“who lives SEES but who travels sees more”
The biggest obstacle when moving here was
definitely obtaining a long-term visa. South Africa
has a lots of strengths, but unfortunately, the efficient
government institutions are not one of them. I could
go into horror stories relating to my dealings with
South African Home Affairs... but I will refrain. Fortunately,
I’ve now found an excellent immigration agency that
handles all of my paperwork.
I met my boyfriend, now my fiancé, almost immediately after arriving in the country, so I was easily
adopted into his South African friendship circle. I know
some of the other Americans in my study abroad
group found it a bit more difficult. Now though, almost
all of my friends are locals. Since moving to Johannesburg, I haven’t been part of any international group
or program, so nearly everyone I come in contact with
is South African. I’ve developed some amazing friendships since moving here, South Africans are generally
very warm and inviting.
I’m totally in love with a local braai bread. A braai
is essentially a BBQ, but they cook their meat over
an open fire using wood. Braai breads are kind of
like a grilled cheese, only that they also have tomato
and onion inside. They toast them over the fire along
with the meat and the result is pure melt-in-your-mouth
gooey cheesy goodness.
Many people don’t know that South Africa is
renowned for its wine, and even have its own varietal
called Pinotage. In fact, there are over 800 vineyards
spread out across the Cape wine lands, with most
offering tastings at extremely affordable rates. No trip
to South Africa is complete without setting an afternoon to visit a few of the cellars.
I’m not really sure yet if I will stay in South Africa
or not. Because I’m American and my fiancé’s South
African, I suppose we’ll always be somewhat torn
between the two countries. But at the moment, we’re
quite content right where we are. There’s also
the possibility that we’ll temporarily move to Europe
or the Middle East, should a work opportunity arise.
What I do miss the most from my home country,
aside from my friends and family, is the Mexican food.
Sad, but true, South Africans haven’t learned the art
of authentic Mexican cooking and being a southern
California girl, I really miss getting my nacho, enchilada, fish taco and quesadilla fix. Just thinking about it
makes me hungry!
There are really so many things I love about South
Africa, but if I had to narrow it down I would have to
be sappy and say the people. Because they really
do make the country. I love that despite South Africa’s
difficult past, people from all races, religions and
ethnicities are somehow able to come together and
unite in the fact that they are South African.
Find out more about SA at jennafinch.blogspot.com.
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