Montpellier by night

(Reproduction of Michael Angelo's Moses)

Walking through Montpellier during the early hours of the morning, I could not help but compare it to South Africa. Everything is different, the architecture, the way of life and the mentality. But what stood out most for me, is the fact that there I was at 3Am walking down the city streets, feeling calm and safe. I can't recall ever walking that late in a South African city. First of all, I never walk there (always sitting comfortably in my car), secondly it just isn't safe enough to do so after dark (except maybe for malls and most of them are closed at such a late hour).

I am my country's biggest fan and I can't stand it's detractors and people criticizing it (even when they do have valid points). One such point is the South African crime rate. It is alarmingly high, but what is even more alarming is the fact that the nature of these crimes are so violent and inhumane. It would be lovely to take a nice stroll in a park back home or even on the beach, yet I can't picture myself doing so. At one point while in Richard's Bay this winter (or summer depending on which side of the globe you were) we drove down to the beach at sunset, but could not bring ourselves to stay and hence as soon as night fell we left. What a shame really to be in the most beautiful place on earth (according to me, yes) and not be able to enjoy it fully, constantly having to worry about being mugged, raped, murdered, just being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

I am not often out late in Montpellier, but when I am I am not fearful that I am about to be highjacked (oops!I don't own a car here, true! But if I did I would not be fearful). Don't get me wrong this is not a crime free zone either, but the nature of the crimes just seem so much pettier and a lot less violent.

All this to say I feel safe in Mtp!!!