At that point another colleague chipped in. She ascribes this overseas facial phenomenon to their geographical position – lack of sunshine; and their general disposition – they never smile anyway.

The Cape Town weather has been very generous to us with its copious doses of sunshine.  This has led to the net result of smiles around the city. My quick research confirmed my ‘sun equals smiles’ theory. And it gave me another reason to smile through the rest of the day.

A Wikipedia entry cites that sunlight is the primary source of the earth’s energy. Therefore, more sun equals more energy. The article also says that ultraviolet light from the sun has antiseptic properties. Now add to the sun’s benefits the production of vitamin D. So the sunny weather gives more energy, keeps you healthy and has a therapeutic effect.

Our abundant African sunlight has a lot to give us. And all these benefits are for free, a welcome relief for tight purse-strings. Positive economists and financial analysts talk about the unlimited investment and economic prospects of Africa. Some even call the Mother Continent, “the last frontier”.

So if you are in Africa right now smile and walk with a bounce, because we have a lot going for us. If you find it hard to do so, just go outside and bask in the sun. And if basking is what you should choose, you can do so safely and in comfort at our national parks and reserves.
 

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