Many people – wherever I am – ask me where I am based or where I live in this new life of mine… I often joke that I am homeless or call myself an international citizen – and both of those descriptions are true, I guess, but neither makes me feel great. However, that is the reality of my situation and the life I have chosen – and yes, I chose this, but it does not mean that it is perfect all the time; I miss having a home! I have lived out of a suitcase for nine months now and it sucks a little.
Of course, not having a home and the responsibilities that come with that, gives me a huge sense of freedom most of the time but it also means that I don’t have a feeling of belonging anywhere – and I miss that! But I have so many wonderful moments and experiences in my life and I am much happier than I used to be – so I just remember that!
And spending the last couple of months in London & Denmark has reminded me that this is not the life I want – I hear my friends talk about the struggles of corporate life and I am so pleased that I have been able to escape that – it is not for me right now. I can make my own decisions; I don’t have to consider anyone else and I have no responsibilities to hold me back – and that is great!
So, it is absolutely with an excited heart that I am looking forward to heading back to Tanzania on Monday – and even if I am still a nomad and a ‘bag lady’ (see pic!), I do feel like there is a goal and a path to reach it! I just must remember to enjoy the good stuff more than get annoyed with the frustrating elements!
Anyway enough about that, let me tell you a little about why I’m so excited about my next stint in Africa. I have been lucky to partner up with an NGO in Stonetown, Zanzibar called Kawa Training Center. They run a hospitality programme each year and I will be teaching four subjects over a seven-week period:
Introduction to Hospitality, Customer / Guest Care, Food & Beverage Service and Career Development. Will also try to fit in some stuff around Responsible Business now that I’m there!
It’ll be very different than the training I did at Singita, as these young people will have no experience of hospitality at all, so we’re starting from scratch – which is pretty cool!
Another reason for looking forward to getting to Zanzibar is that I will actually have my own place for almost two months! It will be wonderful to have a temporary home at least and also a chance for me to see if I think I will happy having a base in Stonetown in the future. And hopefully I won’t feel too lonely.
But before I head to Zanzibar, I will have a couple of weeks in Iringa. I will see my wonderful friend Carelynn and all my other friends in that part of Tanzania – I cannot wait. I am also squeezing in some training in my usual hotel there – am looking forward to see how they have progressed since my last visit in November last year.
So even though there’s a mix of emotions at times, my overwhelming feeling is still that I am very lucky to have the life, I have.
BETINA IN AFRICA 