On the horizon: Summer '18

Elizabeth Joseph



We are reaching the climax of winter and summer is finally somewhere on the horizon. I can feel it creeping into the atmosphere.

Summer is everything for so many reasons. Reason number one has everything to do with going to Swakopmund. This is 'the' place to be for summer festivities. Everything fun happens at the coast during the summer season.

This is why everyone is busy working on that summer body. At summer events you are bound to see your ex or their ex, who has been throwing shade at you on social media platforms.

This is also where you will definitely run into your MCM and WCW. No one wants to look like Winnie-the-Pooh in Swakop during summer.

I can see it already. Everyone will be singing “Kiki, do you love me?” at the beach bash this year. I think that has to be one of the most anticipated events during the festive season. For the rest of us who are quite content with our Winnie-the-Pooh bellies and have baes already, we are even more hyped up than usual.

It was actually at this event in 2016 that I realised how insanely confident I was. I was there with a gorgeous one-piece, all black swimsuit, singing, “Young and wild and free.” I really didn't care which curves the swimsuit hugged, because I was having the time of my life.

Going to Swakop in December has become a lifestyle to many. I don't get why. Most people say they want to get away from the people and norms of Windhoek, but as soon as you arrive in Swakop, what do you know? The whole Windhoek is there, as I mentioned earlier. You see your ex-boyfriend there with his new girl… you get what I'm saying.

I honestly go for that ocean vibe. Everything is better at the ocean. You could be in the company of a bunch of crazy people, who like starting fights and getting way too buzzed, but if all this is happening at the ocean, it's all good.

Going with people you love, who you are not necessarily related to by blood, can make the festive season all the more exciting.

I went with my girlfriends and I can truly say we had the best experience. I would relive every moment of it. If you can't remember half of the weekend, then that says a lot. At one point we were dancing and singing at a fuel station as we bought food after an event.

I am looking forward to the summer tunes. Thank God we got over our 'Omunye' phase, because it was honestly one of the most abused songs of last year.

Last year I found love, so I am hoping this year the festive gods will be as extra as they were when they sent me that blessing. All I want is love, joy and unity… and maybe a six-pack, but I think that's pushing it!

For the last couple of months my diet has consisted solely of cake, the classic red 'partytjie koeldrank' and hotdogs. It's as if I have completely forgotten that I promised myself a Scarlett Johansson body. I feel like I owe it to myself; maybe next year though.

So as long as you are happy in your body, have your family with you and end this year on a positive note, maybe you might also find love at a guesthouse… like some of us.

In the midst of all the festivities and good vibes, don't lose sight of the meaning of Christmas while you're at it, because Christmas has become the most watered down, saddest holiday. People use it as an excuse to abuse alcohol and also do the most to endanger their lives, as well as the lives of others.

Kom ons bly tog ntja die Deza, asseblief! Have fun but not at the expense of others. So go get those swimsuits and swimming trunks now already. Mr Price will definitely have a sale. Get it now to avoid those awful queues.

Remember to always be good to yourself and others, even when you're thriving hard.



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