8 More Things About Living In South Africa
Back in October I wrote my first post about things I learned about living in South Africa. Immediately after that was when our Immigration and Wedding preparation adventure swung into high gear.
Well, it’s now been another couple of months and I’ve learned more interesting and quirky things about my new home country. So, without further ado… let’s begin.
“Wil jy 'n sak hê?” - Unlike in the states, your groceries aren’t automatically bagged up. You get charged for plastic bags when you go to the store, so they ask you if you would like a bag…or as I hear it with my American ears “Sackeeeeeee?”
They do this to encourage you to use your resuable bags when you go shopping, of which Kim and I have about eleventy billion. But in true American style, I almost never remember to bring them to the store.
South African Drivers Are Polite… - In the states, as you may well know, if someone wants to pass you on the road you make them work for it. Well, here in SA, if someone wants to pass, you are expected to pull on to the shoulder and let them. Then, when they pass, they thank you by flashing their hazards and you wave back. This still boggles my mind.
…Except for Taxis - These aren’t the stereotypical yellow cabs that you think of when you hear the word taxi. No, these are 15 passenger vans that are mounted skulls and sharpened sticks away from being in a Mad Max movie. They will stop in the middle of traffic to pick up or let off passengers (if you’re lucky they’ll pull over). If they have pulled over then they will immediately jump back into traffic without signaling and without warning. Next to potholes, these are the most dangerous things you’ll encounter on the roads.
Baby on Board - The other day Kim and I were driving around and I saw a blue “Baby on Board” thing in the rear window of the car in front of us. I remarked that I hadn’t seen one of those in decades. Found out that if you DO have a baby on board, the law says you have to have one of those so in case of an accident emergency responders know to look and care for the baby.
No Running With Music - Yep. If you’re running in a race, it is illegal to run with headphones and music and if you do, you can be banned from racing in the future. I guess this means I’ll have to actually talk to people when I start racing again in 2022. Ugh!
No Unlimited Data - In the states, just about every cell phone plan comes with unlimited data and has for years. Here in South Africa, cellphone plans are a throwback to the 1990’s. No unlimited talk, text, or data exists. I asked the Vodacom rep the other day why that is and he said the infrastructure simply doesn’t allow for unlimited. Now, data isn’t expensive, but if you’re not paying attention and your app settings have cellular data on, you’ll chew through it in a heartbeat. I don’t think I’ve had such intimate knowledge of my phone’s settings screens since I bought my very first one.
Roundabouts and Speed Cameras - These are everywhere on South African roads. Roundabouts are as common as 4 way stops are in the states and the big difference is here people know how to navigate them. I’m learning some of the intricacies which mostly involves the squiggly lines sometimes painted on the road just before you enter.
You’re alerted to speed cameras by road signs and the big yellow boxes on the side of the road. They don’t hide them as they do in the US because here they’re used to prevent speeding and death and not as ways for cities to make money.
South African Doggy Bags - Ok, well, this isn’t a common thing, at least not in the traditional sense. This is something that Kim and I came up with after our last trip to a wine farm. We decided that calling the cases of wine we bring home “South African doggy bags” or “souvenirs” sounds a little less alcoholic-y than just saying you brought home another case of some fabulous South African wine.
There’s a ton more about living here that I’m finding quirky, interesting, and challenging to my American senses…and those’ll be stories for another day.
If you do ever want or get a chance to visit South Africa, I highly recommend you do. It’s a wonderful country full of wonderful people, beautiful scenery, and some of the best food and wine on Earth.
If you do come visit, do consider staying at Highcliffe House in Gordon’s Bay. It’s a beautiful guesthouse with a stunning view of the bay. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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