Malawi to Monaco- finding your “warm heart”

Last weekend I went for a run through the gorgeous country of Monaco. For those of you who don’t know Monaco is a tiny country, about 2sq km, located at the south of France and it boarders the Mediterranean Sea. I started the first part of my year in Europe in Monaco while visiting a friend, adjusting to the time change, and playing the role of tourist before I become a French “local”.

During my run  I found myself doing less running and more taking in the view. Monaco really is beautiful beyond words,  and some of the port and scenery reminds me of parts of Cape Town, South Africa.

Cape Town, SA

Monaco Port

On most runs I focus on the run and more importantly the terrain in an attempt to not fall and bust my face open. This particular morning though my run was different. I found myself lost in thought, and the thought drifted to my recent time spent in Malawi. It was more of realization that less than three months ago I was living in a very different part of the world. As someone who loves to travel I go from place to place trying to hold few prejudices in order to come to my own understanding of each new environment. But I am only human and there are times I can’t help but compare the places I have been.

Monaco is known for its immense wealth, the famous Monte Carlo casino, and as the backdrop of recent James Bond movies (Daniel Craig ooh la la). I looked around and saw designer everything including Chanel, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Before I left the house to go exploring I always made sure my hair and make-up looked nice, my clothes were decent, and that I had enough money to buy a drink or sweet. I didn’t really feel like I “fit in”, and I didn’t really care.

Malawi, besides being known for the Madonna catastrophes, is famous for its “warm heart”, welcoming people, and beautiful simplicity. All the time I spent in Malawi I put on make-up maybe twice, never cared what clothes I wore (as long as I was respectful of the culture), and cherished my interactions with others and adventures more than any materials. Malawians always took me into their arms with a heartfelt acceptance, and during all my time there I felt like I was home.

My next day in Monaco I went to explore the city alone. As I walked about I became frustrated at the people surrounding me; mainly because of how infatuated they were with all of the fancy cars, gigantic yachts, and ritzy high-rises. To get away from the chaos I headed to a tiny beach my friend had taken me the day before. The beach is kind of hidden under the museum off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Oceanographic Museum

view from my favorite place on earth

the beach, not the best photo, but it will do.

As I sat on the beach I began to focus on the crashing of the waves and amazing view, eventually calming my mind. I then thought about Malawi and its people and wished more than ever that I was back in the warm heart of Africa. But after a few deep breaths I realized that no matter where I go, how much I am surrounded by, or who I am with I can find my own beautiful simplicity in all that I do. Every place on Earth world has a warm heart, whether it is a small beach, a park bench, or a cafe, you just have to wander around until you discover it.

You know that cliche, “money can’t buy happiness”, well I believe it and you should too. So each day take a minute or two to stop what you are doing, inhale then exhale (repeat), look around, hug the ones you love, take it all in, and remember to find the positive in everything you do. If you aren’t happy in the moment make a change. Never forget we are all linked by our happiness, so get out there and spread the love.