The Final Countdown: A Look Back

Today marks my final day in Cape Town, and my final hours in the Greenpop office. After packing this morning (which is always super fun..) I came in for one last homemade meal in Greenpop HQ. I'm definitely going to miss the daily lunches, as they are rarely less than amazing.

It hasn't hit me yet that I am leaving tomorrow; in 24 hours I will be boarding a plane. This makes me feel extremely sad, as I have found a new home away from home in Cape Town, I truly love this city, and I have only had a small taste of it. Two months is such a short amount of time to get to know a place, but Cape Town, I definitely want to know more. You've ceased to surprise me with amazing experiences, no matter what day of the week. Every mountain I have climbed, every beach I have seen, every coffee and beer I have drank, have all contributed to this amazing experience. I know this will not be my last time in Cape Town. I've fallen in love with a city I had little knowledge of before I came, and now, I know so much more, yet still have so much to learn. Cape Town is a city of growth, a city of creativity and a city of adventure. There is so much to do in so little time, literally.

Looking back on these past two months, I have experience so many different things, people, and emotions. I didn't know what I was looking for when I came here. I knew I needed to get out of California, out of America. I knew I needed to do it alone because I need to find that inner strength that doesn't always reach the surface. I have not only found a new sense of adventure here, but a new sense of self. I guess I was expecting there to be a particular moment where I technically 'find myself,' and well, that doesn't really happen. There is no ONE moment that then defines who you are or who you are becoming. I have realized throughout these past two months, that we must live in the now. I was always waiting for some time, some event to change me. If I keep 'waiting around' for something to happen, nothing is ever going to get done. Instead, I must live right here, right now, and be present in whatever situation I am in. Cape Town has taught me to live fully each day, and to take advantage of these moments presented to you.

Each plant day, (almost) everyday in the office, each mountain climbed, each shop I entered, each person I met, I have learned a lot about my surroundings and myself.

This past year wasn't the easiest for me, and I can safely say, without a doubt, that Cape Town was the right place at the right time. I may not get to experience this in every place I am, but I am going to do my damn hardest to make the best of it. I need to keep running from the present situation if I don't like it, and see the positives, not the negatives. Acting positively, and encouraging others to do the same, is the only way we are ever going to get shit done around here. We must be active, not anxious (as Greenpop-ers like to say), and rid our lives of the negativity because no one needs or deserves that.

For the most part it felt like a normal workday, and tomorrow is just another day of my adventure. Unfortunately, my current adventure in Cape Town is put on hold tomorrow (but surely does not end). My time at Greenpop is ending, but my life as a designer is just getting started. I'm feeling a little anxious returning to the 'real world' back in Portland, but I am also excited to start my career in the city I call home. I'm excited for July, Oregon's craft beer month, and all upcoming beer festivals. I'm excited for the next chapter of my creative journey, and I know it will be a good one.

I know I'm meant to do great things. I know I am meant to do something on this earth, and use my skills to make that happen. Lucky for me, my skills help me live out my passion for graphic design, the environment and making a difference.

A part of the Greenpop Office; courtesy of Woodstock Cycleworks

I'm definitely going to miss this office view (if only the buildings were gone)

I truly do not want to leave, but I know I will be back here someday. Last time I went abroad, I didn't have the same as I was leaving Paris. It was an amazing experience, but I didn't find a connection like I do here; the mountains, the creativity, the coffee, the beer, the list goes on. This place has such an amazing spirit, and acts as a meeting ground for so many different kinds of people. People, of all different backgrounds, ages, etc. come to Cape Town to find something. It may not always be the same thing, but so many different people find their little piece of Cape Town, because this city is full of adventure.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I came to this city, and almost everything that has happened was far from any I expected. And, I couldn't be happier. I think the fact that this sort of 'vision' for my experience wasn't exactly correct. I was thrown into a situation I hadn't anticipated, but it's these types of situations where we learn the most about ourselves.

All the people, all the ideas, and all the coffee in the office made this experience one for the books. I now look back on all the amazing memories of Cape Town, Greenpop, and all the in betweens. Enjoy! I know I have.

Platbos Reforest Fest: Best first weekend, with the best people.

A planting at Saxonsea Primary, it's definitely fun remembering how it feels to be a kid again.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Mandela and his family, a truly inspiring man.

Conquering Table Mountain one step at a time

My final plant day #savingtheplanet #onetreeatatime

First 'real' day in CT, Why not hike up a mountain? Lion's Head remains my favorite spot in the city.

A morning I will remember for the rest of my life.

Hope Street Market; good beer, good food, good vibes!

Creative Mornings CT, definitely checking out the one in Portland!

The definition of mountain beer. #abeerwelldeserved

5,000 trees in two weekends! Reforest Fest was a HUGE success

“There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself.”

Meryl TurnerJuly 3, 20131 Comment