Chapter 18: Going International: Exploring Germany

Growing up in the heart of Durban, South Africa, I was exposed to the many vibrant cultures and ethnic groups of the area. Durban has a community-based and lively cultural setting. The people one meets always have a story behind them and we become richly intertwined because of our similarities and differences. We share a sentimental appreciation of the simple luxuries like walking along the promenade on the beach and enjoying the food stalls along the way or collectively coming together when robustly supporting the local sports teams.

Moving from Durban to Johannesburg at the end of my matric year signalled new beginnings, new relationships, and new experiences for the journey ahead. Little did the 17-year-old me realise that she would soon be travelling to a faraway land, nothing like she had ever experienced before.