From Braais to Bunnies

I labeled this post "From Braais to Bunnies" because these are the two traditions that were completely new to us at the start of the trip but have quickly become two staples of diet. The word braai is Afrikaans for "grilled meat", and it is very similar to a barbecue back in the states. Seemingly every host family wants to meet the rest of the students by inviting us over for a braai, and it has been a great way for us to meet and talk to the locals. Along with steaks, hotdogs, and macaroni and cheese (our group’s personal favorite), which we associate with a normal barbecue, a South African braai also consists of boerewors, which is a South African sausage. Braais happen all over the city and they have quickly become one of our groups most important socializing events.

The other new food is called bunny chow, and it is beyond the likes of any food that I have seen in the states. A bunny chow is a quarter-loaf of unsliced white bread filled with curried meats, beans, or vegetables. It is a South African rendition of traditional Indian food. And as somebody who is not used to Indian foods back in the states, the different spices quickly register a new level of flavor on my palate. The curry is filled with masala, turmeric, and ginger among other Indian spices, and no silverware should be used. You need to rip off a piece of bread, and with your other hand, scoop the veggies, meat, or beans, with the bread. While it may be messy and spicy, it is a staple of the regions cuisine and something that we all needed to try at least once.

These tastes and aromas, which were once new and unique to us, are just a normal part of the weekend, as people get ready to watch a local a local soccer game or cheer for springbok in the upcoming tri-nations cup. In many ways, our experiences with food document our transition from foreign students living in homestays to actual members of the community. Naturally, we were all hesitant at first, but with a little time and encouragement from the locals, we took that big leap of faith and changed the way we live our lives while in South Africa. We now understand that while these changes may appear scary or even overwhelming, overcoming these types of obstacles are some of the most important and memorable parts of the trip. We have learned a lot about our group, our community, and ourselves by trying new foods, and these experiences ultimately emigrated us into the community in paths only accessible by sharing local experiences with local people.