ASIA’S CALLING
These four women wandered off to the Far East on vocations and vacations!
MAMOREI NYAMA, 25 The founder of Mayluxe Swimwear and Wits University biochemistry and microbiology graduate enjoyed some leisure time with her friends in Bali this last festive season. What do you appreciate about life in Asia? The people are extremely polite and welcoming. It’s kindness on another level. How did you get over the culture shock? I blended in. For instance, when they greet you or say goodbye, they put their hands together, so we would respond the same way. What would you definitely go back for? The tranquillity, beautiful views, cute restaurants, the gorgeous pools and beach clubs. What ‘very Asian’ activity would you recommend one tries on the weekend? Visit the rice fields where you also find the famous Bali swing and nest, or wake up to breakfast in the pool. Their Balinese massage is great too.
ATANDIWE BOOI, 22
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and learning Mandarin were top of Atandiwe’s priority list when she moved to Chengdu, China. Thereafter, she moved to Bali. What do you appreciate about life in Asia? The feeling of safety, and reliable public transport. Fruits and vegetables are also readily available and there’s a wide variety of food. Travelling within Asia is also reasonable, so I liked that too. How did you get over the culture shock? I had to constantly remind myself that I was in a different country every time I stepped outside. I don’t know if I really got over it or if I just got used to it. China and its people never cease to amaze me. What would you definitely go back for? I’d go back for the food, public transport and the feeling of safety. What ‘very Asian’ activity would you recommend one tries on the weekend? Use chopsticks! That’s the one thing I had to learn to do every time I went out to eat because you rarely find forks, knives and spoons. ATLEHANG MOLEFE, 21 This debating champion and adjudicator represented Wits University at the 2019 World Universities Debating Championship hosted by Assumption University in Thailand. What do you appreciate about life in Asia? How safe it was for a young black woman like me to walk around at night without fear of being sexually harassed. I appreciate that they’re hospitable people and I never felt out of place. How did you get over the culture shock? I learnt that I should learn more about their culture instead of being out of touch with how they navigate their daily lives. What would you definitely go back for? I’d go back for their healthy food, national museum and The Grand Palace. What ‘very Asian’ activity would you recommend one tries on the weekend? Visit the arts and culture sites, and go to the museums.
BUHLE MAYATULA, 24
A deep craving for independence and change, and her love for children, saw Buhle move to South Korea to become an ESL teacher. What do you appreciate about life in Asia? I don’t need to set aside an entire day to sort things out because everything here is done quickly. You can walk anywhere and there are plenty 24-hour convenience stores.
How did you get over the culture shock? At least once a week I think about a normal shower and bath, something I miss having. I’m now used to ‘hosing’ myself down, but I miss standing and just having the water hit my body. I’m also getting used to not flushing toilet paper but throwing it in a bin to avoid clogging the toilet.
What would you definitely go back for? The safety and convenience. I mostly depended on my feet to get around and at no point am I afraid something bad will happen to me when I walk to the grocery store or school. What ‘very Asian’ activity would you recommend one tries on the weekend? Drink Soju (a colourless distilled beverage of Korean origin) and party until the morning.