California Dreams, Sunburns & Corn Dogs ☀️

Dear KuierKos Friends,

With this lovely hot weather we are having, it makes me think of my time in California.

I spent two and a half years there, working as a nanny and studying at the same time. Weather-wise, California reminds me a lot of Joburg — just perfect. But wow, it can get hot.

I lived in the suburbs of San Jose, right in the heart of where many of the big tech companies are based. I still remember the first time I practised driving a big bus in Apple’s parking lot. And yes… on the other side of the road! Shame, my host dad was so patient with me. I was terrible. But the very next day I had to drive the kids to school. That man had more confidence in me than I had in myself.

Unfortunately, the first family turned out to be a little crazy, so I moved on to another family and stayed with them for two years. The kids were easy-going and I had such a wonderful time with them.

After changing my au pair visa to a student visa, life became a real hustle. Like anywhere in the world, international student fees are no joke — probably ten times more than what local students paid. So I worked every extra job I could find: babysitting, cleaning, and everything in between. America truly is the country of odd jobs.

Man… I hustled. And honestly, I absolutely loved it. Of course, my Bank of America account loved it too.

It wasn’t all work though. There was plenty of time to play. And if you have ever been to California, you know exactly what I mean.

I drove the oldest Volvo you can imagine — grey, automatic, with burgundy seats and paint peeling off in stripes. I absolutely loved that car. But my friend drove a red convertible Mustang, which felt straight out of a movie.

On weekends we would drive to Santa Cruz and Monterey. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was an absolute feast for the senses. I had my very first corn dog there — please, no judging — and I loved it! Surfers everywhere in their O’Neill gear, looking exactly like the people you only see in movies.

For a girl from Warmbad, it felt unreal.

Growing up with beautiful beaches in South Africa, I was shocked to discover you actually needed plakkies on the beach there because of all the woodchips. Not fun! And let me tell you something — just because you are South African does NOT mean you can’t burn red like a lobster. I learned that lesson the hard way after one beach day. These days you will not catch me without a hat and covered up on a hot day.

My goodness, we had fun.

San Francisco — there are no words to describe the feeling of that city. The Golden Gate Bridge. Pier 39. Sea lions. Whale watching. Music festivals. Dancing in a Turkish club in San Francisco. Camping. Making fires on the beach.

Then there was the 17-Mile Drive, Napa wine country, the garlic festival in Gilroy, Yosemite Park, Santa Barbara (yes, like the soapie!), Los Angeles, San Diego, and of course… endless Mexican food.

Looking back now, I realise what an incredible adventure it all was.

Sometimes I just want to tell my kids that once upon a time… their mom was also a very cool chick.

Lots of love,
Marnella en Andreas