Experiences & Gratitude: Meat, Mountains, and Memories

 The Wedding Feast That Could Feed a Nation
Just like that, we’re at the end of the year and wow, what a ride. My latest adventure took me back to the Eastern Cape, where I attended a traditional Xhosa wedding in Ngcobo.

Now let me tell you, growing up as South Sotho, we were always told the Xhosa people love their meat. But Fabtastic people, I thought they meant like normal humans love meat. Nope. They mean Guinness World Record, “is that a cow or a starter?” kind of love.

I decided to ditch my Sotho attire and go full Xhosa glam, colourful, regal, and honestly, I looked like a Xhosa Queen who just discovered her royal roots. The vibe was electric, the outfits were dazzling, and the food… well, let’s just say I became a vegetarian for three days afterward, purely out of seeing so much meat, beef, pork, chicken, lamb.

Picture this, the starter was braai meat. Haibo! I was expecting maybe a salad or soup, but nope straight to the protein. Everywhere I turned, there was meat. I low key expected the DJ to announce: “Ladies and gentlemen, please proceed to the beef section for your next dance.” 😂Jokes aside, it was stunning. The culture, the outfits, the joy, the music, the laughter, unforgettable.

 From Meat Sweats to Mountain Steps
After surviving the Great Meat Marathon of Ngcobo, I figured my body deserved a detox. Enter: hiking. My amigos and I hit Cradle Moon for a quick 10km hike, my version of “catch and release” therapy. I have not seen my amigos in a long time, so it was lovely to catch up and laugh. Patricia, the ticket line is long gurl, get on the queue. LOL

The weather was perfect, cloudy, cool, basically the spa treatment of hiking conditions. Cradle Moon is one of those places that’s so well-kept. It’s a trail that’s big on conservation, memories, and reminding you that not all classrooms have four walls. Sometimes the best lessons are learned while dodging tree roots and forgetting about the “real” world.

 And when you’re done, you get to enjoy their burger at the gorgeous restaurant overlooking water that make you forget you ever swore off meat. Yes, I know. Full circle. Don’t judge me.

Whether it’s being crowned a temporary Xhosa Queen or conquering a trail with friends, I’m grateful for every experience. Travel, culture, hiking, they’ve all been my teachers this year.  If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that joy can be found in both a plate piled high with meat and a trail that leads you back to yourself.

Thank you for the support! Here is to 2026.

Until next time Fabtastic People!

Moira