In 2016, I travelled to South Africa and managed to fall down a hole. It wasn’t a spectacular hole, more like a ditch. And yes, I broke my ankle.

To spice up the story, I could tell you that I was thrashing through dense African undergrowth, machete in hand, or maybe dancing in stilettos, Prosecco in hand, in a Cape Town nightspot—toppled or tippled over. But the actual event was, sadly, much more mundane.

It happened on the last few days of our trip. We were waiting for our tour guide, who was running late, to pick us up from our hotel in downtown Cape Town for the standard day tour of the sights.

Now, I’m a bit of an “Are we there yet?” adult. Sitting still is a challenge, a personal affliction I should probably work on, but the thought of losing travel time to waiting grates on me. So, off I trotted down a ramp leading to a shopping mall below, promising my long-suffering husband, “Just five minutes.”

There was an extensive, in-ground trench running the length of the arcade—a former planter strip for rented mall plants. I saw it. But as I walked, I was looking up at the ceiling decorations instead of where I was going. My foot found the edge, I overbalanced, and down I went, landing hard on my ankle. The sickening crack told me all I needed to know.

Five hours later, after a visit to Christian Barnard Hospital, I emerged with a moon boot, crutches, and a few nice little pills. But what to do now? Cut short our trip?

No. The enterprising tour operator, Faisal, offered to turn our last few days into a custom driving tour. He generously suggested we adjust our itinerary, with him, his young protégé Ryan, and my husband sharing the load to get me around. Then Faisal asked if we’d like a deeper glimpse into Cape Town’s life. Would we be interested in seeing how African people live in Cape Town? Faisal and Ryan were both people of colour. Would we like to visit African homes and learn about their culture, their current way of life, and what it was like under apartheid?

Of course, we would!

Over the next few days, we were met with huge smiles, welcomed into the homes of strangers, and embraced as new Aussie friends. We learned and experienced so much more than we ever could have if I’d been fully mobile.

Every so often, especially when travelling, something magical happens. A small setback can lead to a momentous memory.

It did for me in Cape Town.

-Carol Goddard