We lived in close-knit communities where the importance of family and friends are emphasized. The saying, “It takes a village to raise a kid” is true in every sense. We were taught that “blood is thicker than water.” We stand by each other and help out in any way we can. Lunch and dinner times are usually set and the family joins together to share the meal. On a Sunday we have a large special meal and once more the family gets together. Hot tea is usually served around 4 pm along with some delicious treats. We love socializing and spending time together with family and friends. For the most part, our lifestyles include and accommodate friends, family and acquaintances. We visit freely without the need to make an appointment. The people are vibrant, friendly, and down to earth. Our motto is family and friends are always welcome. We were taught to respect adults and always be polite. Not greeting or displaying inappropriate manners are frowned upon. There seems to be a greater sense of appreciation and respect for material things. They are harder to come by and therefore people really treasure and take care of things.

South Africans have a passionate love for sport. Rugby, soccer, tennis, cricket, boxing, and wrestling seem to be the favorites. Those who are unable to get season tickets for these sports are usually glued to the television. The region is known for its incredible beauty and is a major tourist attraction. There is always something to do in Cape Town. Boredom can never be an excuse. Live music and entertainment, beautiful shopping malls, art, craft and flea markets are some of the things to keep us busy. Surfing, hiking trails, sand-boarding, and taking a boat trip to see the dolphins, seals, or penguins are among the other area attractions. Many couples love to pack a picnic basket and head to the mountains to watch the sunset. Cape Town has some of the most spectacular sunsets. Another thing we love is dancing. There are many discotheques and jazz clubs and these are usually packed.

We love the warm African sun. In the hot summer months people flock to the beach to play in the waves, suntan, or simply relax. Some use public transport, some walk and others drive, while patiently waiting in long lines to reach their perfect spot. Capetonians love outdoor activities and usually join up with friends or family to picnic. Most outdoor picnic areas have barbecue spots. Our barbecues are known as braais. Firewood is used and once it reaches the coal stage, meat (lamb chops, sausage, pork chops or ribs), fish or chicken is slowly cooked and turned often until the meat is done. It is usually served with a variety of salads and bread rolls. Another favorite is cooking meat and vegetables in a three-legged black pot over an open fire. This is known as potjiekos.

With the Indian ocean on one side and the Atlantic on the other, Cape Town has a plentiful supply of fish. Fish is an important part of our diet. A common sight in our communities is the fish vendor blowing his horn to attract customers and advertise his wares. Snoek, Kingklip and hake are the most common fish we eat. In recent years prices have increased significantly and many can no longer afford these. Prawns and crayfish are popular too. Fish and chips, (fries) however, remain the absolute favorite.

The Muslim population form a large part of our communities. Annually, traditional dancers paint their faces and walk through the city streets singing cheerful songs in their colorful attire. Traditionally this is done on New Years Eve to celebrate and announce the start of a New Year. They have a unique way of cooking. Malay cooking is usually spicy and one of their specialties are curries. These are served with white rice or naan. Overall they are wonderful cooks and the most talented bakers. The talents and gifts are passed down from generation to generation. They do not consume alcohol, pork, or anything considered not halaal (unclean). The different cultures have blended well and they respect each other’s religious affiliations. For example, we would not offer a ham sandwich to a Muslim person. We would teach our kids what is acceptable to a Muslim and what is not. They would teach their kids the same, which is basically not to eat from Christian person. In our communities you will hear the church bells ringing and the muezzin calling all Muslims to prayer.

The noon gun sounds at midday each day. This canon is set up on a hill in the city and was years ago by ship captains to adjust their chronometers. The loud boom often startles visitors while Captonians casually glance at their watches to check the time. We drive on the opposite side of the road and our traffic lights are commonly known as robots. The trunk of our car is known the boot. Turn signals are indicators, and the reflectors in the road are known as cats eyes. Honking is known as hooting. This people do often and freely express themselves if annoyed by someone. Our cereal is served with hot milk.

We tend to walk short distances rather than driving. We only have three television channels. People are not to concerned about this. The radio remains popular and people tune to their favorite stations instead of watching TV. Our kids play outside, in the same way we did when we were kids. Our homes do not have heat or air-conditioning. This is mainly due to the moderate climate we have. Opening the windows to let the fresh air in is one of the first things done in the morning. Twenty first birthdays are special and usually celebrated with a big party. At this party the boy/girl is handed the 21st key. This shows that they have reached adulthood and the key symbolizes their independence. It is a time of celebration and everyone brings gifts.

The majority of kids in Cape Town walk to school since they usually live close by. The kids wear school uniforms and this is compulsory. Some travel out of the area to private schools and they mainly make use of public transport. Our schools do not have cafeterias and kids bring their lunches from home. After high school most kids enter the job market. Unemployment rates are high because of job scarcity. I know of many teens who are working in stores, factories or making beds in hotels. Due to the lack of funds most of them cannot attend college.

South Africa is moving forward. The health care, as well as the public school system remains a major concern. Crime is high due to poverty and unemployment. The beautiful Cape culture will always be a part of me. It has molded me and contributed to the person I am today. For that I am most grateful and the wonderful memories will stay with me forever.