SOUTH AFRICA - Expat Contests

Writing Contest October 2012

An Expat in South Africa

I wake up with a start. My bedside alarm tells me it’s 4:30 in the morning and it takes me a moment to remember that I’m in a brand-new house, in a brand-new country, on a brand-new continent. What on Earth was that noise that just jolted me from sleep? It sounded like a pig was being slaughtered right outside my window. As I lie...

Expat Blog Awards 2013

My top 10 places to view Wildlife in South Africa

We live in Centurion, Pretoria and welcome numerous visitors every year to South Africa, including family, friends and work colleagues. We are regular visitors to the first 6 places and enjoy annual trips to 7-10. In no particular order other than closest to home are the following places to view game, wildlife and birds. 1. Reitvlei...

Writing Contest March 2013

My top 5 things to do in South Africa

Volunteer work Especially if you can’t get a work permit like me. Volunteering in South Africa is extremely rewarding, for starters one is far less restrained in regards to ‘do’s and don’ts of being a volunteer.’ I’ve been fortunate enough to get involved almost full time with both a local and national charity and spin off...

Expat Culture Shock

Tampons, naked saunas and men in Speedos

Deal with it? Live with it? Accept it? Deny it? Nothing can prepare for Culture shock, just what is it anyway? How is it described? Is it really THAT bad? Culture shock is just something that has to be experienced. It’s not something that is helped by even speaking the same language. Family and friends may not understand it, or...

Expat Blog Awards 2013

Top 5 Reasons Why a South African Braai Trumps an American Barbecue

Trust me. I was skeptical too. When my then boyfriend, now husband tried to explain the beauty of a South African Braai, I'll be honest, I didn't really get it. It sounded like a basic barbecue. A gathering of friends and family eating food from the grill. "Our barbecues are great," I argued. "My dad makes a mean burger." But whenever we...

Writing Contest March 2013

Top Ten Reasons You Should Move to Johannesburg Despite the Crime Rate

You’re a prospective expat considering a move to Johannesburg, or South Africa in general. You have heard about the high crime rate. In fact, based on your online research, you could actually write an entire book about all the reasons you should NOT move to such a dangerous country. Why, then, are large numbers of expats living happily...