A different South Africa

FOR us Filipinos who regularly travel abroad during the summer break, we have the tendency to fly to all corners of the United States and practically invade the country. The most common destinations are California and New York. Although there are some who venture off to Europe, Australia and the rest of Asia, the US is still the favorite vacation destination of Filipinos.

However, have any of you ever thought of going to the continent we tend to take for granted? Have you ever thought of going to Africa?

Preconceived notions

Think Africa and what are the first things that enter your mind? Desert, animals, scorching heat, African natives with almost nothing on. I thought so, because that was precisely what I was expecting to see when I was preparing for my trip to South Africa. But preconceived notions are precisely just that—preconceptions and, in this case, they were misconceptions.

South Africa is, in fact, the exact opposite. Majority of the people I saw in the streets were not the black natives I pictured, but Caucasian professionals. The temperature ranged from -12 to 10oC, and it was a better version of Los Angeles and New York put together.

Interesting facts about South Africa

They have a strange fascination with Asians, especially Filipinos, and they know so much about our country.

You can say "hi" to everyone you meet on the streets regardless of whether they are also tourists or locals.

Ostriches can be ridden like horses and they can scare the hell out of you.

South Africans seem to be more Catholic than we are because during Mass, they actually nod with the priest and answer his questions! They also line up for communion row by row!

After Mass, all young people are invited to a small party beside the church so they can get to know one another.

The royal family spends their holiday vacations at the rest houses located in Port Elizabeth.

The cars people drive don’t go cheaper than a Benz (and we thought they only had camels and what not)!

They have Planet Hollywood. (Yes, this was a surprise!)

The Sun City, where Miss World pageants are held, is simply breathtaking!

These are only a few of the interesting facts I wouldn’t have known had I not visited South Africa. The US is an overrated vacation destination and South Africa is the perfect new place for Filipinos to visit. So, this summer, try to control yourself from invading California and visit South Africa for a change!