It started not too long ago. My heart had begun rattling out of control. There was a heaviness over my chest. Trapped in plastic. Suffocated. The sleepless nights re-emerged. I could feel the screwdriver twisting. I had become unhinged. My anxiety crept up on me. Once again. An unwanted guest in a lifeless home. I felt like a failure. Everything had been so good to me for the past three years! How had I got back into this slump? Deep down, I knew the root to my anguish, but I wasn’t ready to reveal the insides of my heart, just to have it crushed again. Instead, I knew there was one place I needed to go, just to breathe. My happy place.
Is there a place where you can go? Unwind? Gain inner peace? A place where you call the clichéd home-away-from-home? A place that you can add to the “mentally I am here” meme? My go-to place is called Saunders’ Rocks Beach. It’s the last beach of Sea Point, before the row of Clifton beaches, placed perfectly sunken below 329 Beach Road. When I was younger, during each day of my summer holiday or even on random hot weekends throughout the year, our family would cram our entire home into our blue 1400 Nissan Sentra, and we’d cruise off to Sea Point. There were also days when my father or I did solo trips to Saunders, in which we’d just pack a lonesome umbrella and towel, with one pre-stop at Pick n Pay for an ice-cold Fanta Orange and a large packet of Cheese Nacks. Irrespective of the nature of the trip, immediately after placing our belongings on the coarse sand, without any inhibitions, I would race to the tidal pool – ensuring that I always balanced myself on the rocks or slippery seaweed leading to the water. After a mighty spring of my tiny body into the air, I would curl myself into a bomb, and hit the bone-freezing water.
Pictured* from left: Me (10) with childhood friends Yusuf Adams (12), Tashreeq Adams (10) and Isgak Behardien (11)
My nostalgic view of the beach has, however, changed as I’ve become an adult. You see, I suffer from inconsistent anxiety, and after getting my heart broken in the summer of 2019, I decided that I couldn’t mope around, sit at home and blast the music of Lana Del Rey through my headphones. Instead, I forced myself to go to Saunders each day to stop my poisoning thoughts from gnawing at my mind. I was no longer the excited little boy, racing to bomb into the tidal pool; instead, I was shattered, lifeless and trying to get myself sane. Most days, I would just sit on the rock, watch the waves crash to the sea-shelled shore and reflect upon my life. Although alone, the presence of the beach allowed me to heal – bringing me much needed comfort.
Aside from giving me my alone time to clear my unhealthy mind, Saunders has always been filled with familiar faces. There’s a sense of community and security I feel in my heart, and presently I have begun to wonder if they, too, classify Saunders as their happy place. For instance, when I reach the top landing of the stairs that lead you to the beach, and look down to my left, I’ll see the Isaacs family under their mighty navy blue gazebo. The matriarch, Bernadette Isaacs, 45, is a mother to all beachgoers, and everyone is welcome under her gazebo for a good laugh, an intense game of dominoes or even a snack to eat. A Sunday with the Isaacs family and friends is always an occasion, as we all bring our lunches and all our food is shared! On Bernadette’s table you can expect a wide array of food and Cape Malay cuisine. We’ve eaten breyanis, leg of lamb and roasts, creamy pastas, various curries and hearty Greek salads, and let’s not forget about succulent watermelons or sweet melons for dessert. In today’s society, in a world with so much cruelty and disconnection, my heart is warm knowing that Bernadette and her family have the value of sharing, and that they are always good to me.
“I’ve been coming here to Saunders for the past 17 years,” explains Bernadette, as we step out from the shade of her gazebo and climb up to a nearby rock that looks over the entire beach. I explain to her that I want to go around and speak to the Saunders community to know if we all share similar views of the beach, or perhaps she could explain what makes Saunders so special.
“There’s always a great atmosphere and vibe created here by our people. We are all part of the Saunders family.” Bernadette stops and smiles and, in unison, we look over the beach. “I’m a socialite,” she continues, “and at this beach, I get to speak to and shelter people. After the days when I’m not here, people ask us, ‘Waar was julle?’ (Where were you?).” She chuckles and shakes her head. “At Saunders, people notice; the people here care.”
I’m curious to know where Bernadette’s giving nature comes from, so I ask her about the values that she’s learnt over the years. “When I was growing up, my single mom was always giving. She had four children, and she taught me that you never make food for just one person, or just for those living in the house, and I took that lesson upon myself. At home, they worry that the food will go to waste, but I know that someone is always going to need. When we come here to Saunders, I always pack in something extra.” However, our conversation returns to our happy place. “Everyone I’ve introduced to Saunders always comments on how friendly the people are; everyone is always surprised. But to go back and answer your first question,” Bernadette tells me, as I wrap my arms around my knees, intrigued by what she is about to say, “just like you, I also enjoy my quiet time. I mentally tell myself to leave things here – all my stress and worries. When I’m here, I’m at peace.”
Bernadette Isaacs (45) looking over the beach as she reminisces about the past 17 years
“Zubayr! Kom speel” (Come play), and our conversation is cut, after I’m summoned by the husky voice of my beloved 76-year-old friend and other mother, Auntie Rachmat, to return to the gazebo to play the next boom (round of five) at the dominoes table. The queue at the dominoes table is long today, and I’ve arrived too late to klop (knock) on the table to secure my seat. Under the Isaacs’ gazebo, we play intense rounds of dominoes – you could say it’s the Olympics of dominoes, that’s how high-pressure the game is. Players partner up, sitting opposite each other, and if you merely plak aan (play the game without strategy) and you cannot tel (count) what the other players have in their hands, then you have no business playing at the highly competitive table. On the days that my game partner and I are on a winning streak, when we all happen to be playing for hours, I swear my brain literally pains from continuously having to tel and strategise.
“Ons het hulle ’n porky gegee. Hulle kan solang die vuur reg maak” (We’ve won them 5–0. They can get the fire ready to burn their loss), giggles Auntie Rachmat, as I sit down on the Camp Master fold-up seat, taking over from the losing team and getting ready to get into my game mode and challenge Auntie Rachmat and her game partner.
A pensive Auntie Rachmat Isaacs (76) at the dominoes table
A few steps away from the Isaacs’ gazebo is where the ou ballies (older men) sit. You do not walk past them without extending a loud, “Asalamu Alaykum” (May peace be upon you), because in Islam, respect towards our elders is of utmost importance. Aside from cracking jokes, chorusing ’60s and ’70s hits like “Venus” by Frankie Avalon, “Can’t help falling in love” by Elvis, or my personal favourite, “Never said goodbye” by Engelbert Humperdinck, the ou ballies are most likely to be in a highly focused card game of klawerjas. Today, four uncles sit hunched around a pink towel, on a flat-surfaced rock, with their eyes piercing down at the different piles of cards. Aside from their hoary facial hair, shiny bald heads and tanned bodies, I promise that you would never say that these ou ballies are over 60 years old!
“En sê daar vir die mense daar in jou storie dat ek het daai jare al die beach ingebreek!” (Tell the people, in your writing, that many years ago I was one of the first people of colour to come to this beach!), bellows Uncle Gamiet “Goya” Lucas to me, as he throws a jack of spades onto the pink towel.
The ou ballies playing a game of klawerjas. Pictured from left: Allie Samaai (69), Gamiet “Goya” Lucas (64), Isgak “Oupa” Isaacs (82) and Yusuf “Yu” Benjamin (67)
Pictured from left: Rushdien Booysen (47), Abduraghman “Maantjie” Abrahams (70), Ebrahim Saal (53) and Ismail “Brother” Khan (70)
With the sun reaching nearly 40 degrees, some of the uncles are not singing from the flat-surfaced rock, and instead they sit under a gazebo, serenading the beachgoers with their velvet voices. As the sounds of the guitar and singing of “Love me with all of your heart”, another classic rendition by Engelbert Humperdinck, wafts with the crashing of the Atlantic Ocean, Daryl van Berk (62) struts towards the gazebo, inquisitively seeking out the music. The uncles quickly change to a more upbeat song, and Daryl, who also identifies as “Darylina Girlfriend”, begins to entertain the crowd of beachgoers. In his blue speedo, floppie (bucket hat) and rectangular-shaped sunglasses, he hops and shakes to the crowd, singing “Jou Hare Kan’ie Pom Pom’ie” (Your hair cannot tie in a pom-pom), with the crowd being left merry with laughter. At the end of his elaborate performance, we clap and whistle for Daryl, and I’m left feeling content knowing that Daryl is accepted here at Saunders.
I follow Daryl as he struts back over to the group of ladies whom he has randomly just met today on his way to the beach. With a slight change to his outfit, now wearing a pink curved straw hat, he prances around the umbrella belonging to his new friends, telling us stories of local drag queens and their antics.
“Maar, Daryl! Jy kan mos’ie jou masker oor jou Speedo so sit’ie! Jy moet dit nog later dra!” (But Daryl! You can’t keep placing your mask over your Speedo! You must still wear it later!), I plead with him, as he comically demonstrates the art of tucking. His infectious, loud guffaw screeches after he realises his silly mistake. On occasion, he flings his one arm into the air to new faces that are walking down the stairs to get to the beach. I’m happy to have met Daryl. It’s good to be around good people with great energy; you see, it’s lekker to be around lekker people.
Spreading light and laughter, Daryl van Berk (62), also known as “Darylina Girlfriend”
It’s now time for me to go swim, and on my way to the ocean, I spot Uncle Abdurraheem Isaacs (64) as he completes his wudhu (ablution) in preparation for the Asr Salaah (midday prayer). He has previously told me that it’s okay to perform the wudhu with sea water, as it is pure and it comes from Allah.
“There is a time for everything, Zubayr,” says Uncle Abdurraheem after returning from the ocean, as he reminds me that it is time to pray. “We have fun here, but we cannot forget about our creator. Look, the uncles sometimes sing or play klawerjas, but, first and foremost, wherever we are, we need to be practical Muslims. We must practise our deen (religion) in all circumstances.” Uncle Abdurraheem and I depart, with him walking up towards the section of the beach that resembles mountainous rocks – there is a concrete floored section, just before the large rocks, where the men perform their salaah.
The wise Abdurraheem Isaacs (64)
I decide not to follow Uncle Abdurraheem and the other men to the concrete block, because I haven’t been submissive to Allah (God) in months due to a loss in faith. In this moment, I close my eyes and reminisce (I’ve been doing this a lot lately) about a time when I did perform all my prayers at their designated time slots, to a time when I was practising my deen. Did you know that it is most spiritually uplifting to perform a salaah at a beach? You see, the sun pierces so fiercely, you have to shut your eyes tightly and focus on your prayer – focus on Allah. You have to concentrate and block out everything – the sound of passers-by, the gushing sounds of the wild ocean, the heaviness in your heart – and focus on the light. We believe that Allah is omnipresent, inside of us, around us, watching over us, but many times when I performed my salaah on that concrete block, I knew in my heart that Allah was standing in front of me at Saunders. But, as I’ve said, I’m disappointed for not practising Islam and keeping my prayers up to date. In’sha’Allah (God willing), at some stage, I know I will start again, when I am ready, and one day I will feel Allah’s presence around me again.
The men at Saunders in sujood (prostration), during the Asr Salaah (midday prayer), giving glory to Allah, the most high and mighty
A day at Saunders would not be the same without a dive or jump, depending on the tide, from the rock – which has a diameter of nine metres and stands approximately four metres high. The rock is situated adjacent to the tidal pool, but it has been decades since I’ve been in that tidal pool. As I balance across the walkway that surrounds the tidal pool, joyful sounds of children paddling and splashing in the water greet me. I can still hear the laughter and splashing of my younger self as I pass them. It’s also perhaps unknowingly a rite of passage to make your way from swimming in the tidal pool over to the rock and the open, unpredictable ocean. A metaphor for adult life? But, as I said, the rock is often used as a diving board. In anticipation, you have to wait and watch for the ocean to pull back. The wave gains and grows in momentum; thereafter, it gushes forward, and just as the wave is about to pass the rock, you have to pounce forward and dive in.
Patiently waiting for that intricate moment when the wave gushes by the rock so that I can dive
On a scorching hot Cape Town summer’s day, when the sun boasts over 30 degrees Celsius, there’s nothing more refreshing than the icy cold waters of Saunders’ Rocks Beach. For me, in this volatile moment in my life, I allow the freezing temperature to calm my body. I let my worries seep out of every pore, and I allow myself to be present and one with the ocean. The physicality of the ocean moving back and forth reminds me that there are many factors in life that I have no control over. In this moment, with the open ocean flowing around me, I know that I, too, just have to let things flow in life, and not fixate on negative eternal forces.
The sun slowly merges with the ocean, signalling the end of another day. A golden pink horizon glows over me while I sit back and breathe, allowing the sea air to embrace my lungs. Tomorrow will be a brand new day and the beginning of a new week. I’m not sure whether I’ll wake up in the middle of the night from another panic attack, or whether I’ll have to let another Betapan pill scrape the back of my tongue to calm myself down again, wilting away in the sheets of my bed. Maybe tomorrow I’ll finally be ready. Maybe I’ll finally have the courage to say how I really feel and not be afraid of rejection. I’ve lost my chutzpah. There’s no fire in my eyes. But, as I close my eyes, taking in my surroundings here at Saunders and recounting the conversations that I’ve had today, I know that in this specific moment, I feel free; I feel at peace.
Despite my anxieties, I once again allow the presence of Saunders’ Rocks Beach to help me heal, just as I once did in 2019, and build the strength in me to face 2022. And to you, my dear reader, I ask the Almighty to protect you for the forthcoming year, and may peace be saluted in your heart, as my hope is for you to find your happy place.
* Editorial note: All the people in each of the photographs had seen the photographs and had read the piece; they agreed to be named and shown.
Kommentaar
This is such a profound and close-to-the-heart-writing, Zubayr. It was worth reading.
Wow wow wow! How I enjoyed myself reading this story, it’s like I can see everything and everyone. Saunders Rock is a healing place to many and a place where we always have fun. And to the one who wrote this story, Mr Zubayr Charles, I take my hat off to you. You are are truly an inspiration to so many people and a very good friend to me. I hope you heal and find and happiness in all your future endeavours and experiences. This was awesome. 👌❤️❤️😘
Wow! I'm in awe of your happy place. Never knew about such a beach. However, having read your article, I feel as if I too was on the beach with the Saunders family. Having read your article, I feel motivated and inspired to tackle life with better vigour. Well done, Zubayr.
I always enjoy reading your essay, sometimes it relates to myself.
You are an inspiration to me and so many. Proud of you, Zubayr.
May Allah grant you continuous health and strength to help others with your stories.
Keep doing what you are doing and have this published.
Love you for the sake of Allah.
Another well-written piece by a very talented young man. I enjoyed every word. Well done!
Wow, I really enjoyed reading your touching article! Congratulations, I'm so proud of you! Your honesty about your anxiety is so refreshing; so many people have anxiety but are often afraid to talk about it. Talking about things is very therapeutic. I loved reading about the people who have had a positive impact on your life. There's nothing like the kindness of friends and family who share meals, and time, together. Reading your article made me so nostalgic! Thanks so much for including me - I love reading your work. It's beautiful, refreshing, and a reminder that one should appreciate life!
My happy place is my home. I get up at 4.15 in the morning and have my quiet time, alone with God. This is how I start my day. I'm so happy that you have your happy place, too! It's so important.
Have a lovely day and a blessed weekend! Keeping you in prayer, my dear friend! It's such a blessing and a privilege that we can talk to God anywhere and at any time. I'm so glad that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and who accepts us for who we are!
Lots of love.
Absolutely beautiful!
Zubayr, this is so much more than a well written essay. You can be very proud of yourself, as I'm of you. I can reflect and share your sentiment. Saunders has been my happy place for a long time, the memories are irreplaceable. ❤
Well written.
Such a beautiful and well-structured essay, Mr Charles. 💫
While reading, I actually thought about whether I have a place that I could regard to as my happy place.
This essay works as an inspiration for others to work through their hard times just as you have.
I'm really grateful to be taught by such an amazing writer. 🤍
I sincerely hope you find your peace and fight your demons head on and return to uphold your five daily prayers, and that it will bring cool calm and serenity back into your life as the prayers are just to be thankful to a life to be thankful for, for just breathing and all, thankful to our ever-forgiving Lord! Live your life to the fullest just in the moment! Love you much. o♥︎
Your pieces are always so amazing, my friend.🤗 I’m super super proud of you and all the work you’re doing.♥️
Zubayr Charles has yet again rendered a reflection of literary genius. Slamat, congratulations!
This story of Sauders Rocks Beach takes me back to my youth as a 16-year-old with my hourglass figure, karate kid of the community. The best memories are: hiking from Bokaap with my friends to swim at the icy cold tidal pool, enjoying the sensation of my brain freeze during the hot summer school vacations and eating hot chilly pilchard on fresh bread, a cheap dite (cheap meal) like my illustrious mother taught her 10 kids; Janatul Firdous (Highest Honor In Paradise) upon mommy's soul.
During the summer of 1985 I took two guys, best friends, both hot after my tail, to the popular rock as it too was my Happy Place back then. I dived off the rock, into the rumbling swells like a professional swimmer, actually more like a mermaid, taunting them both. The one guy who loved a challenge had the courage and motivation to follow me. Since that day, I knew he was "The One"! Today, 34 years later, we are still married, three well-balanced kids, one adorable grandson and a best friend who regrets not diving in after me first.
Saunders Rocks Beach, always and forever our Happy Place!
Amina Soeker Bardien
Wow, interesting. I have never heard of Saunders Rocks Beach, will definitely make a turn. And thank you for sharing your childhood memories. I like the fact you know your pick-me-up-places when anxiety attacks, instead of allowing yourself to drown in self-pity, or taking anti-depressants.
Very emotional piece, Zubayr. Had tears in my eyes when you wrote you have lost your faith.
A problem shared is a problem halved.
I have no doubt that, by losing your faith, you will find your religion and then you will find your peace.
We have all been there, I don't have a happy place per sé, I am fortunate to have found my happy person in my husband. Everything is just better when he's around, he centres me, so to speak.
I wish you only the best and you are in my duahs always. (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤
Your story really inspires us as people not to quickly judge, because we do not know what a person is going through mentally, compared to what we see on the outside.
Great essay, sir.🙌🏻❤️
This is truly an amazing piece. 🙌
I love how one can almost relate to going from a dark place, filled with nothing but pain and emptiness, to a place of healing and fullness again.
Such an inspiring piece. 🙌🥰
Great essay, Mr Charles.
Beautifully written, and I, as the reader, felt as though I was present with the writer through the whole essay. Held my attention till the end and it hits home, although I may be quite young. Getting to know you at such a level is very assuring in away. Thank you for sharing a piece of you in an astonishingly written piece.
Well written.
Beautiful essay. 👏 I might not know how to deal with my anxiety, but after reading your essay, in a way you have definitely inspired me with ideas in how to manage my anxiety.
Keep on writing, Mr Charles
I'm so proud of you and the journey you are still walking on, your work always makes me read in awe and I just hope I find my happy place too.
Excellent, well-written piece and an absolutely beautiful read. Filled with memories and emotions, well done Zubayr. Sending much love.
Wow, you make me wanna buy that Fanta and drive to Saunders right now.🙈
As I'm reading throughout the essay, I could reflect on what was happening in Saunders, the happiness, free-spirited people and the healing that one gets.
Work hard on uplifting your faith again, but take it one day at a time, because God is here to mend our broken hearts only if we let Him.
I have learned so much from this essay; that when you associate yourself with free-spirited and positive people, you get a positive mind, and that everything has its own time.
This essay reminded me of 'Buckingham Palace', the book that I read many years ago.
Next time I'm expecting a book from you, so much talent. So proud of you.
Thank you
Such perfection!❤️ I really enjoyed reading your story, Mr Charles.❤️
Wow, what a wonderful read, I couldn’t have described it any better. That is a happy place for a lot of people, may the Almighty grant you peace and contentment for whatever you going are through and make it easy for you and guide and protect you moving forward.
My happy place is Arniston.
This is such a courageous reveal of your innermost struggles and a "lekkerlees" of the goings-on at Saunders Beach. I am inspired to go too and play a 'boom' of dominoes.
This is beautifully cited and inspired. Feels like I am there too.
Beautifully written essay. Mashallah, extremely worth the read and very inspiring. 😍
This is written so beautifully, with heartfelt emotions and feelings.👍
Wooow, an amazing piece once again! 🔥
Brilliant writing. You make me feel every letter, 'till the end. Shukran for taking me on your journey.
Incredible essay, Mr Charles. You’ve truly shown us that we are not alone in this world and that we all have a happy place. ❤️ Keep it up!
Beautiful essay, Sir. 👌👌 Keep up the good work.
This teaches me as a person to find a happy place, a place I can go to when faced with anxiety, stress or anger.
Wonderful to read. MashaAllah.
Whenever I start reading one of your pieces, I keep telling myself, "take your time". But I can't help myself, the more I read, the faster I want to go, 'cause this girl is too curious to get to the next sentence, and the next and the next, until I realise that I am close to the end and then I have to slow down, because I don't want it to end. I'm always captivated by your writing and this piece just sucked me in. Dealing with anxiety myself, I can relate. Haven't found my happy place yet, but In Sha Allah, I will. Your story really helped me see that one can find peace in the loudest surroundings. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. Jy is flippen amazing! Love you always, Deebs
I honestly felt so present while reading this essay, I could picture myself walking in your shoes, which is funny, because when reading I usually picture the writer doing it all, but I guess most of the events that took place hit home. This is definitely a great read, not only that, but it also gives a person with no knowledge about anxiety, a clear picture of what it is and how it takes it play on one.
And the family you have on the beach is honestly just beautiful, I’ll make sure to go experience the beach, because it sounds like a beautiful place to be. I’ll try figuring out where my happy place is now. Well done Zubayr, this was beautifully written.
What a beautiful read, Mr Charles🥺! I think it's time you start on your book now.
Great essay, Mr Charles. Very relatable and I am proud of how far you've come. ❤❤
As always, beautifully written. Love reading your work, warms the heart, food for the soul. Making me crave some sea air, definitely my happy place, not Saunders exactly, but absolutely being by the beach. Mama loved taking us to the beach, such awesome memories. Wishing you peace of mind & heart. Lots of love, Zufie
Wow what an amazing, beautiful story. I am so looking forward to meeting the Saunders community and already I feel that is where I want to be.
Zubayr, you are amazing.
Beautifully written.👏🏽👏🏽
Inspirational. Well written and a good read. My daughter was privileged to have you as her English teacher. Keep on doing what you doing. God bless you, Mr Charles.
Beautiful piece, proud of you.
I really enjoyed reading this! Your writing is so evocative that I can really feel the uplifting spirit of Saunders. I truly understand why it's your happy place. Thank you for sharing so candidly xx
We’ve been waiting a long time for someone to write an article on this topic, so we’re very pleased to learn that someone was you 🙌🏽❤️.
Dear Zubayr, you are a fountain of a true gift - to take one's mind and allow us to walk with you through your experiences. I look forward to your successes! Thank you for sharing this with us, with me.
Mashallah, my brother. Reading this has really touched my heart, I cannot begin to imagine the impact this has had on other people. You have a true talent of expressing yourself and this talent can be taken to a level much further than you just writing, but you can actually help those in need in difficult times like this.
Beautifully written Zubayr. May Allah Swt guide and protect you always, in shaa allah. 🤲🤲
Nice Zubayr. Insightful, heart-warming and especially with the pictures. These are scenes we always get a glimpse of from outside, now accompanied with an inside storyteller - love it. Do another one.
Briljant! Verskaf tog 'n Afrikaans weergawe ook om in die klaskamer te gebruik.
Such a beautiful read. You are so talented! Never stop writing, my love. I am so proud of the man you’ve grown up to be. Love you always!
Well written, Zubayr, and what an amazing, interesting story.
What a lovely emotional and atmospheric piece of writing, Zubayr. I always feel conflicted about so thoroughly enjoying your descriptions and introspections, and then being sad about your emotional troubles. What I love so much in this piece, is that the loving detail of your observations and your narrative validate the experiences of the people of Cape Town, who are rightly now enjoying a beach that had been taken away from previous generations, in the Apartheid era. Your writing put me on the beach; I could hear the conversations, the card and domino games, the music, the prayers. I loved the movement to the rock and it's symbolism. I felt your body being buffeted by the waves and the acceptance and realisation that we all find ourselves at the mercy of uncontrollable forces. Your strength, I know will get you through troubled emotional times, so I am happy now to just revel in your writing. BTW: These pieces belong in national publications.
Wow, Zubie what an amazing essay. Saunders beach is my happy place. When I'm feeling stressed, or just need to relax, I would drive to Saunders beach.
What an inspiring essay. I am sure many people reading this will reflect and question whether they are in need of a place to heal.
Enjoyed this piece thoroughly ... wonderful read👌
Love the authentic style with which you write.
From the moment I started reading your story, it gripped me and took me to so many childhood memories of Camping at Bluewaters with my one granny while the other one loved Soetwater. Thank for sharing your piece with us.
This story resonates so strongly right now as we watch Saunders Rock welcome a new breed, the polar bear swimmers. Some have brought with them their old ways of dismissing the very people who you’re writing about. They say history is often written by the victor so I hope this piece of incredible storytelling finds its rightful space in the library of the future. May you find the space to live with your anxiety and I hope your writing continues. Well done, chap.
Stunning piece of literature! The story is so good, keep it up! May success always be with you, you are outstanding, hats off to you.
Beautifully written straight from the heart, may you go from strength to strength, inshallah, Ameen
Wow, you are an amazing young talented story writer. I was captured by your story and it felt like I was @ Saunders beach ⛱ the time you wrote it. I'm happy to say Saunders Beach is my happy place too 😊; always yearning to be there! Write lots of beautiful stories ❤ please.
A very inspiring and very well written essay. Truly enjoyed it.
As always Zubayr, you take us on a journey, a sensory experience, one feels the heat of the sun, the coolness of the water, hears the joy and happiness brought about by sharing a snack, playing a game, sharing a story and just generally being with good, happy caring people. Love how honest you are about your anxiety, the place you're at spiritually, Insh you'll find and return to this place and space again Ameen. Looking forward to your next piece, as you continue on this journey called life. Only the best, son of my cousin. 😊
My son, I'm intrigued, marvelled and most attentive at your strength and wisdom to share your emotional journey. Many have and will benefit from your explicit candour, shared. I am super proud that you continually mention your niyyah (intention) to again follow "the straight path, the path of those Allah has favored, not the path of those who have gone astray".
You eloquently depict Saunders Rocks as a remarkable place, where wonderful people frequent, where we joyfully, gijaab (Islamic wear) and all, jump unabashedly into the huge wave crests without a single thought of any danger nor fear.
I continue to make duah (say a prayer) for Allah to accept your niyyahs of returning on the straight path and improved mental health, my son.
I am here for you, ALWAYS ...
Zubayr this is a stunning piece especially since i know a few of the people that is part of your Saunders community. This place is not only a "happy place" but the community in itself makes it what it is (or maybe it's the place that makes the people that way). I fully understand what anxiety does to you and it makes me smile knowing you have a second place to call home with a "family" of loving people to support you in their own special way. Lotsa duahs coming your way.
Absolutely awesome.I enjoyed reading this. I just love reading your stories.You have the ability to put me in the story, kassam I feel like I'm on this beach while all this is happening ... like I am actually sitting there experiencing all the happenings.
You truly had me captivated with this brilliant piece of writing.I take my hat off (or scarves off) for opening up your innermost feelings. It was as if you, the reader, was there. You feel the sun scorching down ... the smell of the ocean ... the taste of all the happiness and family. I'm so glad you found your happy place when your soul was filled with anxiety. I hope and make dua that everyone that read this beautiful and inspiring essay ... also find their happy place when their soul needs love and peace.
Heartwarming read ...
Wow Zubayr I've never met you as I was only 8 when I left Bo-Kaap. However I have these childhood memories of Saunders which all came rushing back as I read your incredible essay. I, too, can relate to the struggles you face; however it molded you into the incredible writer and person you are becoming. All the best, keep us in your duas.
Congratulations on yet another masterpiece. It was written beautifully.
I loved loved loved every second of this essay! It’s exactly life and how we were raised. You have not just inspired me but so many others. So authentic lots of love ❤️
Wow ... wow ... wow, Zubayr! You hve outdone it again!
What more can I say ... I have not been there at the moment but reading this ... I felt I was part of the moment ...
What a happy reading.
Never to forget your routes.
May you go from strength to strength and may Thee Almighty Allah guide & protect you, Amen.
Beautifully written baby bro! I am so proud of you! Your words come to life 🙂
What a lovely piece, thank you so much.
Yes, nature is very healing. We are fortunate to live in Cape Town with access to beaches and the mountain to immerse ourselves in. Often we don't prioritize this enough in our lives to go into nature and appreciate wonder and beauty of it.
Stunning! Touched my soul.
Very well written Zubair, keep on writing. You have the talent to make the reader feel his part of your story, part of the Saunders family.
Excellent writing, Zubayr. Love the story so much.
Wow Sir, you always just amaze me with your outstanding pieces. I'm really proud of how far you've come, sir💗. Keep up the good work, sir💗
What an amazing heartfelt article! A sense of connection and community is clearly felt between the beachgoers. A sense reminding one of childhood and anxiety-free days. This time, reminiscing on the good memories rather than reflecting on the bad bad ones in your own adult life. This article is beautifully worded!
Well written, sir, as always👏🏽👏🏽!
Amazing article, Mr Charles, and inshaallah, you will be guided back on the straight path. 💕💖
Mashallah, Zubayr, it takes great courage to write such an honest and thought-provoking piece. You allow the reader into your heart and soul, it’s like I can feel your pain, your joy and your peace. May the Almighty continue to guide and protect you, In Shaa Allah. Your ability to be real is refreshing and yoir literary journey is inspirational - well done.
I love this, Zubayr!
Wow this is so beautiful, it touched my heart. Truly this is amazing, you are talented. I've forwarded this to many people and they all came back to me in awe about this amazing article.
Wow, sir, I really enjoyed reading this. Love this story, keep up with the work, sir.💖💫
Zubayr Charles, what a well written piece 💕, well done. You have so accurately captured the essence of Saunders and the people who frequent it, on a daily basis. My family and I moved abroad many years ago, but when we come home for a holiday, Saunders is my happy place🥰. I know when I go there that most of my family and friends will be there on any given day. I too experience the camaraderie you talk about in your article. As a child, I too grew up going to Saunders all the time with my mum (who you so affectionately mentioned❤️), my dad (May the almighty grant him and all deceased Jannatul Firdaus Inshallah) and my siblings 🥰(who are all still frequent at Saunders). So, Saunders holds a special place in my heart and has always been my ‘go-to-place’ and I make dua that you get back to finding inner peace and happiness, inshallah. You are extremely talented and your articles are always a pleasure to read and a wonderful reminder of how beautiful Cape Town and it’s people are. Keep keeping on🥰
Wow Zubayr!👏 Your beautiful story about your happy place blew me away. What an interesting piece about your life with your Saunders family, which you always speak so highly about. 🤗 May you always be under Allah's guidance and protection IA🤲. Making special effort thanking your readers and making good Duahs for them is admirable. May The Almighty accept all Duahs made for you and by you Ameen. Wishing you a fruitfull journey ahead. ❤
I really enjoyed reading this essay, Mr Charles. I think it's one of your best works that really stood out for me. Your battle with anxiety and how you could just find a happy place to heal from it, it's very heartwarming. Please keep up the good work!! This was truly an amazing piece that you have written.
Well done, Zubayr Charles. Well written. That's my family you're talking about. My happy place too and that's exactly how things go down every summer. And the leg of lamb is probably what your mom made. May Allah bless you and all the Saunder's Rockers. May Allah guide you and heal you I.A
Brilliant and heart rendering inspired article from which so many could definitely benefit. We all have been there sometimes in our lives and some are unable to handle the situation which shroud them in a depressed state.
Life is like the ebb and flow of the water at Saunders Rock as well, sometimes you're on a high and sometimes you're on a low. Your challenge would be how are you going to handle it. Sterkte, boetie, jy is definitief 'n inspirasie.
Klopdisselboom, Zubair! Dankie dat jy ons saamneem om jou happy place te besoek! Besondere skryfwerk, inderdaad!
Ek wil graag die Saundersstrand saam met jou gaan besoek!
Mooi loop, ou maat! Die waarheid maak mens vry!
Hou aan met die goeie werke!
Respect to realness
Zubayr Charles, such a profound and interesting essay. MashaAllah. Definitely a piece to my heart forever.
Wow, this was really an amazing piece. The fact that you were able to write about a topic which society doesn't talk about enough was very nice. I find it especially inspirational when you mentioned that you lost your faith, and hope to one day find it again because I myself have struggled with my faith. So it was really nice to know that there are grown adults out there struggling with the same thing, and I'm not alone. Furthermore, the essay is very well written because it was informative in a sense, but also relatable. So congrats sir, great piece 👏🤍
Very touching, it’s obvious this beautiful memories comes from one of the Soeker grandkids, because when I think of Saunders I remember your grandma and your aunts . May Allah grant you ease and grant you Hidaya and meet Him with a sound heart, Ameen.
Ek love dit. Ek voel elke emosie, elke boom wat gewen of verloor word en hoe dit die spelers se emotions influence, the uncles se satirical comments en die anties wat kloek om jou. May your heart heal and your mind find peace, my friend. Writing this piece and submitting it on this platform: my admiration grew for you and your writing.
A wonderful piece, I see this story through the eyes of my amazing Coloured, Muslim husband who lived at Saunders during apartheid: the food, the music, the hearty community I’ve grown to love over the years.
Beautifully written and illustrated, sir. Great way to share our story and raise great awareness about anxiety. ❤️ Continue writing, you are amazing.
Hi! Zubayr!
I read your essay, it's really good. I think when I come to Cape Town I must visit this lovely place.
You are a smart writer, God bless you with this gift.
I wish you all the best on your path.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Great read and well written ... Just out of interest, is this family welcoming to ANYONE or just those that they are familiar with?
You transported me to Saunders and the beautiful people that share your happy place. That place has a very special aura and every year when I visit Cape Town, I have to go and spend time on that beach. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Enjoyed reading this, and well written.
Zubayr Charles! Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece. You have once again showed us how remarkable you are.
May the Almighty guide and protect you on your journey always.
Well done and continue writing ❤️
Mr Charles, what a beautiful, heart-rendering piece. I thoroughly enjoyed your journey through Saunders and its quirks .
Love your happy place!
Zubayr, you are gifted in the way you write. You took me on a journey that helped me relax. I could almost smell the sea and hear the sounds of waves and the people of Saunders Beach. I haven't been there in ages and you have inspired me to go and seek out those I know and those I don't😊 .I appreciate you sharing so vulnerably about where you find yourself right now. Inshaa Allah you will find peace through sharing.
Wow x1000! This is such a good read! I was so captivated from the get go, I felt as if I was there (and actually enjoying the beach this time). As your close friend, I'm so moved to hear that a place I always hear you talk about, brings you this much happiness. May the Saunders community continue to grow and flourish. And continue to be your peace in a noisy society. I'm so blown away by your writing, looking forward to many more!
This is an amazing read. As I was reading, I absolutely did not want it to end. This read also reminds us that there are so many 'ordinary' people who has an extraordinary effect/impact in our lives. Hope to read much more of your significant pieces. May our Healing continue.
I really received a good insight about you as an individual. Reading this makes one realise that everyone goes through their own trials and tribulations and internal battles that no one will know about and therefore treating people with kindness and being humble is extremely vital.
Wow!! Truly profound! From the very beginning this story gripped me. So genuinely and heartfelted! Thank you for sharing this masterpiece, real life mosaic! Just reminding ourselves again that no one is an island. May God help and keep you in your journey. Onwards!
Beautifully written piece. There are elements that we can all identify with.
Mr Charles, this is a wonderful piece. Every time I read one of your articles I'm left with questions. Reading this I realise how important it is to have a place of peace for yourself and this place does not necessarily have to isolate you, it could be a place that brings people together. Reading you share your internal battles provides me with a certain comfort that I did not know I seek. Keep writing sir and may Allah SWT guide you.
What a lovely piece of writing. Congratulations. After 40 years abroad I can still smell the tang of the sea and feel that icy ocean on my feet. You have a real gift.
Salaam, Zubayr. I don't know you. I lived in Bo-Kaap for a short while. Don't know the place or people, but thoroughly enjoyed your frankness, your realness your obvious compassion for others. Most of us have those losing our way, but, insha Allah Almighty will bring you closer as he is often forgiving and most merciful. So loved reading this.