Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Top 10 Tuesday: Things I miss about South Africa

Last week, I posted the Top 10 things I love about living in Taiwan. Although I have a great life here, there are some days that I don't want anything more than to be home in South Africa. Here are the top 10 things I miss about home:

1. My family
Left to right: My dad, Leon. My sister, Lynette. My mom, Suzette. My brother, Werner. Me. My brother, Morne. (2011)
Of course I miss my family more than anything else. Even though I stay in contact with them on Skype, Facebook and email, I just long to be in their presence and to give them big hugs. It's not often that my entire family are together at home in South Africa, as one of my brothers and my sister live in Dubai, U.A.E, and my oldest brother works on cruise ships around the world. When we are all in South Africa at home, it is the happiest of times.

2. My friends
Having lunch and drinks on a wine farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (2011)
I have wonderful friends here in Taiwan, but man, do I miss my friends back home. We all grew up together and had so many great times. I hate missing out on their birthdays and weddings, and think about them every single day.

3. My pets
Left: Jessy (17)
Right: Jenny (18)
My dogs, both very old now, still live with my parents. They are both basically totally blind and deaf, but my parents take such good care of them. I miss them so much, especially since our Skype dates have gotten fewer, because they can't see or hear me anymore.

4. The food
Droewors and biltong
Ah, the food. Braaivleis (BBQ meat), braaibroodjies (BBQ sandwiches), koeksisters, biltong (jerkey), droewors and the list goes on. I especially miss certain restaurants like Spur, Wimpy, Steers and Ocean Basket. Okay, I need to stop because I'm drooling over my keyboard...

5. Afrikaans
Even though I do have friends here in Taiwan that speak Afrikaans, I miss hearing it everywhere. I love being in South Africa and being able to speak Afrikaans to almost everyone.

6. Braai
I miss everything about braais. Having drinks around the fire, chilling out with friends, smelling like smoke, and, of course, enjoying the delicious food afterwards.

7. The weather
Arniston beach, South Africa (2011)
As summer approaches in Taiwan, I start to miss South Africa even more. I grew up with lovely summers; blue skies, fresh air and dry heat. The summers in Taiwan aren't quite that enjoyable with it's high humidity and temperatures.

8. Natural beauty & animals
Lion at Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudtshoorn, South Africa (2010)
From all the countries I've ever been to, South Africa will always be the most beautiful  to me. Every beach is perfect, the landscapes are magnificent, and don't forget about the wild animals roaming the streets. Just kidding.

9. The people
I miss the spontaneity of South Africans; they laugh out loud, they talk out loud, and most are extremely friendly, and generally know how to have a good time.

10. Variety of cultures
South Africa is not called "The Rainbow Nation" for nothing. I miss the variety of cultures and the mix of people living together in one country.

I can't wait to visit South Africa again next year!

8 comments:

  1. Lysie,
    Stem saam. S.A. Is so pragtig, kos lekker, mense vriendelik en opreg.
    Die see en blou lug.... Groot groen landskappe, en ruimte!!!!!!!
    Dink nie ek sal ooit my wortels hier kan uittrek en verplant nie.
    xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kan nie wag om weer te kom kuier nie! Nog net 9 maande! :-D

      Delete
  2. Hey! I discovered your blog and have been reading it now here at my desk for the past hour! (I really need to stop now though and pick up later because I've only been at work for about an hour lol) I grew up in South Africa and now currently live in North Carolina, was just so funny to stumble upon your blog based on fashion searching and discover you are from SA AND your bf (or at least his family from what I gathered) are from NC. The top ten things you miss about SA list I really relate to...my husband is from SA (he moved here for me) and we are going back in Nov. for the first time in over 2.5 years and all we do each night is talk about everything we're going to eat and all the friends we want to hang out with! :) I'll definitely follow your blog from now on!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lauren! Wow, what a coincidence! Thank you for sending me a message. The Boyfriend's family still lives in NC, and I've been there a couple of times and really loved it.

      We are going to South Africa next year to visit, and we also fantasize about the food we are going to eat etc.

      Thanks for following my blog, and keep in touch! In 2 months you will be eating braaivleis and Spur :-D

      Delete
  3. Hi!!

    We have almost been SCAMMED by someone calling them selves Dawie and Amanda van Wyk.
    They advertised a Toyota Hilux for R 550000.00 and they were using your profile picture of your family.
    please get hold of me so that I can provide you with more information to stop this.

    Kind Regards
    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi!!

    We have almost been SCAMMED by someone calling them selves Dawie and Amanda van Wyk.
    They advertised a Toyota Hilux for R 550000.00 and they were using your profile picture of your family.
    please get hold of me so that I can provide you with more information to stop this.

    Kind Regards
    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi they also selling a vw polo for r39000 and I find it so weird.

      Delete
    2. Hello, it seems someone is using some of your pics (including family's) for a fake profile on Google+, Whatsapp, Skype and trying to sell a Toyota Fortuner in OLX-Mozambique (https://www.olx.co.mz/anuncio/car-2010-toyota-fortuner-3-0-d-4d-r-b-4x4-manual-IDeaXy.html).
      Check these out: (from a whatsapp message)
      Daniel and Alicia
      Image and Video collection
      natgeochannel12@gmail.com (Home)
      natgeochannel12@photographer.net (Work)
      +447376594654 (Cell)
      +447376594654 (WhatsApp)
      natgeotravellers12 (Skype)
      natgeotraveller (Instagram)
      Nat Geo Travellers (Google+ Profile)

      Best regards.

      Delete

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