China Diaries
Season 1 SABC3 (*193) 20:30 Reality
TV personalities Leera Mthetwa and Khabonina Shabangu make their final stop today on travel show China Diaries (2017-current). They might’ve only met when they boarded their plane, but 40 days later and they’re official “besties”, says Leera. “We have shared tears, got into dramatic arguments and lost our minds together. We will always be connected!” In-between scouring markets for deals, they also went skydiving and hit the beaches, “But above all, we’ve conquered our fears,” adds Leera.
What was it like leaving the country for the first time? It’s a total culture shock. Travelling in a foreign country where English isn’t the medium language is vastly different. Khabonina and I were forced to grow closer as we were different from everyone around us. And let me tell you, it was difficult, but that drew us together and we realised that all we had is each other. What has made China Diaries so different? Not everyone can say that they have worked and travelled at the same time. We got paid to do what we love while exploring a new world. It wasn’t all work though… I got to see panda bears and polar bears [Laughs]. I have this fascination with polar bears and we went to a park where we got to “chill” with them. What personal lesson did you learn? Sometimes what you need to get your mojo back is just time. Khabonina and I did our own thing for a few days and then it was magic all over again together. And what surprised you the most about China Diaries? The cultures are so different – and the Chinese love their karaoke! It’s “green tea and karaoke” time all of the time. [Laughs]