The Repercussions of my Actions on going to South Africa

Booking a trip to South Africa turned out to be far easier—and cheaper—than I expected. That was the moment I finally shared the exciting news with my family.

They weren’t nearly as thrilled as I was. If I’m being honest, I think my dad would’ve locked me in my room if it meant I’d miss the flight. My parents flooded me with articles and secondhand stories—warnings about racism, violence, and everything that could go wrong. Each message chipped away at my excitement, replacing it with doubt.

For the first time since I’d booked the trip, I started to regret my decision.

A perfectly placed bench on the side of Table Mountain.

I gritted my teeth and held onto the hope that this would be the adventure of a lifetime—not a one-way ticket to my demise.

With that fear pushed aside, it was finally time. Bags packed, a last-minute going-away party behind me, I made my way to the train station to begin the journey.