Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A Short Trip to South Africa

I recently had to travel to South Africa for some personal issues. I flew direct to Cape Town International airport. As we landed dread swooped over me. I was anticipating long lines, unfriendly staff and nasty son of a bitch customs officers.

Too my surprise, it took me less than 30 minutes from the moment I stepped off the plane till I was on my way with the Toyota Corolla I rented at the airport. It was bloody amazing.



As I approached passport control we were only 4 people there on South African passports. In the line for international visitors there were maybe 60 or 70 tourists. This is good to see. Especially during winter time. Is tourism picking up for SA? Did the World Cup actually do us some good? I think it did.

The officers at passport control were incredibly friendly and even welcomed me back to SA. My suitcase was collected quickly and even though I was pulled over by customs, the lady was very friendly and send me on my way in less than 5 minutes. Same story at the car rental. I had quick friendly service.

My stay in the Cape Town / Somerset West / Strand was short but everywhere I went people were friendly and co-operative. It was also nice to shop in Afrikaans for a change.

Well done Cape Town, you made me proud.

5 comments:

Disa said...

ha-HA! we went on "winter" honeymoon a few weeks ago (post football madness). passport control and customs were lovely. all was well and glorious- until we made a rather erroneous decision to park our rent-a-car in a parking garage in downtown CPT (upon our return to the airport). all luggage that did not fit in the back of the tiny trunk of our japanese rental was absconded with. mucho pissed. thankfully we still had camera, biltong from pick n pay, passports and humour intact.

Expatriate Definition said...

Its really nice to feel that all people around you are so friendly and take some smile to you always.

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I love South Africa! Even when I was still a kid, I always dreamed of coming to this great country. It is mainly because of the animals when I was young. But now, its the fascination of the country's history and landscapes that interests me to go to South Africa. It always excites me to the bone when talking of going to South Africa!

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South Africa is a nice place for me. I was there last year and I enjoy every second of my life there. I am planning to go back in South Africa earlier this month together with my friends. Hope that I will the same way too.

Return to Norway said...

We love landing at CT airport - it has always been a good experience. Although I haven't been to the new Durban airport yet - maybe one day soon hopefully ....

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