Hometown
Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction
– Germany Kent
We recently travelled to Wimbledon.
Many around the world will immediately think of a town that’s the home of lawn tennis.
To me it’s simply my hometown.
It’s always great to head back. This time it was for a football game, at AFC Wimbledon’s stadium on Plough Lane
We took the train. And on our arrival, as we climbed the steps at Wimbledon station, the first thing that we saw was this biltong shop.
It’s over 20 years ago since I first called Cape Town home. In the years since then, many South Africans have adopted Wimbledon as theirs.
A funny coincidence.
The match was great, with dinner, drinks and pies at half time and a 2-0 victory for the Wombles. We walked back to our bed and breakfast spot, passing my old family home.
The next day we had a bit of time to meander in Wimbledon Village, near my old high school, walk across the gardens at Cannizaro Park and find a spot for an aperitivo before dinner.
Sitting at the bar we got chatting with two barmen. Both were from South Africa. We talked travel, Springboks and life in other places.
It’s always interesting to listen to people sharing their experiences of moving away, recalling that leap of faith to go to another country for an opportunity.
The first waiter told us how after his years away he is trying to find a property in Cape Town to move back to. It’s not an easy prospect at the moment, with an influx of so called ‘semi-graters’ from Gauteng and K.Z.N, as well as significant numbers of South Africans who are choosing to repatriate.
So what’s motivating South Africans to head home?
The waiter talked about the cost of living in the U.K, the focus on work and money and the problems facing many European countries. Combine that with all the things that are missed; nature, wide open spaces, a relaxed pace of life, the bush, braais, beaches, the people, all of it. There’s a lot pulling you home.
The second waiter chipped in. “I’m enjoying it here” he told us. “But I work all the time. There’s nothing like moving away to appreciate all the good things about life in S.A”
It’s no mean feat to move away and build a life in another country. Choosing to repatriate after some years away is a very different decision, with many motivating factors.
Both decisions take courage and a willingness to embrace a new chapter.
What’s your experience of repatriation?
Maggie M / Mother City Time