Out and About is the column in which we talk to people who live abroad, or who did live and work abroad, but are back in South Africa again. We would like to hear from anybody who wants to share their experiences with us. This week we talk to Conrad and Mareli Theron living in Southeast Asia.
- Hallo Conrad and Mareli! Tell us more about yourselves and where you live.
We recently got married and decided to make our lifelong dream come true. Instead of going on honeymoon for two weeks to the Maldives or some tropical paradise we decided to tour the world. At the moment we are in Southeast Asia. We have seen Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia and we also plan to go to Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia.
- What do you do there?
We tour through the country most of the time. When it comes to work, so far we have taught a little English and currently we work at a cinema, bar and restaurant. We work in consideration of a plate of food and accommodation and we try to stretch our money as far as possible. As photographers we take the trouble to photograph as much as possible.
- Was it difficult to adapt in a foreign country?
It’s not difficult, more frustrating at times. With the little English in Asia, it is not always easy to get where you want to be or to find what you are looking for. The food and culture are completely different and it takes a while to get used to the different way people do things in the East if you’re used to Western customs.
- What are the best and worst adventures you’ve had there?
Every day is a new adventure and there are many things that we will always remember. One that stands out is our adventure on a motorcycle through Vietnam. It was one of our best and ‘worst’ times. There we were, two people with luggage and all on a 100 cc motorcycle. We travelled 1 000 km in no time. From the motorcycle you see things you will never see from a bus and your time is your own. The bad things are a sore butt, a small accident and the many stops because the bike just could not manage the hills without cooling along the way. It has been the highlight of our trip.
- What do you miss most about South Africa?
We miss our language, our culture, to braai and braaibroodjies, friendly people and of course our friends and family.
- How did immigration affect you?
We did not emigrate. We are touring and exploring the world. South Africa is where our hearts will always be.
- What do you enjoy most about living in Southeast Asia?
To see other cultures and to learn about things we were naïve about, such as the war in Vietnam, the 280 million bombs that fell on Laos and the 750 000 people who were killed in the seventies and eighties under Pol Pot’s regime. We meet people from all over the world with whom we regularly share stories about our homeland and our tour experiences. But the very best is to wake up every morning not knowing what to expect from the day.
- Are you coming back to South Africa?
We intend to be home by next year, but it all depends on our finances because we do not have a definite income.
- Was it easy to find your feet there?
We still struggle to understand the food, the different languages and the different cities/towns. One soon realises how comfortable life at home is.
- Anything else you would like to add?
We would like to invite people to check out our website and comment on our adventures and photos.
www.findingcloudcuckooland.co.za
Regards!
