Falling in Love Again: South Africa Through New Eyes
“From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the serene beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains, every moment felt like a new discovery.”
Over the past few years, I’ve had a blast spinning wild tales about life in South Africa. I’ve told people we hunt lions before breakfast and ride horses to the grocery store. But let’s be real, the last time I was in South Africa, it was just a whirlwind 10-day visit, and I’d kind of forgotten what it’s really like.
So, last year, those 10 days were enough to renew my passport before I jetted off on another adventure, but they didn’t quite reignite my love for all the things I missed about South Africa. This summer, though, I had a chance to dig in and explore my own country through a foreign perspective through my partner’s eyes. She was visiting South Africa for the first time to meet my parents and I was dead set on making it a trip to remember.
After four years of globe-trotting, I’d almost forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful South Africa is. Whether navigating its bustling streets, stunning beaches, or awe-inspiring mountains. Seeing it all anew through the perspective of my Honduran partner was an eye-opener.
So today, join me as I recount the hilarious, heartwarming, and downright spectacular experience of rediscovering South Africa through her eyes.
Arrival
When I first told my parents about my plan to spend a month of my summer in South Africa this year during a Zoom call, they gave me a puzzled look and reminded me, “You do know it’s winter right now, right?” Hearing their words sent a shiver down my spine as I realized I hadn’t experienced a real winter in almost 4 years!
Despite their concerns, I confidently announced, “This time, I’m coming with Claudia.” Within a second of saying that, my mom practically jumped out of her seat and exclaimed, “I can’t wait! Have you guys already booked the tickets? Do you want us to come pick you up?”
As she buzzed with excitement, I started to wonder just how bad winter in South Africa could be. And for my Honduran partner who had never experienced a winter like this before, it would definitely be a make-or-break experience.
As the days of our trip approached, I began watching the local news and weather back home to get an idea of what to expect. Every source I turned to said the same thing: a cold front approaching, with temperatures between 5–10 degrees Celsius. They advised staying cozy and making sure to have enough gas heaters available.
Looking at this, Claudia said, “Gas ,heaters? Really? I would never have thought it could possibly get that cold in a place like that.”
“Oh, but it does,” I replied. “We better make sure we buy enough sweaters!” Observing this with my partner made me realize that this would be the first time I traveled through South Africa during winter. This was going to be interesting!
Our Adventures
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this trip would be an adventure. Claudia’s wide-eyed wonder at everything from the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the serene beauty of the other provinces reminded me of the magic I’d taken for granted. Here are some of the highlights of our trip:
Vibrant Markets: We explored the bustling markets in Johannesburg, filled with colorful crafts, delicious street food, and lively music. Claudia couldn’t get enough of the unique jewelry and handmade goods.
Stunning Hikes: We hiked the Drakensberg Mountains, with their breathtaking vistas and rich biodiversity. The crisp winter air was invigorating, and the views were worth every step.
Game Drives: We went on game drives and saw lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes. These experiences brought tears to Claudia’s eyes, as seeing African wildlife had been her dream since childhood.
Historical Sites: We visited the Apartheid Museum and the Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Johannesburg. These visits were profoundly moving and gave my partner a deep understanding of South Africa’s complex history.
Cultural Experiences: We attended a national parade during the new president’s inauguration, witnessing military displays, guest speakers, and performances. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left us both in awe.
Family Events: We joined one of my dad’s company’s events, where experts spoke on entrepreneurship in music, television, and business. Claudia was amazed by the diversity of South Africa’s film and television industry.
Natural Wonders: We visited Hartebeespoort Dam and marveled at its serene beauty. We also explored the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we learned about our ancient ancestors.
Spiritual Sites: We spent a peaceful day at the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit, soaking in the tranquility and spiritual atmosphere.
Union Buildings: We visited the Union Buildings in Pretoria, admiring the grand architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
But it wasn’t just about the places we visited; it was about seeing them through the eyes of a foreigner. Her joy and curiosity were infectious, and I found myself falling in love with South Africa all over again. Whether we were marveling at the beauty of the beaches in Kwa Zulu Natal or exploring the streets of the mother city, every moment was filled with a renewed sense of wonder.
And as for the winter? Well, let’s just say we learned to embrace the chill. Bundled up in cozy scarves and jackets, we braved the brisk winds and even managed to find a few spots to warm up with a steaming cup of rooibos tea.
This summer in South Africa was more than just a vacation — a journey of rediscovery. Through Claudia’s eyes, I saw the beauty, charm, and vibrancy of my homeland in a whole new light.
