Is Harare Overrated? A Reality Check for Newcomers
so, i've been thinking. is harare overrated? the short answer: sorta. the long answer? buckle up, my friend.
first off, the weather. it's like zona out here. one second it's sunny, the next, you're ducking for cover from a random downpour. reminds me of that time in toronto-you know, where it's always uncertain if you need an umbrella or sunglasses. it's that unpredictable.
now, let's talk safety. you've probably heard the rumors. but here's the tea: it's not as bad as people make it out to be. just keep your wits about you, especially at night. and hey, reasons why you should think twice about flashing that new iPhone.
moving on to rent. brace yourself. a one-bedroom in the city center? you're looking at around $350-$500 USD a month. Check it out on this subreddit. not cheap, but not insane either. just be ready to haggle. that's a skill you'll need here.
*job market? wellness, it's a mixed bag. there's opportunity, but you gotta be flexible and sometimes creative. and yes, your neighbors are just a short flight away from joburg or natal*. sometimes they're here for a visit, other times, they're staying for good. it's like a revolving door of faces.
now, the rumors. i overheard this at a local bar: "harare? it's the wild wild east." another local warned me about the power cuts. i'm talking blackouts that'll make you question your life choices. so, invest in a good generator. trust me, it's worth it.
and the food? ok, let's address the elephant in the room. the street food is not for the faint-hearted. but if you're up for an adventure, you might just find your new favorite spot. Check out some top places on Yelp.
as for the people, they're a mix. you got your cosmopolitan crowd, then you got the locals who've been here forever. and somewhere in between, you got the ex-pats trying to find their footing. it's a melting pot, but sometimes it feels like oil and water.
so, is harare overrated? maybe. but it's also underrated. it's a city of extremes, and if you can handle that, you might just find your rhythm here.
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