Monday 6 December 2010

Meeting Nathaniel

This is why I love living in the new South Africa.  As I drove to our local store (called Pick & Pay) I saw a gorgeous example of the national pride that was so prevalent during the Soccer World Cup 2010:
Nathaniel's home is in Mphumalanga, as can be seen from the MP numberplate

He also has a makarapa (soccer hat), which he doesn't wear when driving because it affects his steering.
The badge Nathaniel is wearing shows that he is a member of the well-respected Zionist Christian Church, which has one of the largest congregations in South Africa

Despite the cuddly evidence to the contrary, Nathaniel assured me he was a staunch supporter of Bafana Bafana (our Soccer Team) and the Amabokkebokke (Springbokke Rugby Team)

Traffic in Johannesburg can get busy; Nathaniel can make himself heard

Africa is a place of vast distances and transport can be a problem.
Nathaniel displays his pride in his own vehicle

Here's wishing Nathaniel many happy travels on his beautiful bicycle!

12 comments:

CA Heaven said...

Yes, that reminds me of the fabulous Soccer World Cup this summer. Cool >:)

Cold As Heaven

Marilyn Brant said...

LOVE that picture of him with the bike! What a wonderful spirit Nathaniel must have ;).

Damaria Senne said...

Lovely post Judy. thanks.

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

COLD: The glow of the SWC hasn't faded yet. We just had such a fantastic time in the country and, in a way, we grew up and grew together (I know we still have lots to do here, but the SWC was a vision of how the future can be!)

MARILYN: Nathaniel was gem - so friendly, especially to a stranger who slammed on brakes, hopped out the car and ran towards him wildly waving a cell phone He took it all in his stride...

DAMARIA: I just love this place! Would rather be here than anywhere else in the world; there is so much hope for the future, even if we still have shadows to clear :):)

Claire Robyns said...

Judy, this post put a big smile on my face :)

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

CLAIRE: And it made you just a teeny-weeny bit homesick? Didn't it? Didn't it? :)

Claire Robyns said...

Homesick like you won't believe, especially at this time of the year. But seriously, those are the kinds of sights you only see in SA!

Robyn Campbell said...

Oh, such a beautiful face and bike. Love, love, love them. Such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us. (Christopher plans on coming to SA to meet you in person one day. By hook or by crook.) :)

septembermom said...

What a lovely man with such enthusiasm. I really enjoyed reading this post Judy.

LARCHMONT said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

ANITA: Nathaniel was SUPER cool!

CLAIRE: Hah! I thought so! Weather's been good too (just to add to your homesickness!) :)

ROBYN: Now you know why I couldn't resist taking the photo! Hope Christopher is fully recovered from his op.

KELLY: When Nathaniel spoke about his bike, he had oodles of enthusiasm!

SAMUEL: Nathaniel was typical of a ZCC member. The ZCC is like an automatic character reference - the members are very good citizens, honest and upright. The congregation is 10-15 million, so it's an infuential body. And glad you enjoyed meeting him!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Judy .. Nathaniel and the photos of him .. describe SA exactly when it comes to vibrancy, optimism and hope .. cheers Hilary