So, I’m 30 years old and recently had the opportunity to visit South Africa for the first time. Let me tell you, folks, this country is something else. The sights, the people, the vibes – everything is just incredible.
First off, let me just say, holy mother of sweet Jesus, South Africa is breathtakingly beautiful. The landscapes, the wildlife, everything just blows your mind. And the people, oh man, they are a riot! Funny, welcoming, and good looking – it’s like they’ve got it all.
Now, before I set foot in South Africa, I gotta admit, I was scared. All you hear about is crime, right? But surprisingly, I didn’t experience any in the Cape Town area. Well, except for this one time near my bed and breakfast in Muizenberg. I thought I was about to be kidnapped or something when a couple in a car asked to borrow my lighter. I chucked it on the ground, yelled “you can have it,” and bolted back to safety. Turns out, it was just a harmless request. Note to self: those edible weeds can mess with your head, man.
Let’s talk about the value for money in South Africa. I’m telling you, for American dollars, you get a bang for your buck. The quality is off the charts. I’m surprised more Americans aren’t flocking there. And the food, oh boy, the food tastes better there. Smoked salmon in South Africa? Way more flavorful than back home.
Now, let’s touch on the people. White folks were super friendly towards me, a black East African with U.S. nationality. But some of them had these wild ideas, like thinking the “ANC” would hand me a job just because I’m black. In Simon’s Town, I stayed at an AirBnB where some old white dudes welcomed me with beer and good food, all while reminiscing about the “good old days” of apartheid. Talk about a mixed bag!
Visiting Robben Island was a real eye-opener. Seeing Nelson Mandela’s tiny prison cell, with its hole-riddled mat, made me realize how much he endured. In a land so stunning, it’s shocking to think of the ugliness he faced. Yet, he emerged with a heart of gold. Mandela truly embodies the spirit of South Africa.
Despite being labeled “third world,” South Africa is a force to be reckoned with