OUT of AFRICA

by Leigh Lundin

When one of our readers in South Africa heard James was visiting her illustrious country, she sent gently self-mocking photos of what James might be up against. It proves most of what sets us apart, is also what makes us most alike.

South Africa actually tops New York City in potholes.

Some of the South African road signs can be a little different.

And some are very different.

There’s always a joker in the bunch.

In South Africa, road pavers ducked a branch, whereas I imagine our road crews might have painted over it.

Sometimes you have to point out the obvious to the less than sober.

Nobody’s quite sure what this means, unless bandits were being helpful.

It’s a comfort knowing hospitals are nearby when needed.

This sign is a mix of Afrikaans and English. Words 3 and 4 are Afrikaans. The 5th word is more-or-less Anglo-Saxon.

Have you stayed in a luxury hotel that ever had less than half a roll of toilet paper? I think I know what happened to those half-rolls of tissue.

Oops. Bureaucrats strike again.

And again.

Truth in advertising.

At least their panhandlers have a sense of humor.

Thank you, Cate, for sharing the photographs with us.

You can read more about southern Africa in Michael Stanley’s Detective Kubu series.