The flight over from London was a little shy of AMAZING - both kids in their business class seats, fed, watered and tired out from personal entertainment in the business class lounge, slept for almost 90% of the 11 hour flight, only waking 45 minutes before landing. I woke up to drinks and a continental breakfast being served to my four year old son- at which point I thanked the steward for looking after him so well to which he replied ' Your son rang the bell madam and asked for some juice and a croissant'
Being home is everything I expected and could have hoped for. Beautiful weather, amazing blue skies, beautiful sunsets, family, friendly people and cheap beer and wine. What more could you ask for?
We spent a very busy five days in Natal before embarking on the five hour car trip to Johannesburg. As the skyline appeared in sight I was almost speechless. I hadn't been to Johannesburg since 1994 and even then had little experience with this incredibly big city. The first couple days where overwhelming to say the least.
But it's been almost two months now since we arrived and already I am starting to feel like a local. I think I drive like one too. Driving around the city has seemed fairly easy- I say this as I am renowned for my somewhat 'crazy' driving so maybe I fit in. (I've only got lost a handful of times and had to reverse off the motorway once to avoid ending up somewhere I was warned NEVER to go to)
As usual before arriving our relocation agents had sent through a couple of options for serviced accommodation for our first month. I couldn't place areas/ suburbs in my head so when it came to the decision I was happy for anything, as long as it was safe. Safety was always an issue and I think will always be for anyone contemplating a move here. Johannesburg has one of the highest crime rates in the world and, even as a native South African, I was incredibly nervous about what to expect.
It's hard to ignore the risks or forget where you are when driving around the city. Six foot walls with barbed wire, electric fences, security gates and guarded streets are constant reminders of the potential threat we live with here. Yet despite that I don't feel unsafe.
Fair enough our apartment here has four security guards, about six doors - two which require four did-get codes, fingerprints and keycard access before you even get to your front door, but driving around in the day or night has never been an issue.
I can't say nothing will happen but I hope that without us being too relaxed we might never encounter anything bad or experience the horror stories that seem to be more urban legend at the moment.
How can this place be so dangerous? Everyone is so friendly...
When I first moved to Singapore I was young, a bit naive and an 'expat virgin'. I loved the city but always felt alone or unwelcome- until I had lived there for a good few years. Moving to New York was incredible and it seemed natural to go back to a western english speaking country. I have and always will say that Americans have to be the friendliest people in the world. It was so easy to make friends, chat to shop assistants and feel welcome.
South Africa has been a mix of both. Although I look local, and occasionally sound local, I sometimes feel very alone. Without walking around the city, meeting in parks or going to local library/coffee shop meet ups it's been tough trying to meet 'friends', but shop assistants, helpers, workers and the general public are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. I often think that despite the hardship, their living conditions and their fortune - or somewhat misfortune- some South Africans still have so much to smile about. It's hard not to drive around this city feeling a little sad for those less fortunate and grateful for what you have. I think maybe that's what makes people here so grounded or down to earth.
I came here with little expectation, worried that I'd be building myself up for something I wouldn't like but it's everything I expected and I couldn't be happier. I love this country and hopefully in two weeks time when we move into our new house, it'll finally feel like home.
