Three Things I Love About Africa

#1 You can buy avocados at a red light. Seriously – at the “robot” (aka “stop light”) near our home a man walks from car to car selling bags of avocados for less than a dollar.

#2 Buy a Donkey - “Thank you” in Afrikaans sounds like you’re saying “buy a donkey” (Baie dankie). So if someone gives you back change at the grocery store you say “Buy a Donkey.” It seems like you’re unveiling plans for your next big mule purchase – but in actually it’s just a little gratitude.

#3 Pick N Pay – There is a real grocery store here. They do things a little differently – but it’s essentially the same. I do marvel at the name, however. In the states most businesses tend to avoid using the word “Pay” in your company name (people don’t PAY – they SAVE!)

I took a poll of our fellow CPx students (from all of the world, including Africans) and asked “What do you love most about Africa – in 10 seconds?”

Top 10 Things CPx Students Love About Africa:

1. Food (freshest food in the world – especially fruits and veggies)
2. Natural Beauty (back-drop of the ocean, mountains and forest is truly amazing)
3. Soccer (the style of soccer looks more like a dance)
4. Wildlife (penguins, baboons, elephants, ostriches, etc.)
5. Colorful People and Diverse Cultures (a unique blend of western and African cultures)
6. Patterns on the clothing (so colorful)
7. Sun (most days are sunny and warm)
8. Joyful people (even in the worst of circumstances)
9. Hospitable, warm, open people (no one hesitates to invite you into their home for tea)
10. Most people speak multiple languages (as in- more than 2 languages – it’s impressive – I feel like they often have to accommodate the poor American that only knows 1 language)