Took the opportunity to study university here after I graduated from Milnerton High School in Cape Town.

Been here for 2 years with the hardest transition being the miniscule living space in San Francisco compared to SA’s larger houses for a decent buck whereas here $1million dollars gets you a tiny condo. Secondly, the availability of parking spaces is almost close to zero and don’t even think of doing illegal parking; that’s why most people (rich and poor) prefer to take the bus. Putting aside the crowded living and parking space, the diversity of people here is great. Everyone is not afraid to wear whatever they want and voice their opinions, but I have yet to meet a South African.

San Francisco also offers mouth-watering food via their endless streets filled with restaurants of all kinds of cuisine: Mexican, Vietnamese, Burmese, German, Greek, French, Mediterranean, Thai, and Asian-fusion etc. There is also never a reason to be bored with exciting cultural street festivals and parades happening practically every weekend (I just went to a Garlic Festival and tried garlic ice-cream!).

However, unlike your typical California, San Francisco is known to have dramatic weather changes so even though it may look sunny out, always grab an extra jacket with you!