50 Shades of Me … well not exactly
I only realised the other day while having an online chat with one of my #KeralaBlogExpress friends Andrea, just how interesting I really am.
Yes,I see you rolling your eyes  thinking out aloud “oh please !” Let me explain further this conversation with Andrea.
Having travelled to various parts of the world ,the locals and fellow travellers are always curious to find out morw about you and where you come from. I recall in my very London days been asked if I had a Lion as a pet ! I was rather annoyed at first but later changed it into a joke saying yes actually I have two who sleep at the base of my treehouse. During my two weeks in Kerala the most common question I got asked was if I was from Kerala and before I could even answer they would enter into a full-blown conversation with me in a language I did not understand. I politely had to tell them “Sorry I do not understand.” I had to them explain that I was from South Africa and not India.
South Africa but you look Indian! Â is one of the most common replies I get. And then things became more confusing when I told them my name is Verushka. So I decided at the official press conference of #KeralaBlogExpress to tell the world who exactly I am.
I am, Â Verushka Ramasami , a South African of Indian Origin. I am 5th generation in my family who are Telegu in culture and dialect. Our forefathers arrived in South Africa in 1820 as labourers seeking a better life for their families. The British brought these labourers here to work on the sugarcane fields. We can not trace back our roots to India but we know that our ancestors hail from the South of India and from the State of Andhra Pradesh.
But your name is not Indian ?
YES it is not but of Russian in origin. How did I end up with a Russian name is what follows next?
Well my parents opted for something rather unusual from Tradition. When I was born ,my parents decided to give me a Godmother (basically a guardian who would look after me should anything happen to them. This honour was bestowed to their very close friend who was married to an Austrian. On my Godmother’s suggestion the name Verushka ,a name of a famous Russian Ballerina was given to me.
Now for my “accent” I don’t think I have one but many people say I do. I have lived in London for 9 years so hence I have picked up a tad bit of accent combined with my South African accent. I do not speak any Indian languages as my entire family and extended family all speak English. However I do speak Afrikaans which is my second language with English being my first. In South Africa we have 11 official languages including the two I speak,read and write in.
I am a Proud South African, who loves my Indian culture and roots. Often I can be seen wearing Traditional Indian clothing and observing Hindu rituals. But in the same breath I love wearing my Springbok Rugby jersey and supporting my country in all sporting arenas.
Thank you Andrea for prompting me to tell my story after you shared yours. You can check out Andrea’s blog here www.adventurous-journeys.com
So in a nutshell there is more to me than meets the eye. Ask me about me and you might be surprised to learn a few more interesting facts about this Russian named Indian looking South African. Have you ever been asked any interesting questions on your name or where you come from ?
Be Inspired !
Ciao
xxx
