating, is the immediacy of the senses.  For example, I could smell the horses when we rode through rural Constantia.  I can feel the wind over Ou Kaapse Weg.  Hearing kids laughter on the beach front at Kalk Bay. I think the helmet and leather jacket create an alter ego for me, and that makes me smile too.

I am learning to lean into the metaphorical curves too.  Sometimes it is counterproductive (even dangerous) to always try to balance things by leaning outwards.  Sometimes it is better to go round the corner without resisting, to relax into the issue instead of fighting it.  (Not always, of course)  And it helps to be travelling with someone I can hold onto and trust to navigate safely.  And, always to put safety first so that when we fall off the metaphorical bike, our heads and hands are protected with helmets and gloves of common sense and practical work. It has been an interesting lesson for me to learn.

Last weekend we went for a trip around the Atlantic Seaboard.  This is near Llandudno

 

There are other curves I am learning to live with too, the ones that come with eating too many slices of chocolate cake, or scones in this case :)

Tea at the Twelve Apostles Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

Verdi theVespa is green (rather obviously.)  A classical motor racing green, which was part of Andrew's vision.  We are safe, middle of the road riders and the fuel consumption is very low.  I am just telling you this in case any of you have an unfulfilled dream that needs to be re examined.  Sometimes we just need to Carpe Diem. Even if others think we are round the bend.