| Back to Back Issues Page |
 |
|
ExpatCapeTown Newsletter, December 2016, Season's Greetings December 15, 2016 |
Season's GreetingsDecember 2016
Dear all,
As the year draws to a close, we want to send you our Season's Greetings and our best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year 2017.
This is a very special time of the year, where we all regardless of faith, ethnic background or belief, join in a season of goodwill. The message of Christmas is to share our hopes, compassion and love and to continue to care for and support each other.
* Thank you for reaching out with a helping hand also to the less fortunate in our communities.
* Thank you for all your volunteer and charitable work which makes a huge difference to many.
* Thanks you for your tolerance and support which means so much to all of us!
Enjoy the festive season and have a great time in Cape Town or wherever you are!
Updates and NewsThis is what you will find in this ExpatCapeTown newsletter edition:* All you should know about the upcoming holiday season * New Zealand passport holders need a visa for travel to South Africa * What's on in Cape Town: December and January events * Typical Slang Words: ubuntu and jol * Cape Town Insider Tips: Know where to go when... Happy Holidays in Cape TownTomorrow, Friday 16 December, is a public holiday: Reconciliation Day. For many Capetonians this is the start to the holiday season and many businesses will shut down for their annual holidays. Life in Cape Town will slow down during the next weeks until most schools open again in the second week of January 2017.Next Saturday, 24 December, is Christmas Eve. The shops close early on this day, and many families join in festivities from afternoon. The restaurants at the Waterfront will be open on this evening, but on Sunday, 25 December, which is Christmas Day, many restaurants will be busy with dinner bookings. Make sure to explore beforehand where to spend your day, as many places will be either booked out or closed. The beaches will be very full with locals and tourists and especially the popular Atlantic seaboard beaches such as Clifton or Camps Bay might be limiting visitor numbers and be closed off early due to high visitor numbers. Christmas is celebrated by the majority of South Africans. 80% of all South Africans are Christians and Christmas is a family celebration for most. Monday, 26 December, is also a public holiday and is referred to as 'Day of Goodwill' by South Africans. Tuesday, 27 December 2016, is an additional official public holiday this year, due to Christmas falling on a weekend. Saturday, 31 December, is New Years Eve. Then many shops will close early and on 1 and 2 January, many shops will stay closed. 2 January 2017 is a public holiday due to the fact, the 1 January, New Year’s Day, falls on a Sunday in 2017. New Years Eve is celebrated with fireworks at the V&A Waterfront and some suburbs have designated locations where people can light their own fireworks. Be aware that in South Africa it is not allowed to celebrate with your own fireworks displays in your garden or on the streets as is done in many cities overseas! Travel from New Zealand? - Do you have all travel documents ready?Please be advised that, if planning to travel to South Africa on a New Zealand passport, you will now need to apply for a visitor visa and visa will not be granted at the port of entry.This new regulation will take effect on 16 January 2016. All New Zealand citizens are required to apply for a visa at the foreign mission in Wellington as 'New Zealand diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders arriving at a South African port of entry without a visa after January 16 would not be allowed entry' after the new regulations have come into effect.
Read more about the new visa regulations for NZ citizens
What's On in Cape Town?There are many events happening in Cape Town this festive season as you will also see on our ExpatCapeTown event calendar. Visit the Cape Town christmas markets and enjoy an evening at one of the many Christmas carol concerts and festive season festivals On our December calendar you will find also a special page on New Years Eve events, please remember to book early.
Events in December
Cape Winelands Events
Typical South African terms
What means ‘ubuntu'? This term is used to describe that one can only live a fulfilled life through and with others or: I am who I am because of you. It’s the essence of living together in harmony and peace regardless of race, beliefs or cultural and social backgrounds.
What mean 'jol'? An expression to describe a good party or a good time. 'Having a jol' means having a great time.
Expat Cape Town Insider Tips
Would you like to experience a tandem paragliding adventure? Para-Taxi, located in Sea Point, offers tandem experiences and ‘learn to fly’ courses for beginners. They also offer advanced paragliding courses and a pilots licence.
Whether you want to surprise your loved ones with a special Cape Town chocolate gift, want to take some special Cape Town souvenir home or need a special corporate gift to spoil your clients or award your employees, we suggest to order delicious and creative Table Mountain chocolate bars from Table Mountain chocolates.
Do you want place an ad on our new business directory? Due to growing demand to place ads on our forum and on the website, we decided to use our wide expat network and help you promote your local business to the Cape Town expat community directly through our new expat directory. Check out the new directory and contact us for your options and pricing. Private sales and offers will be placed for free. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Do you need more info on living in Cape Town? Make sure to like our new Expat Cape Town Facebook page and be informed of new events, new expat related businesses and read more great news about the Mother City. On the new Facebook page you will find interviews, reviews and interesting reading to make your stay in Cape Town even more enjoyable. Plus this is another place to post your personal housing and job search ads.
Do you need more info on living in Cape Town? Like our Expat Cape Town Facebook page and be always informed.
And for all who are looking for in-depth info and tips or are looking for a special ‘Welcome to South Africa’ gift, we offer our ‘Living in South Africa’ book in a beautifully designed gift box. Let all know how amazing this country is!
Enjoy your life wherever you are!
Happy Holidays,
Regina
w: www.expatcapetown.com
t: @expatlivinginsa | #expatcapetown
f: Expat Cape Town | LivinginSouthAfrica
|
| Back to Back Issues Page |
