If you know me or if you have been following me for a bit now, you would know I’m pretty unapologetically vocal about my love for travel, pretty much as I have been about my love for Babylonstoren since I moved to Cape Town 2 years ago.
Somewhere between my analytical mind, conversations with friends, Instagram posts, and blog #LorindasWorld, I share a lot about these two loves. They are pretty much my biggest love affairs.
Florence Welch sings that the heart is hard to translate, it has a language of its own, it talks in tongues and quiet sighs and prayers and proclamations and in short shallow gasps. These lyrics pretty much sums up the feelings, thoughts, senses and motions when I travel to Babylonstoren.
Whenever I need time to breathe, I escape to this breathtakingly beautiful Cape Dutch winery. You see, I crave space and quietness. It recharge my batteries. Sometimes I crave the familiar and this place, a place that challenges the world-weary traveler, takes me back to a somewhat familiar childhood.
When I find myself between the 200-hectare playground of mountains, valleys and vineyards, I stop waiting for what’s next. Spend less time thinking and planning, and more time being and feeling. I don’t overthink everything. I become aware of who and what influences me. I tap into all my senses.
I accept that I cannot do everything. I think about what I must let go so I can achieve what I truly want.
When I am surrounded by the simplicity and beauty of the 3,5 hectares of the Babylonstoren garden, I realize that I don’t have to get caught up in the superficial. It’s not worth one second of my time.
As I am wandering through paths where wild olives and oaks run, I remind myself that I should not dwell, that it will weigh me down and stand in the way of me experiencing the life I deserve. It will stand in my way of making memories that will warm and fill me up from the inside.
I have created some of the most beautiful memories, with some of the most special humans, at Babylonstoren and I am once again reminded not to take anything or anyone for granted. To make sure the ones I hold dear know how much they mean to me. I have formed deeper friendships, laughed so hard my belly hurts, learned to be brave in a life changing moment and proclaimed my love to someone special during and after these journeys.
Whenever I encounter the friendly and some of the most hospitable staff you could possibly get in the hospitality industry, I am reminded that I should be kind and giving, where and when I can.
As I am relaxing and floating in the Farm Hotel’s Pool, I am reminded of the importance not to spend time on things that aren’t adding value to my life. Not to settle. I am not mediocre and I should never live a life like I am.
As I ride the bicycle the farm provide, I am reminded that I should always take time to play. Be thankful. Listen.
Make out more. Laugh. Make love more.
As I am sitting on the bridge that runs along the stream where thousands of Clivias’ flower in spring, I know that despite in madness and chaos I need to be kind to myself.
Take self-interest—do something for me every day. It’s not selfish, it’s vital—it’s my life.
Watch my YouTube Video about Babylonstoren
