Prague or Cape Town?

LoremIpsum
Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:20:26 +0000

Honestly, how “western” is SA?



The most “western” country in Africa, with interstates and shopping malls and a definite First World experience. Very unlike Egypt or India, somewhat like Australia with lions rather than kangaroos.



In Cape Town it sounds like you are going to be in a compound (probably necessary due to the extreme rate of violent crime in South Africa) with other US students.



Have you actually been to Cape Town or are you just relying on what you hear in the media? The violent crime rate in Cape Town in areas where a visitor is likely to go is no worse than the violent crime rate in any large American city. In the US, one knows enough not to wander around alone and clueless in bad inner city neighborhoods. In SA, use common sense and do the same. Generally speaking, I found South Africans to be among the friendliest people anywhere in the world.