The story of a Baku man who emigrated to Israel, and then to South Africa

Photo from the personal archive of the author

«My planet»Asks questions to Russian-speaking residents of different countries of the world. Yuri Sarkisov from Baku talks about the country of the sun and fried steaks - the Republic of South Africa.

Moving to South Africa - the whole story. There were no special intentions to leave. In Baku, my wife and I had an apartment in the center. The son studied at the Moscow MEPI. What more could you want, by Soviet standards?

Once a friend of mine, a Komsomol functionary, asked: “Yura, why don't you go abroad as a tourist? I'll arrange everything. ” And I replied: "Victor, if I leave, then forever." In 1988, people have already started emigrating from the USSR.

At first we went to the American embassy - along the Armenian line, as refugees. But the matter dragged on. We decided to go to Israel. Already later they moved to South Africa. I had a school half-dream. Geographically, we went through something about South Africa, and I said to myself: how nice it would be to go there.

In Israel, we learned how to live under capitalism. They did not wait for the promised paradise abroad: they had to take on any job, the salary was low until they got to their feet.

I have not been to Russia ever since. In Baku, I also have nothing to do. We are, of course, very worried about the news. We do not have Russian television, although friends have plates.

How is South Africa like Russia? Life is life everywhere.

Photo from the personal archive of the author

South Africa has two faces. One thing is European: houses, shops, banks ... in a word, everything, like in developed countries. The other is African. Blacks do not know how to do anything and have chosen the same government for themselves. In terms of living standards, the country is slipping, approaching other African countries.

Idle around the streets here is somehow not accepted. It's okay - just not accepted. In the cities, shopping centers with ice skating rinks were built, where there are now many black people, and before that they did not leave the town limits (housing in poor areas. - Ed.).

Whites in South Africa live behind fences in private houses or in fenced complexes, and only a few live in apartments. We live in one of these complexes. Near the embankment, to the ocean - within reach.

What exactly can not be done (not only in South Africa) - so it is to walk, with his gloves open. In Barcelona, ​​they tried to pull my wallet out of my pocket. But we can not fool!

In general, South Africans are benevolent. They themselves will not be imposed, but you will ask - they will do it and thanks in return are not expected.

Both white and black and color are normal guys. And at work, and so. They also like to take on the chest, but they drink vodka with Coca-Cola and do not bite. Yes, and vodka is so-so.

Photo from the personal archive of the author

As for the national cuisine, I will not name anything outstanding. They don’t cook anything other than bray, grilled meat. Fish, oddly enough, a little, and it is often more expensive than meat. Food - the usual European.

South Africa has 11 official languages, a tribute to the local population. They are very simplified - they have no numerals, and there is no literature as such. Blacks speak them at home and in shops. There are actually two languages ​​that work: Afrikaans, a mixture of Dutch and German, and English.

Russian language is impossible to forget - it's like forgetting your own mother. We still speak Russian at home and with friends.

In my youth I played KVN. A sense of humor helped to survive in the Union and maintain optimism. Same here. I translated our jokes to the locals. They understand perfectly! South Africans are better, Englishmen are worse. The first ones are more fun and closer to our mentality, but the difference is still big.

Why come to South Africa as a tourist or emigrate? Such a world you will not see anywhere! Africa is completely different. Nature for every taste: forests, mountains, sea. And even the savanna in the rainy season is very similar to the steppe. Landscapes in many parts of South Africa remind me of Azerbaijan. But with emigration more difficult. In the current political situation whites openly pressed.

Everyone's beloved Toto Cutugno sang about Africa: "You know, I never thought that this incredible world of Africa could be so close to me."

Port Elizabeth is a beautiful city on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Then only Antarctica, to which 4000 km.

The edge of the world is New Zealand. Here, too, the edge, but we are in the same time zone with Europe. You sit in the plane in the evening, and in 7 in the morning you are already in Frankfurt. That's all. Although the opera to fly to Paris, it would be that.

Photo from the personal archive of the author

From children's stories about Dr. Aibolit, many had the impression of the African heat. In Port Elizabeth, 26 ° C is already hot. Ocean water above 22 ° C does not rise. But it's nice to swim.

My 45-year-old labor history was divided into two equal parts: 22 and a half years in the USSR and the same in South Africa.

Have I ever thought about returning to my homeland? No, yes and nowhere to return. And given my age, yes, there’s nothing to say about it.

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