Parliament Street has been plagued with fires in recent times. Burning hues, decay, conspiracy theories and the smell of history up in flames all oozed in region underprepared.
However, just opposite what news publications have rightfully stood fixated on, stands an oasis of green – The Company’s Gardens on Queen Victoria Street. Something well-appreciated at the best of times, but perhaps even more so given its juxtaposition.
I took a stroll to see how Parliament was doing a little after the fires had reportedly been contained, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt. Walking along the street as I was, there was a hollow feeling if I turned to the right. To the left, my periphery was painted with an inviting palette of serenity. It felt like being in a painting captivating the sublime. It felt like being at the pinnacle of South Africa’s dualism.
Turning through the entrance, I was met by a place that naturally felt like an escape. Another paradox – Amidst the city’s buzz and metres away from its burn wounds, the little paradise welcomes us all.
I hadn’t intended on getting lost in the grace of the gardens, but I did. Mazes, bird nests you can sit and swing from and dull the loudness in your head, rose gardens populating fresh soil and people from all walks of life – from those whose feet have chartered different countries to those who couldn’t afford shoes, all found a sanctuary here.
Sitting at Company Garden’s little cafe for as long as I did, I began reflecting on just how much had been going on outside this leafy oasis.
Admittedly, I felt slightly guilty, being on the other side of the paradox, protected by the green walls of nature’s protected. But then I realised something that sat with me for a while after I had left and returned to the chaos and beauty of the city.
The point of beautiful places like this especially when positioned against a backdrop of panic, serve as a reminder.
“What was destroyed stands opposite what grows”.
It’s easy in times of societal stress to see everything in the light of negative headlines. However, it is fruitful, no – necessary that we remind ourselves of all the still flourishes.
In these stressful times when, especially in South Africa, it feels as though we’ve been dealt our fair share of heavy news cards (and it’s only January) remember all the beauty that is still with us, and appreciate it in its simplicity.
True peace I have found, often exists not at the end of lavish bills, but in the lavish appreciation of simplicities. A trip the park will feel more nourishing than ever – in terms of one’s mind. This also comes after the world has opened up again, and some of us might not know whether we’re coming or going.
And a pro-tip? If you feel like you’re searching for a little peace wherever you may be, make a trip to The Company’s Gardens – one of the few places in Cape Town you’ll find yourself richer at no added cost.
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Picture: gary_puma
