The rules have loosened but even today it’s not easy to have dual nationality as a German. When I acquired my second nationality, i.e. South African, it was almost unheard of.
You could also call me a “mock South African”. However, it did not lead to an identity crisis. I consider it a bonus.
Double dipping for
Ragtag Daily Prompt: Identity and FOWC with Fandango: Mock
Once upon a time we lived in South Africa in a quiet cul-de-sac. It was a new development so there weren’t any high walls just see through fences. No shrubs and large trees as yet, everything was open and we often met and socialised with the neighbours. In the gardens there were many colourful annuals and bi-annuals on display, with a preponderance of phlox. Hence our pet name for our street. If you get the reference I’ve just aged myself.
Ragtag Daily Prompt: Cul-de-Sac
The day was 26 May 1982. South Africans were asked to send in photos taken on that day and a wonderful book was created showing a moment in time of a country.
It was organised into 24 chapters, depicting the hours of that day. I opened up on a few pages randomly. It might be important to note that this was during apartheid and many photos contrasted the different life styles in the country, however, there were many encouraging images that showed a country about to change. It took another 8 years until Nelson Mandela was freed from prison which seems a short time now in retrospect but at the time we thought that particular day would never come.
That the book fell open on this page was a special bonus for me because of the black and white picture on the bottom right side. It is from a theatre production at the Market Theatre called “Saturday Night at the Palace”. The writer Paul Slabolepszy also starred (he is the blond guy on the right), the other two actors are Bill Flynn and Fats Dibeko. It had opened not even a month earlier and ran a total of three seasons, most performances being sold out. My husband and I were there, not on 26 May but in May or June that year for sure. It was later made into a movie with the great John Kani.
Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge: One Day
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Having a passport of two different countries (not by choice, to be honest, but not sorry about the fact either), I offer two different collages: German and South African The Black, Red and Gold of Germany. The rainbow colours of South Africa. When it was … Continue reading A Tale of Two Nations
Pick a Word – or pick all five. More photos for the Paula’s Thursday Special can be found here.
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