Patriotic

so you walk up the street past some Chinese stores in a ZA town, and suddenly a group of guys approach you, encircle you, and start patting you on the shoulder. "My friend, my friend!" They keep shouting, with huge menacing smiles spread across their faces. You know "daar's 'n slang in die gras" (Afrikaans idiom literally meaning there's a snake in the grass), and as a reflex action you lift your arm up to push them away; I mean, they're invading your personal space and you don't even know who they are. One second later they're running for dear life down the street, around the corner, laughing like hyenas. Then you notice your cellphone is missing. You've been served.

But then again, life isn't so bad here. In fact, South Africa has [in my opinion] the best climate in the world. It doesn't really get below freezing where I live, and not too hot either. Not too much rain, not too dry. We even get some snow in certain parts, which, when you're staying in a quaint old cottage, is perfect for an idyllic winter break-away.

Besides a wonderful view almost wherever you are, South Africa has a very colourful history, including the good and the bad. And we are a rainbow nation! Despite still struggling with racial differences, there are tons of people from different cultures and backgrounds who come together as great friends and can relate without judging each other because of skin colour. I speak from experience.

And yes, although many people immigrate to Down Under or the UK, we locals can still enjoy the spectacular coastline, mountain ranges, and nca (c is a dental click formed by placing the tongue on the back of front teeth and pulling away, as if sucking air...n-'C'-ah) Indian briyani, Afrikaans boerewors, Zulu/Xhosa ipap, and oh-so-delicious melktert (milktart). We have 11 official languages, 9 provinces, awesome cities, and random treasures of all types all over the country to stumble upon (e.g. Vintage stores...ice skating rinks, home-bakery stores, our own little Eiffel Tower in Bloemfontein:D).

I don't think I'll be moving anytime soon. :-)