Why I love SA today
I arrived at work this morning just to hear that both my colleagues are struggling with sinus issues as well. Do we complain? Absolutely. But we can still laugh and make each other a nice cup of tea. I love the fact that we are capable of cracking jokes straight after our patience has been tested by heavy road works. It’s great being surrounded by people that are walking on the bright side of life!
Furthermore we are so pleased that our Transport Minister, S’bu Ndebele said yes to ethics and no to a luxury S500 Merc. Well done!
It’s really difficult to have a crappy day when you start your day off with this much lovin’. Come on, try it… give your colleague a big ol’ bear hug!
I can honestly relate to that – The team I work with here might not be feeling well, but someone is always ready to smile and help someone out and this is a common thing in South Africa – I’ve heard quite the opposite from friends who’ve worked overseas.
About that Merc, big up to him to sending it back!
As a South African having actually lived and worked in South Africa and elsewhere (UK), I must unfortunately disagree with Chris. Colleagues in the UK are moral boosters and so considerate in every way. It is really not where you are but who you are.
I am glad that you work with such a marvelous team. Sadly the teams I worked with were not that chirpy and generous with smiles and help in SA. It differs from work place to work place as well. So I think it is not a country thing really.
All the best in South Africa.
Chris – Yeh baby! We love hearing that, it’s so nice working with great people isn’t it!?
Nicola - I agree with you that it’s not necessarily where you are but who you are. So if you are happy, helpful, warm and friendly, those qualities will generally rub off onto those around you. It’s like when someone smiles at you, it’s difficult not to smile back. And remember that people are not always going to greet you with a smile, sometimes you’ll need to initiate it – and that feels good too.
There was a major accident on the highway this morning, traffic was bumper to bumper in both directions, on all roads and alternate routes. But instead of getting tense and miserable (major hang-over not improving situations)I turned my music up, started bopping and drinking my take-away coffee. A guy traveling from the opposite direction, pulls up beside my car and starts to chat, he pulls out a flask of tea and proceeds to offer me a cup. Only in South Africa! I love it!
I remember when I lived and worked in the UK, when catching a bus or the subway, everybody sits in their chairs, with their newspapers and they don’t lift their heads until they reach their stop. Everybody thought I was a freak whenever I started a conversation or even looked at them. The UK is a funny place (and not in a good way funny). I’m glad to be Proudly South African YEAH!
So strange, just yesterday I took a bus and everyone was chatting away. The lady next to me started commenting on the beautiful nature (it is Spring here now) and was such a positive being with a friendly face. She didn’t have a flask though, but still. It is interesting how experiences differ. I have lived and traveled in South Africa for more than 35 years and I can honestly say that courtesy on the road in the UK is far better and makes you want to do the same … this brightens up my day as I arrive at my destination with the idea that I am allowed a little place in the sun as well. My experiences of driving on South African roads are so much different. Kerry, you are also comparing public transport with an isolated incident on the road, but I am sure the man brightened up your day … sadly it is not a everyday thing. Let’s face it, first of all drinking coffee (your take-away) while driving your car/being stationary in your car is a no-no in the UK – you will get a heavy fine – so yes, that is very different in South Africa. You can eat and drink while you drive in South Africa (I think) …
Let’s play nice. Let’s agree to disagree and respect whatever it is that the other one finds charming about their country, even if it’s a mystery to you. It’s all about being happy, wherever you are. Different strokes and all that jazz.
Nicola, I’m glad you happy where you are.
Moving on, don’t you think that Jungle oat chocolate bars are the best!! Proudly South African
I grew up in Norway and lived in the UK for a couple of years before moving to South Africa. I love it here!!! Although my roots will always be in Norway with my family, I almost feel half South African now. And being offered a cup of tea in a traffic jam (legal or not) would definitely have made my day too!
I think the best way to love something is just to love it and not to compare it. The editor’s initial article was fine, but comparing normally creates a bit of a stir.
I am glad you are happy where you are. I really am. In the end God created the whole earth and what Elzet says …
So let’s not compare…
Well said!
Ah wow, can just feel the warmth of the South African love in here, awesome (or should I say ‘lekker’)!
Yuh, it’s “lekker bru”