Dorothée Lefering: For how long have you been living in South Africa?
Patrycja:
I moved
to South Africa in December 2007, so it's been almost 12 years now and I am loving
it.
Dorothée Lefering: Why and when have you had the idea for the #TravelChatSA on Twitter?
Patrycja:
South
Africa is a truly beautiful country. I fell in love with everything: people,
nature, spectacular views, weather, and lifestyle.
I was always the type
interested in everything, I love discovering new places, meeting new people,
sharing my experiences with everyone and that is why I created #TravelChatSA -
where people can simply share their knowledge, exchange opinions and discover
new, hidden gems, give each other advice and interact with each other.
Dorothée Lefering: What are your three top tips for people travelling to South Africa?
Patrycja:
No 1:
plan in advance and do your research – South Africa has so much to offer giving
you endless options for most memorable experiences.
No 2:
there is no specific time for a visit to South Africa - every season is different
and South Africa is one of these destinations where you can have a great time
all year round.
No 3: If
you can, contact travel agents, get advice from friends, bloggers, locals -
we love sharing info about our country.
Dorothée Lefering: When I
look at prices for a stay at a B&B in Cape Town, often in high season they
are at ZAR 1200/room/night or even more. I wonder how locals can afford to stay
at these places. Do you also feel that travelling for South Africans in their
own country needs to be affordable?
Patrycja:
Totally
agree. High Season in SA can become quite expensive - and looking at an average
person it is very difficult to travel. That is why most of us travel during
South African winter - when the prices are lower and lots of specials on offer
- We call it a Secret Season.
Dorothée Lefering: Let us talk about tipping culture in South Africa. I travel regularly
to South Africa. Over the last decade, I asked so many different people about
how much to tip and every time got totally different answers, ranging from ZAR
3 to ZAR 30. What would you say is a good amount to tip a a) Waitress/waiter, b) Parking
guard, c) Maid at a B&B.
Patrycja:
I would
say 10-15% tipping is practised in South Africa - and if you think service you
received is excellent, more.
a.
Waitress/waiter 10 - 15%
b.
Parking guard R2 – 3, also depends on how long your car was looked after
c. Maid
at a B&B R20 - 30
Dorothée Lefering: South
Africa is famous for wide-open spaces and magnificent ocean views. Where would
we find you? At the ocean, in the desert or in the countryside?
Patrycja:
I am a
country girl, so I love the mountains, the countryside - everywhere where it is
green, and close to nature.
Dorothée Lefering: Koeksisters or Rusks for afternoon tea?
Patrycja:
I am
addicted to Koeksisters
Dorothée Lefering: Thank
you so much for your time Patryjcia. All the very best with #TravelChatSA and travel opulent
box.
Would
you like to see more from this very lovely and talented Lady, please follow
these links.
travel opulent box +++ Facebook +++ Twitter .
Meet more eyewitnesses from South Africa, USA and Europe here.
travel opulent box +++ Facebook +++ Twitter .
Meet more eyewitnesses from South Africa, USA and Europe here.
From
Berlin with love