Word for the Travel Wise (10/07/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Vacationing in foreign places can be the most exhilarating high times experienced by all men and women. From the flight over to adjusting to culture shock, it’s quite easy to get wrapped up in the good, the bad and the ugly of any place. However, if while in South Africa you hear today’s word being offered to you, make sure you don’t mistake it for a dinner dish. Unless, maybe – you like that sort of thing.

Today’s word is an Afrikaans word used in South Africa:

dagga – marijuana

For learning Afrikaans online check out this Afrikaans.us site and Ominglot guide with additional links. Aviva has a nice list of words with their translations you may hear most commonly during your visit in the country. Parties with some knowledge of the language may wish to do some reading over at this blog all in Afrikaans. I haven’t a clue what the content is about, but it could come in handy. Note that the name Afrikaans is simply the Dutch word for African where Afrikaans is the African form of the Dutch Language.

Past Afrikaans words: bly stil , plakkies, woestyn, dof

Golf With a Twist

by Erik Olsen on

I’m not much of a golfer. Most of my friends can attest to that. I’m not horrible, it’s just that I’ve never really mastered the driver, a rather important part of the game. Also, when it comes to being outside, I much prefer hiking or kayaking to hitting a little white ball around a nicely manicured lawn.

But if golf’s your thing, AND you want to add a dose of adventure to the game, you might be interested in a show called Adventure Golf. The program follows around an amateur golfer named Ian Cross as he plays courses in Dubai, Japan, South Africa, Scotland, and Florida. After the round, he takes viewers around the local environs and shows them (one would guess) all the lovely poverty (except in Dubai) that skirts the course.

Word for the Travel Wise (07/29/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

A long time ago I said I wouldn’t post any naughty or disrespectful words in the languages posted mainly because you’re not likely to make friends using them and I’m all about collecting friends over enemies in foreign lands. However, this thought process of mine is not always one of another human being and therefore it is not a two way street. In the event I’m heading down a narrow-minded one way street in Johannesburg or just happen to over hear the use of certain negative words I’d still like to know their meaning. That being said here’s something you probably don’t want to be called while journeying South Africa…

Today’s word is an Afrikaans word used in South Africa:

dof – a derogatory term that describes someone who is a little dim-witted

For learning Afrikaans online check out this Afrikaans.us site and Ominglot guide with additional links. Aviva has a nice list of words with their translations you may hear most commonly during your visit in the country. Parties with some knowledge of the language may wish to do some reading over at this blog all in Afrikaans. I haven’t a clue what the content is about, but it could come in handy. Note that the name Afrikaans is simply the Dutch word for African where Afrikaans is the African form of the Dutch Language.

Past Afrikaans words: bly stil , plakkies, woestyn

Helicopter Safari Africa

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just like Neil’s Machu Picchu piece some folks might debate doing the whole African safari thing by helicopter, but I’m totally a fan of helicopter sightseeing. For one, my last trip to Hawai’i had me foaming at the mouth to shoot more aerial photography of the places we so often see from one perspective. Now am I suggesting going out to see the Big 5 by helicopter only – of course not. This type of deal found at Distinctive Africa is for luxury travel folk who want the comforts of a tailored-made helicopter and I can promise you I don’t fall into that category of travelers, but if I had the dinero I’d do it by jeep and air.

Distinctive Africa operates out of southern Africa in Botswana, Namibia, South African and southern Mozambique. Worth a look if you’re planning your next safari in the continent.

Johannesburg is Looking Up

by Neil Woodburn on

Johannesburg has always held an allure for me.  Most every South African I’ve met from there has been a wonderful person and speaks glowingly about their hometown.  But, when you push a bit deeper and ask why they left, you start hearing all the stories about the crime and violence which plagues the city. For years, Jo’burg was one of the most violent, crime-ridden cities on this planet. 

Telegraph journalist Francisca Kellet shared the same fears as I and also stayed away from the city despite living in not-so-distant Cape Town.  But, things have changed. During a recent visit, Kellet discovers that the crime rate is way down, the museums are bustling, the restaurants invigorating, and the nightlife is kicking.  Civility has returned to this grand city and I, for one, am taking it off my own personal Travel Advisory List.