Homesick, But Happy

Dear COSMO

The pang of homesickness throughout the past year living and working in London could at times be quite unbearable but fellow 'Saffers' and I have figured out a few day-to-day cures; the South African Radio iPhone app, the easily accessible South African store at London Bridge station, the secret satisfaction in seeing Savannah Dry stocked at the Sainsbury's or city pub, or the impressive Oscar Pistorius in a number of the Olympic sponsors' advertising campaigns.

In spite of the proven effectiveness of these cures, waking up to the Sexiest SA Men calendar every morning has to be undeniably the best (and most pleasing to the eye) reminder of home. A girlfriend and I made sure we packed the 2011 calendars when we first came over to keep us company for the year ahead, so for the 2012 calendar we went to the extent of proactively bribing a friend in October to get us the coming year's calendar while he visited home over Christmas.

To finally receive the precious cargo on New Year's Eve could only mean 2012 was already off to a great start. Thank you for the amazing calendar and reminder of home! And a VERY special thank you for Mr. April.

Author: Rachela Shachman, London