Overturning Cognition: A Unique Atmosphere in Africa
South Africa is the last country we walked through in our nearly two-year round-the-world trip.
Before coming to Africa, whenever I heard of Africa, my mind would conjure up images of—vast, desolate grasslands with thousands of wild animals migrating; black African women with baskets on their heads walking on dusty dirt roads; poor children with wide eyes looking curiously at strangers… a scorching hot, primitive tribe.
It wasn't until I came to South Africa that I realized there was such a different atmosphere in Africa. It has starry skies comparable to those of Namibia, and European-style small towns comparable to Italy, and a garden boulevard comparable to Australia's Great Ocean Road… Almost every corner attracted my attention, and taking pictures was like creating a postcard.
Stunning starry skies
We took an Uber from the South African airport to the city center, 5 people plus various backpacks called a large Uber, which cost less than 30 RMB per person for a 20-kilometer journey. This price in Johannesburg would only be enough to take a few subway stops.
As the car drove up the Table Mountain, the road was quiet, leaving only streetlights, but when we turned, the sparkling lights of Cape Town appeared before our eyes, as if we had suddenly passed through a long, dark tunnel and entered a starry sky. We couldn't help but exclaim. The driver smiled at our excited appearance and said, 'Welcome to Cape Town.'
European-style small town
Cape Town's freedom and diversity are deeply rooted in the bones of this city. Standing on the soil of this city, we can feel the strong European-style small town atmosphere, as if walking on the land of Italy.
After eating pizza, we heard music coming from not far away, cheers and celebrations ran through the streets, those who couldn't bear to miss the fun rushed to take a look, and accidentally stumbled into a cowboy night. Most of the guests were ladies, and the waiter was a cowboy.
Garden boulevard
Cape Town's city center's heart garden has many squirrels and pigeons, and there are packets of feed for sale for 5 rants per packet. These little animals don't fear people and will even ask you for food, which is very cute.
Nearby is the South African famous St. George's Cathedral, the South African Museum, the former Parliament House, Government Avenue, etc., all of which can be visited for free. I couldn't help but want to take more photos to leave these unusual memories!
It was only when we came to this land that we could truly feel its unique atmosphere and appreciate its beauty. This journey has overturned our previous perceptions and made us recognize such a unique Africa!
Without reservation, I can say that among the 56 countries in Africa (although West Africa and Central Africa have not been visited), I love South Africa the most, I love her African-style scenery, and I also love her African-style culture.
During our South African trip, we have countless times wanted to stay and live in retirement. We can step out and see the sea and mountains, drive a car to nearby convenience stores to buy fresh vegetables, and cross the neighborhood to drink a cup of coffee – this is a poetic life.
Even if the world is not worth it, South Africa is worth it. I really want to one day form a team to live in South Africa, and live a 'Friends' style South African life. This is a complete life!
