So far, South Africa is confusing. As Natasha says here, "It's not right or wrong, it's just different." Trying to explain where I've been the past week and what I've been doing sounds ridiculous but you would not BELIEVE how much time it takes to accomplish the simplest of tasks as I try to adjust to this new culture. All in all, I'm doing great, but everything here is life lived at a much different pace. Here's what I'm working on now:
1. Finding out that they charge you for drink refills. R16.95 mistake. Whoops.
2. Turning in the wrong way to every gated entrance. Left side dummy, left side.
3. There is not always hot water in every sink. It's way weird.
4. Pump toilets. Yes, you must "pump" the handle to make it flush. Who knew?
5. Cape Cobras & Scorpions. Both poisonous. I did not sign up for THAT!
6. Car accidents. Yes, I've already been in a little fender bender in really bad traffic and yes, it was my fault. Totally mortifying.
7. Driving on the left hand side of the road in a left handed stick shift. I am trying to remain extremely focused while driving.
8. The electricity here is way weird. They actually have two different plugs. Confusing much.
9. I still don't have a hairdryer.
10. I ask ten billion dumb questions a day.
11. Laundry is $10 for two loads. Wowee.
12. They pump your gas for you and check your oil with each visit.
13. "Biltong" = Yummy meat jerky. Ostrich anyone?
14. "Braii" = National pastime of extreme barbecuing. They barbecue EVERYTHING here including sandwiches and breads. Meat is king here.
15. One game of Cricket is SO long! It can takes DAYS! With tea breaks and all!
16. Everything closes at 4pm. You must have all errands done by this time or else.
17. The internet. Let's just say that there are only about 3 WiFi spots in town and they all close early. Internet is still billed here by the "gig" usage which means that I blew thru one gig in about 48 hours. Thus why the internet then cut off for a few days until we bought another gig. It's a whole 'nother world down here.
18. Fresh meat and fresh baked bread are cheaper than the pre-packed kind. Cool huh?
19. You don't "honk the horn," you "hoot the hooter". Try saying that without cracking a smile :)
20. It's perfectly acceptable and culturally preferred here to refer to a person specifically by their race. (ie) "She's colored. He's black." There seems to be a certain sense of distinguishable pride in the ethnic diversity of SA.
21. You may never use the word "fanny." It means something totally different.
22. Chutney flavoring is very popular due to the Indian cultural influence.
23. No top sheet for bedding. Duvet cover only.
24. It's likely a national crime to not have an electric tea kettle available at all times in all places.
25. On the other hand, you couldn't find a proper coffee maker to save your life. Instant Nescafe is life. Eventually I'll be on the hunt for a french press.
26. Tea breaks are a must. Twice-a-day, everyday, or you will be scolded for not taking good care of yourself.
27. Diet Coke is gross here. I guess there went that bad habit of mine.
28. Avocados are called "Avos". Long "A".
29. Dividing every purchase by seven in your head to figure the cost. It's exhausting. I still think I'm playing with Monopoly money, which isn't a good idea, because it's not like there is any more to be found in the box!
30. I have no idea how long anything is or how far away something is... 50K? That means nothing to me. Where's my calculator?
29. Dividing every purchase by seven in your head to figure the cost. It's exhausting. I still think I'm playing with Monopoly money, which isn't a good idea, because it's not like there is any more to be found in the box!
30. I have no idea how long anything is or how far away something is... 50K? That means nothing to me. Where's my calculator?
Alright that's all my brain can handle for right now. So if you need me, I'll just be down here learning lots and lots of new things, and I'll let you know how it goes. Still so much to do!
1) Should've told you about the drink refills. Apparently America is the only country that does that.
3) Yeah & it's really weird that some of the sinks have 2 different spouts- one for hot a cold. So you have quickly run your hands under each to get the right temp.
17) When we skyped the other day & you said that our connection was bad due to the only 1 g of internet, I thought that was strange. Then, once we got off I thought oh no, I bet that's all the usage you have. Well, the next day after your status update, I knew that's what it was. Bummer. Somehow the Team House has unlimited internet. You should see what they've got going on over there to see if you can get it.
21. Yep learned the hard way about the word "fanny." Clynton's face turned bright red. It was awesome.
27. I like the Coke Light. I think it just takes getting used to. Drink it a few times & you'll be fine :)
Lady, I miss you. XOXO
Loved this list. I think I might move to South Africa for all the meat if it weren't for that dang internet. And the pumping of the toilet...I like to flush and flee as fast as I can. Miss you...would really love to talk to you when you get time!
I LOVED this post! I am so sorry you got in a fender-bender already. Hang in there- you'll get the hang of it all.
I am glad the car situation has been resolved. Many prayers are still coming your way, pretty lady.
I love the hoot your hooter. I may have to adopt that in some way! Prayers coming to you! LOVE!
Girl, you're a pro!! When driving on the left side of the road, just say to yourself, "Me in the Middle." At all times. Really helpful when making a left turn. Love ya!