Soon enough this 24 year old Canadian will be moving her life to a new country, South Africa.
While currently enduring as patiently as possible the never ending opinions and frightened looks as I tell those around me that I will be moving to Johannesburg, I have decided to do what it is that I feel like I need to do, and that's go.
I can't help but feel that many are judging me, thinking I am following someone elses dreams other than my own, but the truth is, I am following my dreams.
Always up for an adventure, always up for something outside of the norm...this next phase of my life is somehow what I always knew I would do.
I've decided to keep an online blog to post my personal opinions and feelings about the current social state of South Africa and all of it's dynamics in living in a place like Johannesburg. I want to be brutally honest, truthful and raw. I won't tell any family or friends about this blog as I don't want it to turn into one of those cheesy "I did this today..." blogs, or scare anyone close to me.
This blog may be conceived as ignorant or informative, regardless, I feel the need to offer a second opinion to the many with pre-conceived notions towards a country that most have never visited. With so many immigrants from South Africa in North America, it's hard not to make a judgement on a place that you have only "heard" so much about.
We will see, I still have some time now to finish up this degree, pack my bags and finally get on the plane in June. So, please read my blogs in the near future, that is, if it at all interests you,
6 comments:
You have to find out about this on your own, go to South Africa and not listen to others around you!!
You asked for advice: Do your own thing... and write about things that interest you... then you'll enjoy your blogging in South Africa and anywhere!!
Good luck!!
Hi there
Congratulations, I admire your guts and determination. You have experience life your own way and the best way to form an opinion about a country is by living there. I am an ex South African living in Vancouver. Against everyone's advice we went back to South Africa last year to give it another try. It didn't work out for us and six months later we were back here. I am very much an idealist and really thought we would against all odds make it there. Unfortunately living with crime can change a persons outlook on life. Sadly we once again had to say goodbye to the people and country we love. I am not saying this to discourage you from going, in fact I look forward to reading your blogs. It will be interesting to see the perspecitve on a non ex-pat. I just hope that you don't unconsiously change your view on humanity. If we had remained there one of my concerns was that all we have taught our children about value of all life regardless of race would of been undone. I wish you all the best. Keep safe and God Bless. If you need any advice or contacts let me know.
Crime is everywhere in the world - in some places and areas a bit more than others.
A friend of mine decided he wanted to move to New Zealand because of the crime here in SA - despite the fact that nothing had ever happened to him.
In his first week there his pick pocketed. He decided not to move there.
My point is that you still need to be careful and aware of surroundings but never let fear paralyze you and dictate your decisions.
South Africa is not perfect but it also is not so bad. Personally I did not really like JHB and avoided the city centre as much as possible.
Really loved growing up in Durban and I am now in Cape Town - Somerset West.
What are you planning on doing in JHB?
I know that u already here. I am in DBN and am S.African. It's very encouraging to see how your blog is so balanced in its approach to SA. Thank you for coming to SA. I hope you had good times so far and I wish you even a better stay!
Thank you for all of the encouraging posts, i'm just finding them now...it means a lot!
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