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Sometimes life throws us curveballs.

For example, this month I thought I was destined for meditation and mountains, instead, life steered me towards hip-hop and retro fashion.

If you would have asked me last week where I’d be at this moment, I’d have told you that I’d be sitting on the side of a mountain, reconnecting with self and nature. I would be ‘wwoofing’ at retreat called Simonskloof, which would provide safety, access to nature and the opportunity for quietude and self-reflection. It would have provided a welcome pause from the hustle of April spent in Buenos Aires.

But on Tuesday night, as I was leisurely walking to a café for dinner, I was mugged – two aggressive men approached me, took me by the wrists and stole my money and iPod. This led to a chain of events that inspired me to stay in Cape Town.

It’s all very counterintuitive, you might think. But I’ll explain more tomorrow in my weekly “Letter Home.”

I can say however, that the mugging was a catalyst to connect me with some lovely locals who run a boutique/art space called “Seventies 80s.” It’s a funky space that embodies contemporary Cape Town creativity, led by an energetic and big-hearted fellow named Davy, with the help of a uber-chill and big-hearted fellow named Moses.

It presented a difficult decision. At Simonskloof I was guaranteed an interesting experience, complete with a cast of characters, ranging from the Dutch host Jurgen to the fellow volunteers from different countries – fascinating folks with great stories, I’m certain.

But an opportunity was presented to hang out with and help some locals. And after taking a couple days to ponder the options, I’ve decided that the type of experience that I’ll have at Seventies 80s is beautifully aligned with what I love most about travel – hangin’ with locals.

On my next trip to South Africa, if they’ll still take me, I’m definitely going to get my arse to Simonskloof. It looks like a little corner of outdoor heaven.

In the meantime, I’ll be spending this month with retro sunglasses, live MCs and Moses’ stories of growing up in rural South Africa.

This is what the world has serendipitously offered.

Expectations for the month of May:

- To learn more about South African culture and history
- To check out some great live music
- To help out at the boutique (bartending, selling clothes, renovations)
- To record video and take photos for the store to use for promotion
- To sample some South African wine
- To maintain my safety

Seventies 80s can be ‘friended’ on Facebook.

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