Our second reason for watching was because one of sisters friends had a friend (Shannon) who made it through and we were intrigued to see how she did.
Not surprising though that eventually the Van der Wat sisters kept us glued to the screens twice a week. The many faces of Seline and Leandri's passion (or lack thereof) for cheese were just so entertaining.
It was awesome to find out that the ladies lived in my home town, pretty much down the road and frequented the same spots.
Markets and coffee where something we had in common and after meeting them at the Neighbourgoods market in Braamfontein and learning that both Seline and Leandri loved giving back time to those less fortunate I decided to take to twitter and invite Seline to a toy handout and party we were holding in Attridgeville along side Toys for Africa. She accepted and Khumo (MSCA) joined as well, along with boxes of cupcakes!
That Saturday was too much fun and the beginning of numerous run-ins and eventually an evening blessing the kids at a foster home they work with and then a great coffee and Friday afternoon chat spent with Leandri. The passion she has for children and helping those around her is something inspiring. Which is why, when I heard about her coffee roastery project, I just knew I had to become a citizen - how could you not want to be a part of something that assists with the education of underprivileged children?
Hopping on the Gautrain to meet my friend, and crazy companion for the night, Carla at the Rosebank station we started our journey to The Whippet cafe. After a few (and when I say few, 10 or 20 may be correct) wrong turns we got there and the buzz from all
citizens was amazing!
Learning coffee art, catching up with
old friends and fellow coffee enthusiasts (Bruce thats you), sipping on Nederburg wines, stuffing chocolate covered Sally Williams noughat in our mouths, trying out the truly amazing zoku coffee ice lollies as well as Selines delicious mini gourmet burgers and learning the brewing method of the siphon coffee maker made this night one for the books.
Matt, Jaco and Lea have put their hearts and souls into this project and the favour they have (and are receiving) is evident that they are on the right track. Seriously some of the nicest people and the nicest coffee out there.
When my mom turned to me after we chatted with the girls at the Urban market and said 'you need to make more friends who are like those two, they are so positive about this country and life. Surround yourself with people like that', I took it as a joke and yet here we are.
I can proudly say I drink coffee with a conscience and love being a citizen of this amazing republic!
Lets raise a cup to a new year, new friends and bags of coffee!
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