There’s an old saying in poker that goes something like “don’t put into the pot what you’re not willing to lose”. When I travel to Africa, I have to admit my guard is up. I don’t bring with me what I’m not willing to lose. There are usually safety and security issues that require you to be on guard. If you don’t peel it, cook it, or wash it—don’t eat it. And don’t open your mouth in the shower.
On my first trip to Cape Town, all of those familiar guardrails went up in my mind, only to have my expectations defied. The city is surprisingly . . . European? Things are less chaotic. The landscape is undeniably beautiful. But you still can’t drink from the tap.
