Talking South Africa, lions, soup and Steve Nash

PRETORIA, South Africa – When you plan your trip to South Africa, here are a few things to keep in mind. Trust me. I’ve been here almost three weeks now, and I have yet to be eaten by a lion, which more or less qualifies me as an expert.

Do … : Discover South Africa’s version of beef-vegetable soup. The one I had is made with a roux (think gumbo) and spiced with a mild curry. And the meat and veggies are chopped very fine, so there’s a texture but not big chunks. We make good soups around the DSFix manor, and this one will definitely make its way into the rotation – assuming I can do it justice, that is.

Don’t : But meals where you can also, in no particular order, get your PC fixed, get viruses removed (presumably from your PC, but who knows?), get your nails done, buy socks and then order your Chinese food. Seriously.

By the way, I discovered this place because it’s next to the pharmacy, which I needed soemthin’ fierce. And that’s all I am going to say about that.

Do … : Go see the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo. That’s all I have to say about that, too. I just think it’s way cool that they call it the Big Five.

Don’t : Stop your vehicle to take a photo of one of the “Hi-Jacking Hot Spot” signs. I almost asked my driver to stop for a second … then I considered the Darwinian principle and work and wisely conquered my ill advised urge.

Do … : Just sit or stand along the side of the highway. Seriously, it’s cool. I see people do it here all the time. If it’s a nice day, it’s apparently cool to just roll up on some open ground and, you know, sit and chill.

Don’t: Mess around if some nice man or woman asks for “help” or offers “help” as you use an ATM. The criminal element here is scary good at procuring your pin and relieving you of your card without your knowledge. I know two people here who got “helped” in this very manner.

Do … : Say hello to Steve Nash if you see him in South Africa. I have it on very good authority that he came in Friday. He was spotted on the plane, then at a store buying beer. It ain’t a World Cup til Steve Nash shows up. (As most of you know, that’s one Canadian who can play some soccer. Good dude, too.)