simunye

WE  ARE  ONE viktoria kölblinger  I  photography & graphic design  I  [email protected]

[vickelele]

the *magic* of life part II

Why I’m telling this is, because I truly believe that this was not just a simple coincidence but „the magic of life“. For me it was somehow the beginning of something very new. A new way of thinking, a new way of believing. After this man came into my life, I started to realize that we’re not alone out there, no matter what we do, no matter where we go. We just have to listen proper and open our eyes and our mind for all these things around us. The world is talking to us, but most of the time we are so stressed with our daily life, that we are blind for the magic that surrounds us every day, every hour, every minute. We are blind for the unseen. This man reminded me to buy my new ticket for public transport. He reminded me actually that my ticket has already expired. But how could he know? He was standing at this tram station, but why, when he didn't jump into the tram? What was he doing there? I don't have answers to all these questions, which I couldn't get out of my head for a while. But what I know is, that something wanted to show me, that I can trust life. For me personally it felt a bit like that kick in the ass we need from time to time. That kick in the ass to leave my comfort zone for trying something new without fearing what will happen afterwards. That kick in the ass to pack my stuff for leaving the country all on my own (and not alone ;p). That kick in the ass to stop overthinking and planning ahead too much. Life will tell us soon enough what to do next, when we’re suddenly at that point again where we feel stuck maybe. We just have to sharpen all our senses and get ready for this beautiful thing called life.

Cause it’s a kind of M A G I C.

[vickelele]

the *magic* of life

There are certain things happening every now and then in my life for the past view years, which I can’t really describe in just a few words. I think it all started when I was up and about to change my nonexistent life plan for the first time. Actually I was somehow forced to create a new path for myself as there were a few things changing suddenly without my expectation. From one day to another I felt really lost. I didn't know where to put myself in this world full of opportunities but without any given direction. I’ve never been one of those, who followed somebody’s advice how to live my life nor spent a lot of attention to society’s unwritten rules of how we’re supposed to succeed. Maybe I did for a short time, but actually the more I developed my own way of thinking the more I started to follow my very own goals or better say intuitions. Anyways, back in the days, when things like the relationship to my boyfriend and my housing situation came to an end I had to ask myself more then ever what I want in life. I was all in a sudden confronted with questions like: Who am I? Who do I wanna be? Where do I wanna be? What do I wanna do? How do I wanna spend my life? And with who do I wanna spend my life? Or do I wanna spend it alone? Questions over questions and an unsuccessful searching for answers is what came right next after loosing all orientation. So the only thing left I could do was wishing for a sign, wishing for something that shows me my way. It took quite some time till I came over certain things and as I experienced some real disappointments, it took me even more time to trust life again. It was exactly then when I was looking for hints, that something changed. Something, I call it the „magic of life“ wham-bam appeared in my world. It was a sunny day in Vienna. August I think. I was on my way to work, waiting for the tram, totally lost in my thoughts as usual, when a pretty old man suddenly appeared next to me. Dressed like he was on his way to a business meeting, he came closer to my side and asked me out of nowhere if I have a ticket for the tram. Totally confused about this question and doubting if I understood him right I asked in a bit unfriendly tone: „What?!?“ – „Do you have a ticket for the tram?“, he asked me again and so I replied: „Yes.. I have….?“, still confused and not knowing what he wants from me. Then the tram arrived and I went in, leaving the old man behind. I was looking at him again from inside, expecting him following me but he went away, crossed the street and disappeared. Still thinking of this weird situation, I took a seat. Why would a total stranger ask if you have a ticket for the tram?? I couldn't get over it and then suddenly something came to my mind. That time I always used to buy tickets, which were valid for one month and expired within the second day of a new month. So that day I suddenly realized that it was the second of August and I had forgotten to buy a new ticket!!! Holy shit, this was a bit creepy at first, but then I just felt really happy and started laughing. I didn't understand what was happening but I decided to jump out of the tram at the next station and walked to work instead. Left with one question: Who the fuck was this man???

[vickelele]

how volunteering can change your life...

Last year in June, after I’ve found myself in a kinda depressive situation, I decided to break out of my comfort zone, changing my life. I was working as an Art Director for a well known magazine in Vienna, earned some real good money and actually couldn't complain about anything. Nevertheless I felt unhappy and not at all satisfied with my circumstances what brought me to quit my job, pushing myself into the very unknown.

So I decided to go on a travel and volunteer program with “All Out Africa” and as cheesy as this may sound it changed my life immediately. My main purpose was to do something good for those who need it the most. Helping people who have almost nothing, living the quite opposite of my life back home. Of course I also wanted to gain some new experiences for myself, to develop my personality and to freshen up my way of seeing the world. I can’t deny that these things always go together with some self interest, but I guess that’s what makes us humans move.

Anyways I landed in Swaziland somehow, a country which really touched my heart and inspired me to think even more about my life back home in Europe. I was placed in a social volunteering program and helped out in one of the so called „Neighborhood Care Points“ which aim is to support vulnerable and orphaned children in their communities. Together with the local staff members I was able to assist with pre-school education, sport activities, and providing meals for the kids. Besides that I tried to give the little ones all the love I could give and what happened is - they gave it back to me. These moments made me so relieved in a way. I felt unbelievably happy and satisfied and didn't miss anything in this world. Everything suddenly felt so at ease and I knew exactly that I can't continue living my life the way I did before.

After the volunteering program in Swaziland “All Out Africa” took me to the province of Inhambane in the southern part of marvelous Mozambique. One week of pure relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Praia do Tofo. The white sands, the indian ocean, the welcoming people - Tofo has been a real gem. Some days I totally forgot about time whilst sitting on the coastline, listening to the sound of the waves crashing into the bay and capturing the amazing vastness of the sea. As I grew up in a small town at a lake I always loved to live close to the water. I guess that’s why the ocean, almost equal to mountains and nature in general, throughout makes me feel really good. So obviously I’ve been absolutely impressed by Tofo. We did awesome stuff like snorkeling with whale sharks, diving, sailing, quad biking and more. I made friends with some really nice guys, celebrated my birthday at one of the vibrant beach clubs and left my heart there very quickly.

After I left Tofo I knew already I will return there one day. I went back home, checked some things, went on traveling again and made plans how to escape from my old life to start something very new. First it seemed to be hard and almost impossible but I told myself every day holding on to my dreams. And suddenly after a few months, I just packed my things again and jumped at the chances. Today I’m happily back in Tofo, living there with my boyfriend and will start doing some work with “All Out Africa” again soon.

Without the help from others I wouldn't have made it so far. All the humans I met during my travels influenced me in a certain way. Most of them who really inspired me, broadened my horizon and changed my perspective of life at the same time. In short, they encouraged me to trust the universe, loosing all my doubts and fears and living the life I’m dreaming of. Thank you all :)

[vickelele]

Kruger National Park, South Africa  08|20I6

[vickelele]

Kruger National Park, South Africa  08|2016 His name was HAPPY and he taught us the world... Happy was our main guide during the game drives through Kruger National Park. His knowledge about wildlife and vegetation of this part of the earth is unbelievably big. He taught us everything, from the most tiniest plant to the behavior of nearly every animal under certain circumstances. 

>>HE KNEW IT ALL!

As he seemed to be this kind of person who is filled with absolutely calmness, it was easy paying attention to what he said. Although I’m sure I didn’t remember all the informations he gave us.. it was just too much! So besides the fact that I absolutely enjoyed driving around the whole day spotting animals in the bush and trying to capture some awesome moments, it was such a pleasure having Happy with us. And come on - how absolutely brilliant is his name! :)

[vickelele]

Praia do Tofo, Mozambique 08|20I6 Life is like an ocean. It can be calm and still or rough and rigid. But in the end it’s always as beautiful as you make it. 

>>Welcome to Paradise!!

Tofo Beach has been a real gem. The beach, the ocean, the people – everything was just perfect there. You can totally forget about time whilst sitting on the white sand, looking at the vastness of nature. It’s marvelous listening to the sound of these big blue waves of the indian ocean and enjoying the pure moment. Life can be so easy and wonderful sometimes, that I’m just happy we’re capable of capturing moments like this not only by photography. More important for me is to keep this happiness in my mind, learn to be satisfied more often and living life to fullest. Living life more the way I want. Missing Tofo! 

[vickelele]

Lobamba, Swaziland 08|20I6 If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be? I’m interested in your thoughts, so please let me know! 

Social equality is just one subject out of so many I would definitely choose, if I could make a wish. But as we all know it’s not that easy to change the whole world, I’m planning to change my own way of life for the first. Hopefully I’ll make the next steps into another – in my eyes more reasonable and meaningful – direction soon, so I can try to add something good to our beautiful world. :)  

[vickelele]

Malolotja Nature Reserve, Swaziland  08|16 Just as the sun went down in Africa... 

Malolotja reminded me a lot of home. Just the fact that you’re surrounded by these beautiful mountains and the pure silence of nature made me so happy. It could have been easily somewhere in Austria too...except of some plants and of course the african air ;P Loved it from the first day on.

[vickelele]

Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland  08|20I6 Beautiful land, beautiful people. What else need to be said...

Swaziland has really touched my heart and inspired me to think even more about my life back home in Europe. I’m already making plans to change a few things and am very excited what’s coming up for next year. I’m sure it’ll be good.

[vickelele]

Lower Sabie, Kruger Nationalpark, South Africa  08|20I6 Waking up at 5.30 am for getting this is quite okay I’d say… 

>>Sanibonani my friends! 

Welcome to my newest blog simunye, meaning we are one in Zulu. For now I’d like to give you a first impression of my latest travels through southern Africa, which may be soon more than just a destination for me… So if you’re interested just follow my posts to see more of what I call one world, one home, one love. Enjoy or not, it’s up to you ;)