Hi guys,

In 12 days, a beautiful experience is going to end for me in Stellenbosch, South-Africa. On the 10th of December I will leave for Australie. Which is known as one of the most diverse and extraordinary countries in the world. Although I can't wait to go there, I also leave a lot of friends and relationships which I have built the past 2 months behind.

I have experienced the greatest moments of joy but also the worst moments of sadness. The feeling that you are empty handed against a power which is beyond your control, is awful. The best memory which I will carry with me for the rest of my live is the good friends I have made within the black community. Some friends of me, who I have met the past 2 months even called me 'black'. I see this as a gesture of respect when a 'whiteboy' receives this reference.

What I have gathered the past 2 months, here in South-Africa, is that I have not been fighting a lost struggle. Sometimes I felt like South-Africa was a hopeless country where I simply was one of the few people helping the local communities. The fact is though, that even 5 minutes of your time here, to people for instance out of townships, is seen as something incredible which will always be remebered.

The continent of Africa is in extreme poverty and this triggers problems like crimes, violence, frustrations, corruption and racism. Racism in South-Africa is something that can be talked about with extreme caution. It still reminds people of the Apartheid, which was ended 14 years ago, but has left deep scars with a lot of - primarily 'black' people.
When you look at the statistics of South-Africa, one would gather that the country needs at least another 50 years to recover from the huge problems the country is facing right now. I personally think they need another 100 years to deal with their problems, as South-Africa 'needs to get rid of' the older generations, where the group of people embracing racism is extremely high.

I feel a strong optimism though for the country of South-Africa because the year of 2010 (the year of the World Cup) will hopefully bring a lot of happiness to the less fortunate part of the population and will end a large part of poverty.

I have fallen in love with South-Africa, and the people who have shaped this country. Being happy with nothing at all, no possesions, no family, no money is something I see as a gift. South-Africa has made me realize how fortunate people like myself and other first world countries are. South-Africa has made me appreciate the Western lifestyle which I will embrace from now on with even greater respect.

I will soon write a new postcard when I am in Australia...

See ya, cheers, kisses