I am a hopeless optimist.

Jodi Balfour

Categorized in : I Am Am Hopeless Optimist

A crowded ferry ride away from Tanzania's coastal city, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar is a marvel for the senses. Every sight and smell is provocative, inspiring a sense of the old and new.

ride city new smell

Not many people whose series gets cancelled get to come and put the period at the end of the sentence.

come end get people

My first car was a little white Volkswagen City Golf. They've just been discontinued in South Africa, but they were the staple first car for most of my peer group. It's the most entry-level four-door four-seater that Volkswagen ever made. I named him Doug. I don't know why.

city car white golf

I've never been somebody who needs their car or other material, larger possessions to say something flashy about them.

say something never car

For me, a car is a mode of transport - a reliable way to get from A to B. Comfort is important. And it's very important to fit my friends and be able to go on a road trip.

road me friends car

In South Africa, we drive on the left-hand side, and most of the cars are standard, so I learned with a full-gear transmission with a clutch and hill starts. I've never driven an automatic until I came to Canada.

africa drive never hill

Growing up South African, I was comparatively in a world of privilege, especially being the youngest and being figuratively wrapped up in cotton wool by the rest of the family.

rest growing-up family world

I can understand how you can feel very lucky about the kind of life you live but also intrigued and magnetized to a different life.

feel understand you life

The pace is different on a film set. It's slightly slower, allowing for a little more wiggle room. Sometimes there is a bit more room to explore and work on the floor. On a TV set, you really have to be ultra-prepared and ready to deliver because time is so tight. Not that you don't have to be prepared for film.

you work time sometimes

I am such a sillybilly that I embarrass myself all the time.

am i-am myself time

I love Canada. The natural environment here is so inspiring. It never ceases to make me feel grounded and calm and to help put things in perspective. And I love Canadians. A lot.

feel me perspective love

My travel habit is usually to visit somewhere I have never been rather than develop a consistent relationship with a place.

place never relationship travel

Tanzanians are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, insisting on a welcoming smile and wave as they pass you on the streets, exclaiming 'Jambo!'

meet you smile wave