In Out and about, we talk to people who currently live abroad or have lived and worked there.

This week, we talk to Ann-May Fourie, who lives in Billings, Montana in the United States of America.

Hello, Ann-May! Where in South Africa are you from, and why did you move to America temporarily?

Danie and I are both from Lichtenburg in the Northwest Province. We have an opportunity to come and work here seasonally.

What interesting things have you discovered about the country where you live that you didn’t know before?

The snow was new to me. We live in Lichtenburg, South Africa. There, -1 degrees is considered bitterly cold. Here in Billings, I experienced snow and it was breathtaking; it reminded me of a winter wonderland with hot chocolate, marshmallows and a good book.

The national parks are beautiful here. One thing that breaks my brain is that the people get out of their vehicles to take pictures of the bears and the bison! In South Africa you don’t get out of your vehicle anywhere. The animals are also very different from our animals, but I like to read and know everything about them, for example, bison, red pandas and tigers. I volunteer at ZooMontana to learn more about the zoo and everything that happens there, for example meal preparation, monthly routine check-ups and how they keep the animals active. And, of course, I learn more about the animals themselves. They amaze me every time.

How do driver’s licenses and driving cars in the USA differ from those in South Africa?

Everything is superlative, from the smallest pickup to the largest lorry. The driver sits on the left and the passenger on the right and everyone drives in the right lane, but you get used to it. “Sheriff” means something here; you step warily and follow the rules because they are everywhere and you don’t bribe anyone here.

How does the cost of living compare to that in South Africa?

I think it’s a bit expensive, but lots of things are quickly available, unlike in South Africa. We do not work out anything in rands; you will have a heart attack. But one learns to adapt to the rates here and plan well before you buy or spend.

How do the foods in America differ from those in South Africa?

I miss many South African foods such as biltong and droëwors, Knorr Potato Bake and soup powder, mealie meal porridge and boerewors. The takeaways are very different. For example, you get hot buns and a glass of water when you sit down, and you order only then. Then you eat less because the buns are free. The food trucks are our favourite; they prepare the most delicious food and have a variety of dishes. We support them rather than ordering takeaways.

Are there any real South African shops nearby where you can buy comfort food like biltong? If so, what are the names of the stores?

We ask people from South Africa who visit to bring us what we need. We have a World Market and can order online, but it is expensive.

What do you do for leisure in America?

I like to hike or cycle on the hiking trails. There are many hiking trails here in Billings. The trails are interconnected, so you can hike or cycle all over Billings. The scenery is beautiful and one can see many different animals on the routes.

I volunteer two to three times a week at ZooMontana. I am part of the educational program where we tell people more about animals. We show them artefacts such as skulls, skins and hair, and then they can ask questions and tell us more about them. Furthermore, I get to learn more about their eating program and fitness. I am also a “babysitter”. For example, I looked after the new red panda, Pavitra, for a month to see if she had adapted to her new home, if she had eaten and drunk, if she was active, and if she had come out. And the same with the new bunnies that came from another zoo.

I also started photography in April 2024. I love nature and animals. I created a Facebook page where I share photos so South Africans can see what it looks like and what is happening here. Not everyone can come to America, so I’m taking America to South Africa.

Is there anything else you want to share with us?

I am excited to experience the next season. I experienced snow and a lovely, short summer and now anxiously await autumn. Apparently, it is picture-perfect, and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Also read: Out and about: e-mail from Newfoundland and Labrador

Write to us

Do you live abroad, or have you recently returned from abroad? You can also write an Out and about column. Send an email to wereldwyd@afriforum.co.za and we will send you questions to answer.