85 to Africa (Travel Journal Entries)

by Kasean Reeves (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown South Africa

TRAVELING BEGINNER ‘I think that you’ll find me worth the weight’ -Jidenna These words rang true for my entire vacation. South Africa was indeed worth the wait for a child who had extensive conversations with their mother about traveling. It was also worth the weight of the pressure I've always felt as an educated young black woman coming from a lineage of educated black women. Before getting on the plane I remember thinking how lucky and how chosen I felt to be given this opportunity. All of my conjuring lead me to the right job with the right people at the correct time. I felt Spirit with me on this trip and all of my Ancestors cheering me on. Every tear on every journal entry was definitely worth it. ‘I need the new conversations; I need the new obligations. Sick of niggas consumed by the matrix and then white people rude allegations’ -Jidenna After the first flight from Baltimore to Atlanta, the layover was only an hour. We found the gate quickly and replenished ourselves with snacks and calls to family back home. While boarding the plane to Johannesburg '85 to Africa' by Jidenna played for the third time since we left Baltimore. It sounded like an intro as we took off from Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International. The music calmed my nerves as I reviewed our dinner choices for the next 14 hours and ignored awkward stares from white folk. I released all expectations except one; that was to soak everything up and let go of any doubts I ever had of traveling out of the country. I imagined letting any doubts pour out of me across the sky, like the exhaust from the plane. 'Feel like super glue, feel like one of the crew And I’m runnin’ with you, we got money to move' -Jidenna The first faces we saw as we got off the plane the dovecote family Aisha and Cole. I began waving and smiling as soon as I spotted them, it had been 3 months since I had seen my chosen family. They were glowing as they grinned, and it seemed to be contagious as I couldn't wipe the goofy smile off my face either. O.R. Tambo international was huge and quiet, my squealing at the sight of them caught some attention but I never felt self-conscious. When we walked outside to a bright blue sky, packed up the car and headed to our home for the next 2 weeks. We drove to Northcliff, Randburg and pulled up to a stunning 3-bedroom mansion with a huge kitchen, pool and balcony. The house was gated with a steep drive up garage. My mouth was dropped as I explored our new domain and I was overwhelmed by the view. Morning meditations and yoga practices were amplified with easy access to the balcony each morning; and the woman looking after the home very quickly became like family during my stay. 'Kimono on a suit, lookin' like a cape. So ahead of my time, I should probably wait. Lady on my arm, lady on her own. Leprechaun Don wit' the lucky charm' -Jidenna The best word to describe the vibe in Maboneng Johannesburg is alive. The streets were covered with beautiful people outside; either looking for a good time or selling a good time, the smell from the food trucks was tempting and there was music on every street. Inside the club The DJ mixed Afro Beat all night long, the drinks were affordable and as the night went on, more familiar faces from back home started pouring in. We danced until 3 in the morning! Sweaty body to sweaty body, hands in the hair, drunk don’t care dancing! It felt like we were dancing into the morning as a Tribe. 'We can see eye to eye, they know it's by design. That in the dark we shine and that's the bottom line' -Jidenna I got to witness the joy and pride of South Africa, to be a part of the heartbeat that is Johannesburg. I felt at home in a place I've never been but have always longed for and I am forever grateful. Asè.