A Canadian penned their thoughts on South Africa after a recent trip dubbed ‘South Africa is Amazing’, and the local responses were a heartwarming hug.
South Africa (11 April, 2023) — Our country is no stranger to travellers’ footsteps and mindsets. Often, we excuse the extra traffic when we see others’ eyes light up at the sight of Table Mountain for the first time, or bask in the thrill of Kruger lions protecting their cubs. We’ve seen strangers gladly drop their daily shopping to take those touristy pictures in Nelson Mandela Square, and even join in on some when the Oranjezicht Market wine settles in.
Recently, a Canadian traveller penned their thoughts on South Africa, simply titled ‘South Africa is Amazing.’ The Canadian’s words rang true for so many Saffers who traditionally let Eskom headaches and angry potholes steal the show. Not an ignorant experience write-up, these words came from the perspective of someone who acknowledges their society has lied to them about Africa, offering a wholesome take.
Here’s what our Canadian traveller shared in their own words:
I am a Canadian that rolled through SA last October and November. After 2 weeks in Capetown we drove a rented along the garden route. We were anxious at first as we are the product of a society that tells lies frequently about Africa. Turns out that the roads are amazing though it does seem that in SA no matter where you are someone could at any moment come out of the bush and cross the highway! Have to be careful since you can be mesmerized by the visual beauty of your surroundings.
First stop Hermanus. Whales everywhere. Drove to a couple of spots less than an hour to sit on the shore and watch them for hours. Hermanus is small town, very well maintained to the point of almost being artificial. Like almost everywhere in SA there is the town and then there is the other place under the tin roofs on the edge of town. A lot of grey hair but some great places to eat and of course no shortage of great coffee.
On to Wilderness for 2 nights. Stunning….hiked to the waterfall, ate kudu, wildebeest and ostrich drank some local beer.
The beach was surreal. Misty and the surf so loud. Loved it. Stopped in Tsistikama national park which was absolutely beautiful.
The to Jeffreys Bay. Surf town, stayed right at the supertoobes. Wicked, took some surfing lessons, pretended to be hippies one more time.
Port Elizabeth has its moments not really the stunning physical beauty of the western cape but we drove up to Addo elephant park which was amazing.
People we met were so friendly and wanted to talk about travel and where we are from. Again acutely aware that some live in utter opulence while others carry water to their homes.
Went on to Kruger, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana….which maybe should be another post.
Thank you SA this part of our trip was one we will never forget.
And, many South Africans embraced the Canadian’s words as if their own responses were a welcoming hug.
‘Yay, thank you for coming to our country!’ —@antiqueburner
‘You are welcome anytime my brother.’ — @djvdberg
‘Glad you enjoyed the stay, we all appreciate good views of south Africa and our awesome people, there are brought spots in every place on earth.’— @Both_Street_7657
‘People should not be judged on their worst day, they should be judged on their BEST day… even South Africa.’—@FunKitchenChef
‘So glad to hear that you had a great time. Believe it or not, you probably only saw about half of what our gorgeous country has to offer. We would love to welcome you back!’ —@yaz2312
‘Awe my bru you’re welcome back anytime.’—@_dysania
And, an American chimed in too.
‘I’m American and after nearly a year, fell in love with SA. It feels more home than home.’—@L_Leigh
Sometimes it takes a Canadian, or anyone who grew up in places unfamiliar places thousands of kilometres away, to remind us what it’s like to enjoy South Africa with a fresh pair of eyes.
After all, is seeing our country like a tourist really anything to object? Or is it an opportunity to remind ourselves that there is life beyond the headlines?