Adventures of an Expat in South Africa
Getting a copy of Michelle Obama's "Becoming" this Christmas put me in a reflective mood. There is much in it to make you think about life, our roles in society, and our roles in our families. What does it mean to be a woman, a corporate lawyer, a mother, and in her case, black? Why do some of us have the need to try so dang hard to prove that we are good enough, that we belong?
This is a typical "This is Africa" anecdote of the kind that I've so come to miss over the years. It's a story of thievery and deceit, ingenuity and cunning. Like so many stories set in Africa, it somehow has the power to make you smile, even if one cannot condone or admire the perpetrators. In any other place on Earth it would be met with condemnation, but This is Africa!
One of the most profound lifestyle changes we were subjected to when moving to South Africa was the way we consumed books. Back home in the United States, going to the library had been a regular family ritual. Books were abundant and free, and everyone read to their heart's content. Not so in South Africa. This is why you need and Audible subscription as an expat.
As an expat, I often reflect on which qualities make a good expat. But what is true for expats is also true for travel companions. The hilarious travel memoir "What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding" elaborates on a certain less-than ideal travel companion and gives excellent advice in form of a list "you use when interviewing your next potential trip partner."
This blog post was inspired by a reader with a question about his upcoming move to South Africa. He knew Cape Town was more beautiful, he said, but perhaps his chances of finding employment were better in Johannesburg? If you are an expat moving to South Africa with a choice of Johannesburg vs Cape Town, read more to find out which factors to consider.
Zimbabwe is often maligned for its political situation, but it is a wonderful travel destination that stands out with beautiful and diverse scenery as well as incredibly friendly people. There is much more than Victoria Falls to see in Zimbabwe, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly. Here are some insider tips by guest blogger Simon Massey.
In my 15-year old daughter's world, "sketchy" is the new word of the day. Sketchy is a catchall label for any situation that might be uncomfortable in the slightest. It makes me think of our life in South Africa, where a large portion of what happened to me can be defined as sketchy. Driving into the township of Alexandra to take home the baseball coach I had just met: Sketchy.
Trailing spouse. You can’t be an expat and not have an intimate relationship with those two words. In fact, being or having a trailing spouse is not just relegated to expat territory. Rather, it’s a universal issue of humankind that bores deep into the essence of a relationship. Read on to find out why you should watch Grey's Anatomy to learn more about the trailing spouse dilemma.
Prompted by my husband's trip to South Africa I posted a request on the Joburg Expat Facebook page to list essential items to bring back from South Africa. I wanted to make sure he didn't forget anything. I got an overwhelming response in just a few hours. Everyone just typed what first came to their mind, and it turned into a list both useful and hilarious.
Here is a question I occasionally get from prospective expats mulling over a move to South Africa: Can South Africa cater to the special educational needs of my kids? If you have children with special needs and have come to Joburg Expat for answers, this post will hopefully help you learn more about one special needs school in Johannesburg, Japari.