Howdy From Jozi, Ya'll Yanks! A Field Guide to Spotting South Africans in the Big Apple
Listen up, city slickers, 'cause there's a new breed of New Yorker roaming the concrete jungle, and they're not afraid to wear sandals with socks (gasp!). Yep, it's your friendly neighborhood South Africans, bringing their sunshine smiles and braai-infused charm to the land of Broadway and bodegas. But before you go mistaking them for Aussies with funny accents (rude!), let's equip you with the essential tools to sniff out a Saffa in the wild.
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| How To Find South African In New York |
1. The Fashion Faux Pas:
No, that's not a zebra crossing the street, it's just Brenda rocking her trusty leopard print pants like it's nobody's business. South Africans have a flair for the... let's call it "bold" when it comes to fashion. Think mismatched prints, vibrant colors that could put Skittles to shame, and enough denim to clothe a small Canadian town. Remember: If it looks like it was raided from a costume party with a "safari chic" theme, you're probably dealing with a Saffa.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
2. The Lingua Franca (but not French, sorry):
Don't be surprised if you hear a conversation peppered with words like "bokkie," "ag shame," and "howzit?" It's not a secret code for an alien invasion, it's just Saffas being their chatty selves. Be warned, the accent can be as diverse as the country itself, ranging from the clipped British tones of a Joburger yuppie to the sing-song lilt of a Durban surfer dude. Pro tip: If you hear someone say "braai" instead of "barbecue," bingo! You've found your Saffa!
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
3. The Food Fix:
Forget avocado toast and kale smoothies, these folks are all about biltong (the jerky that dreams are made of), bunny chow (a carb-tastic bread bowl filled with curry), and koeksisters (deep-fried dough that would make Homer Simpson weep with joy). If you see a group huddled around a plastic bag emanating the potent aroma of boerewors (spicy sausage), you've stumbled upon a Saffa braai in progress. Caution: Approach with caution, the boerewors can be addictive.
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Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
4. The "Gees" Factor:
South Africans have this thing called "gees," which basically translates to an infectious enthusiasm for life. They'll queue for hours for a decent cup of rooibos tea, sing along to Shosholoza at the drop of a hat, and turn any random Tuesday into a jol (party) with just a smile and a six-pack (of beers, not abs, although those might be there too). Warning: "Gees" is highly contagious, you might find yourself dancing to Afrikaans pop music before you know it.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
5. The Hometown Pride:
Don't even get them started on Springbok rugby or the Big Five. Mention Cape Town and their eyes will glaze over with visions of Table Mountain sunsets. Talk about Durban and they'll regale you with tales of golden beaches and epic shark encounters (don't worry, they're friendly sharks... probably). Remember: A Saffa's love for their home country runs deep, so tread lightly when discussing rugby rivalries or questionable political figures.
So there you have it, folks! Your handy guide to identifying and befriending the South African contingent in the Big Apple. Just remember, they're a friendly bunch, always up for a laugh and a good time. Just don't judge them for their questionable fashion choices or their undying love for biltong. Embrace the "gees," learn a few Afrikaans phrases (howzit? lekker? dankie!), and you might just find yourself invited to the next braai. Just don't wear white – things might get messy.
Now go forth and explore, city slickers! Just remember, there's a whole world of vibrancy and warmth waiting to be discovered, one "bokkie" and "ag shame" at a time.
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