Well, I've finally decided to start logging my experiences here is South Africa. I've been here just over a year and I've learned a lot about integrating, culture, and really starting a new life in a new country.
When I first got here I remember the excitement of starting something new and how incredible it was to be here. I was staying with a lovely family who turned out to be an extension of family to me. Originally I was only scheduled to stay here until March of 2013, but....
One of the biggest things I think for me to get used to was the times stores close...and what shops carry things I'm used to. The stores (shops as called here), close early and most businesses are closed by 5:30pm everyday. There are a few malls that stay open until 7pm and then one open until 9pm during the week, but on weekends everything closes early. Totally new concept for this California girl who knows 24hr stores! As for finding things, that is a bit tricky as well, but I'm finding my way. There are some products you just can't get here but I'm finding substitutes...or what I can live without. :o)
Another random thing that is different is television. TV shows don't necessarily start on the hour and on the half...they can start whenever and end whenever. Commercials aren't as prevalent so they don't have as many within the scope of the show. They do have music videos and short shows in between to make up the difference for an hour show or half hour show.
Places to go:
Game - similar to Target
Macro - is run by Walmart, but very clean and no strangeness...on regular days...lol
So here are some vocabulary words for today:
Stores = Shops
Car Trunk = Boot
Napkin = Serviette
Fanny Pack (don't ever say this) = Moon Bag
Anyway, more for next time. Adventure awaits!
When I first got here I remember the excitement of starting something new and how incredible it was to be here. I was staying with a lovely family who turned out to be an extension of family to me. Originally I was only scheduled to stay here until March of 2013, but....
One of the biggest things I think for me to get used to was the times stores close...and what shops carry things I'm used to. The stores (shops as called here), close early and most businesses are closed by 5:30pm everyday. There are a few malls that stay open until 7pm and then one open until 9pm during the week, but on weekends everything closes early. Totally new concept for this California girl who knows 24hr stores! As for finding things, that is a bit tricky as well, but I'm finding my way. There are some products you just can't get here but I'm finding substitutes...or what I can live without. :o)
Another random thing that is different is television. TV shows don't necessarily start on the hour and on the half...they can start whenever and end whenever. Commercials aren't as prevalent so they don't have as many within the scope of the show. They do have music videos and short shows in between to make up the difference for an hour show or half hour show.
Places to go:
Game - similar to Target
Macro - is run by Walmart, but very clean and no strangeness...on regular days...lol
So here are some vocabulary words for today:
Stores = Shops
Car Trunk = Boot
Napkin = Serviette
Fanny Pack (don't ever say this) = Moon Bag
Anyway, more for next time. Adventure awaits!
No comments:
Post a Comment