I write this editors letter having just returned from a two year stint in London, fighting, working and struggling for everything and having the best time of my life doing so.
After working in radio news and graduating at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I took a step back from journalism, still uncertain as to which route to take. That ‘step back’ led to a massive step forward, in the direction of possibly the most eclectic city in the word, London.
Although it’s difficult to put into words the experience of uprooting myself and turning my world (as I knew it) upside down – opening my eyes to a lifestyle unimaginable until then – I can now say I’ve spent two years learning things about myself I would not have guessed in lovely, safe Cape Town.
From my reaction to living off bread and jam (apricot – which I now no longer eat), to the way my survival skills kicked in when I thought I’d dug myself in too deep. The fashionista in me emerged supreme in my choices of travel (i.e Milan, Paris) and I was shocked by my passionate patriotism which reared at every jibe taken at my country.
Most frustrating as a journalist was the endless story ideas that flowed in and out of my mind constantly – London’s fantastic High Street shopping experience; the gem of a bar I found in Milan’s party district, Navigli, called The Cape Town Café. Equally frustrating was trying to find a job in my field, one that could sustain me and my travels, and be rewarding at the same time.
Once I discovered it wasn’t my time to work as a writer in London though, my thoughts started drifting back to the sunny shores of South Africa. And now I’m back.
So I've started this blog to mark my progress from as a young journo, still finding her feet on what I used to call 'home'. I don't really know where home is anymore, I'm trying to set my roots back down in CT but we'll have to wait and see. Either way; I wanted to tell you my story.
You’ll either love it or hate it or not even read it, but that’s ok, screw everyone trying to force themselves on us with these blogs yeah! If London has taught me anything other than to save my money for the winter/summer sale, it has taught me to just go with the flow!
I might not sound like an out and out Cape Town girl in this letter but trust me, I am thee! CT girl....all I need is to rediscover this awesome city, if you want you can do it with me.
Gail Lynn Swartz
