I’m a twenty-six year old Charlottean – that’s American for Southern – who migrated to the very bottom of the “Heart of Darkness” – that’s South African for Cape Town – and never looked back. I came here for three months of beautiful beaches and golden people and have thus far punched in three years on the time clock.
How long have you lived there and how long will you stay? What keeps you there?
It’s been just over three and one half years, and I’ve finally shed my fear of investing in greater items of permanency like a garlic press and potted plants. Though my work permit’s only valid for another 11 months, I’m already in the process of extending.
Beauty, intrigue, drama – the “Mother City”, Cape Town’s affable nickname, has it all. But perhaps more seductive than even the incredible quality of life young people are able to attain in such a naturally stunning location, is the constant interplay between two worlds: one a hedonistic indulgence of all life’s most pleasurable pursuits and the other a vivid fear of the danger that lurks just beyond the city’s glaring gap of wealth disparity.
What do you do to make a living?
I’m the online editor of Expat Arrivals.com, a site devoted to developing comprehensive destination guides aimed at easing expat transitions abroad. Managing our 65 county/city guides is enough to keep anyone busy, but I also enjoy editing the quirky expat interviews and engaging articles that feature on the site.
Do be sure to check it out. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our content, our forum is sure to deliver the expert advice that can help make your experience living and working abroad successful.
Describe your average weekday and weekend day.
The average weekday starts with coffee and an always adventurous ride on the local mode of informal transportation – minivan taxis. If I’m lucky enough not to get blown away by a raunchy R.Kelly remix or get lost in the folds of one of the sturdier locals on board, I arrive at work at 8H30 am and leave at 5 pm.
Evenings consist of a trip to the yoga gym or something equally good for the soul – like a bottle of red wine with friends. During summer, the beach is still beautiful after work, or a hike up to any one of Cape Town’s easily accessed mountain walks is all but irresistible.
What skills have you learned while living abroad?
Perhaps more than anything I’ve learned to go with the flow, and temper my expectations. As Leonardo diCaprio said so wisely in Blood Diamonds, “TIA” (This is Africa), so don’t get your panties in a knot over matters that are ultimately trivial.
Cape Town has also taught me to value my human connections. Though South Africa is a place of plenty for some, people here have had to rely on each other heavily in the past and often still in the present. Thus the interpersonal relationships you form and the way you spend your time cultivating them becomes much more meaningful than trends, technology and even your level of ambition.
What are you missing (professionally) by not being in your home country?
Most likely I’m missing a valuable opportunity to work 80 hours a week and make a sizeable salary. Unfortunately I wouldn’t have the time to spend it, and if I did, I doubt I’d remember how to enjoy it.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be and why?
I’m here, but priorities change from moment to moment. I can only hope that the future holds another living experience as equally amazing.
What is your favorite gadget that makes your work life abroad better?
Instant Coffee.
Do you have a favorite book that inspired you to travel or consider a different way of living?
No one book inspired me to travel. Rather as each story is its own journey, I fell in love with escapism at an early age. Authors of note: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, Murikami, Roald Dahl, John Irving, Vladimir Nabokov, the list continues.
Other than yours, do you have a favorite expat blog?
I enjoy reading the expat section of the Telegraph, and I like this one.
