South African Sharp Sharp

“Howzit, Love” (How are you, friend)? “Just now” (in the immediate future) your “mate” (friend) in South Africa will be going “overseas” (abroad, any country out of SA) after this “nice” (pleasant, delicious, good, expensive, or any other positive expletive) time earning no “bucks” (rand) as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zululand. We lived in a very "homely" (homey, comfortable) flat (small studio apt). Please “Now, Now” (Immediately) “Borrow me a Pen” (Loan me a Pen) so I can write about this “Lekker” (sweet, wonderful, fun, enjoyable) experience. If I make a mistake I will need a “Rubber” (eraser) to correct the error. “Is It” (Really) are the Bond’s returning to the US? “Shame” (Too bad, what a pity) as they are finally learning to speak English in South Africa. They sure enjoyed the “lekker” “Amasweetie” (candy), “Tea Time” (coffee breaks) and “Biltong” (jerky). “Transport”(transportation), “Robots” (traffic lights) and “Kumbis” (public vans) were more of a challenge with constant increases in the price of “petrol” (gas) but one can always “SMS” (instant message) on a cell phone to “Fetch Me” (please pick me up). If you lived here, one should purchase a “Bakke” (small pick up truck) as they can handle the rough roads better than passenger “motor vehicles” (cars). “Provisions” (food) were hard to come by but every community has a “Tuck Shop” (small convenience store) where Simba chips can be found. The “Festive Season” (Christmas holidays) was very enjoyable but the time for a “Swimming Costume” (bathing suit or trunks) and “tekkies” (running shoes) instead of warm holiday attire and scarves. Anytime, anywhere under any circumstances a “Braai” (barbeque) with “mutton” (lamb) “wors” (sausage) is always welcome and in fact “Braai Day” is a national holiday! When all is well then “Chop Chop”. (Things are “Right”.) If circumstances warrant outspoken complaint, you “Must” (should, might) “Toy Toy” (protest).

So after almost two years the Bond’s have learned that they have a strong, sometime unintelligible American Accent and that they do not know English. Of course it would be better if they learned Zulu in order to serve the AIDS patients and staff at Mountain High Hospital. Hats off to all South Africans who can speak at least three languages and sometimes four or five!