Things I'm going to miss about South Africa, Part 2

When I first arrived in SA.

On Monday, I started sharing my things I'm going to miss about SA list. As our days of living here are dwindling, I'm trying to soak in all my favourites about this country. Here are a few more:

One of my favorites - a Zazu bird, as I call it.

Whether you can see them or not, there are hippos in the background:)

From my time with the ellies.

Living near the bush. I've lived in South Africa for three and half years and have never been able to get over being able to see elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, rhinos, etc. in the wild! (I mean, this, this, this, and this are only the posts from my most recent trips to the bush.) It's absolutely breathtaking. Going to the bush will always be at the top of my to-do list whenever we come back and visit.

Image

Continuing with the wild life theme, I am certainty going to miss hadida birds. (Yes, I know, it sounds like la-tee-da. That's part of the fun.) I know most South Africans would probably love to never see a hadida again - they are loud, obnoxious, and everywhere. But that's exactly why I'll miss them: so unique and so South African!

I know this is the Invictus trailor, but I think the accents in it are pretty decent.

The accent. Although I do really enjoy the South African accent (especially on my husband), it's not even the accent as much as "proper speaking" that I'm going to miss. South Africans say phrases like, "It's a pleasure" (in response to a "thank you") and "You musn't worry" and "That is absolutely divine!" (as in, that dessert is so delicious). Oh and of course, there's "Shame". I never quite understood exactly how to use this. I did pick up its use in this context:

           Person A:   "My cousin's brother's girlfriend's sister got eaten by a lion last week while
                             camping in the bush." (I have never heard of this happening, just FYI.)
           Person B:   "Oh shame! That's awful!"

Makes enough sense, right? Well here's the other way I have heard this word used:

           Person A:    (Opens the door to let her friend into her home, while holding her brand new
                             baby who is adorable.)
           Person B:    (Looking at said baby): Oh shame! He precious!

Doesn't make any sense, does it? But alas, I will miss these delightful language anomalies!



South Africa is so wonderful. Maybe next time we come visit, you'll join us? :)