South African Freedom Day Celebrations

We suited up, and headed to some zooty hotel, all very excited to see if the rumors of boerewors, biltong and free wine were true. The food and drinks exceeded our expectations: a buffet of samoosas, koeksisters, milt tarts, biltong, boerewors, and fine South African wine were just some of home comforts that we all took advatage of. Your hard earned tax money certainly provided a fantastic evening for us all! The evening was aimed at maintaining and promoting the relations between South Africa and Thailand and maintian they did.

A Thai boys choir perfomed WakaWaka along with all the dance moves which moved a few of us close to tears from the sheer pride in South Africa as well as the overly enthuisastic thai boys uncordinated dance moves. The Thai boys group also incorporated  gumboot dances into WakaWaka which created a united feeling throughout the chandelier lit room. 

An African dance group was flown in who also sung the national anthem with an exquisite Thai opera singing group. Hearing the National Anthem and seeing every singer pronunciating their words so vehemently had us all singing our lungs out while standing next to dignified embassy members who quietly mouthed along.  All of these performers were spectatular, however none came close to the KwaZulu-Natal Zulu dance group who, amazed and entertained every person in the room. Reverberating Zulu drums beat on while the dancers dressed in traditional animal skins, bearing shields, kicked and jived across the stage. The whole audience could be seen tapping their foot on the sly or even popping a shoulder along to the heartfelt drums, even the Thai ambassadors were seen grinning along until they realised they were being watched. One thing this evening made us realise is that you do not need to love your government to love you country. We all left the Freedom day celebration feeling extremely patriotic and much like lions after the kill-stuffed.  

Sensory overload...

"We are going onto our 3rd week in Bangkok, and we are quickly realising that no amount of research or advice from anyone could have prepared us for what was about to come. From the humidity to the humility of the culture, and the hustle and bustle of city life, we feel exceptionally lucky and privileged to call this our home for the next year".

Smell: The combination of year old garbage, sewage, cat urine, taxi fumes and feet is enough to suppress the appetite of a hungry Ethiopian. However in contrast to this - the delicious lemon grass, ginger and garlic aromas that permeate from the firing woks make up for it.

Taste: We were some what hesitant in the beginning to eat from the street as the unidentifiable meats and vegetables were so foreign to us - these were no prepackaged woolies meals. But when in Rome. So we took the plunge and slowly but surely we've tried and tested some of the most amazing Thai dishes such as Tom Yum Kung, Phat siyu, Laap, and the various coloured curries. Fruit shakes - our kryptonite! The fresh fruits here are to die for!!! There is nothing better on a hot day, and an ice cold fruit shake. Be sure to try one if and when you visit Thailand.

Touch: Our handsanitizer is our most valued and used weapon. We thought Africa was bad when it comes to personal space - but due to the over populated and over crowded streets, showering 3 times a day has become a regular and necessary routine.

Sound: Hooters. Whistles. Dog fights. Video games. Sizzling woks. Constant noise. This city never sleeps and neither do its people. They are working before we wake up, and long after we have gone to bed, Monday-Sunday. We can literally hear the energy from the city everywhere we walk. Luckily we can escape to our air conditioned oasis on the 29th floor.

Sight: This has definitely been the most over used sense because we are constantly having to multi-task between taking in the view and playing hopscotch with mangy dogs, manholes and street vendors. We are so lucky to have the most breath taking view from our balcony - especially at night with the city in all her glory and bright lights. Although we are spoilt for space back home, we have never felt more alive and energised by being able to live in such a vibrant and magical city.