My Journey: Embracing My Heritage and Exploring the World

When I think about South Africa, I can’t help but reflect on its vibrant tapestry of cultures and heritages. It’s a place where diversity flourishes, shaping not only our lives but also our adventures when we travel. As I delve into my own memories, I uncover cherished moments and beloved recipes that paint a vivid picture of who I am and why I embark on these incredible journeys. Allow me to share my unique stories with you.

Welcome to my world, where every experience is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Ah, the memories of yesteryear! Back in the day, my mom had a special tradition for this time of year – she would arrange for a taxi and always opted for the iconic Toyota Siyaya. It was the coolest thing ever! To make it even more exciting, she would get another family from our neighborhood to join us. We always made sure to rent the newest Siyaya in town, complete with an awesome sound system, so we could jam to our favorite tunes on the way to Warmbaths in Bela-Bela or Fountains Valley Resort, just outside of Pretoria’s bustling CBD.

Once we arrived at the resort, it was pure bliss. The kids would dive into the refreshing pools while the adults kicked back and relaxed on the lush grass, munching on snacks and sipping on refreshing drinks. It was a paradise! Growing up in Soshanguve, I didn’t get many chances to meet people from outside the township because of the Group Areas Act, which kept black people separate from urban areas.

But let me tell you, as I’ve traveled and met people from all walks of life, I’ve come to realize something powerful: despite our differences, we are more alike than we may think. This revelation was etched into my heart during a memorable assignment in the Northern Cape for Getaway. There, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable woman named Aunty Koera, a member of the Khomani San community.

We sat together, gathered around an open fire under the vast expanse of the Kalahari sky. Aunty Koera skillfully prepared roosterkoek and lamb stew, filling the night air with mouthwatering aromas. As we shared this simple yet extraordinary meal, I couldn’t help but feel a profound connection with her. The act of breaking bread together transcended any cultural barriers that may have existed between us.

During our conversation, Aunty Koera shared her rich knowledge of Khomani San heritage. It was an illuminating experience for me, one that deepened my understanding of South African history and culture. I discovered that the Khomani San were the first group to successfully reclaim their ancestral land through legal channels after apartheid ended – a significant milestone for the community.

Reflecting on this encounter, I am reminded that it is through personal connections, like my meeting with Aunty Koera, that we truly come to understand and appreciate the diversity of our world. In an increasingly globalized society, it is essential that we seek out these cross-cultural experiences, as they not only foster empathy and understanding, but also remind us of our shared humanity.

A Family Recipe to Share

Hey there! Let me tell you all about our family’s secret recipe for Chakalaka. It’s a dish that we always bring with us wherever we go. What’s interesting about it is that it’s never quite the same each time it’s made. You see, it all depends on who’s doing the cooking that day. Some of us like it really spicy, while others prefer it extra hot with loads of chili (which can be quite an adventure, let me tell you!). And then there are those who enjoy it plain. As for me, I prefer mine to be mild with just enough chili to give my taste buds a tingle, without bringing tears to my eyes. Oh, and I like it to have a bit of crunch too, to add some texture and make sure it doesn’t feel like I’m eating a plate of mushy carrots and beans.

Here’s what you’ll need:

– 5 Carrots

– 1 finely chopped onion

– 1 can of baked beans

– 2 Bell peppers (1 green and 1 red)

– 2-3 tablespoons of curry powder

– 2 tablespoons of oil

– 2 cloves of garlic (optional)

– 2 Chilies (optional)

And here’s how you make it:

Alright, let’s get cooking! First, heat up some oil in a frying pan. Once it’s hot, toss in the onions and garlic. Give them a few minutes to soften up and release their delicious aroma.

Next, it’s time to add some flavor. Sprinkle in the curry powder and give everything a good stir. If you like a little heat, throw in a chopped green pepper and a chili. Let these spices mingle for a bit.

Now, it’s time to bring some color and texture to the dish. Add the grated carrots to the pan and give them a fry. Make sure they get coated in all those flavorful spices. Cook everything together for about 7 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Alright, we’re almost there! Take the pan off the heat and add the baked beans. Give everything a good mix. For an extra crunch, dice up a red bell pepper and an onion and toss them in too.

There you have it – a delicious and colorful dish ready to be enjoyed. Time to dig in and savor all those amazing flavors!

Nidha Narrandes, Getaway Digital Content Strategist

I’m really fascinated by the culture of travel. It’s amazing how different my idea of travel was when I was growing up in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. Travel for me meant getting a ride from a family member to visit other family members in a town or city that was never more than two hours away. The excitement of making plans and waiting for the day to come was so real.

When I was 14, my uncle’s family invited me to go with them to Johannesburg, a huge city, to visit our relatives. I had built up this grand idea of Jozi in my head, and I was so excited to travel to another province. Going to two different provinces at 14 was a really big deal for me.

Padkos in my Indian family home used to be a big deal, maybe even bigger than driving across provinces. We took it seriously, and we definitely didn’t trust any food places on the road. If we were leaving at 6am, you can be sure that we would be up at 3am getting ready. We would make tinned fish sandwiches for breakfast snacks and cook a fresh pot of breyani for lunch.

With all the stops we made, a trip that should have taken 5 hours would end up taking 8 hours. But at least we were well-fed, so nobody complained.

When I was a kid, Jozi was the best. Going to the Musical Fountains in Wemmer Pan and the Rand Easter Show made me dream about all the places I could go. It made me curious about traveling in South Africa. And when I went back home, I didn’t just come back with one more province to check off my list. I came back with a burning desire to explore South Africa and the whole world. I couldn’t afford to travel internationally until I was in my 30s, but that didn’t stop me from road tripping through all the provinces and discovering as much of this amazing country as I could. Sure, international destinations are beautiful, but there’s something truly magical about exploring South Africa.

A cultural experience I’d like to share with you is visiting the 1860 Heritage Museum in Durban. It’s a fascinating place where you can learn about the lives of indentured laborers who were brought to South Africa by the British. The museum provides valuable insights into the hardships and struggles these workers faced.

I believe that understanding our history is essential for our growth and development. By learning from the past, we can better prepare for the future.

Now, let me share a family recipe with you. Whenever we went on road trips, my grandmother would make steamed mielie bread for us. It became a tradition, and it always reminded us of travel. Each child would receive a little food pack to keep us fueled until we had tinned fish sandwiches.

Here’s the recipe for steamed mielie bread:

Ingredients:

– 6 grated mielies

– 100g melted butter

– 1/2 cup self-raising flour

– 1/2 cup sugar

– 1/4 cup milk

– Pinch of salt

I hope you enjoy this cultural experience and try out the delicious recipe. It’s a special way to connect with history and create lasting memories.

Here’s how you do it:
Just gather all the ingredients and put them in a bowl. Give it a good mix. Next, make sure to wash and dry the mielie leaves. Take each leaf and spoon in about three tablespoons of the mixture. Then, fold over another leaf and seal it up. Now, you need to steam cook the filled leaves. Get a steamer or colander and place it over a pot of boiling water. Cover it up and let it steam cook for 25 minutes. Remember to keep the leaves sitting above the water, not inside it. Once they’re cooked, take them out of the leaves and top them off with a generous layer of butter. Now, it’s time to enjoy!

That’s my recipe for you to try out! Enjoy, Elise Kirsten
Getaway Online Manager

When I was growing up, my family and I were lucky enough to go on vacations together. During our June breaks, we would go to different sunny places like Sun City, Wild Coast Sun, and the now Naledi Sun (formerly Thab Nchu Sun). Sometimes we would take train trips or drive through cities like Beaufort West, Bloemfontein, and Klerksdorp. We even had the chance to explore the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn and take funicular rides at the Pretoria Zoo. And on weekends, we would escape to beautiful destinations like Hermanus, Kleinbaai, the Cederberg, Dwarskersbos, and Eland’s Bay.

Wow, let me tell you about some amazing experiences I’ve had! One of the biggest highlights was when I took my first airplane trip when I was 8 years old. It was so exciting! We flew to Durban, and let me tell you, it was incredible. While we were there, I even got to ride on a rickshaw! But that wasn’t the only amazing thing. We visited a spice market, and I saw these women wearing these beautiful saris with red dots on their foreheads. Do you know what that meant? It meant that they were married! I was so fascinated by all the colors and the different cultures.

And that wasn’t the end. When I turned 16, my family and I went on a three-week trip to Greece and Cyprus. It was like a dream come true! We got to swim in the clear, crystal waters around places like Ayia Napa, Mykonos, and Skiathos. It was so refreshing and fun. But that’s not all. We also got to explore ancient sites in Athens, which was mind-blowing. I couldn’t believe how old these buildings were and how they were still standing.

The best part was trying all the new foods. Have you ever heard of taramasalata and dolmades? They are so delicious! I had never tasted anything like them before. It was such an adventure for my taste buds.

These experiences have truly shaped me and opened my eyes to the wonders of the world. I am so grateful for those opportunities, and I can’t wait for the next adventure!

When I was 10 years old, my family and I traveled to the Wild Coast and made a stop in Mthatha, which was known as Umtata back then. I vividly remember going to the Wimpy for breakfast and feeling a sense of strangeness because we were the only white people in the entire town. It was the year 1987, right in the midst of the Apartheid era. Growing up in the suburbs of Durbanville, this experience was both unusual and incredibly significant. It opened my eyes to different cultures and expanded my understanding of the world. It’s amazing how time flies, as it feels like a million years have passed since then.

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Now, let me share a special family recipe with you:
The concept of “padkos” was never particularly exciting to me as a child. Looking back, I now understand the allure of stopping at places like Wimpy or Golden Egg for breakfast. However, when it came to padkos, I remember it being simple: boiled egg sandwiches (or sometimes frikadels on a roll), accompanied by apples, bananas, chocolate-coated digestive biscuits, and maybe some plain salted Simba chips. Of course, a fizzy drink like coke or fanta would complement the meal perfectly.