Living in a gorgeous country like South Africa has very definite perks. One of these is that we don't have to drive very far to see them. The photo underneath was taken about a ten-minute drive from my home. (And I live in the centre of town.)
Okay, granted, it is a very small town with no buildings higher than two floors so there is still a lot of bush and clear open spaces in the area. The zebra in the pic is fairly tame but officially lives on a wildlife preserve that is on the outskirts of town.
Come and Visit - We're a Friendly Lot
We love having visitors over, most South Africans are a friendly sort but that's especially true here in Howick.
There are a few cultural norms that you might want to learn about first though:
The Braai
This is a favorite pastime for a lot of South Africans and is similar to a barbeque. The men are in charge of cooking the meat, the ladies generally prepare the salads. If you are invited to one, always ask what you can bring.
If it is a bring-and-braai, you normally take your own meat and drinks, along with a salad or rolls to be shared with the group.
Car Guards
This is something that usually floors first-time visitors. We have guys that stand around all day watching parked cars. Don't knock it, it is a form of visible policing that has proven to be a deterrent to thieves. When you come back to your car, the guards will normally help you unpack your groceries and back out of the parking.
Now, there is no set car guard fee to pay. The guards leave this to your discretion. Some people give them money, some don't.
Before you decide to tip them on their tip, though, please remember that these are people who are trying to earn an honest living. They have to pay a fee to the shopping centre to be able to stand there and hope that the tips they earn will cover it. It's hard work - standing all day in the boiling hot sun.
How much to give? We normally give between R5 and R10 depending on how long we have parked for. That works out to around $0.41 - $0.82.
Slower Service
While this may not be as much of an issue when it comes to big towns, in the town where I live things move a little more slowly. We ask the cashier about how her baby is doing and chat to our waitress a little as well. People are more genuinely interested in each other here and so, sometimes, service may not move at the pace that you are used to. Just relax and enjoy the journey.
After all, we will either do thing now (as in right now), now now (in a little bit of time) or soon. (If someone here says, "Soon" try to get a firmer estimate.
Basic Manners
In the country basic manners include greeting people and asking how they are doing. That includes everyone who serves you - from the car guard in the parking lot through to the cashier at the store. We have a friendly little vibe in our town and I love it. Part of the reason that the vibe is so good here is that we are courteous to one another.
Anyway, that's a very basic idea of what happens in sunny SA. I'd love to know your thoughts but I ask you to be kind - this is my first post here.
Bye for now.