Pumped up about the new environment, I arrived at Cape Town’s airport. Suddenly, my face was growing pale. I was panic-stricken, as soon as I figured out my luggage disappeared. I had to report it right away. Oh, Gosh! No sooner than I had spoken to the security guards, I encountered an accent that I hadn’t heard before. It wasn’t an American accent. It wasn’t a British accent. Yes, I am here, in the Republic of South Africa!

 
Popping into the Pot of Diversity
    Nelson Mandela called his country the rainbow country. The South African accent, which caught me by surprise at the airport, is one of the easiest ways to recognize the diversity of the country. These countless accents are the result of different native languages. According to a study, only 11% of the citizens use English as their mother tongue. There are 11 official languages in Cape Town. My school master uses Africans which is a derivative of Dutch. Most of my colleagues use Xosa; which is the most general language among Western Cape’s black population. Although everyone communicates through English, one experiences the diversity of the country from the variety of accents, vocalizations, and grammar mistakes. In fact, diversity is present all around South Africa― from the race to religion.

 Wondering the Tip of South Africa
    No sooner I had exited the airport, I was on a highway that stretched endlessly down a vast plain. I forgot all concerns in my new environment where the horizon met a clear blue sky. I’d never seen such a clear sky before. When I opened the window, the wind came in and tickled my face. I was overwhelmed by the exotic landscape at one of Cape Town’s landmarks, Table Mountain. How couldn’t I fall in love with this environment? I’ve found that South Africans love outdoor activity. I’m quite sure the beautiful natural scenery must be the reason. During the summer, camping sites are busy with many crowds and the smell of Braii. Braii, which we know as a barbecue, is the one of the most delicious foods in South Africa. When I came here, everybody insisted that I attend Braii. Braii is a common activity on the weekend in South Africa. As a matter of fact, my neighbor’s place smells like Braii every single evening.

 Plunging into A Stunning Ocean
    No one can deny the beauty of the beaches in Cape Town. From the spire colour of the Atlantic Ocean to the Turkish blue colour of the Pacific, every single beach is striking. The clear colour of the water looks like something you can see in fairy tales. I have enjoyed sailing with a pack of seals in Hout Bay and lying down eating ice cream on the shore of Fish Hoek. The first day in Muizenberg was stunning, as well. Surfing the waves was cathartic. I haven’t experienced any other sport that gives me such a high. Time passed like an arrow. When I was totally exhausted from three hours on non-stop surfing, it was the just right time for eating bun and chips. It was just divine! How couldn’t I be addicted to these amazing beaches?

 Dipping in Thousands of Flavours
    I certainly enjoyed a lot of cuisine in Cape Town. From the Indian food to Western food, South Africans have countless recipes. However, it’s somewhat hard for me to define traditional food in South Africa. The affects of immigrants is obvious in every dish. Milk Tarts and Malva Pudding were brought by the first Dutch immigrants. Koeksister, which is a doughnut, has two recipes; one Indian and the other Dutch. Fish and Chips probably came from England. Consquently, I have struggled to recognize them as original South African food. Boerewors and Biltong are the only two dishes that fit my understanding of traditional South Africa food. Boerewors is a kind of sausage with a dark colour and a unique flavor. Biltong is dried meat, but the seasoning is totally different from Korean seasonings. Except for three items, it seems like most of Cape Town cuisine is fusion.

 Surprising Dark Side of Cape Town
    I was surprised at how many beggars are in everywhere. I had just guessed that it’s because of the high unemployment rates that the world is currently experiencing. I got confused when I listened to the local peoples’ opinion. Apparently, they believe the unemployment is a matter of laziness. In their opinion, there is a lot of simple labour for beggars, but they don’t take these jobs because they can get more money by begging. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a child was begging. I was shocked to see him brag about what he received to his friends. There was no embarrassment. Another problem is crime. You can’t imagine how many muggings happen during the day. One of my neighbors complained that walking outside is dangerous in her country.

 Hoping for a Better Day
    I still remember the divinely radiant sunset at the beach. I saw that on the very night I came. I can still feel the boundaries of race in this country. People have to ask what racial group patronizes a pub before entering. I don’t know when this situation will change. I’m just hoping all races in South Africa will mingle with each other like the radiant colour of the sunset. When I started work, many waitresses were upset with me because I finished the training somewhat earlier than usual. At that time, one waiter supported me by saying that it depends on ability, not on race. If the young don’t have any inferiority about the race like him, I’m sure the boundaries will be gone soon. How can it exist when everyone don’t care about it? Even though Nelson Mandela couldn’t solve this, maybe the next generation will.

   Since I have been living here, I have started to look at the world differently. Yes, I’m challenged every day. I was robbed of my cell phone few months ago, and I’m still terrified. I don’t want to admit, every day somebody’s thing like just a pen is stolen in the restaurant where I work. Now, I can’t even get angry about it. I just feel sorry for my co-workers. I was an upset person when I was in Korea. Now, I know how many people are desperate who are in my age. I’m so grateful for the safe place where I grew up. I hope all of us should know about this and am satisfied with what we have. I have just lived here for six months; my opinion might be changed again. I expect me to be more mature.


By Moon Hye-lin Ex-CP Reporter
cloea7@cnu.ac.kr

 

 

 

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