Ignite My Soul

Chapter 1 - I'm a traveller.

"Today seems so long

you go back wondering where you belong

I can't seem to get away

people found in day that won't be delayed, delayed

If you could follow my heartbeat

the patent of self got the hook on me

Bones is breaking, bodies shaking

feeling is a high that can't be taken

The rhythm has to try to take me away

travel on to a place

Where the day runs free

no worries getting to me

I want to travel away..."

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I'm packing my bags while dancing to Quentin Harris. It is going to be the best 16 days of my life.

Did someone say Europe?! Man, I cannot wait. I have been counting down the days since last year, October, when my friend and I made the deposit. It's 8 months later.

We were meant to be 10, but as with any planned group trip, we are now 6. So it is kudos to the die-hards; it ain't easy being a black child. There's more to tax than Trevor Manuel's budget announcements. Anyhuuu angikho daar (moving on). I don't know any of the 4 girls we are travelling with. All I know is that I'm going.

I know I'm forgetting something, but between my playlist and this bottle of fine wine, I bet you I'm packing my whole wardrobe into my suitcase. Like, that is even possible. I live in a 3-bedroomed house with an open-plan kitchen, dining room, lounge, and bathroom. Make that 2 bedrooms because the third is my prayer room. It is nothing fancy; it's an RDP house that went to boarding school. Yes, I mean boarding school, not private school.

Oooh, my word, boarding school was a whole mood and a book, but I digress. So, back to ticking off my checklist. I get a call from my friend. I bet she's checking if I'm done packing because we need to be at the airport in 2 hours.

Nkele: "Chom, are you done? Did you check on your brother?"

Me: "Chom, I'm almost done. He says he's on his way. If he's not here in 30 minutes, we need a plan B. You know he can't be trusted."

Nkele: " No worries, I've asked my brother to be on standby. Otherwise, my sister can drive us to the airport."

Me: "You are a God sent. Let me finish packing, and I'll call you in 30 minutes."

Nkele: "Sharp, don't forget your passport and all the documents I printed for you."

Me: " It's in my carry luggage. Let's chat soon." I hang up.

I finish packing but I'm worried about the luggage size. It best not be over 23kgs. I have lounging clothes, going-out clothes, and Instagram-ready clothes. Listen, I'm all set.

I sit on my suitcase and zip it up, ready to go. I call my brother for the tenth time. No answer.

Gawd, help me not to kill this son of a ..... oooh, I can't say that because we share the same eeerr, you know what.

Wuuuuusaaa. Let me go explain to my dog that I won't be seeing her for 16 days and hope to Gawd she gets fed every one of those 16 days; with an uncle like my brother, we need a miracle. A miracle where Jezos tap-dances on the River 'Pinotage'. Yes, water won't do. I am crossing my fingers, toes, legs and arms, hoping that he makes it on time.

After promising to be a great mommy to Liz when I return, I decide to call my mother and complain about her unreliable son. My mother, the angel, listens to my rants and promises to remind my brother to feed my baby while I'm away.

Don't judge me. I see you laughing. My dog's name is Liz, named after Queen Elizabeth, and the bitch lives up to her name. She's very spoiled and well taken care of. We share hugs and kisses. We even watch the TV together, but first, we must fight over one particular part of the couch. We can both fit into it, but hey, a girl has to be territorial about what's hers. Plus, she farts a lot, so sharing loses the caring sentiment when spending time with her.

I hang up and refill my glass. Okay, I need to drink some water now. Yes, I'm enjoying the crushed grapes, but I'm also stress-drinking, which is the worst idea. My phone rings.

Langa: "Sis, please don't get mad. I got delayed, but I'll be there, now now. Are you ready? Have you fed Liz yet?"

Me: "Mnxxxx... what do you think? She only eats in the morning, by the way. You better not ruin her diet! I don't want to come back to a fat dog."

Langa: "Relax, Sis, I got you and Liz, see you in 15 minutes. You better say goodbye now to Liz, and I will meet you by the gate."

Me: "Yeah, whatever, just get here, or you are paying for my flight; dare I miss it."

I call Nkele to tell her to get ready because 'Michael Schumacher' is on the way.

Finally, he graces us with his presence. Bidding Liz goodbye is the hardest I've had to do today. Yes, it was even harder than zipping my suitcase.

We pick up Nkele, say our goodbyes to her family, and we are racing to the airport. To stop myself from counting how many cars we overtake or how many times we change lanes, I log on to Facebook to check this naughty group I joined.

There are a couple of posts, but what catches my attention is 2 particular likes on my post from the two hottest guys in the group. Girl, don't get overexcited, I mentally scold myself.

1. They are both younger than you.

2. They have girlfriends.

3. They are so delicious and can have any hot girl in their age group.

4. Stop drooling

5. Did I mention I'll need castor oil for this Candy?

Aaaargh, why me, Lawd?! My cheeks hurt from blushing.

My post was a picture of a Rose and Durex Tingle gel, captioned 'Self Love'. So the young handsome men like that I practise self-love.

Oh, we've arrived at the airport with 10mins to spare. I rehash all the things my brother needs to do in my absence, especially concerning Liz. We say our goodbyes. Then Nkele and I drag our suitcases to the designated meeting area and the tour guide calls our names.

Tour Guide: "Khwezi Khumalo"

Me: "Present Ma'am."

The group bursts out laughing, and I collect my ticket and backpack. We all check in and then go through customs. Nkele and I are chilling at the Häagen-Dazs shop, freezing our sorrows with some English Toffee ice cream, soothing our shock at the price of a cute Burberry trenchcoat.

I start laughing out loud. Nkele looks at me, puzzled.

Nkele: "What's so funny?"

Me: "Friend, if I am to afford that coat, I'll need to stop drooling at young men and focus on Sugar Daddies."

We burst out laughing and make our way to the boarding gate.

We get on board the KLM flight to Amsterdam, find our seats and start picking our movie list for the 11-hours long journey.

Amsterdam, are you ready for this Zulu girl?!

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