Experiencing Cape Town: An Expat’s Honest Look at South African Life, Culture, and Adventures

Embarking on a new life chapter in a foreign land is always an adventure filled with surprises, learning, and unforgettable moments. Our journey led us from the familiar streets of Portland, Oregon, to the vibrant, captivating city of Cape Town, South Africa. As many of our friends and family, particularly my partner’s sister, an elementary school teacher in Seattle, showed immense curiosity about our new home, we decided to share some insights into what daily life is truly like here. The questions poured in, reflecting a genuine interest in the cultural nuances, unique experiences, and challenges of living far from home. We’ve compiled some of the most insightful questions we received, along with our joint responses, offering a candid glimpse into our South African experience. The last question, in particular, always brings a smile to our faces!

How is daily life in South Africa different from here?

Daily life in Cape Town presents a fascinating blend of familiar elements and distinct differences that consistently remind us we’re on a different continent. These differences manifest in countless “little things” that collectively shape our daily experience. One of the most common cultural quirks we’ve encountered revolves around time and punctuality. In South Africa, the phrase “just now” doesn’t carry the same immediate urgency as “now” in the U.S. “Just now” typically implies “in a few minutes” or “shortly,” whereas “right now” means “immediately.” This linguistic nuance often leads to humorous misunderstandings but also forces a more relaxed pace, which we’ve come to appreciate.

Driving, for instance, is another significant adjustment. Not only do people drive on the opposite side of the road here – the left – but the driving style can also be considerably more assertive than what we were accustomed to in the Pacific Northwest. Navigating the roads requires heightened awareness and quick reflexes. Beyond traffic, everyday conveniences sometimes operate differently. For example, buying electricity isn’t a bill paid monthly; it’s often a pre-paid system where you purchase units at grocery stores or online. This makes people much more conscious of their energy consumption, especially given the occasional power outages, known as “load shedding,” which can occur when the national grid struggles to meet demand. These outages, while disruptive, become a part of the routine, prompting us to charge devices diligently and keep candles handy.

Perhaps the most persistent daily challenge for us has been the internet connection. Compared to the robust and fast internet speeds in the U.S., South African internet, especially residential connections, can be incredibly slow and unreliable. This impacts everything from communication with family back home to streaming entertainment and, for me, even my full-time blogging activities. Simple tasks that we took for granted, like uploading large files or participating in video calls, require patience and careful planning.

While English is widely spoken in Cape Town, especially in tourist areas and business settings, many city names, street signs, and local expressions are in Afrikaans, one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Pronouncing names like Bloubergstrand (bl-ow-berg-strand) or Smitswinkelbaai (smits-vink-ell-by) can be quite a linguistic challenge and often leads to amusing attempts. Furthermore, common household items and food terms have different names. For instance, what we call ketchup is “tomato sauce,” and our “tomato sauce” is typically referred to as “tomato puree.” A barbecue is a “braai” (pronounced bry), a sausage is a “boerewors” (boo-ruh-vors), and Diet Coke is “Coke Light.” These seemingly small differences add layers to the daily cultural immersion.

Despite these adjustments, there are countless wonderful aspects of daily life here. The weather, particularly in Cape Town, is often superb. What locals consider “cold” is usually a breezy 65 degrees Fahrenheit – a pleasant change from harsher winters. The generally slower pace of life, initially a source of annoyance, has become a cherished aspect, encouraging us to truly sit back, relax, and savor moments, particularly during meals at restaurants. The favorable exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the South African Rand also means our money goes much further, allowing us to enjoy more experiences and activities. Cape Town itself offers an endless array of adventures, from pristine beaches and the bustling V&A Waterfront to invigorating hikes, incredible game reserves, and vibrant cultural festivals, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to explore.

Do they have any unusual foods?

South African cuisine has been a delightful journey of discovery, offering a wide array of foods and flavors that are a significant departure from typical American fare. We’ve had the pleasure of tasting many unique meats, including ostrich and springbok, a graceful antelope similar to a deer, both of which are surprisingly lean and flavorful. Restaurant menus often feature even more exotic options like warthog and crocodile, though we haven’t ventured there yet! The seafood scene is also distinct, with popular local catches like hake (pronounced hay-ck), line fish, and snoek being staples that differ from the varieties commonly found back home. The delicious boerewors sausages, often cooked on a braai, have quickly become a favorite, bursting with rich, savory flavors.

The bounty of fresh produce is another highlight. We’ve discovered intriguing fruits and vegetables such as cape gooseberries, exotic dragon fruit, litchis, and adorable baby marrows (which are essentially tiny squashes). Avocados, mangoes, and corn are consumed in abundance. Corn, in particular, holds a crucial place in the South African diet, often ground into a staple food known as maize meal or “pap,” which has a consistency similar to grits. This versatile dish is served with many meals, offering a comforting and filling base.

What makes South African cuisine truly exceptional is its rich tapestry of cultural influences. Centuries of interaction with various communities – from the Dutch and Malay settlers to the British colonizers and the diverse indigenous African cultures – have all contributed to a unique culinary landscape. This fusion results in a vibrant and complex food culture that is constantly evolving and always exciting to explore.

What are the animals like there? Have you seen any wild animals?

The wildlife in South Africa is simply extraordinary and has provided some of our most memorable experiences. One of the absolute highlights is a short drive from our home to Boulders Beach, a breathtakingly beautiful, warm beach renowned for its resident colony of African penguins! It’s an incredible sight to see these charming creatures waddling about, completely at ease, amidst people picnicking and swimming. The sheer joy of watching them in their natural habitat, so close yet undisturbed, is an experience unlike any other.

Our encounters with wild animals aren’t limited to dedicated reserves. Just the other day, while driving along a scenic route, we had to stop our car to allow a troop of baboons to cross the road – a truly exhilarating moment. These intelligent primates are common in many of the hiking areas around Cape Town, and we frequently see warning signs advising against feeding them, as human interaction can make them aggressive or dependent. Seeing them roam freely in their natural environment is a constant reminder of the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us here.

What are the houses like?

The architecture in Cape Town is incredibly diverse and visually appealing, reflecting its rich history and cultural influences. In our neighborhood and surrounding areas, a prominent style is “Cape Dutch” architecture. This distinctive architectural form is named after the Dutch colonists who arrived in the 17th century and constructed many of the region’s oldest and most iconic buildings. These houses are typically characterized by their striking whitewashed cement walls, thatched roofs, and unique gables that often feature intricate scrollwork and ornate details. They exude a timeless charm, blending European farmhouse styles with local adaptations, and are incredibly picturesque.

Another visually stunning and culturally significant area is Bo-Kaap, a famous neighborhood nestled against Signal Hill, just above the city center. Bo-Kaap is instantly recognizable for its brightly painted, vibrant houses, which line cobblestone streets. This area is the historical and cultural heart of the Cape Malay community, one of South Africa’s many unique cultural groups. The colorful facades are said to symbolize the residents’ expression of freedom and identity, particularly after the abolition of slavery. Walking through Bo-Kaap feels like stepping into a living postcard, steeped in history, tradition, and a palpable sense of community.

However, not far from Cape Town’s affluent city center and scenic suburbs lies a stark contrast in the form of “townships.” These urban residential areas, largely populated by low-income black South Africans, are a direct and painful legacy of centuries of economic, legal, and political racial inequality, particularly the apartheid laws that dictated where people of different racial classifications were permitted to live. Townships are characterized by serious underdevelopment; residents often face unreliable access to basic services such as clean water, consistent electricity, and effective waste treatment. The housing here can range from informal shacks made of corrugated iron and wood to more formalized but still basic structures. Millions of South Africans reside in these communities, which serve as a visible and constant reminder of the country’s complex social history and the ongoing challenges of poverty and inequality. Understanding and acknowledging townships is crucial to grasping the full reality of contemporary South Africa, offering a profound perspective on the nation’s journey towards reconciliation and progress.

What is the culture like?

South Africa is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation,” a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and it perfectly encapsulates the country’s incredible diversity. Rather than a single, monolithic “South African” culture, the nation is a vibrant mosaic of distinct cultural traditions, languages, and belief systems. This rich tapestry is best illustrated by the fact that South Africa boasts 11 official languages! These include indigenous languages with deep roots throughout southern Africa, such as Xhosa (known for its distinctive click consonants), Zulu, Sotho, and Tswana, which are spoken by millions across different ethnic groups. Additionally, there are European-derived languages like Afrikaans, which evolved from Dutch, and English, which serves as a common lingua franca in business and government. This linguistic and cultural diversity permeates every aspect of society, from music and art to food and daily customs. Each group contributes unique traditions, histories, and perspectives, creating a dynamic and constantly evolving cultural landscape. It is precisely this profound multiculturalism that makes South Africa such a truly unique, fascinating, and wonderful place to live and explore.

What is the coolest thing you have seen since living there?

For Chelsea, the absolute coolest thing has undoubtedly been seeing Cape Town from the summit of Table Mountain. This iconic natural landmark, which majestically shadows the city, is stunningly unique with its remarkably flat top – a feature that gives it its evocative name. We took the revolving aerial cableway up, which offers breathtaking panoramic views during the ascent. Once at the top, we were treated to an entirely different ecosystem, complete with its own unique set of flora and fauna, including a variety of lizards and beautiful, endemic fynbos flowers. There’s an unparalleled sensation that comes with gazing down upon a city as beautiful and geographically striking as Cape Town from such an incredible vantage point, where the urban sprawl meets the ocean and mountains. (The penguins at Boulders Beach are, however, a very close second!)

For my partner, the most awe-inspiring experience was visiting the very tip of the Cape Peninsula. Cape Town is situated at the southwestern-most extremity of South Africa and indeed, the entire African continent. The city itself sprawls across this significant land feature that juts dramatically into the vast expanse of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Standing at this geographic marvel, we felt entirely surrounded by ocean, an exhilarating sensation of being at the very edge of the world. Knowing that there was nothing but water between us and the South Pole created a profound sense of connection to the planet’s vastness. It was a truly humbling and unforgettable moment. Beyond that, the continuous encounters with wild baboons and the charming penguins have also been incredibly fun and endlessly fascinating.

What do you miss most about the U.S.?

For Chelsea, beyond the obvious missing of family and friends, the thing I genuinely, truly miss the most is a fast and reliable internet connection. I honestly never realized how utterly dependent I was on it until we moved here! Often, our internet will abruptly cut out without warning, or slow to such a crawl that it becomes practically unusable. This has been a significant challenge, especially since the internet is our primary means of communicating with loved ones back home. We’ve mostly been limited to texting and emailing, as our internet connection frequently struggles to support stable phone calls or video chats via platforms like Skype. As a full-time blogger, my entire work depends on a functional internet connection, so these disruptions can be incredibly frustrating and impact my productivity. I also surprisingly miss American television more than I anticipated. Here, we typically only have access to a few local channels, which often broadcast shows in different languages or endless soap operas, neither of which truly capture my interest or provide the comfort of familiar programming.

My partner, while understanding Chelsea’s sentiments (and gently teasing her about sounding a “little bit spoiled,” all in good fun!), primarily misses his folks and friends. The social connections are a huge part of what makes a place home. He also longs for the simple pleasure of watching his favorite basketball team, the Portland Trailblazers, during the NBA playoffs. While he keeps up with their games by reading online reports and checking scores, it’s just not the same as the live, immersive experience of watching a game unfold. These small comforts and connections become amplified when you’re thousands of miles away.

What is the money called?

South Africa’s national currency is called the Rand, symbolized by “R”. When you see prices displayed, they look like this: R17.99 for example, meaning seventeen Rand and ninety-nine cents. The exchange rate naturally fluctuates, but a rough estimate is that approximately 10 Rand are equivalent to one U.S. Dollar, making South Africa a relatively affordable destination for those earning in stronger currencies.

The banknotes in South Africa are not only functional but also serve as beautiful symbols of the nation’s heritage and natural wealth. Each paper bill features a portrait of the country’s first democratically elected president, the iconic Nelson Mandela, on the front, honoring his monumental legacy. The reverse side of the bills showcases stunning illustrations of “the Big Five” animals that are native to the region: the majestic lion, the elusive leopard, the powerful Cape Buffalo, the critically endangered rhino, and the intelligent elephant. These animals are not only significant to South Africa’s wildlife conservation efforts but also represent the country’s natural beauty and draw countless tourists to its national parks and game reserves.

What is the government like?

South Africa’s governmental structure presents some fundamental differences compared to the United States. The most significant distinction lies in its classification as a unitary state. This means that almost all governmental authority and power are concentrated at the national level, with provincial and local governments having delegated powers rather than inherent sovereign powers. In contrast, the U.S. operates under a federal system, where power is explicitly divided and shared between the national (or federal) government and individual states, like Washington or California, each retaining significant autonomy within their jurisdictions.

Another major departure is in the electoral process for the head of state. South Africans do not directly elect their president. Instead, voters cast their ballots for a specific political party, not an individual candidate for president. Seats in the country’s parliament, which is analogous to the U.S. Congress, are then allocated to each party in proportion to the percentage of the national vote it received. Following this distribution, the newly formed parliament collectively elects the president from among its members. This type of electoral system is known as proportional representation.

One notable consequence of this proportional system is the significantly greater number of political parties represented in the South African Parliament compared to the U.S. electoral landscape. While the U.S. Congress is predominantly bipartisan, with just two major parties, the South African Parliament currently has a vibrant and often contentious representation of 13 different political parties. This multi-party system fosters a more diverse range of voices and ideologies in governance, though it can also lead to more complex coalition-building and political dynamics.

Are there different jobs?

While many jobs are universally similar across different countries, South Africa certainly has variations in the prevalence and nature of certain types of employment. One striking difference is the significantly higher number of security personnel employed here compared to back home. This stems from a greater societal reliance on private security for homes and businesses, reflecting different concerns about safety and property protection. A ubiquitous example of this is the presence of “car guards” in most public parking areas. When we first arrived, my partner and I were quite confused by these individuals. They effectively guard your parked car, assist with parking maneuvers, and hope to receive a tip upon your return. While initially unusual, it’s a common and often helpful service here.

Another unique employment sector that thrives in South Africa is related to its incredible wildlife and conservation efforts. There are far more people employed on “private game reserves” than we would see in the U.S. These reserves are privately owned and managed areas dedicated to the protection of endangered species, such as lions, rhinos, elephants, and cheetahs, safeguarding them from habitat destruction and poaching. These roles range from game rangers and anti-poaching units to hospitality staff and conservation researchers, highlighting a significant and specialized job market tied to ecotourism and wildlife preservation.

Despite these specific differences, it’s important to note that for the most part, the core functions and types of jobs available in professional, service, and industrial sectors remain broadly similar to what one would find in the U.S.

Are the schools like schools here?

The elementary and secondary education system in South Africa exhibits several key differences from what we’re familiar with in the U.S. A noticeable distinction is that a considerable number of schools here are separated by gender, a practice less common in American public education. Furthermore, most schools, whether public or private, enforce a strict uniform policy, requiring students to wear specific attire each day. This fosters a sense of discipline and equality among students but contrasts with the more casual dress codes often found in American schools.

The condition of school facilities can also vary dramatically. While some private and urban schools boast modern amenities, many public schools, particularly those located outside the major cities or in townships, can be quite rundown and in dire need of maintenance and resources. It’s a sobering reality that some schools lack even basic sanitation, with students having unreliable or no access to functioning toilets. This disparity in resources highlights the ongoing challenges within South Africa’s education system, particularly the legacy of historical inequalities and the continuous efforts to provide equitable access to quality education for all children.

Do they play different sports?

Absolutely, they do! While American football and basketball do not have professional leagues or a significant following here, South Africans are incredibly passionate about other sports. The three most popular national sports are soccer (football), rugby, and cricket. Soccer, as in much of the world, enjoys immense popularity and is widely played at all levels. Rugby, a physically demanding contact sport, is akin to a mix of soccer and American football, known for its strategic play and brute strength. Cricket, a sport that might seem peculiar to Americans, can be described as a distant, more nuanced cousin of baseball, involving bats, balls, and wickets, played over several hours or even days. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to attend both a live rugby match and a cricket game, and the atmosphere at these events is electric. South African fans are incredibly vocal, loyal, and enthusiastic, demonstrating a deep-seated love for their national teams and the sports themselves. It’s truly an experience to witness their collective fervor!

What pets do people have?

In terms of household pets, people in South Africa largely have the same types of companions as those in the U.S. Cats and dogs are by far the most common and beloved pets, found in homes across the country. We haven’t encountered any exotic pets in typical residential settings yet, but if we do come across anything particularly unusual, we’ll certainly make sure to share the discovery!

Did you watch the Seahawks win the Super Bowl?

Oh, how we wish we could have watched the Seahawks win the Super Bowl! Unfortunately, it was an event we had to miss live. We had only just arrived in Cape Town a few days prior, and at that point, our internet connection wasn’t even set up yet, let alone a reliable means to stream or watch U.S. sports. To add to our disappointment, the game wasn’t being shown on any of the local television channels. It was a bit heartbreaking to miss such a monumental moment for our home team. However, we certainly made up for it afterward! We avidly read every article, watched all the highlights we could find once our internet was finally working, and poured over countless pictures and recaps of the victory. It wasn’t the same as watching it live, but we celebrated their win vicariously from afar!