Comparatively, South Africa is chewing ice blocks and catching a tan on the other end of the scale. With 300+ days of pure sunshine each year, every South African knows how it feels to have African heat, flora and fauna in your face whilst you wear your flip flops: Beautiful. You could go on holiday if you live on the highveld, or just stay at home and enjoy the swimming pool in your backyard. And if you’ve managed to perfect the art of any excuse for braai, your SA summer’s already sorted!
Whether you’re in SA or Britain, summer lends itself to sun-inspired traditions both weird and wonderful, sometimes a bit of both. It’s as if a certain biological action takes place in the body, releasing it from the conundrum of winter by sending a little too much happy juice to the brain. After all, the human body was designed to be warm. But not too warm. Here’s a comparison of what SA and Britain get up to during the summer months:
Swan Upping – UK
An annual event each July, the practise of Swan Upping dates back to the 12th century. During the season, all swans along the River Thames are marked to define who owns them. There can only be three legal owners: Dyers’ company, Vintners’ company and the Queen. Luckily for the swans, the days of ending up on the Queen’s platter are no more. We dreamed up a scene including swans with snake-like fangs chasing hapless humans off their prized territory. Still, swan upping simply doesn’t grab us.
Thing to try: Er, watch from the riverbank?
Excitement factor: 3/10
Bakoozi – SA
Occurring in most summer seasons in the east and south of Johannesburg, the ‘bakoozi’ comprises a hole-free plastic sheet placed in the load box of any bakkie. Water from a hose pipe is used to fill the load box, friends are encouraged to get in and the bakkie is either parked by a dam or driveway, or could be driven (slowly) through a busy parking lot.
This exercise is best kept confined to driveways and broken-down vehicles. However: Bakoozi-ing sounds like a lot of fun, and the look on people’s faces must be priceless.
Thing to try: Finally, something you can try at home.
Excitement factor: 8/10
May Day – UK
The first of May each year is May Day in the UK. It’s steeped in tradition and a distinguishing feature is the Maypole dancing competition. Annually executed to perfection by local schools, maypole dancing is competitive and judging takes place. May Day is also a bank holiday, allowing locals to take part in barbecues, pub lunches and fun fairs.
Some may enjoy the ambience of the many festivals that occur on May Day, some might prefer the social aspect. Altogether something you can attend in a number of ways.
Thing to try: Check your local newspaper for May Day events.
Excitement factor: 6/10
Lusito Land – SA
Held right at the end of summer in Johannesburg, Lusito Land is annually attended by over 180 000 people. Lusito features everything Portuguese in the form of food, drink and art; and offers performances by top SA bands and DJs. Lusito revellers are known to wake up the following morning with hangover, but take rest in the knowledge that all profits go to charity.
This event is a great outing with family and friends, though at night it’s known to get a bit rowdy. Still, a summer event that should be experienced whenever possible!
Thing to try: Caipirihna and espatada. Then go on the rides.
Excitement factor: 7/10
Glastonbury Festival – UK
Officially the world’s largest and most well-stocked music event, the Glastonbury is usually completely sold out within hours of tickets being made available. June 2008 will host the likes of Metallica, Kylie Minogue and Fatboy Slim, so there’s absolutely no question as to the awesomeness of this outdoor summer event. Welcome to the party.
Seeing so many world-famous artists over a weekend is awesome for any South African. One can also experience camping in British weather for the first time.
Thing to try: Listen to as many bands as possible in your SA rugby jersey.
Excitement factor: 10/10
Oppikoppi – SA
Oppikoppi comes about twice a year on the fringes of summer, and is hosted north of JHB in a platinum-mining town called Northam. Oppikoppi features SA and international artists, and covers a wide range of genres including rock, rap and dance. Oppikoppi is a great weekend away in the bush… but don’t expect to see any animals. Oppikoppi has been going for over a decade and provides an awesome camping and music experience every time. Be sure to sip sundowners and braai during the early evening.
Thing to try: Being in front of the stage as the sun sets in the bush.
Excitement factor: 9/10
And so we find a tight race between SA and Britain. Summer time brings out something in all of us, and it colours our lives. Summer instigates all manner of small social get-togethers, large events, festivals and holidays, which should all be lived to their full potential. Even though you might miss South Africa during the UK summer months, don’t be tempted to stay indoors: it’s amazing what a little bit of heat can do to transform your life. Festivals like the Glastonbury cost a fortune though, so here are some cheaper ideas to help you make the most of London this summer:
Visit a swimming pool
A public swimming pool, better known as a ‘lido’ in Britain, is a great way to cool off and catch a tan for next to nothing. Get there early and you’ll find the best spots to relax.
Go to the Park
London’s green belt is world-renowned, and some even have natural pools or dams in which to swim and places to braai. Try Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park or Wimbledon Common.
Play paintball
Just Google ‘paintball London’ and you’ll be surprised at just how many options come up. General consensus puts the total cost at about £50per person to bruise each other.
Thames river cruise
Visit www.citycruises.com for all manner of dinner, party and summer cruise boats down the Thames. It’s advised not to try the floating restaurant if boating makes you queasy!
Free concerts
Listen out and search online for one of London’s frequent free concerts. It might not turn out to be your favourite band, but will still give you a nice day outside.
Braai at home
Call up your mates for a little bit of what South Africans do best. Clean up the garden, stoke up the braai, pull out the guitar or put on some music and get ready to rock this summer!
