Q + A with my Favourite South African
You all know how crazy I am about South Africa, and Cape Town specifically. But let’s be real...the reason behind by extended stay here really comes down to one person: Anthony (or “Ant” as I call him). Ant and I met while I was studying abroad at the University of Cape Town and now we have been dating for just over a year. Since he is the reason behind the adventure I’m currently on, I thought it would be fun for you to get to know him a little better! Here’s a fun Q + A to do just that.
LIFE & BACKGROUND
Where did you grow up?
I was born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in a city called Pietermaritzburg. I grew up on my family’s farm, which is a half an hour drive from the city and I lived there up until moving to Cape Town for Uni.
What TV shows did you watch growing up?
I watched some great TV shows growing up. Teletubbies. Watership Down, a series about rabbits. I used to love Maisy Mouse. Scooby Doo. My mom recorded all of these series on video so we watched them repeatedly. Otherwise I would have watched any cartoons on TV, especially Disney channel and Cartoon Network. When I lived with my Grandparents in Spain for half a year I was a keen follower of Ben 10, Pokemon, and Walker, Texas Ranger.
What’s the best part about living in South Africa?
Let’s just say, South Africa is a very unique country. It has a humor and a diversity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
What do you study and when do you graduate?
I’m in my final year of a Business Science degree specialising in marketing. I finish in December even though the graduation ceremony will only be this time next year.
Where have you travelled to outside of South Africa?
Mainly European countries. I’ve lived in Spain and France for brief periods of time. I’ve travelled to the UK. Other than that, in Africa I’ve visited Lesotho and Mozambique.
How did you meet Emily?
She was with a group of friends and I was with a group of friends. I first saw her crossing the street towards the bar we were entering. Then later at the bar this confident little American came up to me and asked me what I was drinking. Thank goodness, because I think I’m too shy to walk up to someone and start a conversation.
PERSONAL FUN FACTS
What is a cause that is near and dear to your heart?
A cause. When I say it, it sounds like I’m saying ‘a cars.’ Okay, well I’ve always loved the environment and exploring nature and the wild. And, now that we are watching ‘Our Planet’ it has really cemented my love for observing nature and just letting it happen around us. So global warming and climate change is a definite cause that’s close to my heart.
What is one of your most prized/treasured material possessions?
So when I was 13 I won a cricket bat for being the best cricket batsman in my grade. I love that cricket bat and it’s pretty symbolic to me because cricket was the first sport I ever played and it’s the one sport I’ve always missed playing since leaving high school.
Have you ever had tacos?
….No…. [hangs head in shame].
If you could live anywhere in the world other than the US and South Africa, where would you live?
It depends on how permanent this living situation would be. Because one of the things I enjoy doing is living in and experiencing new countries and I’ve already lived in France and Spain briefly so I would like to experience a few more countries before I decide on a final destination. However, if I had to decide right now, it would probably be Edinburgh in Scotland because I visited there briefly at the beginning of 2018 and I just had the best time. I could talk forever about it.
How many languages can you speak?
I’d like to say three. But I haven’t practiced my French in a few years so I know I would be pretty rusty. But I was pretty fluent. I grew up speaking Spanish and English in my house and have learnt the basic greetings in Zulu and studied Afrikaans for many years at school.
How do you like your coffee?
My coffee must be strong but not too strong, unsweetened, with a little bit of cream to make it less bitter.
What’s something people may assume about you that’s actually incorrect?
People may assume I don’t talk a lot and that I’m quite reserved. And this is true when I’m in unfamiliar environments or in large groups. But I can be very noisy and chatty around family and close friends.
FAVOURITES
Book: Fahrenheit 451 or Animal Farm
Movie: “The Lord of the Rings” (Trilogy)
TV Show: “Rick and Morty” or “Game of Thrones”
Bands/Musicians: Angus and Julia Stone, Lana Del Rey, Queen, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Vance Joy
South African Band/Musician: Matthew Mole
Snack: Chips or Chocolate
Sport to play: Cricket
Sport to spectate: Soccer
South African word/phrase: “Ja no lekker man!” - Meaning: It’s good. As in, How’s it going? It’s good.
BONUS Qs
How often do people think you are Australian?
Not often. Maybe once or twice but only because I don’t really leave South Africa too often.
Cape Town or LA?
Never been to LA...probably Cape Town but we’ll see.
Define South Africa in one word...explain.
Unpredictable. The country is extremely diverse and the political landscape is pretty unstable but stable at the same time. It’s a tough country to define because nothing is uniform. It keeps going and marching on despite consistent political, economic, and social challenges.
What American thing are you hoping to experience in the USA?
I want the neighbor to wave at me and say, “Hey there, neighbor!” in a very thick American accent.
