Some random things I have learned about South Africa

Just a few things, nothing too deep... just as they come to me :)

• Traffic lights are called “robots” (i.e. “take a right at the next robot”)
• Stop signs = yield signs
• Rooibos tea is caffeine-free and delicious (especially with a teaspoon of sugar and some milk)
• Being called “sis” is a term of endearment
• Guys hit on girls by “tss”-ing at them
• Alcohol is cheaper here
• “Is it?” is a rhetorical statement at the end of yours. No answer needed, it just signals confirmation. (i.e. “This biltong is delicious.” “Is it?”)
• Biltong IS delicious… it’s like a not-as-dry-and-chewy form of beef jerky.
• South Africans are annoyed by the wind
• They wear boots, scarves, beanies, jackets in 20C (68F) weather because… it’s winter.
• While most residents in the townships live in shacks, they dress very nicely (almost formally) and take great pride in their appearances.
• You can buy almost everything you need at the gas station (“garage”), such as electricity and air time for your cell phone, except for alcohol.
• Grocery stores also don’t sell alcohol. Only liquor stores do.
• Stroh rum has 80% alcohol content and is illegal in the US. It also really burns going down.
• Zebras are as common as horses
• Unlimited wireless internet is not common… they usually charge by MB
• If you seem disinterested in a product at Greenmarket square, they will go down with the price
• There’s a KFC on almost every corner, but almost no McDonalds (I’ve seen 2)
• A braai is not just a barbeque, but also a party
• “Just now” = soon, eventually, or never. “Now now” = shortly, in a bit.
• You will hear the “waka waka” or “wavin’ flag” song at least 4 times a day
• Pedestrians never have the right of way
• If a baboon is about to attack you, act submissive and/or pee your pants
• Castle Milk Stout is kind of like Guinness, but much better. And cheaper.
• “Howzit?” incorporates both “Hello” and “how are you?” – I like efficiency
• You tip car guards for “watching” your car when parked on the street
• Stores are closed after sunset and on Sundays
• A lot of the food here has some sort of curry in it (yum)
• Porcupines can apparently be as big as Labradors
• The weather is bipolar, you should carry a rain jacket with you even on sunny days
• Soccer is called both “football” AND “soccer” here, as much as people try to tell you it’s just “football”
• South Africans don’t like Australians (this stems from their rugby rivalry) and make fun of their accents, even though I think South African English is a mix between British and Aussie.
• Afrikaans sounds more like Flemish, and they blend their words/tone together more than the Dutch
• I can’t tell the Xhosa and Zulu language apart… they both have clicks
• If you wear flip flops, people know you're a tourist. Especially if you call them "flip flops"
• Locals are GENUINELY interested in you. Genuinely.